2010 ST.N National Routes and Places to See Thread

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Random question for those who know the area: do the roads generally go through? Meaning, if I'm rolling around on the pavement, which then turns to gravel/dirt, are the odds in my favor that the road will continue along and meet up with another road further on? Or do most/some of the roads dead-end at some shack in the woods?  

I'm interested in a "smell the roses" ride, but I don't want to turn back at dirt or gravel (that's why I have a GS, after all). But I also don't like backtracking if I can help it. Your knowledge is appreciated!  

[SWriverstone]

Hi Colleen...in my experience exploring...most roads go through/up/over (though many are gravel, as you pointed out). The most typical exception I can think of is when you're following a road that runs along a valley parallel to a ridge...and you see lots of little roads running off the road you're on (heading toward the ridge). Most roads like this will dead-end at (or just before) the ridge.

But in general, if the road has a state route designation (6xx in VA, or one number over another number in WV), it usually goes somewhere. (But don't hold me to that if you hit a dead-end!)  

I've found knowing where the paved vs. unpaved roads are to be a MUCH harder thing. I can't say how many times I've headed down what looks like a nicely-paved road (one you'd think surely must stay paved) and a few miles later the pavement ends. There's NO pattern to this...it's really random, and I've found no reliable source of info on what's paved and what isn't. (Even county-level road maps—which *do* show paved vs. unpaved—are typically very out-of-date.)

Scott

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Thanks Scott  

I like to "get lost" by just making random turns onto likely-looking roads (an advantage to being an adventure-tourer rather than a sport-tourer   )  Sounds like WV is a good place to do so!

[SWriverstone]

Thanks Scott  

I like to "get lost" by just making random turns onto likely-looking roads (an advantage to being an adventure-tourer rather than a sport-tourer   )  Sounds like WV is a good place to do so!

I hear you. I hate riding along some backroad and passing some other enticing-looking road without turning to explore it.   We might do a little of that Tuesday (in case you want to tag along).

Scott

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I'm making a short week of it, heading there Tuesday morning, enjoying the area on Wednesday and coming home on Thursday. But thanks for the offer  

[R Doug]

UPDATE!

On my South East loop, please note Cedar Creek Road going north of the Natural Bridge State Park may not actually exist.  If it does, it appears you will want a dual sport bike to go across it.  If it's not passable, simply stay 1 mile on US 11 heading west before you reconnect with the GPS route.

Also, the following crossing is just off of Craig Creek Road on this loop:



This is NOT PART of the road, it's a turn off which You'll ride by.  Craig Creek Road is paved.  I only bring this up for a potential photo opportunity.  I know I plan to cross this on my ride and if someone is riding with me, I'll request a picture of it.  

[R Doug]

Also (DD, you may like this...), here's a detour for folks on dual sport bikes from the SE loop.

Just past Barbours Creek, VA, it appears you can turn right on Hwy 685 and climb the following fire road to the top of the ridge traveling NW.



At the summit, you can take this fire road to travel back down to 611 (just before the 611 / 617 intersection)



I'm going to hit this road for sure!

[R Doug]

FYI... anyone on a dual sport bike that would like to explore some fire roads, I'm considering modifying my SE loop to cut out a portion of the BRP in order to spend more time on fire roads.

I plan on doing this either Monday or Tuesday if anyone would like to join me.  I always prefer to travel in small groups when exploring dirt roads.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I won't be there on Tuesday, but I'll pick your brain that night to get me to some good stuff on Wednesday  

[R Doug]

Another comment...

If the 360+ miles on the NE loop is too long for you, keep in mind there are two sections on an interstate which make up 70 of the 360 miles.  In order to get in the twisty goodness I wanted to on that loop, I had to utilize a bit of slab.  My apologies to those of you who may be offended by that.  

[R Doug]

I sent another GPS file to Chris to post up for everyone to download before you depart.  It's an alternate to the NE loop I had originally posted.  This new one is more focused on THE best twisties in the area.  I ride most of these roads from time to time and don't plan on hitting them (i.e. US 33 from Harrisonburg to Judy Gap and US 250 back the other way).  

So, for those of you who don't ride the area much, this would be my most recommended route for you to take if you like the twisties and some of the best scenery there is to see.


Also, I found a website which contains photos and Google Earth links from a local moto club called Twin Valley Riders for who's curious about the area:

http://www.panoramio.com/user/2760170?comment_page=1&photo_page=1

[chornbe]

I sent another GPS file to Chris to post up for everyone to download before you depart.  It's an alternate to the NE loop I had originally posted.  This new one is more focused on THE best twisties in the area.  I ride most of these roads from time to time and don't plan on hitting them (i.e. US 33 from Harrisonburg to Judy Gap and US 250 back the other way).  

So, for those of you who don't ride the area much, this would be my most recommended route for you to take if you like the twisties and some of the best scenery there is to see.


Also, I found a website which contains photos and Google Earth links from a local moto club called Twin Valley Riders for who's curious about the area:

http://www.panoramio.com/user/2760170?comment_page=1&photo_page=1

And as if on cue...

(right click, "save link as...")
http://chornbe.com/motorcycles/rides/stn_2010_ultimate_wv_twisties.gdb

http://chornbe.com/motorcycles/rides/

[R Doug]

Thanks Chris.  I have updated the initial post to include all of your route links.

Thanks again for hosting the files!  I have not internet skills to so such a thing.

[chornbe]

Always happy to help out.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

So my plan is to show up Tuesday night for dinner, pull out a map and a highlighter and have someone draw out the ideal "adventure touring" ride for Wednesday    Am I asking too much? I'll buy the highlight-wielder a beer!

[Corbeau]

Remind me to stay away from you as you do that highlighting exercise, for I am not in a position to make a downpayment on an ADV bike and the internal conflict between what I have and what I want would kill me.

In a related note, I'll hang around anyone highlighting the ideal "twisties till you barf" ride...

[R Doug]

So my plan is to show up Tuesday night for dinner, pull out a map and a highlighter and have someone draw out the ideal "adventure touring" ride for Wednesday    Am I asking too much? I'll buy the highlight-wielder a beer!

If the meet were held at Canaan Valley, I would have had one hell of an EPIC dual sport ride for you.  

I don't know the "adventure" roads near Lewisburg at all.  I'll be experimenting during my days there before Tuesday's dinner.  I'll share with you what little I may have found.  

[R Doug]

Remind me to stay away from you as you do that highlighting exercise, for I am not in a position to make a downpayment on an ADV bike and the internal conflict between what I have and what I want would kill me.

In a related note, I'll hang around anyone highlighting the ideal "twisties till you barf" ride...

You would like the Southwest (SW) part of my clover route because it covers all of the good bits of Rt. 16.  Or, you would like to Ultimate Twisty route which covers the good parts of 250 and 33 with  a mix of other twisty goodness.  

[chornbe]

Remind me to stay away from you as you do that highlighting exercise, for I am not in a position to make a downpayment on an ADV bike and the internal conflict between what I have and what I want would kill me.

In a related note, I'll hang around anyone highlighting the ideal "twisties till you barf" ride...

+1

I still want an XT225  

[chornbe]

Added Rod's route file too.

http://chornbe.com/motorcycles/rides/MySTN10.gdb

http://chornbe.com/motorcycles/rides/