Mountain bikers from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states descended on Oil City’s Clark’s Summit over the Fourth of July weekend as the Allegheny GNAR races returned, culminating Sunday with the Pennsylvania State Downhill Championship.

Riders were able to practice the course beginning Friday before the USA Cycling-sanctioned championship races Sunday afternoon.

Shuttle-assisted downhill rides also gave riders of all ages an opportunity to experience the course without competing.

“I think this is one of our better turnouts this year,” said organizer Russell Lineman.

There were 89 registered participants.

“We have some riders in their 60s this year, and the youngest one is 10,” he added.

Among the newcomers was 15-year-old Ryder Davidson of Virginia, who traveled to Oil City for the first time after being invited by Lineman.

Davidson, who has raced downhill mountain bikes for nine years, said the weekend’s heat added another challenge.

“This is definitely a hot summer,” Davidson said.

Davidson said he regularly competes in the Downhill Southeast race series.

“The last race I did was Snowshoe in West Virginia,” he said. “I do a lot of the Downhill Southeast races. That’s the main series that I do, but Russell, who runs this series, sponsored me for this year.”

While the terrain differed from the courses he typically rides, Davidson said he enjoyed the challenge.

“It’s definitely different,” Davidson said. “There’s a lot more loam — loose forest topsoil — than what I’m used to riding, and it’s a little steeper with tighter corners. I’m used to hard-packed trails, fast wide-open sections, big rock gardens and big jumps. I still enjoy it. It’s definitely fun and a nice change from what I’m used to riding.”

This year’s event also introduced a new four-cross (4X) competition, where groups of four riders raced side-by-side down a twisting mountain course after the drop of a wooden starting gate.

The BMX-inspired format featured tight racing through berms and over a wooden jump, combining speed with friendly competition.

The camaraderie was evident when Franklin rider Nick Roxberry developed a mechanical problem after winning his opening heat.

Rather than forcing him to withdraw, another competitor immediately offered Roxberry the use of his bike so he could continue racing.

Lineman said the organization’s races in President were canceled this year because of logging operations and extensive trail maintenance but are expected to return in 2027.