HELP US GET MORE KIDS ON BIKES!
Race #4
Defend The Bend
September 26th - 27th, 2026
North Bend State Park
North Bend State Park will host race #4 of the 2026 season. Found among the Mid-Ohio
Valley's rolling hills, lakes and streams, North Bend State Park offers a multitude of recreational
facilities in a beautiful setting. Named for the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes
River, this year-round park is lush with hiking trails and abundant wildlife. Located near Cairo and
Harrisville, North Bend State Park is best known for the 72-mile
North Bend Rail Trail, which follows a railbanked B&O Railroad corridor with several
tunnels along the way. This is a course that offers something for everyone! Tough
climbs, flowy open singletrack, grassy meadows, and true West Virginia woods. It's
also great for spectating, so be sure to bring your binoculars!
Race Venue
North Bend State Park
202 North Bend State Park Rd Cairo, WV 26337
Highly dependent on direction approaching from, but these are general directions from
Harrisville. Leaving Harrisville, head west on Main Street/WV-5. Turn right at Cokeley
Recreation Area. There will be WVICL signs here. Please be careful using GPS as they have
gotten people lost in the past.
Parking and PitZone Drop Off Information
- Please park in designated areas
- 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)
Race Registration
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
- 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.DO NOT LOSE YOUR RACE PLATE!
Race Fees
| MIDDLE SCHOOL | HIGH SCHOOL | LATE FEE AT RACE* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| League/NICA Registration (annual) | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Race Entry Fee (per race) | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Volunteering at our Events
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, volunteer@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
Weekend Schedule
Saturday
| 8:30 AM | Pit Zone Access Opens |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Registration Opens |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteer Shifts Begin |
| 10:00 AM | Coaches Meeting |
| 11:00 AM | GRiT Ride - meet at the NICA GRiT Tent at 10:30 |
| 12:00 PM | Coaches Only pre-ride |
| 12:15 PM | "Mayhem On The Mountain" Adventure Tent |
| 1:15 PM | "Mayhem On The Mountain" Adventure Tent |
| 2:15 PM | "Mayhem On The Mountain" Adventure Tent |
| 3:15 PM | "Mayhem On The Mountain" Adventure Tent |
| 12:30 PM | GRiT Craft/Activity |
| 1:00 PM | Pit Zone Access Closes |
| 1:00 PM | MOBS (Moms on Bikes) Ride/Clinic (but you don't have to be a mom) Meet at the GRiT Tent |
| 1:15 PM | Pre-Ride Opens GREEN A: 1:15-1:40 - Varsity and JV1 ONLY GREEN B: 1:40-2:15 - Varsity, JV1, JV2, JV3 YELLOW: 2:16-3:30 RED: 3:31-4:30 |
| 4:30 PM | Registration Closes |
| 4:30 PM | NICA Pre-Ride Closes (last riders out at 4:30) |
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 |
| 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
Pre-Ride Hours
Coaches Only (Saturday 12:00PM - 1:00PM)
Saturday afternoon (1:15 PM - 4:30 PM)
Sunday morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
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
A mandatory head coaches meeting will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, and 8:30am on Sunday. Each team must have 1 representative present at the meetings.
Race Waves
- STAGING will begin 15 minutes before each wave.
- If you miss your call up, you will be placed in with the rest of the group.
- Note: Final lap count decision per category will be finalized and confirmed at the start of each race in addition to any lap cut-off times.
- Varsity Girls are back in Wave 2 for this race.
Race Duration Guidelines
- <30 mins for Middle School
- 30-50 mins for JV3/JV2 boys and girls & and JV1 girls
- 45-90 mins for JV1 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 | LAPS | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8th Grade Boys A (3000’s) | 9:30 AM | 2 | 9:54 AM | 25-45 minutes | PURPLE |
| 8th Grade Boys B (3000’s) | 9:31 AM | 2 | 9:54 AM | 25-45 minutes | PURPLE |
| 7th Grade Boys A (2000’s) | 9:33 AM | 2 | 9:57 AM | 25-45 minutes | YELLOW |
| 7th Grade Boys B (2000’s) | 9:34 AM | 2 | 9:57 AM | 25-45 minutes | YELLOW |
| 6th Grade Boys (1000’s) | 9:36 AM | 2 | 9:59 AM | 25-45 minutes | GREEN |
Wave 2: Girls
| CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAPS | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity Girls (1-49) | 10:30 AM | 5 | 12:02 PM | 60-100 minutes | BLACK |
| JV1 Girls (100’s) | 10:32 AM | 4 | 11:41 AM | 45-90 minutes | BLUE |
| JV2 Girls (400’s) | 10:34 AM | 3 | 11:20 AM | 45-90 minutes | RED |
| JV3 Girls (700’s) | 10:36 AM | 3 | 11:22 AM | 45-90 minutes | WHITE |
| 8th Grade Girls (6000’s) | 10:38 AM | 2 | 11:01 AM | 25-45 minutes | PURPLE |
| 7th Grade Girls (5000’s) | 10:40 AM | 2 | 11:03 AM | 25-45 minutes | YELLOW |
| 6th Grade Girls (4000’s) | 10:42 AM | 2 | 11:05 AM | 25-45 minutes | GREEN |
Wave 3: High School Boys
| CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAPS | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity Boys (50-99) | 12:30 PM | 5 | 2:02 PM | 90-120 minutes | BLACK |
| JV1 Boys (300’s) | 12:32 PM | 4 | 1:41 PM | 60-100 minutes | BLUE |
| JV2 Boys (500’s) | 12:34 PM | 3 | 1:20 PM | 45-90 minutes | RED |
| JV3 Boys (900’s)A | 12:36 PM | 3 | 1:23 PM | 45-90 minutes | WHITE |
| JV3 Boys (900’s) B | 12:37 PM | 3 | 1:23 PM | 45-90 minutes | WHITE |
Additional Race Information
Chip Timing Info
All riders will receive a permanent number plate with chip timing transponder on the backside. Riders will use the same plate for the entire race series, so please remove this number plate before mounting the bike for transport to prevent loss. Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for $10
Category Petitions
Those petitioning for exceptions to category placement must do so by Sunday August 21, 2022 by midnight.
- No race day petitions will be accepted
- Contact your Team Director or Head Coach to be invited
- Independent riders contact sarah@westvirginiamtb.org
Refund/Weather Policy
Our primary considerations are the safety of riders, support staff and spectators, and potential damage to the venue and trails. Any decisions regarding canceling, postponing or altering race start times, lap lengths, number of laps, etc. will be made jointly by league staff and the land manager. Often this decision cannot be made until the morning of the race due to the unpredictable and rapidly changing nature of severe weather. The league will make every attempt to notify the racing population as soon as possible via email, social media and website updates. More Information
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.
Adventure
Looking for an Adventure?! There are plenty of things to do at North Bend State Park along with racing and cheering on your friends!
In the middle of the action at the Pit Zone:
- NICA registered athletes and coaches can check out the course whether or not they are racing during pre-rides Saturday afternoon. Don’t forget your race plates!
- Female NICA athletes and coaches (and their favorite NICA-age females with a signed waiver) can join the GRiT ride on the course Saturday morning. If you don’t already have a race plate, you can sign the waiver and pick one up at the Registration Tent.
- Stop by the Adventure Tent with your friends any time from 10:30-4 on Saturday to check out what “Adventures” we have cooked up for the weekend (hint: slow race on tiny bike, skills course, Ga Ga Ball, cornhole, etc … ). Don’t forget to collect stickers for participating in the Adventure activities!
- Join games held at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 on Saturday. Bring your bikes as we have on-the-bike and off-the bike games planned. Bring your friends and make new ones!!
- NICA registered athletes and coaches (and NICA-age friends with a waiver) can ride the Adventure Course. Come to the Adventure Tent any time between 10:30am-4pm on Saturday if you have coaches to lead your group. If not, come at 10:30am to connect with a new group of friends and coaches to ride together.
- On Sunday, cheer on your friends who are racing! We will have a Candy Cheering Station set up on the course. Can you find it?
Non-NICA Activities Available at the State Park
- North Bend has a Nature Center! Join a guided hike, education program, or craft to learn more about the park's history and native plants and wildlife in the park. Time to refuel? The North Bend State Park Restaurant located at the lodge offers a full service menu.
- North Bend has 26 miles to hike on 14 trails with varying degree and difficulty. The Overlook Trail is a favorite for hiking.
- Hike or bike out to the tunnel on the North Bend Rail Trail. Then explore what you want of the other 72 miles!
- Fish for bass, crappie, musky and catfish at North Bend State Park. The park boasts a 305 acre recreational lake with a boat ramp, handicapped access fishing pier, and many fishing access points. But before you head out, make sure you purchase a current West Virginia fishing license, available at www.wvfish.com.
- Bring your own or visit North Bend Outfitters to rent kayaks, canoes, or pontoons and explore the lake!
- Birding is popular at the park with a large population of Red-headed Woodpeckers and songbirds. Open up your Merlin App and see what you can find!
Beyond the borders of the park, there is much to explore in Richie County, and nearby Parkersburg, the home of Blennerhassett Museum and the launch-point for Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.
Food Service
Glen Elk Boys
Authentic Italian food
Contact Us
Please 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 Related Questions
Registration Questions
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.
SEE YOU AT THE RACES!!!
2026 Race Schedule
Aug 16th:
Aug 30th:
Sep 13th:
Sep 27th:
Oct 11th:
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