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West Virginia University Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

Let's Celebrate!

We're celebrating cycling in the Greater Morgantown Area!

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Our Goals

  1. Stimulate and Improve Economic Opportunity

    The Smith OEDC's mission is to utilize West Virginia’s outdoor assets to ignite the state’s economy and enhance the quality of life for West Virginians first through outdoor recreation.

  2. A Collaborative Approach to Empowering Communities

    By partnering with leaders and organizations such as the Mylan Park Foundation and Youth Cycling Coalition, we aim to inspire and support West Virginians to leverage their outdoor resources for recreation and community.

  3. Redefine West Virginia as the State to Live, Work & Play

    Provide the steppingstones for West Virginia's next generation of innovators, educators and outdoor enthusiasts through programs linking education, recreation and development.

Through the Smith OEDC's mission and vision, we are working with our partners toward a trail within a mile of every home in Morgantown, and well on our way! Please join us for opening celebrations on Tuesday and family-friendly events all week.


Tuesday, September 27

  • 9:30 am Ribbon Cutting | West Run Woods Trail

    At West Run Woods Trailhead - Get Directions

    The West Run Woods trail is the first of its kind in Morgantown and the start of larger WVU trail initiative to improve health, attract talent and enhance quality of life while introducing examples and research opportunities to support communities across the state. The first phase of the West Run Woods Trail System includes the area's first gravity flow trail, allowing riders of all ability levels to learn and experience  mountain biking in a new way. 

    COMING SOON! WVU Trails Website

  • 11:00 am Groundbreaking | Action Sports & Bike Park Complex

    At Mylan Park Groundbreaking Location

    Mylan Park was chosen out of a national selection process for a world-class, multimillion-dollar action sports and bike park complex that encompasses learning, inclusivity and large-scale events. This destination facility will be one of the largest of its kind in the Eastern U.S.

    Learn More About the Action Sports Facility

  • 3:30 pm Ribbon Cutting | Project Bike Tech at University High

    At University High School Location

    The Monongalia County school district has added a Project Bike Tech classroom and curriculum to University High School. This innovative program  uses bicycles and bicycle mechanics to teach core and STEM academics, along with technical and mechanical skills, to prepare students to enter the workforce and introduce them to small business operations.

    Learn More About the Project Bike Tech Classroom


Wednesday, September 28

  • 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm | Motown Social Rides

    Meet at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater, 185 Garret St

    Gather the family and explore the city on two wheels with Bike Morgantown's Motown Social Ride!     Come meet other cyclists and enjoy a casual bicycle stroll through town. This ride is family-friendly, but may not be suitable for young children due to the hills, on-street riding and nature of riding in Morgantown.

Thursday, September 29

  • 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Trail Building 101

    At West Run Woods Trailhead - Get Directions

    Have you always wondered about trail building? Well, it's not all just digging in the dirt. Get the 101 with renowned IMBA trail builder and the Smith OEDC's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Coordinator, Rich Edwards. The trail-building curious and seasoned veterans alike will learn about the tools and techniques used to construct Morgantown’s newest trail system and get a sneak peek of the following phases. 

Friday, September 30

  • 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm | Kids Mountain Bike Ride

    At Westover City Park Trail

    Call your friends and let the kids ride during this fun group mountain bike ride. Stay for a social with pizza and pop at the park pavilion afterward!


Saturday, October 1

  • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm | Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day

    At West Run Woods Trailhead

    Get the full details and schedule below:

TAKE A KID MOUNTAIN BIKING DAY

Spring 2023 | West Run Woods Trails

 Get Directions

three kids on bikes in the woods

About #TKMBD

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day  introduces the joy of mountain biking to the next generation. Hundreds of thousands of youth have discovered and celebrated the joy of pedaling two wheels on dirt at TKMBD events. Many have gone on to become passionate riders, volunteer trail advocates and even high school mountain bike racers.

Please Note: Morgantown's Event is Postponed!
Update 9/29/22: With an abundance of caution for potential winds and heavy rain, we have made the decision to postpone this event. Wet and muddy conditions present additional hazards while riding and we must also consider the harm it imposes on the trail itself. Out of respect to the trail builders and maintenance crews, we will not encourage riding when environmental conditions are suboptimal and don’t support active usage.

Schedule

Time Event Details
9:00 am - 3:00 pm TKMBD Celebrations Skills Loop Open
Expo Booths Open
Rocky Mountain Bikes Demo
Trail Building Demonstrations 
9:30 am Foundational MTB Skills - Jumping & Pumping  FREE 2-Hour Beginner Clinic with NICA's Phil Waidner
Focus on foundational skills needed for pumping and jump control.
10:30 am 30-Minute Basic Bike Repair Clinic   Bike Repair 101 with Project Bike Tech
11:00 am Trail Building Tools & Techniques Demonstration  Check out the machine's and tools with Rich Edwards
11:30 am 30-Minute Bike Fitting Session Bike fitting with [Bike Shop]
12:00 pm Free Lunch!  Hot Dog Cookout & Bike Smoothies
12:30 pm Intermediate MTB Skills - Jumping & Pumping FREE 2-Hour Intermediate Clinic with Phil Waidner
Focus on pumping through berms to gain speed and basic jumping.
1:00 pm Fastest Tire Change Competition Do you have what it takes? Sign up at the Smith OEDC tent.
3:00 pm Intermediate MTB Skills - Jumping & Pumping  FREE 2-Hour Intermediate Clinic with Phil Waidner
Focus on control in the air for safer and more fun jumping.

Secure your spot

Instructor Bio

Phil Waidner smiling

Phil Waidner’s mountain bike love started early growing up in Indiana but blossomed into an obsession during his college years in Asheville, NC. Considering his mountain bike roots to always be Pisgah, Phil has traveled the world seeking out adventures on the bike. Combining his experience as a BICP Instructor Trainer, AMGA climbing instructor and PSIA ski instructor, Phil has developed a wide variety of co-ed youth programs blending traditional outdoor education philosophies with action sports.

Merging his interests in outdoor education and mountain biking, Phil developed MTB programs for a variety of summer camps and outdoor education programs across the country. He then spent time guiding and instructing in China, Bolivia and Colorado before landing in WV where he developed mountain bike, BMX, skateboard, and ATV programs for the Summit Bechtel Reserve, a large Boy Scouts of America national facility. 

Phil currently works for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association developing their Camps and Teen Trail Corps programs for middle and high school age mountain bikers. He also co-owns the Arrowhead Bike Farm, a New River Gorge gathering point for adventurers of all kinds

When he’s not mountain biking, he can often be found exploring on his dirt bike, rock climbing, hiking, or just relaxing in the nearest swimming hole.