First off, let me say that the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for this weekend! From the time I left to time I got home, the ski was blue, the sun was out, and the temps were just right. Kudos to Garry for organizing another great event. The restaurant was much better equipped for us this year. The food was good and the company was great!
Last year, I rode up and back to the inaugural Region 6 Meet and Eat the same day and only had time to eat and (kinda) meet. Since I wanted to meet more people, I decided to go up Saturday and stay the night. Besides, I was able to get in some good riding north of the Clearfield area in PA’s scenic Elk Country! I’ll start with some statistics. The Tripometer (B) on my bike registered 646 miles and I was on the road for about 15 hours.
I started out Saturday morning when Paul (HeavenBound) arrived at my house from the Charleston, WV area. I met Paul last year at the National, he’s a good guy and fun to ride with.
On the way up, Paul and I had a quick stop at Ohiopyle, PA to see the falls on the Youghiogheny [yaw-ki-GAY-nee] River. We spotted a man with his two boys threatening to toss them into the rapids if they didn’t behave.
Here’s a quick shot of Paul checking out the falls. I think he said, “That’s nice, now I have to pee.”
After 4 ½ hours of some nice back roads, we arrived at the Day’s Inn in Clearfield.
Since it was only 2:30 PM, I decided to unpack, suit and fuel up, and go for a ride further north. The roads north of I-80 are, shall we say, less traveled, and offer up some great scenery.
Saturday afternoon / evening, I headed up 879 over to 144 to Renovo, then 120 to Wyckoff Run Road. From Wyckoff, I hit 1011 back to 879 which took me back to the Hotel. This was 126 miles and took me a little over 3 hours with stops.
Here’s a map of the PA Scenic Elk County north of Clearfield.
Rt. 144 is fascinating. It’s a nice stretch of around 31 miles that pretty much puts you on top a ridge of a mountain to ride. At times, the road scenery is open and the area feels vast. Other times, you are enclosed on a tree lined road which makes you feel like you’re in a tunnel. It has a mix of scenic straight stretches, fast sweepers, and a little bit of twisty parts. Other than Wyckoff Run Road, 144’s few miles of twisties was it for the area. Most of this area contained fast sweepers. Of course, it matches the openness of the county up there.
Here are some shots taken along Rt. 144.
Route 120 is a canyon carving road which follows the Susquehanna River.
Wyckoff Run Road is a narrow two-land road which flows north to south following Wyckoff Run, a nice little stream which seems to be a popular fishing hole. Unfortunately, I didn’t stop to take any pictures of this road. I was too busy paying attention to the road and giggling like a school girl. I’m positive someone else will post up some images of this road (Chris, do you hear me?).
When I arrived back at the hotel, there was a nice little crowd showing. There was quite a diverse group of bikes.
That evening, I shared dinner and made riding plans for the next morning with the following ST.Nrs:
• Sam (st3sam) from Scranton, PA
• Scott (SWRiverstone) from Harper’s Ferry, WV
• Scott’s wife Holly
• Ken (kendenton) From Southern Joisey
• Chris (Tankhead) From Southern Joisey
We eventually made it to the Bar and socialized with other ST.Nrs. Then, it was off to bed for an 8:00 AM start.
On Sunday morning, the merry band of people listed above set out for a ride on the following: 879 to 1011 to Wyckoff Run Rd to Rt. 120 to Rt. 555 to 1011 to 879 to Denny’s!!!!
Here’s the gang after we were able to catch up with Sam who had already stopped, took a few pictures, ate breakfast, and took a nap.
Here’s about the only image we were able to get of Sam all day. Once he was planted on that ZX-14, there was no catching him.
Here’s a shot of Scott, Holly, and Ken at the northern end of Wyckoff Run Road crossing the Susquehanna.
Here’s another two along 120.
When we reached 1011 after going west on 120 and 555, we looked at the time and thought it was too early to head back to Denny’s for our burgers. After all, we made a ton of time trying to stay in Sam’s draft.
So, at the corner of 1011 and 555, Scott told us about an Elk viewing area just up the road.
Here are two shots from the intersection of 1011 and 555.
As we headed to the Elk viewing area, I spotted a few of the large creatures off Rt. 555. So, I stopped and took a pic or three. The only problem was, nobody knew I stopped and they sent Ken back to look for me. I passed Ken on my way to the viewing area as he circled back for me, gave him the OK sign, and proceed to pass the turn-off for the Elk Viewing area. Ken made it back to the group and I still wasn’t there. By that time, I think they were ready to “Kick me Off the Island.”
I don’t need no stink’n “Elk Viewing Area” to see real Elk…
Meanwhile, at the “Official” Elk Viewing Area, there were no Elk to be found. But, the view was nice.
Before we started to head off to Denny’s, Scott had us line up our bikes near the overlook. So, here you go!
Here are the pros taking shots of the bikes.
About an hour later, we arrived at Denny’s to find some of the others had already made it.
Yosh (Stargzrgrl) pulls in on Jason's (McGyver’s) Blackbird and took the opportunity to strike a pose w/ me.
C’mon Yosh, you can reach those bars!
Some riding buddies of mine from the Morgantown (WV) area showed up on Sunday.
John (VeloFish), James (RideWV), and Bill G.
Of course, the Chi-town group was there Saturday and Sunday. You gotta respect folks who are willing to travel 1200 miles round trip for a 15 lb burger.
Sandy, Rick, and Anna
Our Chi-town friends are all Ducatistas!
As the lot filled up, we went inside for some grub!
Here’s Paul and Sam waiting for their World Famous Burger!
Rick looks like he can’t wait.
Chris and Ken are anxious (well, at least Chris looks excited. I think Ken was ready for bed).
The kitchen was busy.
And finally, the waitress brings the table next to us the Belly Buster 16 lb burger order by Yosh and Jason for their Chicago pals.
Scott takes a pose with the famous Belly Buster.
This is what was left of it on Jason’s plate. I saw him w/ it wrapped up in a make-shift doggie bag strapping it to his KLR for the ride home.
After eating, Paul, James, John, and I departed for home. There’s a story there, but I’ll wait to tell that later. In the meantime, I can only offer my deepest apologies to John for leaving him as food for the Turkey Vultures.
While John was fixing his electrical demons, Paul, James, and I took a refreshing stop at Ohiopyle to hydrate and relax for a few minutes.
In all, it was great weather, great people, great riding, and great food.
I hope we can do it again next year!
