Lost River Classic

August 10 2024

Mathias, WV

Unconfirmed

Distances: 8, 20, 45, 72 miles

Difficulty: Moderate terrain with rolling short steep hills or moderate, sustained climbs

he Lost River Classic presented by the Lost River Trails Coalition is a gravel race to support the development of multi-use and mountain biking trails in Lost River State Park, Hardy County, West Virginia. Our immediate aim is the creation of a beginner trail system with the goal of establishing a youth mountain biking program in Hardy County.

This is a very challenging event. The long and medium route feature several miles of manageable singletrack and a couple of brief hike-a-bike spots. We recommend gravel bikes with low, almost mountain bike gearing and 38mm+ tires for most riders.

For updates and information, follow at https://www.facebook.com/LostRiverClassic and https://www.instagram.com/lostriverclassic/

Routes and Prizes

The Lost River Classic consists of a 73 mile, mostly gravel route primarily in Hardy County, WV, with some segments in Virginia. There are four challenging gravel climbs and 8,000 total feet of elevation: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39803913.

- Men's and Women's Open: $500/5
- Men's and Women's 50+: $250/3 with prizes for 4-5
- Women's and Women's 60+: $250/3 with prizes for 4-5

The Two Ridge Loop joins the 73 mile bike race for the first half of the ride and returns through Lost River State Park to the Mathias Community Center from the top of South Branch Mountain at the Lost River Barn. This is still timed as a race with prizes (no cash purse), but still very challenging: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39764661. It is about 45 miles long.

The Cove Mountain Loop is a 20 mile circuit departing with the rest of the cyclists, but turns left toward Middle Cove Road and Aid Station 1 without crossing over Basore Road into Virginia. This is still a challenging route on beautiful roads, but without the sufferfest of the major climbs. There is still one gravel climb and descent on this route.

The affordable Lost River State Park Family Ride (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39638479) departs shortly after the gravel rides and heads in the opposite direct to Lost River State Park, where families can enjoy hiking in the park, swimming in the pool, or other activities planned by park employees for the day. The $25 registration fee for the family ride includes the entire family (up to 6 individuals)! Please contact the Event Director for additional participants.

Aid Stations

Aid stations are placed roughly 20 miles apart:

- Mile 24: The intersection of Lower Cove Road and Mill Gap - Orkney Spring
- Mile 46: Baker Rescue Squad
- Mile 64: Lost River Barn

Aid stations will be relatively minimalistic: water, sports drinks, and Coke and snacks like pretzels, chips, trail mix, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, pickles, etc.

Lost River Classic

Start Located At: 195 Howards Lick Rd, Mathias, WV 26812

View larger map | Get directions

804-832-4017

All event categories will depart from the Mathias Community Center at 9 AM on August 12.

Registration Fees

The registration fee for most routes is $75 until April 1, and then goes to $85. On August 1, the price increases to $95.

The $25 registration fee for the family ride includes the entire family (up to 6 individuals)! Please contact the Event Director for additional participants.

Included

There will be a post-ride meal and party at the Mathias Community Center. A meal ticket is included for every category except for the family ride. Additional meal tickets can be purchased separately in the event registration. One free T-shirt will be given to every participant of every route except for the family ride. Additional T-shirts can be purchased in the online event registration.

Packet Pickups

Package pick-up and same day registration will be available beginning at 7 AM on August 12.

Prize / Race Categories

Applies only to the 70-mile Lost River Classic route. The Two Ridge Loop will have prizes.

Men's and Women's Open: $500/5
Men's and Women's 50+: $250/5
Women's and Women's 60+: $250/5

Facilities

Adequate Car Parking

Toilets

Registration On the Day

Pre-Packet Pickups

Support for Participants

Route Signposted