Big Mountain Run

Tucker County roars to life the second weekend of June with the annual return of Cycle Source Magazine’s, Big Mountain Run, to Parsons, West Virginia.  The Big Mountain Run (BMR) is the quintessential biker rally celebrating iron framed around V-twin power, comradery, and the good times that come with being in the mountains of West Virginia.  You also better not mind getting a little rowdy. 

I headed to the Big Mountain Run venue at Camp Kidd, five miles north of Parsons, WV, to catch up with the Dotson family.  Without them, there would be no BMR on Holly Meadow overlooking the grand landscape of the Appalachian Mountains.  Frank Jr., better known as Chip, and Christine Dotson have their hands full putting on the full-fledged nonstop fun.

Most of the riders are found camping on perfectly manicured, flat grounds.  Large campers/RV are accommodated with ease, I would have to say the earlier you arrive, the better the site. 

 After getting the tour of Camp Kidd from Frank Dotson Sr., it’s off to Patriots 4 to indulge in a pig roast, swim in the Cheat River, and watch biker games.  Yes, tough bikers can be big kids also.   In the world’s only Tramp-Triathlon, contestants must jump out of their tents, put their boots on, run 30 yards to their bikes, ride 30 yards to the water’s edge, then swim 30 yards to victory.  An absolute blast!  Check out the YouTube video below.

The fun has just begun.  An organized group ride to Blackwater Falls State Park on the finest road surface in the state.  I did not make the flat track races, wish I had, with so many classes the entertainment seemed endless.  Live music every night, Metzeler burn out contest, and old time bike games are all part of the four day event.  

All kinds of bike build contests show off the mechanical skills and ingenuity that come with choppers, bobbers, and baggers.

Getting to know Chris and Heather from Cycle Source Magazine, as well as Chip, Christine, and Frank Dotson was as genuine an experience as one would expect from the hills and hollows of Tucker County, West Virginia.  The single biggest take-away is BMR appreciates the exact thing every other local organization or festival desire.  Unique locations, small numbers that keep the event intimate and relatable, and the welcome feeling you get from Tucker County residents and businesses.  See ya’ll next June!

 

Cheers!

Brian