High Point Raceway, located in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, is synonymous with Lucas Oil Pro Motocross. It’s also just fifteen minutes up the road from Racer X Headquarters in Morgantown, West Virginia. High Point has been hosting a National since 1977, when Pennsylvania's own Tony DiStefano won on a Suzuki. It has been, and always will be, a must-see stop on the circuit. Being that High Point is considered our “home race,” we have some great insight on what to do in the area. If this is your first visit to Morgantown, make sure to get in early or stay late and check out some of this stuff.
Ride
It’s not often you have a chance to compete on the same field/track as the best professional athletes in the world. I can say with certainty you won’t be tossing the pigskin at Lambeau Field or chasing down fly balls at Yankee Stadium anytime soon. So when you have the chance, carpe diem, people. If you’re heading to the area this weekend, make sure to bring your bike and ride one of the most historic tracks on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross schedule—High Point Raceway. Amateur racing is taking place on Friday and Sunday. Go here for more details.
Coopers Rock
West Virginia offers a plethora of scenic views of the mountains, but none stand up to Coopers Rock. Located just off Interstate 68, it’s right up the road from Morgantown. There are plenty of lookouts to view the bands of rock cliffs that line Cheat River Gorge. Find more information here.
Racer X Party
If you want to come hang out and bench-race with the Racer X crew, we’re hosting a two-night High Point party Thursday and Friday at Jameson’s on High Street, located in the heart of downtown Morgantown. DC always has some epic bench-racing tales, so make sure to stop by. Party starts at 8:00 p.m. both nights. For directions, visit their Facebook page.
Rail Trail
You’ll probably want to sweat out that beer the next morning [ed. note: we do not promote excessive drinking], and Morgantown offers a killer bike and running trail. The Mon-River Rail Trails offer 48 miles of trails with some great views of the Mon River, Caperton, and Deckers Creek.
Mountain Biking
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, there are some great mountain biking trails in the area. If you’re staying in Morgantown, White Park is a fun, single-track trail to hit up. Find more details here.
If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, Seven Springs Mountain Resort is a great place. About an hour from Pittsburgh, the park has a ton of trails and even offers rentals. Check out their website for more.
Kayaking
Looking for a more relaxing day? The Monongahela River has some great kayaking and fishing. You can fish from the shore along the Rail Trail downtown by Hazel Ruby McQuain Park and up Deckers Creek, as well as launch kayaks or boats at the base of Walnut Street. Keep in mind parking is limited at the ramp.
Restaurants
Morgantown has plenty of great restaurants and drinking establishments. The DOWNTOWN location of Mario’s Fishbowl is synonymous with the OG Racer X crew and is a must-visit (there's a second Fishbowl now, too, but the downtown one is our original haunt). Get the wings, and make sure to leave a note on the wall. Tin 202 is a new bar/restaurant located in downtown Morgantown. It’s become a favorite of us locals. Stop by and you’re bound to see DC in there at one point this weekend. If none of those are to your liking, just go to High Street—there are more than enough options.
Cheat Lake
It's beautiful. If you have a chance go, take a dip. It’s definitely worth it. Check out a short GoPro clip of the lake.
Mount Washington
One thing is a must if you visit Pittsburgh: a trip to Mt. Washington. You get to take a super cool ride and, well, their website is pretty spot on, so we just stole this:
A grand view awaits atop Mt. Washington, one of the most visited neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Running the length of the mount, Grandview Avenue provides unique vantage points of Pittsburgh's beautiful skyline. "Restaurant Row" boasts stunning views coupled with elegant, fine dining. Pull yourself away from the view on Shiloh Street for delicious ice cream, yummy baked goods, ice cold beer and bountiful breakfasts. Mt. Washington is a feast for the eyes...and the tummy too!
Baseball
The Pittsburgh Pirates are away until Monday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t check out some baseball while you’re in town. The West Virginia Black Bears (the Pirates’ minor league Single A affiliate) start off their 2016 home opener on Sunday, June 19. You can get tickets here.
Golfing
If you’re a fan of golf, you’re in luck. The U.S. Open is taking place in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes outside Pittsburgh from June 13-19. If you have a late flight out of Pittsburgh or don’t have anything going on Friday, this would be a good way to kill the day. More information can be found here.
Along with the U.S. Open in Pittsburgh, there’s a bunch of golf courses near High Point Raceway and Morgantown. Both Meadow Ponds and Mountaineer Golf (pictured) are within 10 miles of High Point, but there’s some nicer courses too. Lakeview Resort has two courses to choose from, the Resort course and Mountainview course. The Resort course is top-notch, but if you’re looking for a real challenge, play Mountainview and make sure to take into consideration the slope of the land.
Lucas Oil Pro Motocross
Well, duh!