
Rally in the Valley
Canaan Valley Resort State Park will host event #1 of the 2023 Season.
This season's opener race format will be a time trial.
The time trail format will give our athletes the chance to get their legs and lungs warmed up for a great race season. The course will dive into the single track right out of the gate. Then, it's a roller coaster ride on purpose built trails through the beautiful meadows and hardwoods surrounding Canaan Valley Resort. Plenty of passing opportunities open up on this course as racers alternate between single track and double track all while giving spectators plenty of chances to cheer on their favorite racers. Plan to spend the rest of the weekend riding the trails at this incredible resort destination mountain bike haven!New Venue Area: The venue area has been moved to a field above the cabin loop. Please follow signs when entering the park. Primitive camping, parking, pit zone, and infield will all be in one area! We have moved activities away from the pool area.
Parking and PitZone Drop Off Information
- There will be handicapped parking available near the infield.
- All vehicles must abide by the instructions of parking volunteers and/or league staff. Any violators risk imposition of penalties against their respective team
- Vehicles must use the designated loading/unloading zone and immediately move to designated parking areas after unloading at the Pit Zone area.
- Vehicles must follow one-way directional traffic in/out of Pit Zone drop off area (see venue map)
Online registration closes Wednesday before each race at 11:30pm
- Students must be league registered and “race-ready” in order to participate
- Registration is done on the NICA Pit Zone website
- DO NOT LOSE YOUR RACE PLATE! Students will receive a race plate for the race series to be used for all races, so please take care of them. Race plates have chips on the back and require care to avoid damage. There is a $10.00 fee to replace race plates if lost, or forgotten. Replacement plates are at registration.
- Please review our Weather and Refund policies.
Race Fees
MIDDLE SCHOOL | HIGH SCHOOL | LATE FEE AT RACE* | |
---|---|---|---|
League/NICA Registration (annual) | $200 | $200 | $10 |
Race Entry Fee (per race) | $20 | $20 | $10 |
* After Wednesday, you will have to register at the race and pay the late fee. Scholarships and financial assistance are available, for more information email cassie@westvirginiamtb.org
Race day would not be possible without the incredible work of our volunteers. It takes a “village” to put on quality youth mountain bike races. Many parents and cycling enthusiasts find that getting involved with our events is a fun and rewarding experience.
Saturday and Sunday positions are available
We know some positions can look complex and possibly overwhelming for first-time volunteers. Rest assured ALL of our volunteer positions are fun and require no previous experience, and our Core Race Staff are with you every step of the way. You will feel confident and well prepared for your task.
Here is the link to signup for volunteer spots.
For more information contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Julie@westvirginiamtb.org
Pick one (or two) that sound interesting to you, and look forward to the fun!


Pit Zone Information and NICA Rules
- Pit Zone is open for loading/unloading
- Saturday: 8:30am - 1:00pmThere will be no riding on course prior to the pre-ride opening
- Sunday: 7:00am - 8:00am and after the awards ceremony
- Saturday: 8:30am - 1:00pm
- NO BIKE RIDING ALLOWED IN THE PIT ZONE
- Garbage expectations - pack in/pack out
- Fire/Grilling expectations
- No Gas Generators in the PitZone
- No inappropriate language allowed
- Teams must remove all garbage from Pit Zone and camping areas whether or not a dumpster is on site
- No Smoking, Alcohol, or open flames in Pit Zone
- Dogs must be on leash and under control at all times
- Conflicts and/or disputes should not be dealt with in the team Pit Zone area
- Any violation of the above rules may result in a team penalty and/or expulsion from the Pit Zone and infield area
Saturday
8:30 AM | Pit Zone Access Opens |
---|---|
9:00 AM | Volunteer Shifts Begin |
11:00 AM | GRiT Ride - meet at the NICA GRiT Tent at 10:30 |
11:30 AM | Registration Opens |
12:00 PM | GRiT Craft/Activity |
12:30 PM | Coaches Meeting |
1:00 PM | Pit Zone Access Closes |
1:00 PM | Coaches Only pre-ride |
2:00 PM | * Pre-Ride Open to all riders |
4:30 PM | Registration Closes |
5:00 PM | Pre-Ride Closed - (No riders allowed on course after pre-ride is closed) |
Sunday
7:00 AM | Volunteer Shifts Begin |
---|---|
7:30 AM | Registration Opens |
8:00 AM | *Pre-Ride Open to all riders |
8:15 AM | Marshall Meeting |
8:30 AM | Head Coaches Meeting under pavillion |
9:00 AM | Pre-Ride Closed |
9:15 AM | Staging - Wave 1 MS Boys |
9:30 AM | Racing Begins |
10:15 AM | Staging - Wave 2 Girls |
11:15 AM | Marshall Meeting |
11:30 AM | Registration Closes |
12:15 PM | Staging - Wave 3 HS Boys |
2:00 PM | Racing Concludes |
2:15 PM | Pit Zone Break Down Begins |
3:30 PM | Awards Ceremony |
Pre-Ride
All racers should pre-ride the course
RIDERS MUST ADHERE TO ANY COURSE RESTRICTIONS
TO BE ON COURSE: ALL RIDERS (STUDENTS & REGISTERED COACHES) must be fully practice ready in the Pit Zone and have their number plates affixed to their bike
Coaches Meeting
- STAGING will be split into blocks based on starting time and begin 15 minutes before determined start times to help limit time spent standing around. These will be clearly posted after pre-registration closes and discussed during coaches meetings.
- If you miss your call up, you will be placed with a new start time at the back of the wave.
- Day-of registered riders will be given start times at the end of their respective wave.
- Note: Final lap count decision per category will be finalized and confirmed at the start of each race.
- INDIVIDUAL START TIMES are available in this spreadsheet.
Race Duration Guidelines
- <30 mins for Middle School
- 30-50 mins for Frosh/Soph boys and girls & and JV girls
- 45-90 mins for JV boys and Varsity girls
- 45-90 mins for Varsity boys
- Race officials reserve the right to determine these time limits at any time.
- Time limits may be imposed for reasons that include, among others: safety, heat, cold, rain, and muddy conditions.
- Course closures may be announced at any time.
- Due to weather or course closures, these duration guidelines may be changed at League Discretion.
Wave 1: Middle School Boys
CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAP COUNT | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8th Grade Boys (3000’s) | 9:30 AM* | 1 | n/a | 20-30 minutes | PURPLE |
7th Grade Boys (2000’s) | 9:30 AM* | 1 | n/a | 20-30 minutes | YELLOW |
6th Grade Boys (1000’s) | 9:30 AM* | 1 | n/a | 20-30 minutes | GREEN |
Wave 2: Girls
CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAP COUNT | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Varsity Girls (1-49) | 10:30 AM* | 3 | n/a | 45-60 minutes | BLACK |
JV Girls (100’s) | 10:30 AM* | 2 | n/a | 35-45 minutes | BLUE |
Sophomore Girls (400’s) | 10:30 AM* | 2 | n/a | 35-45 minutes | RED |
Freshman Girls (700’s) | 10:30 AM* | 2 | n/a | 35-45 minutes | WHITE |
8th Grade Girls (6000’s) | 10:30 AM* | 1 | n/a | 20-30 minutes | PURPLE |
7th Grade Girls (5000’s) | 10:30 AM* | 1 | n/a | 20-30 minutes | YELLOW |
6th Grade Girls (4000’s) | 10:30 AM* | 1 | n/a | 20-30 minutes | GREEN |
Wave 3: High School Boys
CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAP COUNT | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Varsity Boys (50-99) | 12:30 PM* | 3 | n/a | 45-60 minutes | BLACK |
JV Boys (300’s) | 12:30 PM* | 2 | n/a | 35-45 minutes | BLUE |
Sophomore Boys (500’s) | 12:30 PM* | 2 | n/a | 35-45 minutes | RED |
Freshman Boys (900’s) | 12:30 PM* | 2 | n/a | 35-45 minutes | WHITE |
Chip Timing Info
Category Petitions
- No race day petitions will be accepted
- Contact your Team Director or Head Coach to be invited
- Independent riders contact cassie@westvirginiamtb.org
Refund/Weather Policy
Handbook: West Virginia Policies and Rules
All participants are required to read, understand and abide by all league policies, rules and protocols while attending any league event.
The Saturday before a race is typically just for course pre-rides, but new this year we are adding Saturday Adventure rides.
Sharing adventures with student-athletes will build their confidence, develop their skills, and instill in them a sense of curiosity, and a love of adventure that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Adventure has elements of excitement, challenge, and exploration of the unknown. Adventures lead student-athletes to new and memorable discoveries about the world and themselves. These discoveries transform and empower student-athletes. In some cases, it may change their lives.
What is a WVICL Adventure ride...a ride led by WVICL coaches focusing on team building, fun, and safety.
Adventure Ride Rules
- Registered riders and coaches only in the ride groups
- Maintain Coach/Student Athlete ratios on the entire ride - 6:1, 8:2 just like practice.
- Teams select riding groups/team pods for the event
- Course times: 9AM-5PM (no night checkpoints)
- Coaches/adults must be registered with league and have plates on bikes
Camping
For reservations please call 800-622-4121 ext. 2788 and mention the group rate for Rally In the Valley / NICA. If the campground is full, primitive camping is available, with no reservation required.
Please note: Primitive camping will now be at a different location. Please follow WVICL primitive camping signs. RV Campers will need to enter and exit in the same direction due to low power lines.
Primitive Field Camping Guidelines:
- Parental supervision required, no exceptions. League staff and team coaches are not responsible for student athletes outside of pre-ride and race day
- No hookups for RV's unless you make a reservation at the resort campground.
- No campfires or open flames allowed. Propane grills and stoves allowed as consistent with current local fire restrictions
- Pack in/pack out trash *no trash service provided
- Port-a-johns will be provided.
HOTELS & CABINS
Canaan Valley Resort Lodge
160 guest rooms and suites. WV NICA has rooms block reserved until 7/26.
Online Booking Link: https://www.canaanresort.com/book-now?pid=23885
Phone Booking: 1-304-866-4121 ext. 8-7701
Group Code: 10336M
After 7/28, the discount will still apply, as long as there is room in the hotel. Reserve by asking for “WV NICA”. Guaranteed discount expires 30 days before reservation, but can still ask for discount after
Canaan Valley Resort Cabins
Choose from two, three and four-bedroom family cabins or four-bedroom family cottages located only a half-mile from the main lodge.
To reserve, please call 304-866-4121 ext. 8-7701
Greg's BBQ and Concessions
Blackwater Bikes685 William Avenue, Davis, WV 26260
We are so grateful to have great support from our community, and no one does it like Blackwater Bikes in Davis. Take time to stop in for last minute supplies, or just to say hey!
Emergency Access Plans (EAPs) are an integral piece of the overall system we use to proactively identify and manage the risks inherent to the sport of mountain biking, while supporting the goals of developing student-athletes as riders and having fun. EAPs help us think through the challenges and appropriateness of an event venue, as well as help us plan ahead and prepare for managing incidents that occur during an event.
Canaan Valley State Park EAPPlease note that most staff arrive onsite Thursday or Friday of each race weekend and may not have sufficient cell/data coverage to respond to calls/emails. Please plan accordingly.
General League Questions:
Rule Specific Questions:
Registration Specific Questions:
2023 Race Schedule
Race Date | Name | Links |
---|---|---|
August 26-27, 2023 | Rally in the Valley | |
September 9-10, 2023 | Battle at Big Bear Lake | |
September 23-24, 2023 | Rock and Roll at Cacapon | |
October 7-8, 2023 | Shred the Summit | |
October 21-22, 2023 | Brawl at Twin Falls |
Stay up-to-date
Information in this race flyer is subject to change. Please check back just prior to the race weekend to make sure you have the most current information available.