Mountain Bike Magazine....

ALMOST HEAVEN:

WEST VIRGINIA'S ELK RIVER TOURING CENTER

It's hard to envision John Denver on a mountain bike, but he definitely knew what he was singing when he called West Virginia "Almost Heaven." The terrain and beauty make this state one of the hottest places on two tires.

West Virginia mountain biking is hot and Elk River Touring Center is the flame for this fire. Located in central West Virginia's Pocahontas County, Elk River is ideally situated on an old sheep farm at the headwaters of the Elk River and near lots of great mountain biking.

Gil and Mary Willis are the hosts with the most for all Elk River has to offer. . .and they offer a lot. It's a heavenly destination for all types of riders.

The Elk River experience starts with the inn, which features ten B&B rooms and a restaurant that is locally-renowned for home-style healthy cooking (try the Red Snapper Veracruzana). They also added a pub this summer, making for a great place to trade trail stories over a cold one. The inn serves as an ideal base for exploring West Virginia's trails.

The best bet for West Virginia virgins is the "Single Track Weekend" with a local guide. Based out of the inn, small groups of riders hit the trails and learn new techniques along the way. Though these weekends are suitable for all levels, Elk River also offers an advanced version of this package, with demanding trails, technique drills, guerilla maintenance, and high-level 'tech' sessions. The two-day weekends run $229-$249 per person and the three-day weekends run $299-$329 per person.

Once you've ridden in West Virginia, you'll want more trails to conquer. One of the most popular tours on the east coast, the week-long "Cranberry to Canaan Tour" provides a good mixture of fire roads, abandoned logging roads, cow paths, and lots of single track. Riders head deep into the Monongahela National Forest, with varied terrain, optional rides, and quaint accommodations. The cost is currently $579 per person.

Another similar option is the 6-day "Pocahontas County Inn to Inn Tour," providing a perfect overview of the area. It also runs $579 per person. Their "Greenbrier Inn to Inn Tour" provides three days of leisurely riding along scenic sections of the Greenbrier River Trail. It's a great value for families, at $239-$269 per person.

For hard-core riders, the trip of choice is definitely "Twin Peaks." It features four days of extreme off-road riding and adventure, with great climbs, descents, and serious single track trails. The cost is $459 per person.

Elk River also caters to those who want more independence or unique experiences. They provide personalized tours, rentals, repairs, maps, guidebooks, independent guides, and lots of trail experience and advice. Ask about the West Virginia Fat Tire Festival, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 1995.

For a piece of heaven, contact Elk River Touring Center at U.S. Hwy. 219, Slatyfork, WV 26291, 304/572-3771.