Bearwallow Breakdown - Buchanan, Virginia - Triathlon

The Bearwallow Breakdown is a Triathlon race in Buchanan, Virginia consisting of a Olympic.

Legend claims that local resident Archibald Bear Tolley spent much of his life in the 1800s hunting bear throughout the ridges and hollers around Buchanan. Explore some of Bear's stomping ground as you kayak, run, and mountain bike a mostly trail triathlon that showcases the fall beauty and challenging terrain of Botetourt County.



Starting in the Buchanan Town Park, the 23 mile course will begin with a 6 mile kayak on the beautiful James River, featuring numerous Class I and II rapids. After a quick transition to trail shoes, you will have one mile of flat road to get warmed up, then you will hit the trail for a 5 mile section that will take you up and over steep and rocky Cove Mountain to the Bearwallow Gap trail head. There will be no rest for the weary as you climb on your mountain bike for the final 12 mile stage of fire road, single track, and paved road back to the finish at the Buchanan Town Park. This section includes the SWEET 5 mile long Mineshaft trail.