Where bike trails and craft beer flow
August 11, 2017Pedal, explore and dine. Meet Arrowhead Bike Farm, Fayetteville’s rustic-chic hangout and biergarten!
This old barn
Set against thick forests, the cherry-red barn seems reminiscent of years past. Yet Arrowhead Bike Farm comfortably belongs to modern times.
Thanks to owners Rich Ireland and Adam Angelona, the barn straddles both timelines successfully. String lights hang over the biergarten, sleek bikes rest by picnic tables and sizzling bratwurst mingles with the earthy Arrowhead Trails, just yards from the “farm.”
It’s a comfortable aesthetic that works for everybody: bikers, drive-by tourists and locals. You don’t have to know how to shift gears, either. Just come for a good time!
But first, take a look at what’s happening at the farm:
Rent and ride
Arrowhead’s location couldn’t be better. As far as biking goes, some of the East Coast’s best trails are deep in the New River Gorge. Even better, the farm’s namesake— Arrowhead Trails— is a few pedal strokes away.
Designed to IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) standards, these trails are flowy and dynamic. Riders have almost 13 miles of stacked-loop paths at their disposal. Up for a challenge? Point your bike towards rock gardens and obstructions. Prefer a more relaxing ride? There are smoother sections as well.
Just down the road is another favorite: Long Point Trail. The 3.2-mile (round trip) path opens upon a breathtaking clifftop, which reveals the distant New River Gorge Bridge. It’s a picture-perfect landscape. (Note: bikes aren’t allowed on the cliff itself. Towards the end of the trail, you’ll have to park your ride and walk the remaining distance.)
Arrowhead Bike Farm’s bikes make trail riding even easier, too. For one thing, you’ll get a rental that’s properly sized and adjusted. Nothing ruins a beginner’s confidence like a mismatched “steed.” For another, these Kona mountain bikes are high quality. You can experience an expensive machine without committing to anything.
The farm also has certified repair service and a gift shop. Get trail tips from the owners or browse the shelves for natural beer soap, souvenir shirts and other specialty items.
Raise a glass
After a fun outing, return to base for well-earned snacks. It doesn’t matter if you’re still wearing a helmet. Arrowhead’s biergarten is informality itself, with a covered deck and picnic tables. Yet the meals are surprisingly sophisticated. You can order local bratwurst, tasty tacos and imaginative breakfast entrees. As for toppings, the owners make their own sauces and grow produce, right on the farm!
Thirsty riders have another reason to rejoice: beer. Arrowhead’s lengthy drinks menu encompasses many different beers, (including many “made in West Virginia” options), on tap and bottled. Sip one under the porch as dusk settles over the woods. It’s a refreshing, uplifting way to end the day.
Sunset stretching
Even more relaxing are Arrowhead’s evening yoga classes with Erin Larsen, a Fayetteville instructor. All levels are welcome. Just bring $10 and a mat if you have one. Then hang out for a beer or snack afterwards!
Yoga classes are every Tuesday from 6:30-7:45 p.m. while the season lasts. If it’s rainy, everybody stretches beneath the covered deck instead.
Camp out
You definitely need more than one day for the New River Gorge. Trails aside, the area is renowned for its whitewater and rock climbing. To that end, Arrowhead Bike Farm has a campground with room for tents, campers and RVs.
Facilities are simple but comfortable. You get access to showers (online reviewers frequently praise the plentiful hot water— always a plus), fire pits and free wifi. Arrowhead also has fairly regular events throughout the year. It’s always worth following the farm on Facebook; you never know what might be happening: fat-wheel bike time trials, painting or possibly live music.
Ever been to Arrowhead Bike Farm? Let others know what you liked best!