Kate's Mountain Challenge

Saturday, June 7, 2025

The Kate’s Mountain Challenge is a gravel bicycle race that starts and finishes in downtown White Sulphur Springs. With four distances ranging from twenty-three to seventy miles, there is a Challenge for everyone’s ability!  All riders will start in downtown White Sulpur Springs and ride through town to Kate’s Mountain Road. From there, the gravel roads begin and so does the adventure! Riders will challenge themselves with rolling hills and long climbs over remote gravel and paved roads--spectacular scenery and amazing views from start to finish. Upon returning to White Sulphur, riders and spectators will be able to kick back, relax and enjoy food, drinks, music and awards. 

Finisher’s awards will be presented to all riders making it across the finish line under their own power. Awards will be bestowed upon the three fastest riders in each classification. In addition to the standard classifications, there are e-bike, non-binary and adaptive classifications to ensure that everyone is welcomed, recognized and included. 

This event is part of the West Virginia Gravel Series. The race distances will be staggered so that everyone can enjoy their ride at their pace, with all racers coming to together to celebrate their accomplishments at the end of a fun and adventure-filled day. 

Stay up on the latest information with KATE'S MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE FACEBOOK

Register for RACE HERE. 

RIDE DETAILS

The Start and Kate’s Mountain: All distances will begin on Main Street in White Sulphur Springs. All riders will begin with a neutral roll-out through downtown and then turn onto the five-mile gravel climb to the top of Kate’s Mountain (approx. 1500’ elevation gain). After conquering Kate's Mountain and arriving at the overlook, riders will be treated to a fully stocked aid station along with the opportunity to have a professional overlook portrait taken. After the event, all riders will be able to download their portrait for free to share on social media.   

The 23-Mile Challenge:  After Kate's Mountain is completed, this route traverses the ridge top and descends the mountain to the crossroads at Glace. It then turns onto Tuckahoe Lake Road, an eleven-mile paved road that is slightly downhill and returns to Big Draft Brewery. This Challenge is an awesome and achievable accomplishment for recreational and gravel-curious folks looking to have a great time while testing their fitness against the highest peak in the Greenbrier State Forest.  

The 30-Mile Challenge:  For riders looking to add a few more miles but a lot more climbing, this Challenge promises about 4000 feet of elevation gain. In addition to climbing Kate's, this route climbs through the Jefferson National Forest and along the mountain ridge separating the two Virginias. At the second summit, there's a fully stocked aid station before the long and steep gravel descent into the Old Dominion. Arriving in Allegheny, Virginia, this ride returns to White Sulphur on a paved road with just one more climb before joining Tuckahoe Road and heading back to town.

The 50-Mile Challenge:  For the seasoned gravel rider, this ride will bring those strong enough to accept the Challenge the addition of the Broad Run Road segment which not only adds an extra twenty miles but tests the legs with 6000 feet of elevation gain. Once you've climbed Broad Run and returned to the summit aid station, riders descend the back of Broad Run which entails a gnarly 4-mile plunge. The only respite on this route is that the final few miles back to Big Draft are paved and ever-so-slightly downhill.

The 70-Mile Challenge:  For the true suffer-puppies, this 70-miler is a true test of the riders’ strength, stamina and will. In addition to everything mentioned in the 50-mile route, this route takes riders on an 8000-foot elevation adventure. When all the other riders have come off Kate's and (more-or-less) turned for home, you turn onto Jones Mountain Road and mythical "County Route 4," which provide an extra 20 miles of distance and an additional 2000 feet of climbing over gravel, pavement and what we generously call "Unroad."  The best and worst part is when "County Road 4" is complete, there's another 40 miles and 5000 feet of elevation to get back to town. 

Register for RACE HERE.