Check out the Slatyfork Enduro August 10-11th on the Pocahontas Trails

Originally posted on July 11, 2019 at 13:05 pm

From Our Advertiser: Pocahontas Trails Slatyfork Enduro

Join us August 10-11th for our 5th annual Pocahontas Trails Slatyfork Enduro, part of the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association Enduro Series. The Enduro is full-on. Race length is 22 miles, 6 miles of timed stages, over 3,400 feet descent in the stages, entry includes two shuttles, food, music, cash payout for the elite categories and a great prize table.

Just a few minutes’ drive from Slatyfork is access to miles of technical and unrefined trails within the Monongahela National Forest. The Enduro uses many of the same prime trails as the legendary xc-races races of the WV Fat Tire Festival, Wild 100, WVMBA Ultra races and the iconic Gauley Headwaters IMBA Epic Ride.

The race starts on Mine Road at the landing across from FR 844 (this is near the top, about a ¼ mile from Gauley Mountain Trailhead).

A short warm-up to Tea Creek Trailhead and gentle climb to the start of Stage 1. This short stage is a blast, ¼ mile or so of rolling grade to the shelter and then turn it on – single track, natural berms, and root and rock stair steps to the finish. Then the transfer, Gauley Connector, a slight grade (old logging railroad) with more roots, rocks, and ancient RR ties onto Gauley Mountain Trail to the climb up Bear Pen.

We don’t have a video of the new stage 3, but this video shows most of the 2017 & 2019 course for an idea of what to expect.

Stage 2 starts at the rock chair on top, a short climb above the shelter. This stage is a bit longer – double track, baby rock garden to single track and then open it up on a skid grade, just over a mile of fun. The climb up Boundary is next, easy climb up to the final push up starting at the spruce thicket, the views near the top of the climb are spectacular.

On your way to Stage 3 stop at the intersection of Boundary and Turkey Point trails for the short walk out to the cliff edge overlook of Tea Creek, Right Fork, Red Run and the surrounding mountains. The view and wilderness are breathtaking.

The new stage 3 starts just past the intersection at the overlook. This stage is short but includes some drifty off camber switchbacks and rolling technical stretches ending at the Saddle Loop intersection.

Stage 4 starts with a bang – rock garden, short pedal to a left hand entry to an off camber skinny rock garden, then hang on for a mix of double track / single track rock and roll descent. The stage stops short of Bannock Shoals trail, then transfer to the Tea Creek Campground shuttle staging area.

 

After a quick shuttle up the Scenic Highway to the Tea Creek Mountain trailhead, there is a bit of a climb to the famous rock garden on Tea Creek Mountain – the start of Stage 5. This is the fitness stage – nail the rock garden, pedal some flow, and drop in. Pick your line, not butter, but pretty smooth.

Stage 6, one more climb on Tea Creek Mountain to the big boulder at the start of the final descent. Pure single track, downhill delight. Depending on how far back in the lineup you are, you will probably smell some hot brakes about midway down. Just when the arm pump sets in, you get to the last 1/3, a bit more technical and just as steep, watch for the babyheads – they have teeth. The finish is on the Williams River Trail. Then a short peddle to the river with the brand new bridge, no wet feet. Shuttle back to the top (last shuttle at 4:30 pm). Head through the field on Right Fork to the Connector (short, but a joy to ride) to Gauley Mountain Trail to the landing where you started for dinner, beverages, and awards.

More Info:

Thanks to our sponsors, we could not do this without them.

 

  • Pocahontas Trails is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
  • Pocahontas Trails is a Permit Holder of the Monongahela National Forest. Operating under a Forest Service special use permit.

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