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C
Craiger
Guest
Ah! You're killing me, Steve. I've really got to get to bed, now. LOL!
Steve
GS Whisperer
Some of the roads were so narrow that there was not enough room for a yellow line. We were often questioned by some of the riders, "Whose driveway is this?"
Yes, they really mean it !!!
In West Virginia, if you are not on a hill, you are in the valley. Water tends to gather at the bottom of the valleys, so we were often riding beside the river.
Yes, they really mean it !!!
In West Virginia, if you are not on a hill, you are in the valley. Water tends to gather at the bottom of the valleys, so we were often riding beside the river.
Steve
GS Whisperer
You may have noticed that not all of the roads are in perfect, pristine condition. This was highlighted by the occasional detour.
Most of the roads were very good, here is our group spread out over a quarter of a mile, and this is only one of four groups.
Lots, lots more, so I won't bore you with them all. 8-[
Most of the roads were very good, here is our group spread out over a quarter of a mile, and this is only one of four groups.
Lots, lots more, so I won't bore you with them all. 8-[
Steve
GS Whisperer
T
TheCafeKid
Guest
We left Seneca Rocks, and rode for a bit, turning onto a road called Smokehole Road. Apparently, last year, the organizers had lead the group down this road last year, explaining that the road was gravel, but well manicured, and since all of the riders were experienced good riders, they felt the scenery was worth the trip on the gravel road. But when they pulled onto it, they remarked that apparently they had paved it since the leader had last been on it just three or four days ago. So it had been a year since it had been paved, and it was still in great shape. A one laner, but it was nice and smooth, and ran up and thru the hills, twisting smoothly in nice sweepers as it did. We pulled to the side of the one lane road and everyone dismounted to take some photos of the gorgeous river that ran along side. It was so fresh and clean looking, I felt as if, should I ever get lost in this wilderness, I would certainly have no qualms about drinking from it.
We remounted and headed further up the road, eventually meeting back up with a two lane, but still remote country road, and headed toward a little town for a gas stop and a break. I cant remember the name of the town, but a rail line ran thru it, and the old train depot had been, as many have across the country, turned into a museaum of sorts.
This was a prime spot for a train depot, as there was yet another large creek/small river running along side the tracks, and I could imagine the days of the B&O steam engines pulling into the station for a resupply of water to feed the boilers.
(BTW thats Steves baby sister there in the pic, the one who is in the process of getting geared up to take orders for embroidered GS Resources shirts )
We then headed out, rolling through the little town, and the local folks, who likely see many parades of bikes thru the season were seemingly accustomed to it, accepting of it and waved to all of us as we passed with smiles on their faces. I feel certain they KNOW what a great little treasure of the world they have there in thier backyards, and are proud of the fact that people travel hundreds and thousands of miles, just for the pleasure of enjoying this little peice of the world.
We ran on a two lane road for a good while, which was relaxing, as we had just come off a good set of twisties that required quite a bit of concentration. One thing I had noticed about all of the miles so far: Whether it was planned this way or not, the organizers of this ride had done a tremendous job in balancing the amount of technical roads, with relaxing cruise type roads. And they seemed to come at just the right times. When you were just about at the point where you might become a bit complacent behind the bars, not bored mind you, but where your attention might start to wander toward the scenery a bit TOO much, a road came up with a great amount of technical turns, that snapped you right back to the task at hand. And when your concentration level was strained from flicking the bike back and forth, and judging entry speed, lean angle and the like, there would be a road that would allow you to relax just a bit, and realign your thought process. I found it to be most enthralling, and it made the many miles traveled each day seem to fly by much too quickly. I never felt stressed or tired in the saddle, and felt as if I could go on forever, as long as I was on the bike.
We climbed the mountains a bit, and passed an area with a very VERY large Astronomical Observatory. I wish we had stopped there so I could take pics of this, but it was likely the largest satalite/radio disch I have ever seen. But, unfortunately, we stopped for a break and a drink just passed the picture taking opertunity.
After a break we continued up the road. It was now that I noticed the group seemed to be spreading out more and more. The leader wasnt necessarily hauling ass, but he wasnt slowing down in the turns either, and some of the group started to fall back. *I* unfortunately didnt have a CB to hear all the banter, but I am sure, based on comments I heard later that evening from some of the riders, that they were getting rather upset because the group leader was often getting out of radio range of his tail gunner, and would only slow down when prompted, and even then, just for mere seconds.
There came a point where Steves youngest sister, her husband Bernie (yeah the Connie14 guy) and myself were together, but a bit back from the lead group, and quite a bit ahead of the rest of the group. We could still, at most times, see the lead group, but I realized then that I hadnt seen the gorgeous white Goldwing that had been tailing me, or Steve or his wife behind us in a while. Again, not having a radio, I didnt know exactly what to do. I stayed with Bernie and Steves sister. We were now climbing back up a ridge, with lovely "POSTED" 20MPH switch backs. My only real other mistake of the weekend was trying to hang a little too much in Bernies hip pocket, and around a LONG right hand, decreasing sweeper, I was layed over to the point that I felt a peg drag, and I was drifting out into the other lane. This was bad, and could have been REAL bad, but thankfully no one was coming the other direction. But I was layed over so far that dropping throttle wasnt something I really felt comfortable in doing, and as some of you know who both are accustomed to chain AND shaft drive bikes, shafties have a little bit of a different reaction to doing so when cornering. SO I scrubbed off some speed with the rear brake, and managed to push a tad more on the bar and get it back into my lane. This was the point in the day where I realized that I was pushing TOO hard, not riding MY ride, and putting myself in harms way. We caught up with the lead group, and made a right turn up Snowshoe Mountain road. I didnt remember seeing this on the route sheet earlier in the morning, but then again, I hadnt really looked at it that hard either. I found it more entertaining to NOT know exactly what was going to happen. But Steve and the rear group I found out later were well out of radio range and never heard the call to head up this un-planned route. Steves sister, Bernie and I slowed, and Steves sister waved us passed, saying she was going to fall back, since SHE had a radio, to see if she could hook up with them. Bernie shot me a look, I shot him one back and a smile, and we darted up the road, hitting the twisties hard. I was pretty sure he had seen me drift out earlier, so I think he held back a bit to allow me to keep up with out being dangerous. Up the mountain we went, and soon after Steve's sister caught up with us, and us with the rest of the lead group. We hit the summit of the mountain, and the view was breathtaking. I think I could see where the Earth curved away on the horizon. Absolutely cloudless sky, and visibility was seemingly infinate. Again, I thought mayhaps we would stop, to both allow the rest of the group to catch up, and some snaps, but the leader just kept on going. I must say, while he did wrong in losing part of his group, and his tail gunner, this man could RIDE that Wing. I dont think I saw his brake lights come on once all the way down that mountain. Steves sister fell back into the gunner position, and at the bottom we stopped at an Exxon to see if Steve and the rest of the group would pass by. We waited a bit, but then the leader ordered everyone to mount up again, and we were on our way. Steve and everyone else that had been seperated had GPSs so I assume he felt as if they could find their way back. Even I was a little irritated by this. It was simply rude, and not very safe. Probably the only fault on the whole weekend by the organizers/leaders.
We cruised back to Elkins and to the motel, where pulling in I found that Steve and the rest of the group were already there. The simply hadnt turned to climb the mountain, and headed for home, beating us by quite a bit. When I entered the motel room, Steve was sitting at the desk purusing the laptop. " I dont know where you guys took off to," he said "but it certainly wasnt on the route. " I felt bad, but I only followed those i was around, because I sure as hell didnt know where I was, and if I had gotten separated, I would have been seriously screwed, especially since by the time we reached the motel, I was seriously low on petrol, and had no idea where I might find a station out there.
We remounted and headed further up the road, eventually meeting back up with a two lane, but still remote country road, and headed toward a little town for a gas stop and a break. I cant remember the name of the town, but a rail line ran thru it, and the old train depot had been, as many have across the country, turned into a museaum of sorts.
This was a prime spot for a train depot, as there was yet another large creek/small river running along side the tracks, and I could imagine the days of the B&O steam engines pulling into the station for a resupply of water to feed the boilers.
(BTW thats Steves baby sister there in the pic, the one who is in the process of getting geared up to take orders for embroidered GS Resources shirts )
We then headed out, rolling through the little town, and the local folks, who likely see many parades of bikes thru the season were seemingly accustomed to it, accepting of it and waved to all of us as we passed with smiles on their faces. I feel certain they KNOW what a great little treasure of the world they have there in thier backyards, and are proud of the fact that people travel hundreds and thousands of miles, just for the pleasure of enjoying this little peice of the world.
We ran on a two lane road for a good while, which was relaxing, as we had just come off a good set of twisties that required quite a bit of concentration. One thing I had noticed about all of the miles so far: Whether it was planned this way or not, the organizers of this ride had done a tremendous job in balancing the amount of technical roads, with relaxing cruise type roads. And they seemed to come at just the right times. When you were just about at the point where you might become a bit complacent behind the bars, not bored mind you, but where your attention might start to wander toward the scenery a bit TOO much, a road came up with a great amount of technical turns, that snapped you right back to the task at hand. And when your concentration level was strained from flicking the bike back and forth, and judging entry speed, lean angle and the like, there would be a road that would allow you to relax just a bit, and realign your thought process. I found it to be most enthralling, and it made the many miles traveled each day seem to fly by much too quickly. I never felt stressed or tired in the saddle, and felt as if I could go on forever, as long as I was on the bike.
We climbed the mountains a bit, and passed an area with a very VERY large Astronomical Observatory. I wish we had stopped there so I could take pics of this, but it was likely the largest satalite/radio disch I have ever seen. But, unfortunately, we stopped for a break and a drink just passed the picture taking opertunity.
After a break we continued up the road. It was now that I noticed the group seemed to be spreading out more and more. The leader wasnt necessarily hauling ass, but he wasnt slowing down in the turns either, and some of the group started to fall back. *I* unfortunately didnt have a CB to hear all the banter, but I am sure, based on comments I heard later that evening from some of the riders, that they were getting rather upset because the group leader was often getting out of radio range of his tail gunner, and would only slow down when prompted, and even then, just for mere seconds.
There came a point where Steves youngest sister, her husband Bernie (yeah the Connie14 guy) and myself were together, but a bit back from the lead group, and quite a bit ahead of the rest of the group. We could still, at most times, see the lead group, but I realized then that I hadnt seen the gorgeous white Goldwing that had been tailing me, or Steve or his wife behind us in a while. Again, not having a radio, I didnt know exactly what to do. I stayed with Bernie and Steves sister. We were now climbing back up a ridge, with lovely "POSTED" 20MPH switch backs. My only real other mistake of the weekend was trying to hang a little too much in Bernies hip pocket, and around a LONG right hand, decreasing sweeper, I was layed over to the point that I felt a peg drag, and I was drifting out into the other lane. This was bad, and could have been REAL bad, but thankfully no one was coming the other direction. But I was layed over so far that dropping throttle wasnt something I really felt comfortable in doing, and as some of you know who both are accustomed to chain AND shaft drive bikes, shafties have a little bit of a different reaction to doing so when cornering. SO I scrubbed off some speed with the rear brake, and managed to push a tad more on the bar and get it back into my lane. This was the point in the day where I realized that I was pushing TOO hard, not riding MY ride, and putting myself in harms way. We caught up with the lead group, and made a right turn up Snowshoe Mountain road. I didnt remember seeing this on the route sheet earlier in the morning, but then again, I hadnt really looked at it that hard either. I found it more entertaining to NOT know exactly what was going to happen. But Steve and the rear group I found out later were well out of radio range and never heard the call to head up this un-planned route. Steves sister, Bernie and I slowed, and Steves sister waved us passed, saying she was going to fall back, since SHE had a radio, to see if she could hook up with them. Bernie shot me a look, I shot him one back and a smile, and we darted up the road, hitting the twisties hard. I was pretty sure he had seen me drift out earlier, so I think he held back a bit to allow me to keep up with out being dangerous. Up the mountain we went, and soon after Steve's sister caught up with us, and us with the rest of the lead group. We hit the summit of the mountain, and the view was breathtaking. I think I could see where the Earth curved away on the horizon. Absolutely cloudless sky, and visibility was seemingly infinate. Again, I thought mayhaps we would stop, to both allow the rest of the group to catch up, and some snaps, but the leader just kept on going. I must say, while he did wrong in losing part of his group, and his tail gunner, this man could RIDE that Wing. I dont think I saw his brake lights come on once all the way down that mountain. Steves sister fell back into the gunner position, and at the bottom we stopped at an Exxon to see if Steve and the rest of the group would pass by. We waited a bit, but then the leader ordered everyone to mount up again, and we were on our way. Steve and everyone else that had been seperated had GPSs so I assume he felt as if they could find their way back. Even I was a little irritated by this. It was simply rude, and not very safe. Probably the only fault on the whole weekend by the organizers/leaders.
We cruised back to Elkins and to the motel, where pulling in I found that Steve and the rest of the group were already there. The simply hadnt turned to climb the mountain, and headed for home, beating us by quite a bit. When I entered the motel room, Steve was sitting at the desk purusing the laptop. " I dont know where you guys took off to," he said "but it certainly wasnt on the route. " I felt bad, but I only followed those i was around, because I sure as hell didnt know where I was, and if I had gotten separated, I would have been seriously screwed, especially since by the time we reached the motel, I was seriously low on petrol, and had no idea where I might find a station out there.
T
TheCafeKid
Guest
After everyone got cleaned up and rested for a bit, there was a big entire rally picture out in front of the fancy looking building next to the motel and then dinner and a Roast or the leaders and organizers of the rally at the steak house across the road. The dinner was great, I was famished, as per the norm for me, I ate rather lite at lunch, because I dont like riding on a full stomache because it makes me tired and my attention span wanes. The Roast was pretty amusing, I certainly got a few laughs out of it. And Steves family was recognized as being the largest single family contengent of the rally, and he stood and talked about how it was the first time that they were all together with thier bikes in one place. He was indeed proud and moved, and rightfully so. His family are amazing people, and I feel blessed to have met them all. And some even mentioned that I was adopted family for the weekend, and I appreciated the welcomness i felt from them.
The main organizer of the event, Wayne, then talked about what had actually started this rally. 6 years before, returning from a trip to Niagra Falls, a few of the Ohio GWRRA X2 chapter had stopped near Elkins because one of the bikes had developed a severe bubble on the tire. Steve was with the group, and thumbed thru the Wing directory, calling the few members that were in this part of WV. He happened to call Wayne, and ask him if he would be willing, since it was listed in the Directory that he had a trailer, to come out and trailer the bike to a place where they could get a tire. Since then the rally has accumulated over 6000 miles, in 6 years, and well over 60 bikes. Pretty amazing in such a short time. Its this type of comraderie that makes groups like the GWRRA and our beloved GSR such a great place, full of great people.
After dinner there was yet another tire changing session, as one of this years riders bikes had also developed a bubble. And, incidentally, it was one of the few Harley riders in the group that went back to his house to pick up HIS jack to change the tire. Hows that for irony? Heh.
I went back to the motel room, beat, a lil saddle sore, and elated at the wonderfull weekend adventure I had. I fell asleep without remembering doing so. The morning came too quickly, and it was time to head home.
The ride home, while beautiful, was somewhat saddening. I wanted to stay out there and ride forever in that beautiful land, and god or whatever maker you may believe in is apparently a motorcyclist, because this place that was created was seemingly invented for just that. We cruised up WV47, crossed the Ohio River and up Ohio 50 thru Athens and Chillicothe till we hit the superslab again. The pace was as quick as possible, as we were endeavoring to beat a very severe storm front that had done some serious damage on its trip across the midwest, and was headed for Dayton. I set my throttle lock, right hand on the bar, left hand across my tank bag and my chin rested on my arm in an effort to tuck down behind my fairing to avoid the beating that the oncoming front's heavy headwind was dishing out. Around Xenia (no its not pronounced X-IN-E-A) I parted ways with Steve and his family, and blasted my way home as quick as I could. The skies grew darker with every passing moment.
Pulling into my driveway, a wave of depression washed over me. I dont know when I will ever be able to return to that seeming wonderland for motorcyclists, and it will be much too long if I ever do. The memories I took home this weekend will be ones that remain close to me for the rest of my days, not only for the roads and the nature, but for the people too.
I want to thank Steve and his family dearly for inviting me along, one cannot repay someone for the opertunity to partake in such a perfect weekend away from the real world. They may never know exactly how much it meant to me, as simple words cannot express it...
The main organizer of the event, Wayne, then talked about what had actually started this rally. 6 years before, returning from a trip to Niagra Falls, a few of the Ohio GWRRA X2 chapter had stopped near Elkins because one of the bikes had developed a severe bubble on the tire. Steve was with the group, and thumbed thru the Wing directory, calling the few members that were in this part of WV. He happened to call Wayne, and ask him if he would be willing, since it was listed in the Directory that he had a trailer, to come out and trailer the bike to a place where they could get a tire. Since then the rally has accumulated over 6000 miles, in 6 years, and well over 60 bikes. Pretty amazing in such a short time. Its this type of comraderie that makes groups like the GWRRA and our beloved GSR such a great place, full of great people.
After dinner there was yet another tire changing session, as one of this years riders bikes had also developed a bubble. And, incidentally, it was one of the few Harley riders in the group that went back to his house to pick up HIS jack to change the tire. Hows that for irony? Heh.
I went back to the motel room, beat, a lil saddle sore, and elated at the wonderfull weekend adventure I had. I fell asleep without remembering doing so. The morning came too quickly, and it was time to head home.
The ride home, while beautiful, was somewhat saddening. I wanted to stay out there and ride forever in that beautiful land, and god or whatever maker you may believe in is apparently a motorcyclist, because this place that was created was seemingly invented for just that. We cruised up WV47, crossed the Ohio River and up Ohio 50 thru Athens and Chillicothe till we hit the superslab again. The pace was as quick as possible, as we were endeavoring to beat a very severe storm front that had done some serious damage on its trip across the midwest, and was headed for Dayton. I set my throttle lock, right hand on the bar, left hand across my tank bag and my chin rested on my arm in an effort to tuck down behind my fairing to avoid the beating that the oncoming front's heavy headwind was dishing out. Around Xenia (no its not pronounced X-IN-E-A) I parted ways with Steve and his family, and blasted my way home as quick as I could. The skies grew darker with every passing moment.
Pulling into my driveway, a wave of depression washed over me. I dont know when I will ever be able to return to that seeming wonderland for motorcyclists, and it will be much too long if I ever do. The memories I took home this weekend will be ones that remain close to me for the rest of my days, not only for the roads and the nature, but for the people too.
I want to thank Steve and his family dearly for inviting me along, one cannot repay someone for the opertunity to partake in such a perfect weekend away from the real world. They may never know exactly how much it meant to me, as simple words cannot express it...
Steve
GS Whisperer
The name of the town is Cass. The railroad is the Cass Scenic Railroad. They use a rather different Shay locomotive for their trains. It was not there when we were, so here are pictures from a previous trip.
Instead of the typical horizontal steam cylinders driving the wheels, the Shay uses three cylinders on each side, driving a 120-degree crankshaft that then turns a shaft that runs along the entire side of the engine and the tender. This shaft has pivots and sliding joints to allow the trucks to make turns, but it has a bevel gear to drive every wheel on the locomotive.
That would be the Green Bank Radio Observatory. The world's largest, fully-steerable single aperture antenna.
T
TheCafeKid
Guest
Thanks Steve for the bonus pics\\
/!!
In retrospect, I took alot more away from this weekend than pictures, memories and the chance to ride on wonderfull roads with equally wonderfull people. I feel as though I came back a different, better rider. I dont normally ride with large groups, as a matter of fact this weekend would be exactly TWICE that i have done so, with the first being the weekend before. The few riders that I have ridden with regularly, besides Steve and my step dad, have less experience and a smaller skillset (not that mine is huge) than myself, so I oft felt stagnate. There is certainly something to be said about riding with people who are better riders than yourself, and being able to study their skills while doing so. I feel more confident in my own ability now, and certainly learned a thing or two about taking corners. Once again, something that you gain that cannot be repaid.
/!!In retrospect, I took alot more away from this weekend than pictures, memories and the chance to ride on wonderfull roads with equally wonderfull people. I feel as though I came back a different, better rider. I dont normally ride with large groups, as a matter of fact this weekend would be exactly TWICE that i have done so, with the first being the weekend before. The few riders that I have ridden with regularly, besides Steve and my step dad, have less experience and a smaller skillset (not that mine is huge) than myself, so I oft felt stagnate. There is certainly something to be said about riding with people who are better riders than yourself, and being able to study their skills while doing so. I feel more confident in my own ability now, and certainly learned a thing or two about taking corners. Once again, something that you gain that cannot be repaid.
dardoonk
Forum Mentor
Thanks Steve for the bonus pics\\
There is certainly something to be said about riding with people who are better riders than yourself, and being able to study their skills while doing so. I feel more confident in my own ability now, and certainly learned a thing or two about taking corners. Once again, something that you gain that cannot be repaid.
Ditto, well said.. That's exactly the point I was trying to make in my PM.
It's a great feeling to come away from any event, whether it be a day ride or a long weekend rally, with more just some great pictures and some new friends. When you can combine that, along with learning something about yourself, your bike, and your riding skills, you've turned a good ride into a great ride.
C
Craiger
Guest
Great write-up, guys! Thanks.
By the way, which one's Steve? Just curious.....and no pics of Cafe Kid? I like putting a name to a face. Makes conversation a bit more personal.
By the way, which one's Steve? Just curious.....and no pics of Cafe Kid? I like putting a name to a face. Makes conversation a bit more personal.
Steve
GS Whisperer
I am the tall ugly one, third from the left.Great write-up, guys! Thanks.
By the way, which one's Steve? Just curious.....and no pics of Cafe Kid? I like putting a name to a face. Makes conversation a bit more personal.
From left to right:
My sister Sandie and her husband, Rosy (from North Carolina)
Me and my wife, Bonita
My sister Sheryl and her husband, Doug (also from oHIo)
My sister Sheila and her husband, Bernie (from Maryland)
Bikes, from left to right:
2005 Honda GL 1800
2002 Honda GL 1800
2000 Honda GL 1500
1982 Suzuki GS 850L
1989 Honda PC 800
1997 Honda GL 1500
2004 Honda ST 1300
2008 Kawasaki Concours 14
.
G
Grandpa
Guest
Where in Maryland?
C
Craiger
Guest
Thanks Steve. I thought that was you as I'd seen your mug in other pics somewhere, but wanted confirmation.
What a great pic. You should put it on a wall.
Steve
GS Whisperer
C
Craiger
Guest
Thanks again!
Steve
GS Whisperer
T
TheCafeKid
Guest
Here is TheCafeKid (with the hat on) looking at Bernie's Connie 14:
.
More like DROOOOLING over Bernies Connie14. She will be mine, OH YES, she will be mine (well, I think I'll wait for the BLACK ones to come over here....and to hit the lotto)
G
Grandpa
Guest
I feel sorry for him with all that congestion. I'm glad I don't go there too often, other than a rare BWI run.
Tell him if he wants to ride invisible roads in our area, to contact me. marinick1@comcast.net . Have him check out this webpage: http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=52 and click on my motorcycle-related articles, such as the latest one.
Also, have him check out http://www.greatroadsgreatrides.com for a collection of rides in our four-State region.
