BIGGEST surprise of the trip so far 🇺🇸 50 STATE SHRED: West Virginia

📺 Check out longer videos and early releases over on / bkxc
After a victory for self-guiding in Virginia at Carvin's Cove, I felt like I needed to take things into my own hands again and find something gnarly. I had a decent amount of folks reach out to me with ideas for West Virginia, and as I researched at the maps of those rides I was feeling a little Blue Square Fever.
There will be a lot more squiggly wiggly blue square rides to come and I'm going to do my damndest to have fun on them, but if we're in The Mountain State then I'm going to find a mountain to ride. Something where the hikers pass you by and say "You guys are doing this on a mountain bike?"
And holy hell, I found that ride. If you guys from West Virginia have something BETTER than this then I'll eat my chamois. If you guys have 4 or 5 more rides as good as this, I will do a residency.
🇺🇸 50 State Shred MAP: 50stateshred.com (Updated as I post on Patreon)
🗺 Trailforks ridelog: www.trailforks.com/ridelog/vi...
🚲 I ride a 2020 IBIS RIPMO, build yours here: bkripmo.com
🚐 Curious about my van? Here's more info: bkxc.bike/the-van

[@michaelskembo4741]

I'd be singing "Country Roads" in my head the whole time I rode in West Virginia.

[@angadsingh2601]

That’s what I was doing while watching the video

[@HardtailHighJinks]

same as soon as i saw the title

[@archerberzins2159]

I just learned Country roads was actually written about Virginia! It was inspired by a drive on 81 in VA!

[@jakeeerz4260]

Why did you remind me of that sonh

[@ricc333]

To do it West Virginian style you have to take a deep breath and yell the state name as loud as you possibly can. Watch the end of any WVU football game and you'll see (granted you probably can't this season).

[@tylerross6973]

WV resident here...always interesting to hear peoples prejudices about our state before they visit.

[@brendanriel888]

im from CT and now live in Los Angeles. Literally haven't heard anything negative about West Virginia. It's interesting for me too.

[@guitarrepair86]

Lmao I live in PA We hear all kinds of stories of trailer park shinanagans in WV.

[@allendean7843]

Ditto

[@elidaiker3225]

I live in Martinsburg, where all the rumors are true. Also if you have any good trail recommendations I’d love to hear them, I’m new to mtb

[@A_shreddingDad]

304🫡

[@bkxc]

I appreciate you guys emailing me with ride invites, but these videos were filmed weeks ago, not yesterday!

[@tode28]

Oh ok

[@Lordgamer-tw2lc]

If you are still liking for a new name for your bike you could name it valkyrie for the bottle wings on the frame

[@rl9810]

Casual. I film my rides weeks into the future. It's how I know where I'm going to ride next.

[@bencorfield5345]

Man, I missed you out there by one day. I did the whole North Fork Trail the next day. The second half of the trail and that downhill at the end you got to ride was definitely the best part!

[@mateowarmerdam1029]

So where are you right now?

[@kennethroth2823]

Maybe the van won't have wheels on it when we get back, says the guy that lives in Vallejo CA LOL

[@bcparkinson82]

Yeah, love the channel but why dis us country folks

[@No_motor_angler]

I’m from WV living in Floriduh...He’s more likely to get things stolen here than in WV!

[@kipp1755]

If anything, we’d help him find the stolen wheels.

[@jaymason480]

He's been in California too long. We don't do things like that in WV.

[@usmcsnakeeyes899]

A lot less likely to be a victim here than in Cali. And more people will help you when you need it. Don't let the appearance fool you

[@commenterguywatchmyvide0s484]

Biking is one of my greatest creations

[@dombmtb]

God thank you for making it, thank you so much

[@liamisafireplace]

Thanks god

[@spaboos06]

God if that’s really you. Thank u for all u do for me 🤙🏽

[@donaldlahoda8693]

Good lookin out brotha

[@guitarrepair86]

You're right thank you

[@SentMKG]

West Virginia is probably one of the most untapped outdoor states when it comes to potential. I love how beautiful the state is. Thanks to the beautiful Geometry, forest, and rivers I 100% believe it could be one of the best destinations for MTB parks and trail systems in the world. It's potential is almost limitless and I believe almost anyone else who has visited there regularly would agree.

[@bkxc]

Amen to that!

[@TheWayner2012]

If you can get past, the heroine and meth addicts laying around.

[@haydenhibbs9121]

I love here and I love it

[@concrerto]

You are 100 percent right man. West Virginia is absolutely perfect for world class riding.

[@YoungDoug13]

Some of the best rock climbing in the US

[@spencerk9834]

I can pass my history class with all the knowledge he gives us.

[@willimmel]

“Alright we’re on the trail again” *Literally middle of overgrown woods*

[@willyk882]

That trail only sees a few dozen riders a year if that, and maybe fewer hikers. Add in the burned areas any several sections are in need of some trimming.

[@brouhahamtb4819]

haha really.

[@willyk882]

@Mad Bro? the nice thing about all the empty land, we can build our own trails without anyone noticing :)

[@dfiler2]

@Mad Bro? Too much land, not enough people? Sounds perfect for mountain biking.

[@Montblanc1986]

We went to the UCI race last year at Snowshoe and WV is an amazing place, nothing at all what I was expecting and the kindest people around...

[@tadelkins1237]

yes snowshoe is my local downhill park and we make weekend trips it is amazing!

[@sarahrice8957]

North Fork is always an epic WV backcountry ride! For more backcountry goodness in West By God, I would recommend Slaty Fork, Huckleberry Trail at Spruce Knob, and the rad new Enduro lines at Snowshoe.

[@TheeDutchRutter]

Second this --^

[@slowridemtb4712]

Funny how I tense up, squint, and jerk around in my chair while watching this video. As if "I" need to be careful. Great video!

[@klw8173]

Rugged and rocky is definitely WV. It is very underrated. If you get a chance to go back and check out more trails you can explore Davis, WV. Moon rocks, splash dam, table rock are just a start to some typical WV goodies. Slatyfork is also a rugged, rocky fun time. The folks at Elk River Touring do shuttles. The riding may be wild and painful sometimes but it sure is fun and beautiful.

[@DepewRacingMotoSport]

This was your best episode I've seen. That trail and having another good rider on the camera was sick!

[@bryceandress7377]

If you’re still in WV, you missed out if you didn’t check out Big Bear Lake!

[@noahbellieu2000]

Almost heaven, West Virginia. Blue ridge mountains, Shanandoah river!!!!!

[@dombmtb]

Almost heaven, West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River Life is old there, older than the trees Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama Take me home, country roads All my memories gather 'round her Miner's lady, stranger to blue water Dark and dusty, painted on the sky Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama Take me home, country roads I hear her voice in the mornin' hour, she calls me The radio reminds me of my home far away Drivin' down the road, I get a feelin' That I should've been home yesterday, yesterday Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama Take me home, country roads Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama Take me home, country roads Take me home, down country roads Take me home, down country roads John Denver

[@joshuaschildknegt7465]

I backpacked this trail before I got really into mountain biking. I remember slogging uphill as a group of mountain bikers flew past us. I couldn't believe it was bikeable haha

[@nathan4432]

It's easier to ride than hike

[@theeleven42]

“You guys should get some bikes” 😂

[@goosedawgg]

I just love the energy. I enjoy looking forward to watching new videos. Thank you, Brian.

[@wellsaidsir]

Very proud of my home state, glad you enjoyed it so much! Take me home...

[@buckdandy4834]

You truly are living the dream. Keep it up bro. Love the videos love the history to each place and even the music at the end. Cant wait to see where you are next

[@h2orn24]

What you hear every time you ride a new state: oh man, the number of amazing and better trails throughout the WV. Don’t be afraid to come back sometime. Keep up the good work!

[@magellan1818]

That trail is extremely raw! Good stuff!

[@tylerjolley9792]

DAN!!! miss you dan. good to see you. still riding so strong. brian, thanks for bringing him along.

[@RGCastro7]

That looked like serious fun, Brian! Thank you for sharing. I remember visiting WV almost 10 years ago and it was a great experience. I wasn't into MTB yet, though.

[@jimborainbird2311]

what a great trail. I loved every minute of that.Very impressive climbing, followed by silky smooth bike handling on the descent. This trail is up there with my #1 trail you have done, Razors Edge . Great job BK. Hope you took a couple days off to recharge after that lot!

[@treyhambrick2261]

I live there, and I never came to appreciate it until now, white water rafting, mountain biking, and snowboarding. Will all 3 seasons there’s not a lot off limits

[@hibiru6868]

It’s cool to see you on my “local” trails in VA and WVA. We really have great resources with all the National Forests, wilderness areas, and national parks close to us.

[@FunkmasterAE]

Stoked to see you finally hit up my home state. Don’t really have as much crazy jank on the west side of the state where I’m at but it’s still some fun riding.

[@TFritz82]

YESS, so glad I found this. My family and I are heading to Davis in a couple days and I'm bringing my bike!!! Was looking for something gnarlier!!

[@rygi23]

Biked Snowshoe many years ago in ‘99. A lot of fun. Great area. Almost died a couple of times coming down so fast. Might just do it again.

[@litfuses7765]

Never been this early to a video! Really enjoy your vids man! Hope you have a good morning!

[@devinosullivan7849]

That trail was intense! The hard work put in makes the pay-off at 9:44 all worth it. I live for that panorama! Great video.

[@ericramosmd]

Great video and that view!!!

[@lucab5534]

This video makes me so happy. As someone from WV thank you for showing off her beauty.

[@wvoutdoorsman5326]

Glad you enjoyed your stop in WV😁👍

[@MrJRaY45]

As a West Virginian just wanna say thank you for giving us some credit for our state! Great video and nice ride! I will now need to go do that trail! The state in general has rough spots just like anywhere but once you get out and see all the natural beauty of the state it’s quite surreal!

[@MrJRaY45]

Edit due to an autocorrect

[@toooldforthis3838]

That was a crazy, rocky trail. Awesome riding!

[@larrycole8673]

Soo many awesome trails in WV!! You didn’t even scratch the surface of what it has to offer...Tea Creek Mtn. Trail is one of my favorites.

[@jessehenry7828]

Great to see someone give respect to to the beautiful state I live in thank you

[@Maninthewhitehouse]

The topography of the USA is incredible. Very lucky to be able to ride all these different terrains. Thanks for the uploads watching them has given me the confidence to set up my own channel and document my progress on an mtb. I’m heading to mega next year, you ever thought about doing that race?

[@MudBucketGaming]

Come back soon ! we do have tails that are maintained in WV and I could literally leave my key in the ignition on that ride. Your wheels are safe ;)

[@jonhenderson9629]

Very true we take those annoying locking lug nuts off in wv no need for them here

[@mrrims]

That looks awesome! Great riding

[@thomasfields2082]

I will be up there Sunday. Can't wait to check out the area.

[@ericsharp5079]

That trail looks amazing great riding!

[@mrh372]

I'm loving this 50 State Shred! Especially coming around to my area and the trails I've ridden. I'm looking forward to seeing what you ride in my home state of PA. Michaux State Forest is kind of a hidden gem. Tons of great chunky riding like North Fork. Vista and Glory H near Laurel Lake is some of the best!

[@bsrhoad]

I hiked that trails years ago before getting into mountain biking. It's crazy to see that it's possible to ride it! Beautiful scenery and very rugged.

[@themostlymikeshow2582]

Nice video! I just rode in West Virginia last weekend. It was amazing! I like the color of your bike!

[@brianricketts4320]

Glad you enjoyed riding in our state. WV has a ton of great mountain biking along with tons of anything outdoors you want to do. Hope you were able to drive down to Fayetteville and see the New River Gorge. Stay safe and have fun.

[@liamisafireplace]

This entire ride I was thinking “this man is going to be covered in ticks”

[@joshua9567]

Liam Childs Righttt 😅 tick heaven

[@cjdaking]

And spiders. They’re everywhere.

[@chriskoutroulis4531]

Poison oak?!

[@charliechucker]

@@chriskoutroulis4531 Not so much in the east I don't believe! That's more of a western US thing, but nearly the same thing as Poison Ivy, just shaped more like Oak leaves. Not a lot of PI on this ridge.

[@mikethomas1081]

On my latest road trip across the US, I was super excited to go through WV and it didn’t disappoint. I stayed in Charleston and it was a little run down but every single person I passed walking said hi. Getting lost in the mountains was a hoot. I definitely want to go and stay a week or so.

[@62swampboy62]

Glad you enjoyed N. Fk. Mtn. Trail. I've ridden parts of it as well, mostly on the south end. Obviously I need to try the descent on the north end! But hopefully now you see why some folks are so crazy about West Virginia. Hope you get back there to ride some time - try out the Gauley Mountain trails, or the Huckleberry Trail down from state hi-point Spruce Knob, or any of the legendary trails in the Davis area. Keep up the good work, and stay well.

[@revelintheride2639]

Great video, I can't believe how fast you can ride on those overgrown trails!!

[@mrpercussive]

Thanks for this Brian! I'm actually going to be spending time around Seneca Rocks for a few weeks! Looking forward to checking this out in a few days :)

[@zxtenn]

WOW, Dan sure is a strong and in shape Country boy--Guess you never know who you'll meet up and decide to ride with, doesnt look like he is a kid either, VERY impressive Dan

[@FRAGMENTAL]

Dayum those trails were overgrown! Loved the adventure 👍🏻

[@donaldkerns2180]

Incredible video!

[@SF-wr4zn]

Brutal trail, love it!

[@dawsongarrett3595]

Great video!!!

[@hikermichael9443]

Bikers in West by God are tougher than anywhere else. Props to you guys making that trail look EZ.

[@mrnobody9821]

I visited Washington DC at the end of my boys week trip to the us in 2018, like you said, really cool place. I was in West Virginia and then Kentucky during that trip too, really amazing experience and fun to see the rural parts of America that don't get mentioned!

[@Chadech]

West Virginia is BEAUTIFUL!! WE'RE I Love when we go through there, actually fixing to be moving to New Jersey And hope to be riding here with my son a lot!

[@janetrobersonsmith]

Trails look like they need to clearance,and need more people riding there for how beautiful it is!

[@Persiusmo]

Great idea to bike around the monuments!

[@emeraldmtb]

Considering the year that’s in it, you are killing this trip man! You’re checking those states off like they were pringles. Enjoy it mate

[@davidwhite9817]

Yep, Good entertaining videos. Keep up the good work.

[@trinityvintage9865]

Dude that was amazing!!! W Va is so beautiful anyway but rocks for MTB

[@breakandrun70]

Wow, I trucked all over United States buy never took the time to go biking. If I could have carried my bike , I would have. That was an epic trail, you are finding some beautiful trails, definitely double black in W.V. Have a safe week.

[@mikieson]

that trail system was not only rough looking but grown up beyond repair...man..someone needs to weedwack lol..Good riding Brian!!

[@PlayGamesRideBikes]

Dan is a machine!

[@josephpinchotti7031]

Yeah buddy! Was just there a couple weeks ago myself

[@rehabsinger]

Most authentic video ever.

[@docsholiday2558]

Will never forget the rocks and roots of WV! The downed trees are like yellow lights, you either stop or speed up...

[@mrvwbug4423]

My thoughts on that overgrown trail "they're gonna come out covered in ticks and poison ivy". I'm impressed he was able to do that well on that super gnarly descent riding an XC bike, Giant Anthems usually aren't associated with descending rocky gnar like that :)

[@4stringsdave]

Love seeing you ride in TN in my current town and in WV which is my home state! WV is soooo Beautiful! there is a lot of good riding south of where you are at the New river gorge as well. the whole state could be a giant MTB park with all the natural features around.

[@SentMKG]

I 100% agree. I would love to see the state and the federal government really sink money into West Virginia's park system for mountain biking, bike backpacking, and at a particular enduro races would be spectacular there. That state is absolutely an outdoorsman's paradise and I'd love to see its economy just come swinging back based on that. I say this is someone who's visited huge swaths of this country that I would bet that West Virginia is one of the most untapped outdoor economies in the country.

[@SentMKG]

@Christine Taggart I think you'd be surprised how much people who moved there would gladly adapt to Appalachian outdoor lifestyle. It's pretty dang laid back just enjoying day to day life without getting overworked up about much of anything. WV likes it relaxed evenings near a fire with other people just having some good beer, homemade hooch, and good food. I love WV and have to say that the sheer number of people it would take to change WV in any big way would be insane. WV and their people are very much who they are and culturally set in the ways they prefer to be. Even if the state obtained the ideal I layed out, a powerhouse of outdoor recreation, that's not the sort of economy that invites some massive number of people to immigrate from economic centers like DC Metro, NYC, or CA/CO.

[@SentMKG]

@Christine Taggart I had no intention of offending in anyway. I have studied the history and understand that since Columbus there is a litany of crimes committed against natives by European countries followed by the American nation with no real restitution made in any real way. It's also unfortunately you believe the stereotype of Californians so strongly as Brian pretty clearly had nothing bad to say about the state WV if you watched the video. As with any place on earth there are people who live there that aren't so nice. I experienced as much when I was in the state but the majority people living there are still decent people meaning no harm to anyone. I hope you have a good week and weekend.

[@philcolumna6227]

very cool. what a trail

[@frankstec4610]

It is a great state to ride in. Love racing enduro there. Good people, great trails, and those views! We did that little loop after racing nationals at Snowshoe. I want to get there to do the point-to-point with friends when that is a thing again.

[@rafaelalbertotorres8070]

WV...Rural, rugged, rocky, and beautiful. You should visit Snowshoe Resort to enjoy some awesome DH, freeride, and enduro world class trails.

[@jrclark6020]

"Ghost"! Good name for that bike! Rock On brother man! 🤘😎😎🚴

[@Dangarangg]

“Jubilees tingled” I literally just spit out my coffee! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wvwookie3085]

You def picked a good one!

[@girawrbro0musicpanda]

Uncle Danny! We miss you here in Kansas!

[@shawngilbert6899]

Once you get to Ohio, you have to check out either Mohican or Vulture's Knob! Mohican is a 24 mile epic ride, and the Knob is 6.5 miles of some flow, some tech, and some of the strangest features you'll see on a trail!

[@mountainsmoore3657]

Man! We were in DC a few years ago and I remember seeing people trying to ride their bikes, but it was SO crowded that they could hardly navigate through the sea of people. That video has me wanting to load up the bikes and make the 12 hour-ish drive! And the trail looked awesome, as well. A little above my level right now, but I hope to get there someday.

[@danielcrescenzo354]

"Dredging for ticks" were some words that came to mind at points in this video.

[@hutchinsonsadventures4678]

epic ride boys...

[@go_kybo163]

Bryan, when you get to Maryland you should definitely find Patapsco State Park area. Start at the Avalon section and work your way to Woodstock and back. You’d love that loop 🤘🏻

[@gregorypatzelt6964]

West Virginia is beautiful as far as mountains and landscapes go.

[@timjacob991]

Big props to your guide for having fallen, and continued to push himself repeatedly even after each fall. Well done, Bud!

[@mattturner3953]

I live on the Northwest side of the state and have noticed the foliage is a lot thicker this year, and trail maintenance is a little lacking due to less people being out from Covid. Welcome to the state. No you won't loose you wheels

[@brianfurtaw7893]

You are the XC KING!

[@donmorni1115]

Can’t wait until you visit the Midwest 🤘

[@phantomrider86]

Great video, Brian ! Oh, since your bike is grey and you ride over obstacles like magic, you have to name it "Smoke n' Mirrors" !

[@bkxc]

Haha that's awesome!

[@sidjones9896]

so fun fact about West Virginia, part of the reason why you can get a cell signal is because there is a big space observatory and listening post out there, and cell service can interfere with the big satellite dishes that they use.

[@AndreLaurentMTB]

Greendylion.. That's ya bikes new name! Lol Thanks for showing us WV trails! Stress less, ride more. Be good do better!

[@madmadimadison7542]

Funny you mention naming bikes and GOT. I just named my new Commencal Meta AM 29 Signature "Oathkeeper", mainly cause I'm built like Breanne of Tarth, lol

[@chipvincent735]

Glad to see you rode the North "Fork" Mountain Trail. On your way back you should check out Wolf Creek Trails in Fayetteville WV. These are brand new trails that are near completion close to New River Gorge National Park. You find flow, tech and natural jump features that rival some of the best riding in the state. The trail head is also located next to Bridge Brew Works.

[@aljowen]

To be fair, that's quite a lot of action for an XC bike (The Giant Anthem). It was never going to do as well on the downhill sections as a Ripmo, although it did look pretty handy on the way up and the flat stuff.

[@id.747]

Just an FYI for anyone looking to ride this trail. PLEASE don’t underestimate the physical conditioning and technical skills needed to complete it. Whether you’re doing the full loop( North Fork Mtn. Trail) or the half loop(Better than Canaan) each has its own challenges so be prepared with plenty of water and food. If opting for the half loop be prepared for Landis Trail (about 1500ft of climbing in 1.5mi). Also, once on the ridge line definitely check out chimney rocks( one of the best views in WV, keep left at the fork where the blue arrow points right). Have fun and be safe!

[@ericpetuska1455]

Rothrock State Forest in PA is a great trail system if you're looking to ride, it's an IMBA Epic