It’s a new year, and we’re issuing the first challenge for free entry to this year’s Lost River Classic on August 15. The Howard’s Lick backside climb from Moorefield up South Branch Mountain is one of West Virginia’s iconic climbs, having been attempted by nearly 600 cyclists over the years.

The fastest man and woman up the climb between now and August 1 at 11:59 PM will be awarded with free entry into the Lost River Classic. Last year’s top male finisher, Zach Racine, clipped Ben Wright by a few seconds on the annual Total Civil Construction team ride at the Lost River Barn. Zach parlayed his free entry coupon to WIN the Lost River Classic last year, riding off the front on Helmick Rock and holding off second-place finisher, Jeremiah Bishop, by about 5 minutes. This was Zach’s first ever gravel race. The top women’s climber did not redeem her prize, despite clocking the second-place spot on the segment QOM leaderboard.

So circle this segment and take a stab at the 2026 leaderboard!