I apologize for my windiness, what can I say it is my nature! And please forgive the occasional file photo, the weather this year dampened the pic taking considerably.
Tues…I was very antsy to get my annual excursion started so I left 2 days earlier than originally planned. I spent Mon packing and making ready the bike. Rising with the chickens Tues morning, I chose the twisty route north on WV 20 through Webster Springs to Buckhannon, WV and U.S. 119 N to Grafton. Beautiful weather in the mid-70s prevailed all day. Stopped briefly for caffeinated elixir and bike fuel then headed due west on US 50 for a bit a heavy truck traffic dodging to Mt. Storm.
I arrived at Robert Craig campground about 1:30 p.m. and commenced to set camp. I played around with Spkldoe’s new Eureka Mountain Pass 3 XTE tent and strung a tarp over it as the weather forecast was for wet and more wet. I dragged in enough downed limb firewood to last the week and made a quick supply run to Keyser. Spent my evening with a hot Knorr’s side heated up on the Clikstand/Trangia alcohol fiddle factor stove and a coldun in my hand while tending a cozy campfire as the air temps dropped precipitously.
Wed…Out early; liners in and hatches battened as it was all of 46*F. Scouted the stop and smell the roses route I would be leading on Sat morning and I’m glad I did b/c there was a detour due to a bridge reconstruction, so as per usual, I had to read WVDOH’s mind as to which way to turn half way through the detour…guessed correctly! No stops to look, plenty of time for that Sat. Skirting the WV/MD borders, I eased the FJR around a few more than necessary backroads in the area around Cranesville Swamp Preserve to simply learn some new roads as there is some excellent lightly traveled asphalt in that area.
Around noon, I made my way back to camp to meet up with my good pal Chuck (Slowride) who was joining in the fun for a couple of days. We got Chuck’s camp set and headed out to ride, him on his Wee Strom and me tailing on the Feej. We turned north up Savage River Road and then up and along the ridge to the east on Westernport Rd…absolutely stunning scenery. We rode up MD 36 and detoured to Dan’s Rock State Park for an incredible view of the valley between Keyser, WV and Cumberland, MD and made our way back down the mountain to continue MD 36 north to visit the National Road Toll House in LaVale, MD. We headed south on U.S. 220 and then a quick turn east onto a backway that runs a long ridge south into Keyser, WV where we met up with Sandy, Chuck’s wife for supper at one of those little diners that only the locals know…great home cooked meal. The day ended just as last evening, a full belly and cold beer, a cozy fire but with me and Chuck recounting past conquests and the telling many tall tales…in full animated Appalachian tradition no less.
Thurs…Chuck plotted a backroad tour in his mind and off we went riding in the light rain that developed around daylight. Once off the east side of the mountain into the valley around Romney, the rain slacked but the day warmed to a muggy mid-80s as we rode a large south looping circle the last leg of which was Grassy Lick Road, the highlight of the morning. Grassy Lick Road led us back to Romney and we headed over to Romney Cycle to shelter from the advancing thunderstorm. We rolled in just as the last bikes were coming off the Yamaha trailer for the weekend festivities. We introduced ourselves to Richard and Mike the demo ride captains and Mike gave us the full run down on the Super Tenere. We were pleasantly surprised to discover they had 2, one naked and one dressed on their trailer! We went inside and I met Larry, Tenere salesman extraordinaire, and owner Kevin, our hosts for the demo ride and Chuck and me enjoyed a cuppa Joe.
As the thunderstorm passed, we headed back to camp early to meet and greet the riders arriving Thurs afternoon. George rolled in first, soon followed by Heidi and Jay. Once everyone’s camp was secure, we gathered for some libation, picnic table top racing and tire kicking. Chuck and Jay had a great time sampling George’s WV possum sauce! On the fiddle factor stove, I rustled up a slumgullion of rice, red beans, canned chicken and a blend of secret herbs and spices which was shoveled into whole wheat tortilla shells toasted on Jay’s new gadget and consumed with vigor by all. Right at dusk, Ma Nature unleashed a furious thunderboomer aimed directly at Jennings Randolph Lake…kinda wrapped up our evening quickly.
Fri…Up in morning wet and off to Romney early. I arrived before the gate was open and watched the demo ride being set up. DCStrom and DirtDad soon rolled in and we talked Super Tenere and salivated over the demo bikes whilst waiting for the ride signups to begin. I was first out on the adorned Tenere and I think Trevor went out on the naked one. A decent 30 minute all paved route that provided real world riding conditions gave us a chance to soak in all things Tenere. The three of us gathered for an after ride briefing and all agreed that we had made a fine choice of machines.
No rain on this hot and muggy afternoon and for a Friday, there was a great turnout and a good mix of interests for the demo/display. Spkldoe and my pal Alan arrived and we went out on another Tenere demo ride. I got a thumbs up on the bike from both parties. The two Tenere’s were out on every run thru 3:00 that afternoon.
Back in camp, we got Spkldoe settled in and more possum eaters begin to arrive, Joe, then Fred with Bob and Mike running late due to technical issues. Each new arrival was greeted with an ice cold brew. Jay volunteered to take over fire building duties and we FINALLY managed to get him to sustain his effort by tending it, though he argued it was not in his contract. The evening soon turned to fireside banter and frivolity…a good time had by all.
Sat…We arose to RAIN. As the weather lightened, we finally got the stop and smell the roses tour started about 10. Spkldoe and me in the lead, accompanied by Bob, Joe, Mike, George and Fred running sweep. We blasted the 10 miles of straight road over to Mount Storm to fuel up and soon commenced the PT portion of the tour by hiking the “red trail” on a very damp morning thru the 350-500 year old Hemlock forest of Cathedral State Park in Aurora, WV. The hike in riding clothes was longish, but everyone was awed by the environs. Mike said it reminded him of home in Washington State and George revealed that as a life-long WV resident, he had never even heard of the place and was so impressed that he brought gal pal Julie over to see Cathedral before leaving for home Sunday.
Next came the adventure riding portion of the tour as we scooted up the Aurora Pike for a lunch pit stop at the Terra Alta Dairy Queen so Mike would stop gnawing the leather straps off his tank bag. After a brief detour through the Alpine Lake Resort, we picked up Cranesville Road and onwards for the dual-sport portion of the tour along Lake Ford Road thru the Cranesville Swamp, stopping at the informational kiosk for a look about, pic snapping and putting on of rain gear.
Back out on good pavement, we arrived at Swallow Falls State Park, but opted out of the $4.00 a head nonresident fee (sheesh, must be special) for the privilege of hiking in the rain into the canyon to see the falls. The rain subsided as we made our way along the unplanned portion of the route; east to run some roads in MDs Savage River State Forest. Great riding. We passed thru Luke, WV and George retreated to camp to see if Julie had arrived while the rest went over to McCoole, MD for a beverage and fuel run; then back to camp. We convalesced for a couple of hours and then 8 of us caged over to Archie’s Ribs along U. S. 219N in McHenry, MD for our annual feast. We waited on Chuck and Sandy to arrive before we ordered. Everyone was thankful for the cages when we finished as all we could do was waddle back to the cars. Archie, you are a smoked pork legend! Archie for president! Amazing dining experience…highly recommended if you are in the region.
Meanwhile, Jay and Heidi took a more ride oriented undisclosed secret tour to the north in PA and MD and opted to eat in at camp.
You will never guess how the evening passed…yep, more fire, more libations, more picnic table top racing with great company although I was toasted from the week and turned in way early.
Sun morning… raucous thunder storms early morning and steady rain. Packing in the rain BITES. Everyone off in separate directions and all arrived home safely. One helluva a good week, caught up with some old friends and met some new ones. As it seems that a camp-n-ride to Jennings Randolph Lake has become something of a tradition, I can’t wait ‘til next year!!!
Addendum. I tried hard to keep this one to myself, but I can’t stand it! Spkldoe was in the cage trailing me along an all backroad run home Sun. We headed south on Sugar Grove Road. About 5 miles in, we passed what is the only naval station in the landlocked state of WV. Having lived in this fair state all my life and never having laid eyes on the establishment, I pulled over at the entrance to the main gate, grabbed the camera out of the car and commenced to snap a coupla pics of the sign...of the sign mind you. I put the camera back and hopped on the bike and down Sugar Grove Road we went at a somewhat spirited pace. After about two or three miles, I glance in the mirror to see a white SUV all lettered up with blues flashing bearing down on my six with a vengeance. I further ascertained that he had inserted himself between me and spkldoe’s cage and that she was being closely tailed by a 2nd white SUV all lettered up with a full blue light show in progress.
I pulled into the first reasonable get over and waited with both hands on the grips as an official U. S. Navy policeman came bouncing out of his SUV and quickly motioned Spkldoe into a driveway and hauled ass over to my bike like it was on fire.
“We were just trying to slow you two down; you do realize you were speeding.” I couldn’t help but grin sheepishly b/c I knew he could give a rat’s hiney.
“You got your camera?”
“No sir, it’s in her car.”
“Are you aware you are were not supposed to take those pictures?”
“I am now sir. Are you going to take our camera or can I just delete them?”
“What are you doing out here, just riding around?”
“Yes sir, been camping and riding for a week and now we are headed back home to Greenbrier County. Have to work tomorrow. Friend of mine said I would pass the only naval base in the state and having lived here all my life without even knowing that we had a naval base, I wanted a picture.”
“Greenbrier County, I’m headed down that way soon for the PGA event at the Greenbrier.”
"Yes sir, ol’ Jim Justice puts on quite a spectacle at the Greenbrier for that tournament. Do you want me to delete the pictures?”
“You stay here while I go over there to see about things.”
“Yes sir. Sorry for the hassle.” Never even asked my name, run my plate nor to see my credentials.
Spkldoe had been playing 20 questions with the other officer as he viewed the pictures of his damned SIGN posted along a public and taken from said public road. He handed her back the camera, pics intact, checked her driver’s license, wrote down her name on his note pad and directed his co-officer to help Creta get back out on the road. I looked back over my shoulder as he was getting back in his truck and said “Thank you for your service sir and enjoy the golf tournament. You gentleman have a nice afternoon;” while I trying not to laugh my ass off as the absurdity of the whole affair.
So somewhere in some file cabinet and no doubt in triplicate is a report of the day Spkldoe and me invaded the onliest naval base in the entire state of West By God!!!
Tues…I was very antsy to get my annual excursion started so I left 2 days earlier than originally planned. I spent Mon packing and making ready the bike. Rising with the chickens Tues morning, I chose the twisty route north on WV 20 through Webster Springs to Buckhannon, WV and U.S. 119 N to Grafton. Beautiful weather in the mid-70s prevailed all day. Stopped briefly for caffeinated elixir and bike fuel then headed due west on US 50 for a bit a heavy truck traffic dodging to Mt. Storm.
I arrived at Robert Craig campground about 1:30 p.m. and commenced to set camp. I played around with Spkldoe’s new Eureka Mountain Pass 3 XTE tent and strung a tarp over it as the weather forecast was for wet and more wet. I dragged in enough downed limb firewood to last the week and made a quick supply run to Keyser. Spent my evening with a hot Knorr’s side heated up on the Clikstand/Trangia alcohol fiddle factor stove and a coldun in my hand while tending a cozy campfire as the air temps dropped precipitously.
Wed…Out early; liners in and hatches battened as it was all of 46*F. Scouted the stop and smell the roses route I would be leading on Sat morning and I’m glad I did b/c there was a detour due to a bridge reconstruction, so as per usual, I had to read WVDOH’s mind as to which way to turn half way through the detour…guessed correctly! No stops to look, plenty of time for that Sat. Skirting the WV/MD borders, I eased the FJR around a few more than necessary backroads in the area around Cranesville Swamp Preserve to simply learn some new roads as there is some excellent lightly traveled asphalt in that area.
Around noon, I made my way back to camp to meet up with my good pal Chuck (Slowride) who was joining in the fun for a couple of days. We got Chuck’s camp set and headed out to ride, him on his Wee Strom and me tailing on the Feej. We turned north up Savage River Road and then up and along the ridge to the east on Westernport Rd…absolutely stunning scenery. We rode up MD 36 and detoured to Dan’s Rock State Park for an incredible view of the valley between Keyser, WV and Cumberland, MD and made our way back down the mountain to continue MD 36 north to visit the National Road Toll House in LaVale, MD. We headed south on U.S. 220 and then a quick turn east onto a backway that runs a long ridge south into Keyser, WV where we met up with Sandy, Chuck’s wife for supper at one of those little diners that only the locals know…great home cooked meal. The day ended just as last evening, a full belly and cold beer, a cozy fire but with me and Chuck recounting past conquests and the telling many tall tales…in full animated Appalachian tradition no less.
Thurs…Chuck plotted a backroad tour in his mind and off we went riding in the light rain that developed around daylight. Once off the east side of the mountain into the valley around Romney, the rain slacked but the day warmed to a muggy mid-80s as we rode a large south looping circle the last leg of which was Grassy Lick Road, the highlight of the morning. Grassy Lick Road led us back to Romney and we headed over to Romney Cycle to shelter from the advancing thunderstorm. We rolled in just as the last bikes were coming off the Yamaha trailer for the weekend festivities. We introduced ourselves to Richard and Mike the demo ride captains and Mike gave us the full run down on the Super Tenere. We were pleasantly surprised to discover they had 2, one naked and one dressed on their trailer! We went inside and I met Larry, Tenere salesman extraordinaire, and owner Kevin, our hosts for the demo ride and Chuck and me enjoyed a cuppa Joe.
As the thunderstorm passed, we headed back to camp early to meet and greet the riders arriving Thurs afternoon. George rolled in first, soon followed by Heidi and Jay. Once everyone’s camp was secure, we gathered for some libation, picnic table top racing and tire kicking. Chuck and Jay had a great time sampling George’s WV possum sauce! On the fiddle factor stove, I rustled up a slumgullion of rice, red beans, canned chicken and a blend of secret herbs and spices which was shoveled into whole wheat tortilla shells toasted on Jay’s new gadget and consumed with vigor by all. Right at dusk, Ma Nature unleashed a furious thunderboomer aimed directly at Jennings Randolph Lake…kinda wrapped up our evening quickly.
Fri…Up in morning wet and off to Romney early. I arrived before the gate was open and watched the demo ride being set up. DCStrom and DirtDad soon rolled in and we talked Super Tenere and salivated over the demo bikes whilst waiting for the ride signups to begin. I was first out on the adorned Tenere and I think Trevor went out on the naked one. A decent 30 minute all paved route that provided real world riding conditions gave us a chance to soak in all things Tenere. The three of us gathered for an after ride briefing and all agreed that we had made a fine choice of machines.
No rain on this hot and muggy afternoon and for a Friday, there was a great turnout and a good mix of interests for the demo/display. Spkldoe and my pal Alan arrived and we went out on another Tenere demo ride. I got a thumbs up on the bike from both parties. The two Tenere’s were out on every run thru 3:00 that afternoon.
Back in camp, we got Spkldoe settled in and more possum eaters begin to arrive, Joe, then Fred with Bob and Mike running late due to technical issues. Each new arrival was greeted with an ice cold brew. Jay volunteered to take over fire building duties and we FINALLY managed to get him to sustain his effort by tending it, though he argued it was not in his contract. The evening soon turned to fireside banter and frivolity…a good time had by all.
Sat…We arose to RAIN. As the weather lightened, we finally got the stop and smell the roses tour started about 10. Spkldoe and me in the lead, accompanied by Bob, Joe, Mike, George and Fred running sweep. We blasted the 10 miles of straight road over to Mount Storm to fuel up and soon commenced the PT portion of the tour by hiking the “red trail” on a very damp morning thru the 350-500 year old Hemlock forest of Cathedral State Park in Aurora, WV. The hike in riding clothes was longish, but everyone was awed by the environs. Mike said it reminded him of home in Washington State and George revealed that as a life-long WV resident, he had never even heard of the place and was so impressed that he brought gal pal Julie over to see Cathedral before leaving for home Sunday.
Next came the adventure riding portion of the tour as we scooted up the Aurora Pike for a lunch pit stop at the Terra Alta Dairy Queen so Mike would stop gnawing the leather straps off his tank bag. After a brief detour through the Alpine Lake Resort, we picked up Cranesville Road and onwards for the dual-sport portion of the tour along Lake Ford Road thru the Cranesville Swamp, stopping at the informational kiosk for a look about, pic snapping and putting on of rain gear.
Back out on good pavement, we arrived at Swallow Falls State Park, but opted out of the $4.00 a head nonresident fee (sheesh, must be special) for the privilege of hiking in the rain into the canyon to see the falls. The rain subsided as we made our way along the unplanned portion of the route; east to run some roads in MDs Savage River State Forest. Great riding. We passed thru Luke, WV and George retreated to camp to see if Julie had arrived while the rest went over to McCoole, MD for a beverage and fuel run; then back to camp. We convalesced for a couple of hours and then 8 of us caged over to Archie’s Ribs along U. S. 219N in McHenry, MD for our annual feast. We waited on Chuck and Sandy to arrive before we ordered. Everyone was thankful for the cages when we finished as all we could do was waddle back to the cars. Archie, you are a smoked pork legend! Archie for president! Amazing dining experience…highly recommended if you are in the region.
Meanwhile, Jay and Heidi took a more ride oriented undisclosed secret tour to the north in PA and MD and opted to eat in at camp.
You will never guess how the evening passed…yep, more fire, more libations, more picnic table top racing with great company although I was toasted from the week and turned in way early.
Sun morning… raucous thunder storms early morning and steady rain. Packing in the rain BITES. Everyone off in separate directions and all arrived home safely. One helluva a good week, caught up with some old friends and met some new ones. As it seems that a camp-n-ride to Jennings Randolph Lake has become something of a tradition, I can’t wait ‘til next year!!!
Addendum. I tried hard to keep this one to myself, but I can’t stand it! Spkldoe was in the cage trailing me along an all backroad run home Sun. We headed south on Sugar Grove Road. About 5 miles in, we passed what is the only naval station in the landlocked state of WV. Having lived in this fair state all my life and never having laid eyes on the establishment, I pulled over at the entrance to the main gate, grabbed the camera out of the car and commenced to snap a coupla pics of the sign...of the sign mind you. I put the camera back and hopped on the bike and down Sugar Grove Road we went at a somewhat spirited pace. After about two or three miles, I glance in the mirror to see a white SUV all lettered up with blues flashing bearing down on my six with a vengeance. I further ascertained that he had inserted himself between me and spkldoe’s cage and that she was being closely tailed by a 2nd white SUV all lettered up with a full blue light show in progress.
I pulled into the first reasonable get over and waited with both hands on the grips as an official U. S. Navy policeman came bouncing out of his SUV and quickly motioned Spkldoe into a driveway and hauled ass over to my bike like it was on fire.
“We were just trying to slow you two down; you do realize you were speeding.” I couldn’t help but grin sheepishly b/c I knew he could give a rat’s hiney.
“You got your camera?”
“No sir, it’s in her car.”
“Are you aware you are were not supposed to take those pictures?”
“I am now sir. Are you going to take our camera or can I just delete them?”
“What are you doing out here, just riding around?”
“Yes sir, been camping and riding for a week and now we are headed back home to Greenbrier County. Have to work tomorrow. Friend of mine said I would pass the only naval base in the state and having lived here all my life without even knowing that we had a naval base, I wanted a picture.”
“Greenbrier County, I’m headed down that way soon for the PGA event at the Greenbrier.”
"Yes sir, ol’ Jim Justice puts on quite a spectacle at the Greenbrier for that tournament. Do you want me to delete the pictures?”
“You stay here while I go over there to see about things.”
“Yes sir. Sorry for the hassle.” Never even asked my name, run my plate nor to see my credentials.
Spkldoe had been playing 20 questions with the other officer as he viewed the pictures of his damned SIGN posted along a public and taken from said public road. He handed her back the camera, pics intact, checked her driver’s license, wrote down her name on his note pad and directed his co-officer to help Creta get back out on the road. I looked back over my shoulder as he was getting back in his truck and said “Thank you for your service sir and enjoy the golf tournament. You gentleman have a nice afternoon;” while I trying not to laugh my ass off as the absurdity of the whole affair.
So somewhere in some file cabinet and no doubt in triplicate is a report of the day Spkldoe and me invaded the onliest naval base in the entire state of West By God!!!
