Old Dominion Leaf Peeper's Assn

[cafn8d]

I mentioned the BW in Covington only for consideration as an alternative if Summersville doesn't work out. Though I'm not familiar with Summersville and its immediate area, I'm cool (Ha! Cool! Fall ride? Cool? Ha!) with spending the night there.

I've ridden the roads northeast and southeast of Summersville but never that area specifically, so I'm looking forward to this.

I'm giving it an 80% shot that I'm in. I'm riding to New England 27 Sep to 8 Oct, so I think I might need a little dessert after that heavy meal. :hyper:

 

[spklbuk]

Called Marlinton Motor Inn, asked about 6-10 rooms (was guessing). Rooms are currently open for either weekend, discount rate = 1 adult $59.95 including tax, $69.95 for two adults including tax. If it turns out to be the choice, to call either Debbie or Teresa ASAP as they anticipate filling up w/ leafers and bow hunters. Toll free - 1-800-354-0821

I used to live and work in Summersville. It's a resort town built up around a Lake and Gauley River whitewater rafting - it is nice enough prosperus town w/ all amenities most things arranged in strip mall kinda fashion.

If Covington, Marlinton and Summersville are viable choices, why not Lewisburg? Only 35 miles or so from either and hell of lot more character to the town, and can ride Va, WV or both. Can still start off at Monteray, Staunton or Lexington and end up there eventually. Just offering alternative suggestions.

Jim

 

[luvtoride]

I mentioned the BW in Covington only for consideration as an alternative if Summersville doesn't work out. Though I'm not familiar with Summersville and its immediate area, I'm cool (Ha! Cool! Fall ride? Cool? Ha!) with spending the night there.
I've ridden the roads northeast and southeast of Summersville but never that area specifically, so I'm looking forward to this.

I'm giving it an 80% shot that I'm in. I'm riding to New England 27 Sep to 8 Oct, so I think I might need a little dessert after that heavy meal. :hyper:

Good deal!

Hey cafn8d, did I meet you at EOM? I met so many people & my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be... not that it actually was that sharp... not sure, I don't remember... I ALWAYS forget names.

Jim, Marlinton is quite a bit further than 1/2 way thru the route & Lexington quite a bit further then that. The route you've named, by the way looks grrreat! I was thinking that if we make shorter miles on Saturday it'll allow some time for stops, etc. Also, some of the people coming are already riding a good distance before we get to the hills. Don't want to burn the travelers out b4 Sunday, right? I myself have about 250 miles to get to Monterey, VA.

I like your route, too... but are you thinking about Rte 311? Me luvs me sum 311!

Heidi

 

[spklbuk]

Heidi, sorry, sometimes I get so trapped in the sooo many roads, sooo little time mentality that my brain freezes. I was/am just brainstorming, not intendng to push anything on anyone. And yes, I was kinda leanin' to 311 - lions and tigers and bears, oh my! - but better leaf peeping elsewhere.

Now that the clutter has left my head, Summersville just might be the best overnight stopover if the group chooses to do the proposed route. If it is y'alls pleasure, will check on accomodations post haste, let me know.

I know I'm doing it again, but a nice after check-in evening loop, if there are those who haven't had enough, would be 39 down to Gauley Bridge and E60 over Gauley MtnII (a favorite local sport bikers) to Babcock State Park overlooking the New River Gorge and S19 detour to the canyon rim visitor center @ New River Gorge bridge and back to S'ville - leaf peeping extraordinairre.

For the adventurous, on to Fayetteville and back north down into Gorge across the river via Fayette Station Road (think Dragon and Snake), to Anstead to S'ville but I'll have to scout that one, haven't been over it they made it touristy rafter kinda road. Or for that matter, it might make a nice way to start the day Sun morning if there was an interest. There is good riding whichever and however we choose to turn - wVA/eWV almost motorcycle heaven!

Jim

 

[luvtoride]

Heidi, sorry, sometimes I get so trapped in the sooo many roads, sooo little time mentality that my brain freezes. I was/am just brainstorming, not intendng to push anything on anyone. And yes, I was kinda leanin' to 311 - lions and tigers and bears, oh my! - but better leaf peeping elsewhere.
Now that the clutter has left my head, Summersville just might be the best overnight stopover if the group chooses to do the proposed route. If it is y'alls pleasure, will check on accomodations post haste, let me know.

I know I'm doing it again, but a nice after check-in evening loop, if there are those who haven't had enough, would be 39 down to Gauley Bridge and E60 over Gauley MtnII (a favorite local sport bikers) to Babcock State Park overlooking the New River Gorge and S19 detour to the canyon rim visitor center @ New River Gorge bridge and back to S'ville - leaf peeping extraordinairre.

For the adventurous, on to Fayetteville and back north down into Gorge across the river via Fayette Station Road (think Dragon and Snake), to Anstead to S'ville but I'll have to scout that one, haven't been over it they made it touristy rafter kinda road. Or for that matter, it might make a nice way to start the day Sun morning if there was an interest. There is good riding whichever and however we choose to turn - wVA/eWV almost motorcycle heaven!

Jim

Jim, tell me about getting trapped in so many roads. You really sound like you know the area. Besides this trip, it sounds like I need to get up w/ you & ride "almost heaven" with an "in the know" person. I love the part of WV that I've ridden & haven't put a dent in it, yet. What I did ride was up in the mid-northwestern-northern part except for a very few roads in the southwest. Have you done Smokehole Rd or Howards Lick Road, yet? If not I highly recommend both.

I'd like to do that evening loop with you but I'm afraid that I'll probably be burnt by the time we hit Summersville. If I've got a few miles left in me it probably won't be another hundred. If there's a hundred left I'd probably stay away fr/ anything too technical. I'm not positive of everyone else's mileage getting in. I know that some will be comparable to my own & will also be riding into town 2 up. I might actually be interested in your evening loop proposal down to the "adventurous" route. I'd love to see Gauley Bridge. That loop looks maybe 50 miles?

Another thought is AdrianNKY... he's riding in fr/ Kentucky. If he planned to meet us at the hotel instead of shooting across the state to ride in w/ us, he might like to join you. (he's fr/ California... he might want to see what the east coast has to offer... hint, hint) Just thinking out loud... don't know his plans, yet... but I do know that he's watching this thread. Maybe PM him?

If you'd check the info w/ hotels in S'ville it'd be very "highly" appreciated. You's good meester! Thank you!

Heidi

 

[FJR Gary]

Marlinton or Summersville either one would seem to make a good stop-over point. Summersville is about 325-350 miles for me, depending on route to get there. I checked out some of the other roads Jim suggested and there seems to be an endless supply of twisties there.

Keep in mind that the weekend of the 14-15 is 2 weeks before Daylight Saving Time ends so it will probably be getting dark around 6:30 -7:00.

I'm looking forward to this ride

 

[spklbuk]

Gary, I to am looking forward to this ride - esp. since its with like-biked folks (FJRs kinda scarce around here - the posers all think I'm strange and the sport bikers are just a little too insane and can only ride 20 min a pop). Yep, twisties galore if'n you look for 'em.

Heidi, I'm sorta familiar w/ the area, lived here all my life and have spent the last 40 riding over it. Most of my time in the eastern panhandle has been spent float fishing, hope to remedy that when my SO is able to return to riding next spring - will be sure to traverse Smole Hole and Howard's Lick. We just might have to plan a spring green up run (it only seems a fittin' followup to a leaf peeper)!

Will check w/ Adrian to see what's up. Will check S'ville lodging tomorrow after work - might be a good excuse to go scout Fayette Sta adventurous canyon run too. The suggested evening loop can be shortened if we shoot straight down 19S 4-lane and still see most of the highlights - so 50 miles max, I think less -will check it.

To all who may attend, if we end up in SUMMERSVILLE - OBEY ALL SPEED LIMITS in and near the place - it is a CERTIFIABLE SPEED TRAP - hell a billboard to the south of the town brought to you as a public service by a disgruntled local says so . 2/3 of the city government operates off the revenue from speeding out of state passersby. However, the mayor rides a bike and the town plays hosts a rally or two each year and most residents are biker friendly folks.

Getting psyched, sure hope this thing comes together!

Jim

 

[cafn8d]

Hello, Heidi. I recall meeting you also, but I'm also having a hard time putting a face to a name. Damn! Too many people at EOM!

Like Gary, I'm riding from Northern Virginia, so it'll take me a little more than half a day to get to Monterey, then whatever amount of time to get to the destination. To get home by Sunday night will probably entail riding roads in a direction generally northeast from the motel.

 

[spklbuk]

Should we just move the whole plan further north? Shorter ride in for several. Some powerful good ridin' and peepin' at alpine elevations in the Canaan Valley/Blackwater Falls area - a little known fire tower on Backbone Mtn where you can see for miles and miles. Most photographed spot in WV at Lindy Point overlooking Blackwater Canyon. Easy swing by Smoke Hole/Seneca. Short jump on Sun back to 250 if headed east home, 28/55 thru Petersburg if headed northeast home. Might be possible to stay at one of the two state parks - nice lodges and restaurants likely reasonable rates(??) and there is always Elkins (though I loathe the place, but that's just a personal thing).

Best rates of those called in S'ville were at B. Western and Sleep Inn, $63.00 if for 6-10 rooms. B.Western edge of town, breakfast, short ride from everything, mixed reviews on the web. Sleep Inn in commercial alley, breakfast, walk to everything and 10% discount at nearby restaurants w/ room key. Better reviews on the web. Can cancel up to 6 p.m. the day of at Sleep Inn, but forgot to ask at B.Western. Best experience over the phone w/ Sleep Inn for whatever that's worth.

All bets are off on S'ville as a place to stay if for the 21 & 22, Bridge day 25 miles to the south, 20,000 expected, rooms $100/night if you can find one.

Rode the extracurricular 55 mile (roundtrip) excursion into New River Gorge after work today. Had not been there since the Nat'l Park Service took over, they made it one way but still for the adventurous cause they haven't done much to fix it up, 1st and 2nd gear one lane and very Dragon-like, it was just after a good rain, wet roads, mist, fog, 56 degrees and absolutely surreal as dusk approached. Was below the fog when down at the river, rode thru it and then looked back down on it from above and then rode the length of Sewell Mtn home. Down into th grand canyon of the east definitely for the adventurous esp. if two up, but doable. Would take a spell w/ gawking cause it is too damn pretty to just peep. And to top off a beatchin' ride Brown had my new 1st gear jacket awaiting when I got home - me likey.

 

[luvtoride]

Taking a more northerly route is definitely ok w/ me. Actually I prefer it. At the end of the day on Sunday it's a straight shot down I-64 to home. Truth be told, anyway that I do it I've got a good ride ahead of me... whether north or south.

Just rode thru Canaan in June... very good riding up yonder, too.

Not too many people are speaking up here. Please post up Old Dominion peepers!!!

I have heard of the spot where you can see for miles & miles... I printed information on it out not too long ago. Isn't is Spruce Knob or something like that? I know for sure it's some sort of knob, anyway. Would love to check it out.

Jim, I'd definitely like to try that extracurricular ride thru New River Gorge you speak of... just maybe not this trip if we move the meet. One way is cool, though!

Also, much thanks to Jim for doing the phone work on those hotels. I definitely appreciate it.

I'm fine w/ north or south. I wonder what the rooms at Canaan are going for. I'll bet a pretty penny this time of the year. When I was there in June we had a very large group & rooms were over $70.00 a night. Whatever is decided on will be fine w/ me.

Oh, forgot to mention... I stayed in Elkins in August. The Elkins Motor Lodge I think? Gary, you might remember. It was very mediocre lodging. The restaurant had really good food and drinks, though. Jim, if you've got some ideas about the state parks I definitely think it's worthwhile checking out. Go for it please or you can also send me info & I can do it, too.

So, what do the rest of the folks have to say?

I'm seriously looking forward to this trip & meeting a couple more FJR folk. I've never made a trip to the mountains for this reason! This should be great!

I almost forgot... keep in mind there is a new Feej community member who wants to join us. Pretty new to the area, too. He's supposed to be coming all the way in fr/ Kentucky... and we talk about a long ride??? I was talking to him thru PM'ing and from where he is to Monterey is over 500 miles.

Heidi

 

[FJR Gary]

Heidi, what are you doing up at 2:40 in the morning

A northerly or southerly route is OK with me, too. I've ridden the northerly part around Elkins, Seneca Rocks, Rt. 55 through Petersburg and Moorefield several times and they are good roads. I would kind of like to explore some new roads. Whether its 250 or 350 miles to get there is really no big deal to me. I did a 630 mile day on my R1 last year, but I was a little beat the next day

The Elkins Motor Lodge was ok, clean and cheap (about $45 IIRC), the food was good, and the waitress was a trip

Jim, if there is something reasonable at a state park, that would be good too.

Now I think I'm going to go ride the Blue Ridge Parkway down to Natural Bridge today. I've always wanted to stop there

 

[luvtoride]

Yeah really, what am I doing up at 2:40. I NEVER do that anymore! Actually, I was over at my friend Arlette's house. She has an outdoor fireplace & we were enjoying the lovely night in front of it. Uh, it had fire in it, too! & the coozies filled w/ glass vessles that contained carbonated adult beverages.

You know, I have to admit, Gary. You hit on an excellent point there about exploring new roads. I'd also like to explore the more southerly route. Yeah, it is a little further but I'm definitely ok w/ that.

I am recanting (after all, I HAD been drinking) & my vote will go for the southerly route, also... and our Kentucky Feej friend will be happy w/o much doubt.

One thing is for sure... we need to make reservations NOW. I am hoping that our fellow riders are paying attention to this thread & just haven't posted. [SIZE=14pt]We need input peepers![/SIZE] Immediate input... or maybe you're waiting for us to do whatever & you shall follow??? Let's wait a day & make the decision if'n nobody's watching this thread. This is something we need to move on like... yesterday?

 

[Randy]

As of right now, if anything, I might meet y'all on Sunday for the 2nd half of the weekend ride.

 

[cafn8d]

I'm off to New England for a two week ride, so I won't be posting to this thread until I return. Nope; I'm not taking a laptop with me and I'm not going to check my email. Well, maybe once...

I agree about the Elkins Motor Lodge. Cheap, but you get what you pay for. The lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park is nice but I'd imagine they're booked solid. Worth a try, though.

I'd contribute more to this thread if I wasn't gonna be on the road for the next two weeks. Did I mention that I'm riding to New England? ;-) So I'll be one of those cheesy bums who just shows up and rides without any other contribution. Except, perhaps, a deep, heartfelt appreciation for the folks who pull this together.

 

[FJR Gary]

Have a safe and enjoyable trip Dave

 

[luvtoride]

Cool Randy, I hope that we'll see ya'!

Cafn8d, that's completely cool if you'd rather we do the walking... Definitely. My though is that everyone should be given a chance for input, yes?

So Jim, do we just want to start calling Summersville's Best Western? BW sounds good to me IF'N they have a reasonable cancelling window.

Sheesh, if we have to cancel we can start this process all over again? Hahaha!!!

FYI... the lady at the Montvalle in Monterey has openings f/ that weekend if we get stuck. We'd just need to change the route... maybe start southerly, spend the night in Monterey & go north... then home?

Anyway, let's start the process of making reservations. Jim, I'm guessing that they need to be called & told of the group? Will you do that or would you like me to? Gotta' go to work right now but I can do it tonight after work.

Heidi

 

[MSLPILOT]

Hey all, I'm just going to be getting back from Dallas and my first attempt at an IBA ss1000 and/or Bun Burner 1500. I think after that trip I'm going to be suffering from a little bit of monkey butt, so I'm gonna have to pass this time. Just wanted to chime in and let y'all know I wish you a great time and a happy-happy safe-safe ride.

Cheers.

 

[JimLor]

All - the length of the trip will decide whether I come solo or with Lorie. The subtle indications I'm getting so far is that I'll probably be alone.

Lorie is visiting her sisters this weekend so I think I'll saddle up and head out to Monterey, Warm Springs, and that area to check it out and to check out places to go fly fishing. If you want me to check out anything in the area just let me know.

Jim

 

[luvtoride]

Hey all, I'm just going to be getting back from Dallas and my first attempt at an IBA ss1000 and/or Bun Burner 1500. I think after that trip I'm going to be suffering from a little bit of monkey butt, so I'm gonna have to pass this time. Just wanted to chime in and let y'all know I wish you a great time and a happy-happy safe-safe ride.

Cheers.

Heya!, you do know that this trip isn't for what... another 2-3 weeks? I'm thinking that's plenty of butt healing time... so, there must be some other reason for bowing out???

EDIT: I see that your trip will JUST be over as this trip is coming around. Please disregard above, Cope. Have a good time on your trip & please be careful.

All - the length of the trip will decide whether I come solo or with Lorie. The subtle indications I'm getting so far is that I'll probably be alone.

Hi Jim, the area to be ridden will probably be south of Monterey. I mentioned Monterey in case of a rain out for the 14-15 weekend.

The plan is to move the leaf peeping back a week if it looks like the weekend will wash out.

So, Lorie might not come? Man, that'll suck. I think that she'd highly appreciate this trip, too.

Heidi

 

[JimLor]

I admit it, I'm kinda lost here. Date(s) is/are 14/15 Oct (I got that) except that wx may move it to 21/22 Oct. We're going to stay in Summerville WV?? Ride Sunday is still up in the air on North or South from that point.

Depending on final meet location/routes chosen my participation may be limited to the hotel/motel meet/greet/eat/and drink! Lorie is not real interested in "long" rides (200 mi +). So, I may have to be somewhat creative in my planning to get her to come along. I agree Heidi, I think she'd really enjoy the ride and the views and I want her to come along.

What I'm thinkin' to shorten her time on the bike is to let her drive the car to Harrisonburg and leave it with our daughter at JMU - no, I wouldn't leave her the keys! And then ride with her to the meet point.

That's my challenge and I'll work it out.

I've got my liberty card this Saturday and will probably head west to check out Monterey/Warm Springs area. If there is any recon work you need done in that area just let me know and I'd be happy to nose around.

I reckon my question is - where are we staying?

Jim