West Virginia Fall Colors Ride

[jimmy]

 

[Sport-Touring]

[keystonejenks]

Any update on this?

[thatguy]

Any update on this?

Yep. The colors in the West Virginia highlands is about 50% peak. And approaching peak in the Potomac Highlands. At least that what the report says. I live in the Potomac and it's just starting. So I'll make a decision during the coming week. It will be either next Saturday or the following one. I really meant this is a sightseeing and picture taking ride and I want it to be worth the effort. I'll do a little scouting this weekend and post up a few shots of what I find. I also need to make arrangements with a restaurant so anyone who's definite please post up.

[cb400]

I can make this  sunday....sadly that's all.    I can bring the new scooter to  insure a sedate (reasonably) pace. :-)

[ApeDel]

anybody else notice there is 3 people with Aprilia's responding to this thread?  that's practically a north america Aprilia meet  

[keystonejenks]

anybody else notice there is 3 people with Aprilia's responding to this thread?  that's practically a north america Aprilia meet  

 

[Windblown]

anybody else notice there is 3 people with Aprilia's responding to this thread?  that's practically a north america Aprilia meet  

If I make it I'll bring the KTM 990 SM-T rather than the FZ1 this time. Hey, it's from the same continent. Practically neighbors in fact.

[mustang28027]

I just got back from a four day trip to WV. In the higher elevations the colors are coming out. Lower areas, less so.
WV has  some good roads and I must say, good drivers overall. The folks know how to drive a mountain road!

[94gixxerod]

I'd like to join this ride for my maiden Sport-touring experience. Hopefully,  October 11th?

[sprint_st]

I just got back from a four day trip to WV. In the higher elevations the colors are coming out. Lower areas, less so.
WV has  some good roads and I must say, good drivers overall. The folks know how to drive a mountain road!

I'm leaving Wed for four days of riding WV.  Been riding WV since 1966. LUV it.  Where else do you have dashed center lines in the turns.  I've had panel trucks try to race me when I tried to pass them, but not in a malicious way.  YES, they can drive twisty roads, they have been doing it all there lives.

[jimmy]

Firstly, thanks to Thatguy for putting this ride together, and for making it clear that the purpose of the ride is first and foremost enjoying the colours of autumn.

Secondly, this guy (jimmy) would like to be a part of that ride, but it gets a little complicated.

If the forecast for next weekend is lovely, I'll head to WV on Thursday, likely staying at the OakMar Motel in Oakland MD.  I will meet the group Saturday, if the leaf-peeping conditions are right for the ride.

If the forecast is lousy, I will attempt the same trip the following week, joining the group Saturday if that ride didn't go ahead the previous week.

I'll make a decision on Wednesday.

Any questions or comments, I can be reached 24-7 via PM.

[thatguy]

OK right now the forecast for Saturday the 4th is 30% chance,mostly sunny and 70*F/21*C. So it looks good for Saturday. Like noted the colors are popping here and there. Next Saturday should be awesome. I rode about 300 miles today and it was wonderful. Might be a change of starting point. Probably be Berkeley Springs at the Earth Dog Cafe. I'll call them this week.

We'll be visiting (in addition to some other spots) Seneca Rocks,Spruce Knob-highest point in West Virginia,lunch in Elkins (somewhere??),check out the cool covered bridge in Phillipi,then up to Grafton and run Route 50 to 42 and then run down Scherr Mountain (5 miles and 2000 foot descent) so those so inclined can do a little twisty road boogie. And then on to Cumberland where we'll split up and go home or wherever.

Spruce Knob is located in a national forest and on gravel roads. This will be a varied conditions ride and bring more clothing than you think you need. On top of Spruce Knob (4,862 FT above sea level) Will be cold and windy. Possibly foggy and damp. We can skip it if it's really raw but the only way to really know is go there.

Bring your cameras and clean the lenses 'cause we'll stop repeatedly for photos. This will definitely be a long day of undetermined mileage. A guess? 250+.

And if the weather kills the deal we'll do the 11th of October.

How many should I get tables for?

[garry]

The road up to Spruce Knob from the east (rt 33) is nicely paved all the way to the top. The gravel starts if you drop down the west side of the mountain. Was just on it last week on a dual sport trip.

And I'm out. I will probably be on a long weekend foliage ride with my son in that same general area (33, 250, 39, etc) if the weather is good. My band is playing next weekend, so that kills the 11th for me.

[sprint_st]

The road up to Spruce Knob from the east (rt 33) is nicely paved all the way to the top. The gravel starts if you drop down the west side of the mountain. Was just on it last week on a dual sport trip.

And I'm out. I will probably be on a long weekend foliage ride with my son in that same general area (33, 250, 39, etc) if the weather is good. My band is playing next weekend, so that kills the 11th for me.

I'm going to be running that same area on Fri/Sat.  If you see a red FJR with a silver sled dog on the front, that be me.  Both Fri/Sat look like typical WV weather, some sun, some clouds and some showers.

[94gixxerod]

Unfortunately, for me family obligations rule this Saturday out. However, should the alternative date of 10/11 be set, I'm in. Sounds like alot of fun and have a great ride on Saturday!
Tim

[thatguy]

Too bad some will miss it. The weather is looking up. Now sunny and mid 60's.

[ApeDel]

as much as i'd like to tag along, i'm not gonna.  i just have to balance time with family, work around home, etc... just can't do it all  

[jimmy]

It's now not very likely I will make it.

I have a "situation" to address from 10-1 tomorrow.  Friday's forecast is 90% chance of rain locally.  I might not even leave for WV until Saturday.

I'll keep watching the weather and hope for the best.

[thatguy]

So is anyone coming?

[st2sam]

So is anyone coming?

Not this weekend. (at least not me)


Have fun, enjoy!