7
PALMYRA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Fluvanna County’s Pleasant Grove Park is ready for a lively spring. It will host two USA Cycling-sanctioned mountain bike races in just eight weeks.
The first is the Rockabilly Rumble this Saturday. It’s part of RVA Racing’s Underground Spring Series. Riders from around the region will come to the park’s scenic trails for a day of fast-paced racing and community fun. There are races at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. The event is for all ages and skill levels, with over a dozen race categories. John Petryla of RVA Racing said Pleasant Grove’s trails are a bit different from others. The rolling terrain makes riding rewarding and fun, no matter how fast you go.
Matt Stancil, known as the Fluvanna Trail Guy, takes care of the park’s 20+ miles of trails. He also helps organize outdoor events and youth mountain biking clinics. He’s a resource for experienced bikers planning to ride there. Stancil said, “The Rockabilly Rumble is part of a great cross-country race series with shorter, spectator-friendly courses. There’ll be lots of bikes, food, and fun.”
The Rockabilly Rumble is just the start. On May 31 and June 1, RVA Racing will be back at Pleasant Grove for the 2025 MTB Marathon State Championships. It’s an annual highlight that attracts riders from across Virginia, along the East Coast, and even farther. Petryla said, “It’s a true tour of the whole park from end to end. The course has a mix of trail styles to keep each lap interesting.” Stancil added, “There’ll be camping, food, beer, fast bikes, and families. It’s a full weekend experience.”
The two-day event has a festival-like feel, with food trucks, camping, and fun.
With the growing interest in mountain biking in central Virginia and at Pleasant Grove, Fluvanna County has made an online resource for riders. The new Mountain Biking at Pleasant Grove page on FindFluvanna.org gives trail details, planning tips, and info on all the park has to offer. That includes things like the Farm Heritage Museum, Butterfly Garden, Sandy Beach, and scenic wooded areas. The page is a joint effort of the county’s Parks and Recreation and Economic Development Departments, which aims to boost tourism in Fluvanna County.
Jennifer Schmack, Director of Fluvanna County Economic Development, said, “Pleasant Grove is a special resource with many amenities that appeal to different visitors, including the mountain biking community. RVA Racing puts on fun, spectator-friendly events that show off the park’s great trail network and natural beauty. We’re looking forward to a great spring at Pleasant Grove.”
Advertisements