West Virginia - Lets finish this off

I've tried to write these last two days up and move on with my blog and talk about other things. But, I've made a mistake and accidentally deleted a whole days topic. So much and many other things to talk about.

I'll just make this quick.

Day 6 - Redemption! Finally I was able to get away from the pushers. This trip was called 'The Gable End of Hell' in the guidebook but it should have been called Solace or Redemption or something like that. The day began on Hwy 41 to 55 over to 20 and onto 15. The gateway to 15 is Webster Springs. A town that needs to be explored more fully. I followed a log truck for a ways and that helped keep the pushers at bay. Being on a small vehicle you tend to get picked on. I found this same phenomenon when I drive in small cars - drivers in larger vehicles like to try and push these people around on the road. Explains why I've had five rear-end collisions and most of them involved large vehicles like trucks and vans. The problem was either someone had their head up their ass and usually following way to close with way too big of a vehicle.

The best part of Day 6 was the town of Cass. This is something you really got to see. It's a whole town that was bought - lock, stock and barrel by the state of West Virginia in the 1960s. All of the houses, the railroad, company store - every bit of it. The vintage railroad is in working order and you can take trips to the top of the mountain on it. The sound of the whistle will bring you back to earlier times. I love the sound of Johnny Cash playing Orange Blossom special and I can see where he gets that sound he makes on his harmonicas. Definitely stop and see Cass if you are in the area.

I was able to revisit FR 150 - a highly delectable motorcycle road. Not as many curves but so nice views and very little traffic. Returned to the campsite and began thinking about leaving the next day. Start working my way back home.

Days 7 - Search for the Swiss. Now this route should have been labelled The Gable End of Hell. Day 7 was the most trying and arduous journey on the entire trek. The day started with a decision to break camp and leave the resort. I was getting tired of the place and the latest tenants made the decision final. I was thinking of doing most of this route and the make my final decision in Helvetia.

After leaving the resort, fueling - I began the hunt for CR19. I was able to find exactly this route on the GPS or the maps but between the guide book and some surmising - I finally found this backwoods roads that only the locals seem to know about. CR19 turned out to be a gravely semi-asphalt one lane road. Yet, even this desolate road in the West Virgina back country had more pushers and some nerve-wracking on coming cars. This area is very pretty but wasn't able to take much of the view in as I was watching for pushers, oncoming traffic and deer. Eventually, I made it to 16 in Clay - then followed 4. I missed a turn and some very nice locals offered my assistance in finding my way.

Hwy 4 was smooth, gentle and rolling as it followed the Elk River. The only detraction was the dilapidated shacks that obscured the view. I ended up getting turned around in Sutton and had to pick my way through some road construction. Eventually, I made my way to Hwy 15 - another nice motorcycle road. I found the next road CR22 but this road was closed - thank goodness. It looked like a road more for a dirt bike than a street bike. I motored on and enjoy the rest of Hwy 15.
This eventually led my to CR3.

CR3 is where the comedy of errors began and my bikes dual-sport features came into play. I remember reading the guide book that said avoid this road if you don't want to take the backwoods route. CR3 was not too bad as it started. Mostly asphalt but then gave way to gravel. The smooth throttle and the long suspension on the Versys made all of this possible. After several miles of this I came to an intersection - I wasn't sure which way to go. I took a left and found myself at this beautiful white country chapel. Out in the middle of nowhere - the grass was neatly trimmed and all of the windows had nice little curtains. It was kind of curious to see this out here - I was not sure if I was seeing a vision or not. Still I was not sure where I was supposed to be and the GPS just kept rerouting me and stupidly I kept following it. I followed it through some rough road and through deep water. Finally, I gave up and decided to turn around.

I was in a total freaked out mode at this point and just wanted to get out of this area. I turned around and went back to the original intersection. I almost went back down CR3 but I thought I'd give the left a try and see where it headed. This lead finally into Pickens and I began to see signs for Helvatia. Helvatia was so small that I went right passed it. I did a u-turn and when right into the restaurant. I need a drink (a good hard belt would have been good at that point) but when for an ice-tea and a nice salad. Their menu was mostly meat - the salad was the only vegetarian choice on the menu. It was still good and refreshing.

At this point - I was ready to head for home. Which was was it going to be? Either Winchester, Virginia (the birthplace of Patsy Cline) or make my way to Morgantown - which was more direct path home. I decided the weather wasn't looking good and I had been on the road for a week. Morgantown it was and I'll see Winchester another time.

That is the end of my story about my visit to West Virginia. The remainder part of my journey was just working my way back home - took some super slab and took some back roads. Next year - I'll point my two wheels in another direction for my one week reprieve and see something else.

West Virginia Part IV

Slowly I'm putting all of my ride reports up from West Virginia. Eventually it will all be here. I realized that I wrote about Day 4 twice! Ooops. Here's Day 5.

Day 5

I feel the speed that a few of the locals insist on driving at are taking some of the fun out of this trip. You lose one insane driver to only have another tailgate you. Blowing through a 35 mph curve at 50 mph with a gravel strewn roadway is unnerving. The large number of roadside memorials I feel are attributed to this speed. Everyone is so much in a hurry that they can't spare a few moments to save a life. The first part of today's ride was the best ever. 39 east form Summersville pass through Richwood. A typical backwater town. Seemed nice en ought. Couldn't seem to find the Falls of Hills Creek. I suspect where I should have turned off - but there wasn't a specific sign for it - something to do with 'Overlook'.

Found the Cranberry Biologic Reserve. The solitude that the guide book described was foiled by a maintenance crew cutting the lawn around the parking area. Even in the glades themselves I could hear the screams of the small engine weed wackers and lawn mowers. Ugh - I can't seem to escape these maintenance crews. This is a beautiful spot and good area for photography.



Leaving the Reserve I tried to backtrack to the falls - learning my lesson from the day before. I had more time on my hands and there was no hurry in getting anywhere. I went back a few kilometers but didn't see anything. Then did a U-turn and headed over to the Nature Center but it was closed. I did find FR150 - this is an awesome motorcycle road - very few cars, still have to watch out for those deer. I was able to ride this road in complete freedom without being pushed by a car. The views are awesome and the hiking looks incredible. FR150 meets up with 219. 219 is windy and sinuous - another decent motorcycle road. Very challenging, lucky for me no pushers.

Drove through Marlington. Saw the sign for the museum 1/4 mile ahead. This museum was described in the guide book as being a collection of eclectic objects and worth the hour to peruse the objects. I kept looking for the museum and slowed down a bit, checked the mirrors - no cars, not there, not there - oops there it is, put on brakes - car right on my ass - no idea where it came from. I drove off the road immediately luckily the car did not follow me. Fudge moment for sure - left me in a queasy mood. Trying to figure out how I could have done this better and avoided that car. I just couldn't figure out where it came from!

The museum was a musty collection of artifacts from the local area. Basically, it looked like several families had unloaded their attics and dumped it off at this location. I moved on from this location to the Pearl S. Buck museum down the road. Again, foiled by maintenance crews. I pulled into the parking area and the lawn mowers and cutting crews were all over. I was told by a woman in the parking area to no park on the grass to allow the cruise to do their job. I was frustrated at this point and didn't bother to look for another spot. Between the incident at the last museum and being faced with ANOTHER maintenance crew - I just motored on. Another pusher also soured my mood.



I saw signs for a 'Lost World Caverns' but never could find the location in Lewisburg and gave up. I headed back to the camp site even though it was early. I was rewarded by following a professional pair of HD riders but we were hounded by another pusher. Some rewards in this day but a few lousy moments too - have to look for the bright spots.

West Virginia Part III

Day 4

I woke early at 6:30 am. This is typical for me during the work week, I was following my natural rhythms. I used earplugs the night before for a restful sleep and they worked great. In these types of campgrounds your fellow campers tend to be noisy as this is considered cheap accomodations. The twenty-somethings with limited funds for lodging but seemingly unlimited funds for beer are attracted to these surroundings. On this morning, I realized that I had not brought camp fuel and thus no warm breakfast or hot tea. Looks like a trip into Bob Evan's for breakfast and tea. A Spral-mart was located nearby as well and I could resupply my larder and my forgotten camping supplies. What would do in this day and age without a big box store nearby?

While at the Spral-mart I picked up a pair of Suspenders for my riding pants. I got tired of the John Wayne look and decided to hitch up my britches. These work great - my riding pants are a bit heavy and the suspenders provide a lot of support. Wish I would have thought of this sooner. Ocean needed breakfast as well and I supplied her with 5 gallons of 87 octane. This morning tour was Greenbrier Valley, according to the tour book this is moderate hills, mostly valley touring along routes following rivers. I started out on 41 and quickly had my first deer sighting - that put my on ultra-alert. Babcock State Park and it's gris mill was my first stop. The gris mill is assembled from several other gris mills and restored here in this park and it still churns out flour and corn meal. It's beautiful scenery and a great photo stop. Lots of good hiking in this location.



The ride through 41 to CR31 meeting up with 20 was beautiful, intense and exhilerating. The destination was the overlook for Sandstone Falls. Took a picture from the Overlook but did not go to the falls themselves. I had more time on my hands that I was aware of - the day was one missed location after another. Hinton was up next and was supposed to see the rows of old company houses but the traffic was 'heavy' in the 'downtown core' and being hot, I just moved on after a few failed attempts at locating this landmark. Looks like a nice enough town once you got to know it. Near Hinton I saw another deer in someone's driveway - they are all over. Had several locals riding my tail all morning - added to my stress levels. I understand that these are their roads and I'm just a tourist down here. I feel the same when they come to visit Niagara Falls and I have to ride behind them at a snails pace.



Missed the John Henry statue as a road crew had taken over the parking lot. It would have been a nice stop for a photo and water. But, felt like I had to push on. Arrived in Lewiston in the afternoon but this town wasn't as quaint and picturesqe as the guidebook had suggested - it was traffic clogged and congested. I almost got wiped out by a cell-phone packing soccer mom in her SUV. This town is close to 64 and is becoming like many towns today - taken over by franchises, strip malls and big box stores.

This day felt like a bust and I came back to the camp site at around 4:00 pm and logged 300 kilometers on the odometer. I was deflated a bit and a little depressed. Still getting used to the pace and learning to work with the locals and their idea of traffic laws.

West Virginia Part II

Day 3
The morning began foggy but would burn off later. I was still plagued by work problems and hoping to shake it soon. Called work and the contacts I needed, ended up in a conference call at 9:30 am in the parking lot of the motel I was staying at. It felt good to get this sorted out before launching into my vacation. I didn't want the problems of work on my mind as I rode my motorcycle.

With work dispensed with and now truly in vacation mode I was ready to try out the first ride - New River Gorge. Started with a visit to the Carnifax Ferry Battlefield. Very interesting place with great signage. I'd like to visit that again.

Moved on to the Summerville Dam. Nice view and the lake is pretty. Realized that everyone drives fast just like everywhere else. Even if I was riding over the speed limit I found someone right behind me. I either sped up or I'd find a place to safely pull over and let them pass. 39 from Summervile is a food road - had lots of fun on that one.

After the dam, headed to Hawks Nest State Park. I really liked 16 but it is technically challenging. The road almost seems to fold in on itself in several places. You can see the scrapes in the pavement where cars have bottomed out. The views were intense from the lookout platforms. Highly recommended.



New River Gorge Bridge was next on the list. It's quite the ride on a bike - it's straight as an arrow but you feel like you are on top of the world. Only a motorcyclist will experience this kind of thrill. You're just not going to get in a car. Maybe a bit in a convertible. The visitor center was OK and worth a look to get some local history. I used CR82 from the visitor center to head south. CR82 is the old route that people used to cross this section of the river. You really felt like you were going back in time. The road is tight and narrow and even difficult for motorcycles to travel on.

Final stop of the day was in Thurmond. Very nice ride out to this old rail town that is being run by the National Park Service. Worth it - go see it.



Wrapped up the day by travelling 61 to 41. Don't miss the Prince Rail Station.


Day 4
I had moved from the motel the day before and had setup camp before leaving for the days travels. This was the fist morning at the campsite and as I began preparing breakfast I realized that I didn't bring camp fuel. No warm food - no hot tea. I headed into town and grabbed breakfast at the Bob Evans. I know, I know - I'd liked to have found a local establishment but those seem to be far and few between these days as the chains and the box stores have moved in and wiped those places off the map. Made a stop at Spral-Mart for the requisite supplies.

First stop is Babcock State Park - wanted to see the Gris Mill. Very picturesque, would like to camp at this park - looked better than where I was staying. Next headed towards Sand Stone Falls on 20. Took a pictures form the overlook but did not go to the falls themselves. I thought I had less time and could have made the stop. But, so many places and things to do.



Went through Hinton - another nice size town with interesting history.

This was a day of misses. I missed the John Henry statue - the parking lot had been taken over by road crews. It would have been a nice break. Then I wanted to stop in Lewisburg but the traffic was crazy! I almost got taken out by an SUV. I motored on back to my camp site and arrived at 4:00 pm.

West Virginia Part I

I'm back from my trip to West Virginia. This is my once yearly big motorcycle trip and I spent a week on the road touring and exploring West Virginia. I took notes on each day of the trip to remind me of my experiences while I was travelling.

Day 1 - Saturday July 12th
I was on the fence as to whether I should go or should I wait until Sunday. The weather forecast looked dodgy and that always puts me in tension. But, I kept fiddling with the bike and loading up the saddle bags. I was thinking I could do the whole trip to Summerville, my base camp in one day. The bike was loaded and the dogs had been walked and breakfast had been consumed, cleaned and put away by 11:00. Finally, I decided to leave. I had lots on my mind including work. Work had not gone well on Friday and I was leaving with a large project unfinished with a deadline for Monday the 14th.

I made it to Erie, Pennsylvania in time for lunch - about 2 hours away from home. Not bad timing. I was ready for some good food - it pays buckets to eat well when you are on the road. I found a Panera Bread store and had a good vegetarian sandwich and a green iced tea. Remember to stay hydrated as well, I thought. With plenty of fuel in the bike and myself - I was ready to head south to West Virginia. I made it to Waynesburg and an Econolodge. The price was right and the room was clean with new carpet.

Day 2
I was close to Summersville maybe 3 hours most - I didn't want to go and sit at the campground all day. I found a brochure to a toy museum about an hour and 1/2 in Moundsville, West Virginia and it looked interesting. I fueled the bike and checked the tires for air. The temperature was 26 degrees Celsius with light rain and overcast skies. The ride to Moundsville was a full immersion into what I would be doing for the next 5 days. Rolling hills and tall mountains with roads that hugged the contours of the land. The strip malls and franchise joints faded away as I rode deeper into the country side.

Moundsville was town that looked like it's heydays had come and gone several times but there was still some charm left in this town. Must be some opportunities still available as I saw a lot of people. I arrived in town early, before the 11:00 am opening of the toy museum - I found a park called Grand View and thought I'd check that out. The park was located high up on a mountain and when I arrived I was surprised that the 'view' was not grand, it was obscured by trees and the park signs were poor in letting visitors know where to go, where to park and what you could do. I used this as a rest stop and motored on.

The toy museum had changed it's hours and the tourist brochures had not been updated. It turned out to be closed on Sundays and not open. I took a few pictures from the outside and decided it was time to head to Summersville. I took Rt. 250, another curvy picturesque road that was a motorcyclist dream. Found a chain joint for lunch and head for the Spral-Mart for food and snacks. Heading into Summerville the rain began, lightly at first. I found the 'resort' and checked in for camping. The rain was falling harder now. Went to the campsite, could barely make out the site numbers at this point and saw what looked like my spot. It was at this point had turned into a large mud pit. I decided to bag camping that night and motor back into town for a motel room.

The rain was coming down in buckets now. The vents in my jacket were wide open for ventilation and the rain was pouring in. I could barely see out my visor and the ride was nerve-wracking to say the least. Finally after what seemed like miles (about 6 miles to be precise) I found a suitable motel with Internet access. While checking in, water was pouring out of my jacket - I couldn't seem to make it stop. I must have took on several gallons of water. Even after I got in the room - the jacket kept draining for another 1/2 hour.

With Internet access I could start to resolve the mess at work and begin to set my mind at ease for my vacation. I still had to deal with those awful negative thoughts in my head. Talk more about that later.

Putting her back together

I disassembled the top part of Ocean to install some modifications and do some much needed cleaning. The ChargeGuard monitor and the ChargeX on-board battery charger both from Kisan have been installed. These were installed on Corrina my F650Cs. After the rape of Corrina by the Budd's BMW - I never reinstalled the ChargeGuard monitor but later did re-install the ChargeX. The ChargeGuard provides the rider with volt/amp/outside temp readings. This will help me to check on the charge level and keep from overloading the bikes electrical system. I don't plan to add much but it's a handy gadget just the same.

Also, my top trunk and top rack have arrived and I've installed that. This includes a third brake light kit - very cool. Always can use more conspicuity. I chose the V46 from Givi - it seems a bit large but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I don't plan on riding with that case all of the time - just use it for touring and my trips to Rochester. It's got plenty of room to hold two full face helmets.

Tomorrow I need to run to the store and get some oil and some other odds and ends for the trip on Saturday. The day is getting closer and I'm really excited about seeing West Virginia. My GPS is programmed with all of the routes. I'll post some pics after I get the bike back together and have her ready for the road.

On the guitar front - it's going well. Ross my guitar instructor seemed pleased with my progress on the rhythm exercises and Wildwood flower. I've moved on to exercise 1A and will start a 6 attack rhythm soon there after. My friend Steve and I jammed a bit in Rochester this week. He's naturally a better rhythm player and I do pretty good on the melody and lead. We might have little group going here. The camaraderie of a shared passion is something to be enjoyed.

You've got a friend in me

The 4th of July weekend is over and I've returned safe and sound from Amherstburg - meeting up with my best motorcycle buddy ever, Sharon. This was the first time we had met in person and it was just like meeting up with an old friend. There was instant recognition. The moment we met we just started talking about the bikes. She rides an awesome BMW F800ST that she has named Jesse. As in Jesse Owens the famous athlete that beat the Germans in the 1939 Olympics.

We met up at about 5:30 at the Bondy House in Amherstburg. I had started at 11:30 am in St. Catharines and arrived at about 3:30 pm in Amherstburg. The B&B did not open until 5:00 and so I just waited outside for the house to open or for Sharon to arrive. The house opened before Sharon arrived and I met our hostess Carolyn Davies. I was shown my room and around the house - this gave me plenty of time to unwind and relax. This was a good opportunity to play my guitar next to the pond and just let all the tensions of the day and the week before go. Carolyn has created a wonderful B&B. I highly recommend this place if you are going to be in Amherstburg. Carolyn is also a rider and she thoroughly understands the needs of motorcyclists.

When Sharon arrived - we just went right for the bikes and stood outside for an hour talking about them and the ride. I feel that was a magical moment of rider camaraderie. This is one of the things that I love about motorcycling - is meeting other motorcyclist and sharing the love of the ride.

....

It's getting late and I should cut the post short. There is much more to tell but it's Tuesday and that means I have to prepare for the trip to Rochester. I won't be riding as I need to bring some large items back with me like the new trunk and rack for Ocean.

On the guitar front - I'll have my meeting with my Guitar Instructor. I'm doing well on Wildwood Flower - still not quite there yet but improving. My rhythm practice is going well - I think I've got the first exercise. I've moved the metronome from 60 bpm to 75 bpm - sounds not too bad.