Starting from the West Virginia Wildlife Center south of French Creek, this 70-mile out-and-back mixes rolling hills with tough mountain climbs on quiet backroads. The first twenty miles climb gentle, rolling grades towards the isolated Swiss village of Helvetia. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife along the roadside; you may spot, white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey on this ride. The back-end of the out-and-back tackles two bigger mountain passes, gaining a collective 1,600 feet over 6 miles and rewarding with expansive views of the neighboring countryside near the top of Blue Rock Knob.
The real highlight of the ride, though, is the option to stop and explore Helvetia, an idyllic village founded by Swiss and German settlers in the mid-nineteenth century. Isolated in hill country, much of the village’s original feel and customs have been preserved. Some of the town’s highlights include the Hutte Restaurant B&B, the wool studio, and the Cheese Haus. Plan your ride around one of the town’s annual festivals or fairs to sample the best of the local flavor.
-Mapped by David Orlando
TO TRAILHEAD: From Clarksburg, take US 50 east to I-79 south. Go 20.3 miles and take exit 99 to head east/southeast on US33/119. In 11.5 miles (just outside Buckhannon), turn right on Country Rte. 150. Go .7 mile and turn right on WV-20. In 11.9 miles, turn left onto Frechton Carter Alexander (just north of the Wildlife Center), and continue .2 mile to parking on the right.
Early Rollers
Location: 38.848632°, -80.286713°
Starting from French Creek, the route warms up with a series of persistent (but gentle) rolling hills and short climbs. ©David Orlando
Buckhannon River
Location: 38.782926°, -80.222683°
The route crosses over a quiet stretch of the Buckhannon river. © David Orlando
Climbing
Location: 38.773157°, -80.205345°
© David Orlando
Still Climbing
Location: 38.772555°, -80.203629°
© David Orlando
Helvetia
Location: 38.706276°, -80.201140°
Settled in 1869. © David Orlando
Navigating Helvetia
Location: 38.706075°, -80.200796°
No GPS necessary. © David Orlando
Hutte Restaurant
Location: 38.705406°, -80.201654°
An idyllic bed and breakfast tucked away in West Virginia hill country. © David Orlando
Wool Studio
Location: 38.705339°, -80.201483°
The local wool studio can fashion custom-made wool cycling jerseys. © David Orlando
Healing Honey
Location: 38.705540°, -80.201483°
Get your honey and beeswax candle fix here. © David Orlando
Coal country
Location: 38.715586°, -80.133033°
The Star Bridge coal processing plant. © David Orlando
Blueberry Picking
Location: 38.713610°, -80.110803°
Depending on the season, you may come across a tasty mid-ride snack. © David Orlando
Blue Rock
Location: 38.721278°, -80.099001°
The Blue Rock summit offers expansive countryside views. © David Orlando
Blue Rock
Location: 38.721194°, -80.099280°
Taking a break at the top of Blue Rock. © David Orlando
Turnaround
Location: 38.764792°, -79.988709°
A sleepy service station. © David Orlando<p>Turning around at the Service Station just outside of Mill Creek. Mill Creek is an alternate start/finish option for this ride and can also serve as a turnaround point--though you'll have to tack some extra climbing.
