Official STN Region 6 Campout Thread, weekend of September 24th

[kendenton]

Here's the info for the first (so far as I know) STN Region 6 Campout:

The Plan:
Spend a weekend camping near great riding roads in WV.  Ride during the day, hang around the campfire at night eating, drinking and swapping lies stories.  I will be onsite early Friday afternoon to get the Group F campground taken care of.  Arrive whenever you can, stay as long as you like.

When:
Friday September 24th through Sunday September 26th
There will be no raindate

Where:
Seneca Shadows Campground near Seneca Rocks, WV

Campsites:
I'm going to reserve the "Group F" campsite as our "home base" which can accomodate up to 40 people, but only has 5 tent pads (all tents must be on tent pads).  It looks like you can have 2 tents per pad if they are not too big. If we get enough people another group site can be reserved, or people can just reserve regular sites and gather at the Group F "home base" for cooking/drinking/swapping lies around the fire.

If you want to stay in the group site post up and I'll add you to the list.  It will be $60/night divided by how many people we can get on the site.  Group F campers will reimburse me on arrival.

Regular campsites are $13 - $19/night depending on location.  The large group of "walk-in" sites are supposed to have good views of Seneca Rocks. Those not staying in the group site should make their own reservations.

Food:
I don't normally cook while camping, so if you do here's your chance to shine.  Our group site has 5 grills and 5 fire rings, so there will be ample room for food prep.  I'm sure we can work out some collection of money for the chef(s).

Nearby Restaurants:
Front Porch Restaurant and Harper's General Store are nearby
If anyone knows of more post up and I'll add them.

Motels: (for those not wishing to camp *cough*Chris*cough*)
Again, I don't know the area too well.  If anyone knows of lodging nearby add it to the thread.

Alcohol
I could find nothing mentioning an alcohol policy, but you generally don't get hassled at public campgrounds if you keep a low profile.  Don't ride in with 2 cases of Yuengling on your seat and we should be good.

Attendees:
Group F: (currently 2 spots available)
kendenton
nearlyseventy
gasgauge
SLK50
R Doug
Mastros2
rlawdawg
AHD43


Other campsites:
cablebandit
JamminJere

[R Doug]

I'm in.  Can I fit my tent on your site and just send funds to you now?  If so PM me your paypal or home address and I can send a check.

Thanks.

[R Doug]

Food:
I don't normally cook while camping, so if you do here's your chance to shine.  Our group site has 5 grills and 5 fire rings, so there will be ample room for food prep.  I'm sure we can work out some collection of money for the chef(s).

The Front Porch restaurant and Yoder's store is just a walk over the hill from the Campground.  The last I checked, the 4U is still closed.  But, there is another small family restaurant about 5-10 miles south of the campsite.  

[kendenton]

I'm in.  Can I fit my tent on your site and just send funds to you now?  If so PM me your paypal or home address and I can send a check.

Thanks.

No problem on sharing my pad  .  Let's wait on the funds though until we know how many people we get.  More people = less money.

[HappyRiding]

I'm in for a Group F spot!

[JReazor]

Count me in Ken. I'm going to miss ESTN this year. This will make up for it nicely. Thanks.

[kendenton]

James - cool!  Group f or flying solo?

[thatguy]

Count me in. 

EDIT:Group F please.

[JReazor]

James - cool!  Group f or flying solo?

Group F please.

Why do I feel like I'm ordering from a Chinese menu?

[kendenton]

Just be happy there's no group w...

[R Doug]

FYI... for anyone who's looking for this sort of thing, I'll be doing a ~ 200 mile dual sport ride.  It will be big bike friendly (i.e. 990, GS, Strom etc...).


The ride will start at the campsite:




And it will cover the following:

Spruce Knob



Middle Mountain Rd.




Dolly Sods




and Smith Mt. Road.

[JReazor]

Just be happy there's no group w...

Kid, I want you to go and sit down on that bench that says Group W...

[ConPilot1]

Well, that rules out my Concours.........

[Spanky]

Not if you ride with JamminJere    

[sodapop6620]

I want to hag out with the litters;)

[thatguy]

If there's interest I can do a nice pavement ride. I know some good roads in the area. And that's approaching color peak in the area as well. Anyone?

[Mastros2]

Yes!  I'm in for Group F.

Thatguy, I'll be interested in a pavement ride.

[Cablebandit]

I'm probably in for an "other" site.  I doubt you can get two tents on one of those tent pads.  Unless they are much larger than a standard tent pad.

[Gearhead]

R Doug is right. The 4 U is still for sale and closed. I always ate there. We tried to eat at the
Front Porch restaurant. We got a menu right away. After waiting ten minutes to order, we left. We got  pulled pork sandwiche from a vendor in front of the store. Smoke Hole Road is doing fine.

[kendenton]

I'm probably in for an "other" site.  I doubt you can get two tents on one of those tent pads.  Unless they are much larger than a standard tent pad.

The tent pads are 13x14, which is pretty large.  Here's some pics that I have of the sites:

[kendenton]

If we can't double up on tents on some of the pads, I'm sure we can grab other campsites as needed.  I'll keep an eye on reservations, but highly unlikely the place will be full in mid-September.

Considering we've nearly filled the Group F site in less than 24 hours, perhaps we should grab another group site.  There are 2 more, D and E, that have the same arrangement of 5 tent pads, 5 grills, etc.

If someone wants to make that happen be my guest    Maybe wait and see how many more folks we get that would want to be part of a group site?

Although I do kind of like the idea of one "home base" group area where everyone will congregate.  If we get two it will be like the recent Burger Runs, where you have the Days Inn folks and the Holiday Inn folks...

[Skee]

FYI... for anyone who's looking for this sort of thing, I'll be doing a ~ 200 mile dual sport ride.  It will be big bike friendly (i.e. 990, GS, etc...).

Damn, perfect cruising for the Wee; I'm out.  I'll have to console myself with a second bottle of Roja.

[SWriverstone]

Bummer---I'm out for this one.   That's Jamie's birthday weekend, and as she said, "I am NOT going motorcycle camping on my birthday weekend!"  

But...I'm already booked for ESTN in Sparta...so hopefully I'll see a lot of you guys there!

Scott

[Smoker]

For 95% of my planned route, a Strom (650 or 1000) would be totally fine for this ride.  The biggest difference in most areas will be speed.  

How bout a Tiger? If it doesn't sell by then, I might be into this. Sounds like fun.

[Smoker]

  But I'm still hoping to have a bike by then  

How bout a lightly used 2007 Triumph Tiger? $5500 delivered to your door.  

[JReazor]

This is going on the same weekend...

19th annual West Virginia RoadKill Cook-off

That was happening during ESTN 08.  

[JamminJere]

Well hopefully things will pan ok for this... put me in the "other" campsite with cablebandit...  I'll be riding the "adventure Connie" this year... (shhh.. it doesn't know its not a dirtbike..)

JJ

[kendenton]

Well hopefully things will pan ok for this... put me in the "other" campsite with cablebandit...  I'll be riding the "adventure Connie" this year... (shhh.. it doesn't know its not a dirtbike..)

JJ

Will do   

The "other" campsite right now are individually booked single campsites.

[R Doug]

How bout a Tiger? If it doesn't sell by then, I might be into this. Sounds like fun.

With the right tires, it should be fine.  

[Mastros2]

Ken, most likely it will be me +1.  A riding bud and I have always talked about a motocamping trip.  He's excited but has to see about time off of work.  Will get back to you.

Thanks for putting this together!  As for the food and cooking, I am no cook but can flip a mean burger!  

[Rincewind]

This thread really makes me want to buy a Dual-Sport!   

[JReazor]

This thread really makes me want to buy a Dual-Sport!   

 
I hear that there's a nice Tiger for sale not far from you.

[Mastros2]

Bump for the scheduled time off work!  

[kendenton]

The Group F campsite is officially fully occupied - I'm impressed.

For those of you in Group F, the cost is now $6/night, or $12 for the weekend.  Since I've already paid for the site in full, and don't want to get caught holding the bag if a bunch of folks bail (that would never happen with this group of course), it would be great if you could send me $12 for the site.

You can paypal me at denton_at_rowan_dot_edu (parse that of course) - use the "personal funds" feature so paypal doesn't take a bite out of it.

If you'd rather send me a check, PM me and I'll send you my address.

Looking forward to this event!

[R Doug]

Paypal says...

Robert D, you have sent $12.00 USD to Ken.
We have sent you a receipt for this transaction, and an email has been sent to your recipient.


 

[kendenton]

Paypal says...

Robert D, you have sent $12.00 USD to Ken.
We have sent you a receipt for this transaction, and an email has been sent to your recipient.


 

PayPal says "You've got money!"

Thanks!

[rlawdawg]

Money Sent...

[kendenton]

Money Sent...

and received.  Thanks  

[Mastros2]

Ken, PM sent.  

[HappyRiding]

The good news is that I can now afford a new tent.
The bad news is that I won't be needing a new tent until next spring.


  It looks like I'm out. We are suddenly having staffing difficulties and I will most likely be working overtime.

 

[R Doug]

Bumpy bump this thread.  There's less than a month left.  

Ken, you may want to add "Weekend of September...." in the thread title so people browsing through will know a little more about what this thread is about.  

[kendenton]

Good idea!

[R Doug]

I have one or two each year. I look forward to seeing you then.

[AHD43]

Can I have the last spot in group " F" for Saturday night only?  I'll pay for both nights.
I can't leave home until Saturday morning.

Marty

 

[kendenton]

Can I have the last spot in group " F" for Saturday night only?  I'll pay for both nights.
I can't leave home until Saturday morning.

Marty
 

No problem - I'll put you on the list 

Did I mention how much I'm looking forward to this?

[Cablebandit]

Those of you staying in the group sites be sure to bring a smaller backpacking type tent.  I believe the pads are only 13 x 13 so with a fly it will be tight getting two tents on there.

[kendenton]

I'm hoping the fact that people are arriving on motorcycles would preclude them from bringing something like this:

[JamminJere]

Can I have the last spot in group " F" for Saturday night only?  I'll pay for both nights.
I can't leave home until Saturday morning.

Marty

 

Hey Marty!   Glad to see you're gonna make it down... I haven't seen you since the Winter Blizzard Meet!

Lookin forward to it!

JJ

[JamminJere]

I'm hoping the fact that people are arriving on motorcycles would preclude them from bringing something like this:

I don't think Robert's has the white fence...  

[Jeets]

You guys have fun!  Wish I were going.

jeets

[Mastros2]

Just as an fyi, my tent is a small 4 man tent, 8'x7'.  I'm sure we'll make it work!  

Did I mention how much I'm looking forward to this?

+1!!!

[SLK50]

I don't think Robert's has the white fence...  

   Hey now, wait a minute, I resemble that remark!

  If it makes things easier, if anybody wants to fore-go bringing their own tent,

  there's room to trow down a bag in mine. I don't mind.

  Just make sure you got earplugs.

  And Bourbon.

[Mastros2]

Same here.  Plenty of room (for 2 more comfortably) in the tent but earplugs is a must!  I tend to be a heavy snorer outside of my normal sleeping habitat.

At least the bear will be scared off by all of the "chainsaws"!  

[Windblown]

Weekend sounds epic and right in my backyard!  Sadly, due to scheduling conflicts I'll be unable to attend. Heading south at first light that Sunday.

Well, that rules out my Concours.........

Nonsense.

[kendenton]

Campout is just around the corner  

There will be firewood available at the campground, so that's good.

Is anyone interested in stepping up and doing some campground cooking? Or should we just figure on dining out and use the campground for drinking and BS'ing?

Anyone know if there are places somewhat nearby to get alcohol?

[SLK50]

  I plan on cooking at least breakfast and dinner at the campsite.

  I haven't planned any meals yet but I have a dutch oven and a

grill basket and I can cook over a fire or my coleman stove.

  I will pick up fresh ingredients on the way, pack the rest on bike.

  There should be ice available nearby.

  I don't know where you can get alcohol near the campground,

so it might make sense to bring it with you or get it on the way.

 

[kendenton]

  I plan on cooking at least breakfast and dinner at the campsite.

  I haven't planned any meals yet but I have a dutch oven and a

grill basket and I can cook over a fire or my coleman stove.

  I will pick up fresh ingredients on the way, pack the rest on bike.

  There should be ice available nearby.

  I don't know where you can get alcohol near the campground,

so it might make sense to bring it with you or get it on the way.

 

Are you cooking your breakfast, or cooking everyone breakfast? 

[garry]

I've camped at Seneca Shadows *many* times (for rock climbing). You absolutely can buy beer at either of the general stores at the "triangle" in downtown Seneca (HAHAHAHAHAHA). The beer selection is actually OK too since many of the climbers that frequent the place are from metropolitan areas and enjoy a good micro or import. Wine or hard liquor will have to be brought in from nearby towns.

The "Front Porch" restaurant is good for lunch or dinner, but the menu is pretty limited. There is some kind of cafe place across the street from Harpers that has coffee and some breakfast stuff. not sure about dinner. Thats walking distance (the back way) from the campground.

The Homestead (think that's right) restaurant near Spruce Knob is a basic WV family restaurant. Eaten there a couple times. That's like 10-15 minutes away.

The 4-U restaurant is closed and up for sale last I heard. Yokums has a restaurant on the way to Petersburg. There is also the Valley View (on the left past the 4-U).

[SLK50]

  Well, I guess I opened that door, didn't I?  

  I usually cook for 2-4 people on my camping trips, I suppose I could

handle afew more but I'm really not set up for large scale cooking.

  When it's been a larger group I usually prepare a dish or two,

the rest of the cooking gets handled by other campers.

  Any suggestions on how to handle this, now that it's been brought up?

[kendenton]

My campground cooking is limited (at best) to hot dogs on a stick over the fire, so I'll be no help.

[Mastros2]

I'm fine with hotdogs, hamburgers and chips for a night.  

[Mastros2]

If we are going to grill, I'll bring some aluminum foil and tongs.  If there is anything else, remind me.  I'll have extra room in my bags.  

Also bump on the forecast.  If it stays true, we'll all be happy campers!  

[R Doug]

Argh.  The fuel problems are back to haunt me on the 990 again.  The brand new fuel pump gushes out gas now when it's running.  The shop stopped by today to pick up the bike to see what the problem is.  The initial problem was the left tank leaked due to a factory issue with the fit of the fuel pump to the fuel tank.  I received a new tank AND a new fuel pump under warranty last month.  

My contingency plan is to take the 530.  I changed the oil and filter in the 530 today, so it's ready to go if needed.  It's a long way from here to Seneca on that seat.  I can go about 40-60 miles of paved roads on the 530 before my butt needs a rest.        I suppose I could stand on the pegs part of the way.  

[Mastros2]

Good luck with the fix.  

How was the vacation?  Have to tell us about it next weekend!!!

[maddjack]

Argh.  The fuel problems are back to haunt me on the 990 again.  The brand new fuel pump gushes out gas now when it's running.  The shop stopped by today to pick up the bike to see what the problem is.  The initial problem was the left tank leaked due to a factory issue with the fit of the fuel pump to the fuel tank.  I received a new tank AND a new fuel pump under warranty last month.  

My contingency plan is to take the 530.  I changed the oil and filter in the 530 today, so it's ready to go if needed.  It's a long way from here to Seneca on that seat.  I can go about 40-60 miles of paved roads on the 530 before my butt needs a rest.        I suppose I could stand on the pegs part of the way.  

That sucks

[R Doug]

I am very much looking forward to this weekend regardless of which bike I ride down.  

Jack, why don't come join us!?

[kendenton]

Weather's looking pretty good 

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming west between 8 and 11 mph.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

[Mastros2]

I saw that earlier today!   Two:

[JReazor]

Looks like I'm going to have to drop out of this one. I just have a little too much going on right now and need the weekend to catch up. That leaves one spot up for grabs in the Group F site. Who ever wants it can have it.

Have fun out there. I'm sorry I'm going to miss it.

[R Doug]

One huge project with a deadline of this Saturday was just put on me today.  Couple that with the fact I'm supposed to be out all day for client service tomorrow and this weekend isn't looking good for me right now.  

I will be working into the wee hours this evening in an attempt to get everything done so I can make it.  I need a good moto-camping trip and doing w/ you guys would make it even better.  

I will do everything I can to make it.

[kendenton]

Good luck man.

[R Doug]

After tonight, things are looking up.  But, there's still much work to be done on the project and I'm hoping another fire doesn't pop up.  If not, I think I can get this done by Friday and will be able to make a beeline to the campsite that evening.  

Fingers crossed!

[Cablebandit]

I notice you're still online here....BACK TO WORK!!!

[knolltop314]

Y'all have fun, & play safe.

[R Doug]

I notice you're still online here....BACK TO WORK!!!

 

I need a mental break from time to time.  While some folks take a smoke break, I take an STN break.  

[chornbe]

Great talking to you last night... Hope you were able to get enough done after we spoke.  

[rlawdawg]

I'm gonna have to bow out.  One of my uncle's passed away 2 weeks ago here at the Cleveland Clinic and now another is in bad shape with complications from surgeries.  Lots of family in town and I just don't feel right taking off.  You guys have a great time.

Ryan

[kendenton]

I am on the road.  Wahoo.  Hitting Catoctin mountain park tonight.

[Gearhead]

Three of us from the State College, PA area are planning to spend this Saturday and Sunday in West Virginia. I'm working out of town and can't leave earlier. We will most likely ride to Seneca Rocks on Saturday morning with AHD43. The temptation is to continue south and spend the night at Douthat State Park in Virginia. We haven't ridden 39 and 250 enough yet this year. Are there still camp sites available at Seneca Shadows? We will have to weigh the options of socaibility or riding favorite great roads.

[Cablebandit]

There are plenty of sights available.

[chornbe]

Three of us from the State College, PA area are planning to spend this Saturday and Sunday in West Virginia. I'm working out of town and can't leave earlier. We will most likely ride to Seneca Rocks on Saturday morning with AHD43. The temptation is to continue south and spend the night at Douthat State Park in Virginia. We haven't ridden 39 and 250 enough yet this year. Are there still camp sites available at Seneca Shadows? We will have to weigh the options of socaibility or riding favorite great roads.

That's a lot of big words to say "we ain't made up our minds whether we wanna hang with you assholes or not yet".  

[Gearhead]

It will be warmer Saturday night in Douthat. I love 39 & 250. I don't know most of you to pass judgment yet. Cablebandit is alright.

[R Doug]

I'm gonna have to bow out.  One of my uncle's passed away 2 weeks ago here at the Cleveland Clinic and now another is in bad shape with complications from surgeries.  Lots of family in town and I just don't feel right taking off.  You guys have a great time.

Ryan

I'm sorry to hear.  My condolances.  

Great talking to you last night... Hope you were able to get enough done after we spoke.  

Yea, sorry I puked on you with my little bitch fest about work.    Thanks for calling.

Robert sent me a PM stating that if I show up at dark, his tent is big enough for two.  So, that would take the pressure off of setting up camp in the dark.  Plus, I would have someone to spoon.  

Things are looking bad for me now.  Friday is almost a forgone conclusion at this point so I'm really going to push for Saturday to at least share a few beers w/ you guys.  

[Cablebandit]

I don't know most of you to pass judgment yet. Cablebandit is alright.

I am not representative of the group.  Most are a-holes and blowhards.  Wait...maybe I am representative.  

[Smoker]

I am not representative of the group.  Most are a-holes and blowhards.  Wait...maybe I am representative.  

More like an ambassador.  

You guys have fun, wish I were there.

[JamminJere]

He is the Ambassador of Quan



JJ

[Mastros2]

I'm gonna have to bow out.  One of my uncle's passed away 2 weeks ago here at the Cleveland Clinic and now another is in bad shape with complications from surgeries.  Lots of family in town and I just don't feel right taking off.  You guys have a great time.

Ryan

My condolences Ryan.   Prayers to you and your family.

I am on the road.  Wahoo.  Hitting Catoctin mountain park tonight.

Nice.  I'll be leaving 7-8am and hopefully missing Baltimore traffic.  See you mid afternoon.

Robert sent me a PM stating that if I show up at dark, his tent is big enough for two.  So, that would take the pressure off of setting up camp in the dark.  Plus, I would have someone to spoon.  
 

I didn’t know you were offering!  Tent space just opened up…haha!

[JamminJere]

I'm out the door at 5am tomorrow... Meeting Cablebandit and Mothergoose in Breezewood bright and early.

See you all down there...safe/fun rides to you all.

JJ

[AHD43]

Locked and loaded.   See you all Saturday!

[Spanky]

Have a great weekend! Ride safe and take lots of pictures.

[Cablebandit]

JJ,

Mothergoose is out.  He's got a guy coming in from Jersey to pick-up his Concours tomorrow.  I'll be leaving the house by 6am.

See you at the Gateway.

[R Doug]

Save my site on the big tent lot for Saturday.  It looks like I'll ride the bike to the office on Saturday, get in a few hours, then take a scenic ride down to the campground to set up my tent for the evening.  Even if it looks like I'm only going to make 1 of the 2 nights, I'll take that over no nights at all.

You guys have a great ride and a great time.  I'll see you Saturday!  

PS... some friends from ADV may show up this weekend.  They're good guys... treat 'em right.  

[JamminJere]

JJ,

Mothergoose is out.  He's got a guy coming in from Jersey to pick-up his Concours tomorrow.  I'll be leaving the house by 6am.

See you at the Gateway.

I'm out the door right now at 5am.. see you there!

[chornbe]

Ya'll day-riding on Saturday? I was thinking if nothing's going on, I'd head out at o-dark thirty, come ride with you guys during the day, then head home. It's under 4 hours to Seneca for me.

[kendenton]

Should be there early afternoon.  Dang its hot out.

[R Doug]

Should be there early afternoon.  Dang its hot out.

The temps will drop over the weekend.  For Saturday night, it will be in the mid 40's.  



OK, back to work for me!

[kendenton]

Looking at maybe 3PM arrival.  Hopefully any early arrivals can use the group f site we have reserved.

[R Doug]

My work at the office will be done this evening.  Whoot.

I will be leaving home first thing in the morning where I will make my way to camp to set up the tent and drop off some weight before going out and getting in some add'l quality riding.  

I'll see you guys sometime tomorrow.  

[garry]

Hope ya'll are having a great time. Grad school ate my weekend (again). It's almost 11:30pm Saturday night and I've been working on school crap since 7am this morning. Looks to be a perfect weekend for a Blackwater 400 ride. I'm more than a little annoyed at how life has changed this September. FML...

[maddjack]

Hope ya'll are having a great time. Grad school ate my weekend (again). It's almost 11:30pm Saturday night and I've been working on school crap since 7am this morning. Looks to be a perfect weekend for a Blackwater 400 ride. I'm more than a little annoyed at how life has changed this September. FML...

That sucks, If you get out at all on sunday I'll be in the general area of Ohiopile and friends (130,982 ect) on the Versys.
I hope you guys who went to the Camping meet post plenty of pictures.
Oh and R Doug we need to PM at some time soon about peppers

[Skee]

Hope ya'll are having a great time.

+1  I know I missed some great riding (and maybe even a good beerbuzz)!

Work/home schedule & obligations ate my weekend.  Saw that comin' weeks ago.  Ditto Oct 10.

Post some photos for us disadvantaged peeps.  

See y'all next time.

[R Doug]

Jack, you're right, we do need to hook up sometime soon.  Garry and I will be riding in Ohio next Sunday.  Want to tag along?  

Regarding the camping weekend, it was a great turnout.  Even if I did miss Friday night, I managed over 300 miles on Saturday (40% of which was on dirt).  The weather was perfect!

[kendenton]

After a ridiculously early departure i was back home in nj by noon.  From Frederick MD to NJ rode through some pretty steady rain.

Pictures and such to follow soon.

In short, a fantastic weekend.  As Doug mentioned the turnout was better than expected - I think we had 14 campers Saturday night.  So glad everyone could make it.

[JamminJere]

Home safe, about 3:30pm. Had a great weekend. 1023 miles for the trip. Thanks Ken for putting this great campout together. Cablebandit and I rode down Friday together from Breezewood, down thru Bedford County into Maryland and then over the Old Towne low water bridge and blazed down to Seneca Shadows campground by Noon. We went back out and hit Smoke Hole from the North, did the loop around 33 from Franklin to Judy Valley and back to the campground to see who else had rolled in while we were out.   We had a great time Friday Night drinking beer and howling at the moon by our blazing bonfire while we were telling stories.


Home for the weekend...


My customary pic of Chris taking a pic


Yuengling anyone?


Chris in excruciating pain from a pickerbush?

Saturday we went for a great ride with Cablebandit, Mastros2, SLK50, kendenton, 4power and his wife Rachael, NearlySeventy(Dave), gasgauge, (Pete) and myself.  

Our Trusty Steeds..

4power's Connie

Pete's Beemer

Ken's Ducati

Dave's Beemer

Robert's FJR

Matty's Viffer

Chris's Connie

My Connie


We went south on 28 to 250East to Monterey, stopped at the famous "Chicken Gas Station" and  then continued East on 250 to CR678... a cool new road for me running South down thru a beautiful valley.. It turned into Indian Draft road the last few miles before hitting 39. We went West on 39 Stopped at the Ingalls overlook and then onto Marlinton for lunch at the Greenbriar.  We didn't know that the "RoadKill Cookoff" was this weekend.. and Marlinton was MOBBED!. After an hour and a half for lunch we Motored up 219 to 66 and into Cass.. Took "Back Mountain Road" which was pretty cool.. decent surface, a little gritty, and about as wide as a driveway over to 250 again and headed East back to 28... Backtracked to 33/28 back to Judy Valley, then over 33 going east to Franklin and then north on 220 to Smoke Hole Road.. Running it from the south up to 28, and then headed back to the Campground at Seneca Rocks..  I think it was a little over 200 miles.. someone with the exact mileage of the run chime in.

RDoug was at camp when we got back, and it was great to see him again and we had a good time Saturday night at dinner and then around the campfire again, a bigger repeat of Friday night with multiple conversations going on about lots of topics. AHD43 and Gearhead, along with Denny and another rider from the Penn State area also came down Saturday for the festivities.



From the left, Jeremy and Rachael,Ken,Dave,Pete, Robert,Chris, Matt, missing was RDoug..(excused coz he was buying beer) and myself taking the pic..

The beginning of our great $24 campfire...

Sunday I met up with some of the group south of the campground for breakfast at the Gateway resturant in Judy Valley before heading home.. Had a great run coming home with only one rather large bird of some sort getting chewed up in my front wheel, brake rotor... no other close calls or performance awards..

Thanks again to everyone who came and made this such a good time!!!! The riding is always good... but its hard to beat the comradarie of this bunch!

JJ

[R Doug]

Chris in excruciating pain from a pickerbush?

Perfect timing on the shot JJ.  It was good seeing you again.  I loved the story swapping.

See you next time.

[Mastros2]

I arrived home safely at 2:30pm.  

What a great weekend!  Ken, thanks for organizing it.  Great job! JJ, Cablebandit, SLK50, I had a blast on Smoke Hole Road.  R Doug, thanks for the morning ride.  4Power, Nearltseventy, Gasguage, it was a pleasure seeing you again.  Also, I’m glad I met the PA crew as well (Garry,AHD43, etc.).  Really good times  .  

Who says that C14's are overweight pigs?  I saw 2 fly on this trip!  Haha.  

[Cablebandit]

It is a pig that flies.  It's getting it whoa'd back down that's the interesting part.

Pics to follow.

[NearlySeventy]

Will the owner of a blue towel that was left on the clothesline report to customer service to arrange its return at some future event?

After starting the morning with Doug leading Matt and Peter and I through Jordan Run and Mt Storm, the rest of the long ride home was uneventful and at a relatively relaxed pace compared to Saturday. I arrived home at 6. Pics to follow if I actually have any worth sharing.

FYI the lights on Seneca Rocks last night were night climbers!! Yes they actually like to climb at night. The lights were their headlamps. The guy I talked to said climbing in moonlight is just great and you can't see that it is a 200' fall below!! They're crazy!!

Thanks, Ken, for putting this together for us and arranging decent weather.

Dave

[Cablebandit]

My ride report is pretty much a carbon copy of Jerry's.  I was tied to his bumper until Sunday Morning.  Sunday I rode home with Marty, Bill, Dan and Dave.  We circled west on 72 up to 50 then worked our way back east, the north and back home by 5:00pm.  No rain.

Here are some random photos:

Waiting for Jerry at the Gateway truckstop.


Jerry arriving 1 minute early




Now let me get this straight...you each want your OWN pitcher?


Huzzuh!



Mmmm...hommade cookies.  Thanks Beth.  


Cleaning out the glass after the "incident"


At the overlook.  I wasn't allowed near the wall so Jerry had to take pics for me.  




Jeremy and Rachel enjoying the sunshine


Weekend Stats


I killed a few bugs this weekend.


I haven't looked underneath for squirrel parts yet.

Overall it was a just another great STN event.  Thanks to all that showed up and made for an enjoyable weekend.

[Smoker]

Mmmm...hommade cookies.  Thanks Beth.  

Dammit!

Cookies?

Dammit!

[Mastros2]

Our site


Ken putting together his tent with mismatch poles!


Not a bad view!


Chicken Gas Station


Scenic Overlook




The bugs were out


Lawn ornaments


Evening back at camp


Morning ride with RDoug, Nearlyseventy and Gasguage

[AHD43]

I wanna go back!

[Mastros2]

Did anyone save saturday's route on their gps?  For some reason, mine didn't save Saturday's ride but saved Sunday's.    

[R Doug]

At the overlook.  I wasn't allowed near the wall so Jerry had to take pics for me.  

^  Since Jerry told the story about your fall...  

Weekend Stats

I'd say pigs fly.  Where did you hit that top speed!?  

[R Doug]

Since I couldn't make it for the group ride, here's a little report:

After a quick 120 miles, I made it to camp and set up at 9:20 AM.  Since everyone had already headed out, I went out for a slightly modified version of my planned dual sport ride.  I managed another 200 miles including the following:

Spruce Knob




PR 1 down the back side of Spruce Knob where I found this KTM tree



past the Sinks of Gandy (which I never did find)  



Middle Mountain Road



Dolly Sods (next three images)







Smoke Hole and other nearby roads (next two)





Meet up with folks from ADV Rider



Catch up with others at camp who already had their maps out!



Dinner with STN Friends

[GasGauge]

Made it home...took longer than expected...got really tired after the border...stopped and took a rest...fell asleep on a picnic table...made it home with no accidents!  

The trip home was good, the day started with a ride up Storm Mt. lead by Doug. WOOHOO! Thanks Doug!  

A big thank you to Ken for organizing the weekend, I had a great time!  

A big thank you to everyone for the company and camaraderie, hope to see you all again soon.  

Peter

[MrsCablebandit]

At the overlook.  I wasn't allowed near the wall so Jerry had to take pics for me.  

Thank you for enforcing this!  I am quite grateful!!!  


Glad y'all liked the cookies.  Smoker, I promise to send (bring?) some to the Winter Meet!

Looking at everyone's pictures and hearing Cablebandit's stories last night, I really wish I'd done this trip instead of staying home for the weekend and having my parents visit.  Not that I didn't enjoy their visit, because I did!  But I think my dad shared his head cold and now I feel like arse heading into a HUGE seven-day conference in Pittsburgh starting Wednesday.  

Still hoping for unseasonably warm temperatures for the Winter Meet...

[NearlySeventy]

Did anyone save saturday's route on their gps?  For some reason, mine didn't save Saturday's ride but saved Sunday's.    

I've got it. I saved it in GPX format and hope that works for you.

http://sisu.2y.net/sigpics/Tracks-2010-Sep_25.gpx

[Mastros2]

I've got it. I saved it in GPX format and hope that works for you.

http://sisu.2y.net/sigpics/Tracks-2010-Sep_25.gpx

Thanks!  It worked!

[kendenton]

Finally, some pictures



Stayed Thursday night at Catoctin Mountain Park in MD.  Gorgeous campsite.  I was a dumbass and brought the wrong tent poles, so I had to make do with borrowing poles from Dave and Peter's tents (all of which were mine  )



Took Skyline Drive Friday morning.  A nice respite from the 95 degree heat at lower elevations



These guys were out in force all day



Jerry came prepared.  Can you spot the problem?



That "Log Cabin" structure produced a raging inferno in mere minutes.



The view from my tent.  Not too shabby.



Great view of Seneca Rocks.  Terrific campground.



Nice



"This place has got everything"



Poles from 3 different tents and a zip tie worked out OK

[kendenton]

When we returned from the (superb) ride on Saturday the tents had multiplied like rabbits



Planning routes home



Really a great location



Nothing to see here, move along



Some evening climbers



Pre-dinner BSing

[kendenton]

Jerry showing us how it's done



R Doug's panniers came in handy



The fire in it's early "teepee" stage



Jerry converting it to the proper "log cabin" conflaguration configuration



Enjoying the evening



Crazy slow shutter speed

[chornbe]

Looks like a great time. Sorry I missed it.

[kendenton]

Looks like a great time. Sorry I missed it.

I've always assumed any STN event is a great time, and so far I haven't been wrong.

Maybe next time, eh?

[Mastros2]

It was a great time Chris.  Should have made the trip down Saturday.  

I've always assumed any STN event is a great time, and so far I haven't been wrong.

+1.  

[NearlySeventy]

Maybe next time, eh?

You been hanging around Canadians again?

[R Doug]

You been hanging around Canadians again?

+1 rep points to you for being friends with Canadian Peter.  I haven't met a Canadian I haven't like (yet).  

[GasGauge]

Since I couldn't make it for the group ride, here's a little report:

After a quick 120 miles, I made it to camp and set up at 9:20 AM.  Since everyone had already headed out...

Doug, those are really nice pictures, you should consider submitting them to the MTF Monthly Photo Contest.

[R Doug]

Doug, those are really nice pictures, you should consider submitting them to the MTF Monthly Photo Contest.

Thanks.

See what I mean about Canadians?  They're great folks.  

[NearlySeventy]

Doug, those are really nice pictures, you should consider submitting them to the MTF Monthly Photo Contest.

+1 on that suggestion. You have some great pictures there. I want to ride off-road!!

[kendenton]

+1 on that suggestion. You have some great pictures there. I want to ride off-road!!

Does MTF recognize dirt roads exist?

[trflyboy]

I've always assumed any STN event is a great time, and so far I haven't been wrong.

Maybe next time, eh?

   Would have liked to make this as well. I have to save my overnite credits for Yurp next June.   

[GasGauge]

Does MTF recognize dirt roads exist?

Some of them certainly do!

Here are some examples.

April 2010

June 2010

September 2010 - This one reminds me of one of Doug's pictures.

September 2009

You were kidding....right? I don't always know when you're being facetious.  

[NearlySeventy]

Does MTF recognize dirt roads exist?

Really you thought that. At least one major multi-day rough road ride a year.
Ride in Buena Vista this year http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTourer/messages?msg=39451.1
Pictures at http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTourer/messages?msg=39451.376


Some guys went to James Bay this year.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTourer/messages?msg=41389.1

There's always a division and/or choice between flower sniffing and rough road.

[NearlySeventy]

Three of us from the State College, PA area are planning to spend this Saturday and Sunday in West Virginia.

Are you the guys I talked to about the Ride To Eat with MTF in the Catskills on sunday? Didn't ehar from anyone. Details on MTF board at http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTourer/messages?msg=41856.1

Hope you can make it.

Dave

[Gearhead]

Nearly Seventy, I am one of the three from the State College area you discussed the Catskills Ride to Eat with. I am the tall one with the Triumph shirt in fireside photos. I have a long weekend off for this weekend. However, I am still scheming on riding Routes 39 and 250 on the WV/VA border, as I am happiest riding south of the Mason Dixon line. Douthat State Park, VA has no unreserved campsites and my other two cronies are either busy or working this weekend. The plan might still gel.

We had a great time at the WV campout. The weather and riding were good. The company was excellent.

[Cablebandit]

Bill, I can't make it this weekend, but take a look at Stemple Ridge Road between Aurora (on 50) and St George (72).  It looked nutty on the GPS when we went by it on the way home.  It was paved in Aurora but I'm not sure if it is the whole way down through the forest.

[kendenton]

We did some of stemple ridge rd last year.  Some nice riding in that area.

[R Doug]

Bill, I can't make it this weekend, but take a look at Stemple Ridge Road between Aurora (on 50) and St George (72).  It looked nutty on the GPS when we went by it on the way home.  It was paved in Aurora but I'm not sure if it is the whole way down through the forest.

Stemple Ridge Road is 100% paved.  Another great road to pick up at the end of Stemple Ridge is Surlandland Road which connects St. George to the top of the Mountain on US 219 right by the wind turbines.  

[NearlySeventy]

I have a long weekend off for this weekend. However, I am still scheming on riding Routes 39 and 250 on the WV/VA border, as I am happiest riding south of the Mason Dixon line.

Love 250 and 39.

If you change your plans, come on up. We have about a dozen now. Should be enough cake!!

Dave