Race to Lil Moe's

Race 1 out of 9, Race to Lil Moe's is the inaugural event of the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association's (WVMBA) Cross Country Mountain Bike Series. This race is not only a significant start to the season but also a part of one of the oldest mountain bike racing series in the nation, renowned for its challenging courses and vibrant community of riders.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of mountain biking and enhancing our trails by becoming a WVMBA member at: WVMBA_Memebrship_2025, Membership not only supports the promotion and development of mountain biking in the state but also provides benefits such as discounts on race entries.

This event is held under a USA Cycling event permit, ensuring that it meets the highest standards for competition and safety. All races start at 12 noon or shortly after. All participants must attend the pre-race meeting. All participants must have signed the USA Cycling waiver! Details below.

Race Categories:

Each WVMBA Series Race offers participants the opportunity to choose from three categories when selecting their race class. Your choice should be based on a combination of fitness level, skill, and the time you anticipate needing to complete the course.

Pro/Cat 1: Distances range from 18 to 24 miles. This category is designed for experienced riders who are prepared for a challenging course.Cat 2 and E-Bike: Distances range from 12 to 18 miles. This category is suitable for intermediate riders and those competing on electric bikes, offering a balanced challenge.Cat 3/Beginner: Distances range from 5 to 12 miles. This category is perfect for those new to racing or looking for a less intense experience.

Licenses:

This race is officially sanctioned by both the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA) and USA Cycling (USAC), ensuring that it meets the highest standards for competition and safety. 

WVMBA-Annual members will receive a $5 discount code per race entries. If you are not a member, the cost of race entries is included with your event registration. WVMBA memberships can be purchased here: WVMBA_Memebrship_2025. You are encouraged to obtain an Annual WVMBA membership, before registering for the race, as we cannot provide refunds for licenses acquired after registration.

USA Cycling (USAC) licenses are explained as follows:

Competitive USA Cycling sanctioned events require a license to participate. Competitors who do not have an annual license can purchase a one-day license when registering for their event. Such riders do not become members and may not enter national championship events. Riders that purchase a one-day license are entitled to the USA Cycling accident medical coverage for the event day the license was purchased for and limited to only the cycling activity of the event. All medical coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy(ies).

Beginner One-Days: One-Day licenses for beginner categories are $15 and may be purchased on USA Cycling’s website, or on-site at the event.

Experienced One-Days: If your categories prohibit you from entering a race with a beginner one-day license, you can purchase the experienced one-day license for $35. The experienced one-day license is only available online.

 If you have never joined USA Cycling please use this code INTROMEMB25 to receive your membership for $50.

Please see this link for full details: USA Cycling membership

Please note all participants must have signed the USAC insurance waiver! Links to the documents can be found here: One Day License and rider Release waiver.

 Category pricing: 

All Junior, Cat 3/ Beginner or Just for Fun categories are $30 (+online reg fees) 

Pro, Cat 1 and Cat 2 categories are $45 (+online reg fees) 

WVMBA Annual Members will be $25 and $40 respectively. 

Starting March 30th there will be a $10 increase in registration for all racers until registration closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday April 4th, before the race to allow time to submit registrants to our timing company Miles of Smiles.

Prizes:

Each category in the WVMBA Series is distance-based and offers unique prize opportunities:

Cat 1/Pro Categories: Competitors in this category will race for cash prizes awarded to the top three positions across all five subcategories. Notably, there is equal pay for both the men's open and women's open divisions, ensuring fairness and recognition for all athletes.

Cat 2, Cat 3, E-Bikes: Participants in these categories will compete for a prize table or special awards for the top three finishers in each subcategory. The specific prizes will be determined at the promoter's discretion. 

The Award Ceremony for the Race to Lil Moe’s will take place after the race has completed and will be at Lil Moe's in downtown Philippi at 31 N Main St, Philippi, WV 26416. 

Click here for more information on Lil Moe’s. To collect your rewards after the race, it is essential that you are present at the event. 

Rules:

As a USA Cycling sanctioned event please take some time to review the USACycling rule book. Please note all rules established by USA Cycling take precedence over any club-specific regulations. 

Please review the updated WVMBA Racing Rules and Regulations available on our website. This comprehensive guide outlines all the necessary information for participating in our series. 

Additionally, we are excited to offer E-Bike options for Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes. You can find the specific rules for E-Bike participation_2025 in the same section on our website. Explore the details today to ensure you’re fully prepared for the race!  

Course Information:

The Race to Lil Moe's offers an exciting and challenging course that features a dynamic mix of technical single-track and tight, twisty sections through the woods, complemented by some climbing. If you raced last year they will be the same course for all three distances. Course information when available can be found on the WVMBA website. 

Directions to start line:

First time attendees will take note that the event happens on private property and is a bit hard to find where we park. Proceed to 738 Blue & Gray Expy, Philippi, WV 26416 and you will see signs from all of the main roads directing you to the course. Parking is in an open field so take that into consideration. Awards will take place after the race has completed and will be at Lil Moe's in downtown Philippi at 31 N Main St, Philippi, WV 26416. This is a short walk, bike or drive from the race course.