Cass Scenic Railroad
Cranberry Glades
Greenbrier River at Marlinton, WV
Ice cream on the porch of the Old Clark!
The path less traveled
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Retrospective
Looking back over the past week from all the comforts of home ... of course it was a great week. But why ... ?
Well it had to be the friendship and the interest and support of our friends and family. Calls home at the end of the day ... and the blog. Thanks Barb for encouraging us to do it.
And the roads ... it was fun searching the maps for what looked like the twistiest roads, putting the route in the gps and then actually riding them. Most of the roads did not disappoint!!! But some of the roads that looked so good on the maps turned out to be gravel ... and we know Paul does not do gravel. The following roads were some of the best.
70 from TN to VA: the twisty sections and the views down the valley from the crest of the mountain.
2010 KY: a single lane up the mountain and down again ... the first turn was the most memorable. An Oh My God 180 degree right hander with a monster up-hill (just try and keep the bike upright) exit!
160 KY/VA: heavy duty curves on the side of a mountain.
16 VA to WV: one of our all time favorites that never disappoints. Made all the better with no traffic, the scenery, the early morning clean/crisp air, and trying to catch Joe.
39 OH: roller coaster hills in Amish Country.
800: OH: great sweepers with new pavement!
219 WV: a long run with a nice mix of curves up and down the mountain and through the valleys.
Highland Scenic Highway: high elevation sweepers and cool temperatures.
And the memories:
The cheap hotels (with pizza delivery)!
The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum
The hospitality of John and Diana (thanks ...)!
The motorcycle races at Mid-Ohio
The schoolbus and the Deadheads (the 60's still live on)!
The Cranberry Glades (walking on the boardwalk and enjoying the flowers and scenery).
Cass Scenic Railroad (the steam engine).
And Roger, Paul, and Joe (the best motorcycle friends ever)! Wouldn't have been much fun without you all ... and thanks to everyone for reading the blog and traveling along with us!
Well it had to be the friendship and the interest and support of our friends and family. Calls home at the end of the day ... and the blog. Thanks Barb for encouraging us to do it.
And the roads ... it was fun searching the maps for what looked like the twistiest roads, putting the route in the gps and then actually riding them. Most of the roads did not disappoint!!! But some of the roads that looked so good on the maps turned out to be gravel ... and we know Paul does not do gravel. The following roads were some of the best.
70 from TN to VA: the twisty sections and the views down the valley from the crest of the mountain.
2010 KY: a single lane up the mountain and down again ... the first turn was the most memorable. An Oh My God 180 degree right hander with a monster up-hill (just try and keep the bike upright) exit!
160 KY/VA: heavy duty curves on the side of a mountain.
16 VA to WV: one of our all time favorites that never disappoints. Made all the better with no traffic, the scenery, the early morning clean/crisp air, and trying to catch Joe.
39 OH: roller coaster hills in Amish Country.
800: OH: great sweepers with new pavement!
219 WV: a long run with a nice mix of curves up and down the mountain and through the valleys.
Highland Scenic Highway: high elevation sweepers and cool temperatures.
And the memories:
The cheap hotels (with pizza delivery)!
The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum
The hospitality of John and Diana (thanks ...)!
The motorcycle races at Mid-Ohio
The schoolbus and the Deadheads (the 60's still live on)!
The Cranberry Glades (walking on the boardwalk and enjoying the flowers and scenery).
Cass Scenic Railroad (the steam engine).
And Roger, Paul, and Joe (the best motorcycle friends ever)! Wouldn't have been much fun without you all ... and thanks to everyone for reading the blog and traveling along with us!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Day 8: Going Home
After breakfast at The Old Clark Inn we parted ways. Joe headed east on 39, Paul and Dick went south on 219. The mountain air was cool and crisp and I turned on my electric grips to take off the chill. Fog hung in the valleys and in the higher elevations we rode it the mist of clouds. As the morning continued patches of blue sky appeared in an ever-changing sky. And the landscape was changing too. Mountain forests, rolling hills, farms with red barns and cows. And the roads ... twisty curves up and down the mountain giving way to sweepers and longer straight sections in the valleys. Paul and I had a great run down 219 ... but we knew it was over when we turned onto the four-lane that connected to I-77. One last gas stop and lunch at McDonald's ... I-77 is high speed stuff at the 70 mph posted speed limit. It's a different kind of riding but still fun in the mountain sections of WV and NC. Soon Paul and I would part ways ... as the roads diverged to our homes we were again riding solo, no longer seeing each other as we leaned into the curves.
It was a great ride! One more Summer Ride in the books. Special memories created with good friends ... every day a new adventure. Doesn't get any better than that!
Looking forward to our next ride ... thanks Joe, Paul, and Roger! You're the best!
It was a great ride! One more Summer Ride in the books. Special memories created with good friends ... every day a new adventure. Doesn't get any better than that!
Looking forward to our next ride ... thanks Joe, Paul, and Roger! You're the best!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Day 7: Photos
The Old Clark Inn: A porch with a breeze ... doesn't get any better than that!
The Cranberry Glades
Awesome scenery on the boardwalk at the Cranberry Glades!
and the flowers!
The Highland Scenic Highway
Cass Scenic Railroad
Day 7: Highland Scenic Highway/Joe Smokes the Harleys
A little humid this morning ... so we headed to the cooler weather in the highlands. Stopped at the Cranberry Glades to commune with nature ... wow what beautiful scenery! The Highland Scenic Highway was next ... brisk temperatures and rolling sweepers. A great morning ride. At the end of the ride we encountered a group of eight Harley riders. Of course Joe had to pass them.
We stopped at Cass Scenic Railroad for lunch and saw the steam engine. Amazing technology from the early 1900's. The road home was filled with gentle sweepers ... a great ending to our time in Marlinton!
We stopped at Cass Scenic Railroad for lunch and saw the steam engine. Amazing technology from the early 1900's. The road home was filled with gentle sweepers ... a great ending to our time in Marlinton!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Day6: In the Zone on Route 219
Started the day with a quick tour of Morgantown to relive my graduate school days at WVU. Wow things have sure changed in forty two years! Went by our old house and found it still there ... it hasn't fallen down yet. And the house where our graduate student offices were had changed too. Siding replaced the old clapboard and it had been renamed ... "Crime Scene House No. 2." What's up with that?
Came back to the hotel and suddenly it was 1960! Parked under the canopy was an old school bus and twenty or so twenty somethings in tie-dye with tatoos and assorted body piercings. Seems like they were following the remnants of the Greatful Dead. The Deadheads still live on ... Peace Love and Brotherhood are still alive in 2011! Right on ... keep the dream alive. Great talking with them ... we wished them well and rode off in search of our own adverture.
The best road of the day was 75 miles of pure excitement on 219 to Marlinton. Perfect sweepers and properly banked curves (along with low traffic volume) made for a great afternoon. It was one of those times when you are one with the bike in perfect sychronization with the road. Just in the flow where you are in the moment and time stands still ... the eternal present.
For an hour we downshifted for the curves and powered out to the redline ... flowing left, then right with the curves. Seeing Joe and Paul in my rearview mirrors doing the same thing added to the enjoyment. And did I mention the sounds of a motorcycle at redline? A perfect afternoon!!!
Came back to the hotel and suddenly it was 1960! Parked under the canopy was an old school bus and twenty or so twenty somethings in tie-dye with tatoos and assorted body piercings. Seems like they were following the remnants of the Greatful Dead. The Deadheads still live on ... Peace Love and Brotherhood are still alive in 2011! Right on ... keep the dream alive. Great talking with them ... we wished them well and rode off in search of our own adverture.
The best road of the day was 75 miles of pure excitement on 219 to Marlinton. Perfect sweepers and properly banked curves (along with low traffic volume) made for a great afternoon. It was one of those times when you are one with the bike in perfect sychronization with the road. Just in the flow where you are in the moment and time stands still ... the eternal present.
For an hour we downshifted for the curves and powered out to the redline ... flowing left, then right with the curves. Seeing Joe and Paul in my rearview mirrors doing the same thing added to the enjoyment. And did I mention the sounds of a motorcycle at redline? A perfect afternoon!!!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Day 5: Roller Coaster Roads in Amish Country
The morning started with beautiful roller coaster roads in amazing farm country. Cresting the top of a hill the road falls away and for a moment ... you can't see the road. Then you ride down to the bottom, ride up the other side. We repeated the process many times ... definitely exciting!
We traveled through Amish country ... wagons on the roads, carefully stacked hay in the fields, and beautiful farms added to the interest of the morning. Kids playing, farmers farming ... it all seems so different and at the same time so normal. As we're rocketing down the highway in helmets and motorcycle suits I just had to pause and wonder if we aren't missing something by not driving a little slower and wearing a straw hat.
Route 800 was the star of the day. When we stopped for lunch, a local guy gave us directions to the road ... "be careful it's real curvey. Are you sure you want to go that way?" Neat small towns too ... one's like you remembered when you were growing up. Seems like little has changed there ...
A lot has changed in our final destination Morgantown, WV ... it has exploded! So far I haven't recognized a thing from time I was there as a graduate student. In the morning, maybe we can ride through Morgantown on our way out of town.
We traveled through Amish country ... wagons on the roads, carefully stacked hay in the fields, and beautiful farms added to the interest of the morning. Kids playing, farmers farming ... it all seems so different and at the same time so normal. As we're rocketing down the highway in helmets and motorcycle suits I just had to pause and wonder if we aren't missing something by not driving a little slower and wearing a straw hat.
Route 800 was the star of the day. When we stopped for lunch, a local guy gave us directions to the road ... "be careful it's real curvey. Are you sure you want to go that way?" Neat small towns too ... one's like you remembered when you were growing up. Seems like little has changed there ...
A lot has changed in our final destination Morgantown, WV ... it has exploded! So far I haven't recognized a thing from time I was there as a graduate student. In the morning, maybe we can ride through Morgantown on our way out of town.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Day 4: Motorcycle races at Mid Ohio Racetrack
We left the warm hospitality of John and Diana in search of the races. The weather in the morning is always cool and it's great to be on the road after a good night's rest. At our first gas stop Joe spied a Tim Horton's ... where else would we eat breakfast?
Then Paul led us to Mid Ohio, a track he has raced at many times. It was great racing!!! but hot!!! Fortunately we found a shady grandstand and a little breeze for the last race.
Now we're in Loudenville, OH for the night. Tomorrow ... Morgantown, WV.
Then Paul led us to Mid Ohio, a track he has raced at many times. It was great racing!!! but hot!!! Fortunately we found a shady grandstand and a little breeze for the last race.
Now we're in Loudenville, OH for the night. Tomorrow ... Morgantown, WV.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Governor Bob and friends
Day 3: Route 16 at the redline
The morning was wonderful … wonder full … full of wonder. It had rained during the night and our bikes were wet … the good news is that the air was clean, crisp, and fresh … the kind of weather that makes you feel alive!
16 over the mountain was our chosen route for the day. It’s one of our favorites with good memories associated with previous rides. The cloud cover this morning was particularly amazing … mostly overcast but with small windows of intense blue creating a glimpse of the universe beyond.
16 is a special one … the switchbacks and esses are the best, challenging the limits of the motorcycle and your skill. First gear corners … leaning in and powering out through the gears. The song of the motor is ecstacy as it approaches the redline. Doesn’t get any better than that! Most of the morning is spent chasing Joe up the mountain, around the curves, and into the clouds. Of course Joe runs off and leaves us … but eventually he waits and we catch up.
The scenery is like a picture book ofEurope . Cows dot the rocky landscape amid beautiful green rolling hills with red barns and the mountains in the background.
Cincinnati
16 over the mountain was our chosen route for the day. It’s one of our favorites with good memories associated with previous rides. The cloud cover this morning was particularly amazing … mostly overcast but with small windows of intense blue creating a glimpse of the universe beyond.
16 is a special one … the switchbacks and esses are the best, challenging the limits of the motorcycle and your skill. First gear corners … leaning in and powering out through the gears. The song of the motor is ecstacy as it approaches the redline. Doesn’t get any better than that! Most of the morning is spent chasing Joe up the mountain, around the curves, and into the clouds. Of course Joe runs off and leaves us … but eventually he waits and we catch up.
The scenery is like a picture book of
Friday, July 8, 2011
Photos from Days 1 & 2
Here's a few photos from days one and two (now that I have a wifi connection!)
Day 2: Oh yeah ... these are the roads!
Best day ever ... 2010 is a single lane (thank goodness it's paved) road up and over the mountain between Kentucky and Virginia. Talking with the locals it's the kind of road that "oh ... that road ... well we don't really ever go on that road ... it's too curvey! Are you sure you don't want to take the four-lane?" Ah yes ... that's the road we're looking for. And it didn't disapoint.
I always have the same feelings when I turn on to a road like this. What have I got myself in to? Are you sure you want to do this? I remember the first serious curve ... a 180 degree first gear monster on the side of a mountain. Gear dowm to first, enter the corner, lean, and accelerate straight up through a canopy of green leaves.
160 is a wider road so the speed is greater (which of course makes it more fun!) It takes us into the heart of coal country and we stop at the Miner's Museum for a break. Amazing insights into the life of early coal miners.
Lunch was at the Dari Delight in Big Stone Gap. I knew with a name like that it had to be good ... and it didn't disapoint. I enjoyed each and every calorie! The owner was amazed that we found him by searching for food on the GPS!
After lunch our best paved roads turned to dirt. So ... After several attemps and having to turn around we headed for a cheap motel. We are staying at the same place we began our trip to Alaska in 2006. Great memories and a great value. They didn't leave the light on for us but they do have lights!
Tomorrow ... Cincinnati via 16 (one of our most favorite roads.)
I always have the same feelings when I turn on to a road like this. What have I got myself in to? Are you sure you want to do this? I remember the first serious curve ... a 180 degree first gear monster on the side of a mountain. Gear dowm to first, enter the corner, lean, and accelerate straight up through a canopy of green leaves.
160 is a wider road so the speed is greater (which of course makes it more fun!) It takes us into the heart of coal country and we stop at the Miner's Museum for a break. Amazing insights into the life of early coal miners.
Lunch was at the Dari Delight in Big Stone Gap. I knew with a name like that it had to be good ... and it didn't disapoint. I enjoyed each and every calorie! The owner was amazed that we found him by searching for food on the GPS!
After lunch our best paved roads turned to dirt. So ... After several attemps and having to turn around we headed for a cheap motel. We are staying at the same place we began our trip to Alaska in 2006. Great memories and a great value. They didn't leave the light on for us but they do have lights!
Tomorrow ... Cincinnati via 16 (one of our most favorite roads.)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Day 1: Cumberland Gap
Life is good on the road!Joe met us at 8 and we started in pleasantly cool overcast conditions. Cruising along at 10 over when I looked in my rearview and saw the flashing blue light in the distance. It was closing fast and I was prepared for the worst ... Fortunately the trooper blew by us and disappeared over the horizon. Wow, that was close !
321 was a great road that runs along a ridge overlooking Watauga Lake.The experience was confirmation of the reason I ride. See the curve, downshift, lean in, hit the apex, and power out. Hear the engine at redline and feel the power ... Doesn't get any better.
We repeated the experience many times during the day. Among the best was route 70 beginning in TN and ending in VA. 180 degree switchbacks ... cresting the ridges and seeing the vista of the valley floor open up before your eyes. The scenery complemented by the dance of the motorcycle ... Word defying stuff.
Anyway it was a great day with friends ... Living on the edge ... stay tuned for day two!
321 was a great road that runs along a ridge overlooking Watauga Lake.The experience was confirmation of the reason I ride. See the curve, downshift, lean in, hit the apex, and power out. Hear the engine at redline and feel the power ... Doesn't get any better.
We repeated the experience many times during the day. Among the best was route 70 beginning in TN and ending in VA. 180 degree switchbacks ... cresting the ridges and seeing the vista of the valley floor open up before your eyes. The scenery complemented by the dance of the motorcycle ... Word defying stuff.
Anyway it was a great day with friends ... Living on the edge ... stay tuned for day two!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Getting Ready
Roger and Paul pulled into my house around 4. Spent the afternoon reliving good memories of past rides. Joe will join us in the morning and then we're headed west toward the mountains!
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