Bike Magazine 15.6 September-October 2008

The Wooly Ones
Tucked into Appalachia, straddling the border between Virginia and West Virginia, is a rugged region that has played an important but largely unrecognized role in mountain biking. It is the birthplace of 24-hour racing, and is home to some of America’s best racers and thousands of devoted riders. We explore the region to discover what makes the towns, the people and the trails so exceptional.

Rising Star of Bethlehem
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was once known around the world for its massive steel factory. But lately, this town has been gaining recognition for something other than steel—namely, its dirt. In the past few years, riders have built an extensive network of trails, ranging from technical XC to freeride and downhill. The change is even more dramatic for those who once lived there. After moving away from Bethlehem a decade ago, one writer returns to rediscover his hometown.

Elemental East
The East might not enjoy the same notoriety as the Rockies or the West Coast, but there are many who feel the riding here is better than anywhere else in the world. But what makes the trails so special? Is it the rocks, the fallen trees, the cold, the humidity, the moss or the snappy elevation changes? We pay tribute to all the unique elements that make the East Coast so special.