Mountain Laurel Trails to Host Sledgehammer XC Mountain Bike Race

The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation’s Tourism Office (VisitMartinsville) and Mountain Laurel Trails are preparing to host the Sledgehammer XC Mountain Bike Race on July 13th at the biking complex located in Ridgeway, VA.

The Southern Classic MTB Series will travel to Ridgeway for the first time this year for the inaugural Sledgehammer XC race. The Sledgehammer is the final race in the USA Cycling Virginia State Championship Series. According to USAcycling.org, “Within the United States, USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling and oversees the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, and BMX.”

Bob Norris, owner of Mountain Laurel Trails, says “Having the opportunity to host a USA Cycling VA State Championship event in Henry County is remarkable. It speaks to the popularity and quality of trails and outdoor recreation that we have. We are looking forward to the race and would like to invite racers and spectators out to Mountain Laurel Trails to compete or watch the Sledgehammer race and enjoy some great food from Nana’s Kitchen.”

Situated on 100 acres, the Mountain Laurel Trails biking complex, currently stretches ten miles and will eventually reach fifteen. Mountain Laurel Trails encompasses varying levels of difficulty for beginners as well as seasoned bikers to enjoy. Consistently being named among the top mountain bike trails in the state of Virginia by SingleTrack.com, this trail complex is top rated and used by bikers from all over the region.

“Mountain Laurel Trails is an incredible facility in Henry County, which sees hundreds of mountain bikers every year, and we hope by hosting the XC Mountain Bike Race this summer, that hundreds more get to experience the trails for the first time,” says Beth Stinnett, Assistant Director of Tourism and Film Office Coordinator for the EDC. “Once you’ve experienced the facility, you will understand why Mountain Laurel Trails is continuously voted one of the best in Virginia.”

Event Information:
Online pre-registration available through July 12, 2019
Onsite registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Facility opens to the public at 9:00 a.m.
First heat race starts at 10:00 a.m.

Racers must be licensed by USA Cycling to participate and one-day licenses will be available for $10 at registration. Approved helmets are required.

For more information on the Sledgehammer XC event, visit www.SouthernClassic.Bike and for more information about Mountain Laurel Trails and other outdoor recreation in Martinsville – Henry County, please visit www.VisitMartinsville.com/play.