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Fairfax County’s professional-level mountain bike trails are drawing off-road racers from across the region, turning local parks into another engine for sports tourism.
Hundreds of competitors and spectators come to races at Fountainhead Regional Park in Lorton and Lake Fairfax Park in Fairfax. Their visits can generate business for hotels, restaurants, sporting-goods retailers and bicycle shops while also producing local tax revenue.
The events have developed recognizable identities. Fountainhead hosts the “Cranky Monkey” races, while Lake Fairfax is home to the “Rails to River Races.”
Local endurance-event organizer EX2 Adventures helps stage the competitions. Jim and Kimberly Harman founded EX2 in 2000 to create challenging outdoor events that foster achievement, community, belonging and social responsibility.
Upcoming EX2 events include the Spring Backyard Burn at Lake Fairfax on Sunday, April 6, followed by another Spring Backyard Burn at Pohick Bay on Sunday, April 27. The Rails to River XC Mountain Bike Race returns to Lake Fairfax on May 4, and the Fountainhead Half Marathon is scheduled in Lorton on May 18.