Hit the trails, or the open road, in Martinsville—Henry County. Cycling has become a favorite pastime for many, and numerous trails, varying in difficulty and magnificent views, are awaiting you in MHC.
Take a ride on one of our many trails along the Smith River Trail System or visit our award-winning mountain biking complex.
There are many trails along the Smith River Trail System for cyclists to enjoy, ranging from the paved Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail to the naturally surfaced Fieldale Trail. These trails make up over 24.5 miles to ride!
Plus, there’s the Mountain Laurel Trails Biking Complex, in Ridgeway, situated on 100 acres, with ten miles of trails, with plans of expanding to fifteen. Mountain Laurel Trails encompass varying levels of difficulty for beginners as well as seasoned bikers to enjoy. The intermediate trails feature 600 feet in elevation gain along with plenty of elements to provide for an interesting ride. Named among the top mountain bike trails in the state of Virginia by SingleTrack.com, this trail complex has a 4.94 (out of 5) star rating. Weekly bike rides include the Beginner’s Ride on Friday evenings and group rides on Sunday afternoons. MLT also hosts fun seasonal rides such as the Cranksgiving Ride on Thanksgiving Day and the New Year’s Eve Ride. For ride information, be sure to follow Mountain Laurel Trails on Facebook. *
The Henry County Bike Club also welcomes you to join in any of their weekly group rides scheduled throughout the year, such as the Sunday Road Ride and the Variety Ride on Wednesday evenings. Joining the group on Friday afternoons is a great way to meet the members and fellow cycling enthusiasts. Every Friday afternoon there’s a Ride ‘N Dine event where the group rides a trail and then has lunch at a nearby local restaurant. *
Ready to compete?
Join the Sledgehammer XC Bike Race at Mountain Laurel Trails on Saturday, July 18th. The Southern Classic MTB Series will travel to beautiful Ridgeway, VA for the second annual Sledgehammer race on July 18, 2020. The race is the last race in the USA Cycling Virginia State Championship Series. Racers must be licensed by USA Cycling. One day licenses are available for $10 at registration. Expert payout up to $1,000 cash. 100% payout (based on racer turnout). On-site registration $10 extra.
Ready to ride for a cause?
The Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Education Foundation presents the Annual “Tour de Scholar” charity bike ride. All proceeds benefit local teachers, students and schools. Some programs this bike ride has helped fund include: Operation: Porky Pig, “Roll Out the Red Carpet”—5th Grade Release Party, School Garden, Field trip to Virginia Air & Space Center, Beating the Odds, Character Education Library, “Staying Green”—Expands to Citizenship and Service, Measuring the World Around Us, Computer Usage Assistance for Students with Disabilities, Climbing to Success at FCMS, Exhibition and VMNH + WEE 3’s = “Doodle Bugs.”
The ride will start and finish at the Smith River Sports Complex. All routes will be marked and supported with sag and rest stops. Meal provided at the conclusion of the ride. Participants will be eligible for great door prizes.
Need a new bike or repairs? Chain of Fools, located in Uptown Martinsville, has you covered. Best of all, the shop is convenient to the Dick & Willie Rail Trail Passage. Chain of Fools focuses on fixing your bike, but also sells used bikes as well as parts and accessories. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist with a closet full of spandex or a beginner with a recent interest in biking, Chain of Fools wants to help you get out and ride. After you visit the shop, stroll across the street to the pocket park and check out the Uptown Connection Trail Mural. Be sure to pose for a pic.
*Due to COVID-19, some rides may be postponed until further notice. Stay up to date by following Mountain Laurel Trails and HCBC on Facebook.
Up for a Challenge? Check out our new partnership with Virginia Backpacking and complete the “Dirty Dozen” Challenge in Martinsville – Henry County. Whatever pace you are looking for, we hope to see you cruising the trails of Martinsville—Henry County soon. For more information on our trails, go to www.VisitMartinsville.com/trails.
