West Virginia Trip

[bpreynolds]

Just got back last night from a 5 day trip to West Virginia that was about 1400ish miles total.  Took in the towns that included some of Charleston, Kanawha Falls, Marlinton, Cass, Seneca Rocks, and Elkins.  Very scenic though the weather was largely uncooperative and I had to stay in the lower elevations on all days except that blue sky first day near Kanawha Falls.  Rainy weather made for some pretty hanging fog pictures, however.  The last day culminated in a Staying Safe course with Eric Trow which was enjoyable and informative.  Not a single Guzzi in the garage these days but I keep hopping on this forum and can't seem to get away from you cuddly, loveable lugs, I guess ;)  Anyhow, here is a link to the photobucket slide show that includes all the pics and then a few sample beneath it.  Stayed at the Old Clark Inn one night and just like you guys have always said, Nelson is/was fantastic and integral on helping me find roads that were beneath the fod/cloud lines.

http://s212.photobucket.com/user/bpreynolds/slideshow/KTM%20Supermoto/Louisville%20to%20Morgantown%20WV

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I guess Bill, Travis and I were fortunate to only have one day of rain on our recent trip down to the WV Mountain Guzzi Rally. We were in some of the same areas, just a week earlier.

[Lannis]

Yep, that's West Virginia all right!

Sorry that the rain kept you out of the high places and watching your step on the curves, but I've ridden many a mile in WV in the rain over the years and it's still worth it ....

Lannis

[PJPR01]

Looks cool (no pun intended)...time for another Guzzi in the Garage!

[Lannis]

Looks cool (no pun intended)...time for another Guzzi in the Garage!

Yes, but what kind shall we encourage?

That KTM is the functional equal (allowing for brand loyalty) of the Quota or Stelvio.

So perhaps either an 80's Tonti-frame, or maybe a light, low modern small-block ... ?

Lannis

[bpreynolds]

MG will always be the soft spot in my motorcycle heart and it's still my favorite marquee overall.  I'll likely own another someday but right now I'm just surprised by how much I'm enjoying the garage space.  No, seriously, I mean that, literally enjoying the garage space.  Actually cleaned the place up for the first time in years.  A mere 4 months ago there was a giant mess in there, tools everywhere and 3 bikes, none of which getting the use it deserved.  I sighed every time I opened the door.  Sold them all, bought the 950 and have put about 6k miles on the blasted thing in a little over 3 months' time. But the 950 is not a new discovery per se, I've wanted one for probably near 10 years. Finally got one and it mostly, mostly I say, has not disappointed me. 

Anyhow, yes the rain came down in sheets on the trip but I thought it made for some beautiful scenery all on its own.  Something about how a train, a mountainside, and a general store somehow look better to my eyes right after a cloud burst.   

[ohiorider]

MG will always be the soft spot in my motorcycle heart and it's still my favorite marquee overall.  I'll likely own another someday but right now I'm just surprised by how much I'm enjoying the garage space.  No, seriously, I mean that, literally enjoying the garage space.  Actually cleaned the place up for the first time in years.  A mere 4 months ago there was a giant mess in there, tools everywhere and 3 bikes, none of which getting the use it deserved.  I sighed every time I opened the door.  Sold them all, bought the 950 and have put about 6k miles on the blasted thing in a little over 3 months' time. But the 950 is not a new discovery per se, I've wanted one for probably near 10 years. Finally got one and it mostly, mostly I say, has not disappointed me. 

Anyhow, yes the rain came down in sheets on the trip but I thought it made for some beautiful scenery all on its own.  Something about how a train, a mountainside, and a general store somehow look better to my eyes right after a cloud burst.   

I am glad you enjoyed your WV trip, though you could have done with a lot less rain!  I'm a native of Charleston, WV, but only did a small amount of motorcycling when I lived there.  I hope the weather was ok for you when you left Charleston and rode US60 to Hawks Nest.

I'm responding also because your comment about thinning the herd and regaining some garage space feels good. I'm about to do the same.  In my case, health issue may limit me to smaller, lighter, and lower bikes, which means the 1991 BMW R100GS and the 2008 1200 Sport could be sacrificed to a greater cause (keeping me on the road on two wheels!)  Not sure yet about any of this, but I need to precondition myself to the likelihood that I am going to need lighter, lower, and smaller bikes.

If you didn't do it, you should take the ride up the Cass Railroad to the top of the mountain, and spend some time at what used to be called the Green Bank Naval Observatory.

Bob

[PJPR01]

I hear you! 

After re-organizing, donating, throwing away and grouping by activity all my gear, painting walls, sealing floors and putting up steel cabinets in the garage, adding some LED lighting, and re-hanging all my automotive/motorcycle flags, hanging bicycles and unicycles on the walls in nice holders and some decorations with some National Park posters, and most importantly, adding a dart board for fun and having space for the table tennis competitions, I'm loving being in the garage even more.

I just added another obscure Guzzi this weekend to keep the Norge company, going to get it plated and then share it on the board.  Needless to say...puttering around in the garage is FUN!

[kingoffleece]

Just returned for my annual 4 day Columbus Day weekend ride in WV.  Always a great time.  Lots of rain this year but spectacular views of the fog lifting out of the valleys.

[DanD]

Nice pics! I love riding WV! 

Highway 16 out of St. Mary south all the way to VA is a wonderful ride, curves, hills, scenery are all there in spades.

Now I'm itching to go back. 

Bob, I'd be interested in the R100GS if'n you decide to sell or trade her. My Husky TR650 Strada (factory hot rodded 58 HP F650 GS) weighs in at stealthy 410 pounds and carries the weight low in the frame as the fuel tank is actually under the seat. Just a thought!   

[Rough Edge racing]

 I just drove down to Wellsburg WV area to drop off the Buell and buy the Ducati 900M.. I drove up into the hills and the roads were entertaining...The rusting bridges and industrial buildings tell a story......It was recommended to eat at the Crooked Dock bar/restaurant in Wellsburg ....maybe it was an off day, there was plenty of food but it wasn't anything to write home about...
  I could live in WV and fit right in ....

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I just drove down to Wellsburg WV area to drop off the Buell and buy the Ducati 900M.. I drove up into the hills and the roads were entertaining...The rusting bridges and industrial buildings tell a story......It was recommended to eat at the Crooked Dock bar/restaurant in Wellsburg ....maybe it was an off day, there was plenty of food but it wasn't anything to write home about...
  I could live in WV and fit right in ....

I don't consider the northern or eastern panhandles the "real" WV. Northern should just be annexed by PA and the eastern by VA. 

[Demar]

Thanks for the pics. I visited Cass in 1994. Beautiful countryside. At that time I also rode the Gettysburg Railroad which unfortunately is no longer running after a boiler explosion destroyed the engine.

[Dean Rose]

I don't consider the northern or eastern panhandles the "real" WV. Northern should just be annexed by PA and the eastern by VA. 

We don't want it. 


Dean