GALLERY: Bike Bash at Big Bear Lake

By Vanta Coda III, RealWV

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — The 9th West Virginia Bike Bash at Big Bear Lake Trail Center in Preston Co., W.Va., took place from July 17-19, 2026 with a fun day for mountain biking enthusiasts of all skill levels. 

The West Virginia Bike Bash was first hosted in 2016 as a concept event and since has occurred annually except in 2020. WV Bike Bash is a multi-day, non-competitive mountain-bike festival, held at Big Bear Lake Trail Center in Preston County, a privately-owned property consisting of 5,000 acres with 50 miles of trails. The event offers camping, a vendor expo, skills clinics by professional instructors, group rides, campfires and local bands. Jeff Simcoe, recreation land manager at the Big Bear Lake Trail Center and WV Bike Bash organizer, states this event is for everyone, regardless of skill level. 

“The vibe is very relaxed and people are just here to camp, have a good time, ride trails, listen to live music, improve their skills and for some, explore a new place,” said Simcoe. “Because we attract people from far away from many different states, sometimes this is a reunion for people that have met at previous mountain biking events and this is the only time throughout the year that they cross paths. There’s friendships and bonding moments around this event.”