Spring 2015 - Romney, West Virginia - May 1-3

[Checkswrecks]

Just so that you are all aware, the auction for this year will have TWO very special shirts from our friend and fellow Super Tenere owner, Edson Mesadri, of Rio Sao Paulo in Brazil. He also sent a half dozen stickers and about the same in patches and most of these are from their national BIG TRAIL event. Edson was introduced to us by DCStrom, who is on a RTW ride and currently in Morocco.


This is Edson's video from BIG TRAIL and he is shown at the ending: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM4H1o_DJx8

We will not have this opportunity with our Romney routes:

So before anything else - Thank you Edson!!!


And here are some photos of what he sent. The white shirt is a high quality cotton T.

The red shirt is a really cool synthetic with the same Super Tenere logo on both sides. Again, all proceeds go to the WV School for the Deaf and Blind, located right where we will be in Romney WV

 

[bigbob]

Made my reservation at the Kool motel a couple of hours ago. There are now just two single bed rooms available.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

So before anything else - Thank you Edson!!!

::026:: Thanks for the generous donation. ::012::


I suspect there will be a few more item added to the charity prize list. More people will be taking something home this year.

Remember, there is no charge to attend this event. If that inspires you to make a generous contribution to the kids at the school please feel free. ;D

https://www.facebook.com/WestVirginiaSchoolsForTheDeafAndTheBlind

 

[trikepilot]

Well... got the green light today from the powers that be. I am moving up my final exam from Monday to Wednesday afternoon so I can travel to Romney on Thursday and then play all day Fri-Sun without the specter of an exam the next day hanging over my head. I am hopeful nothing changes that keeps me from making it.

Just took Fancy out for her first ride in way too long and got her good an dirty. The e09 rear is still one badass knobby for the big girl. However the K60 front with over 10k on it has gasped its last breath. I contemplated the e09 front but am leery of a knobby up front on such a heavy bike. The first K60 performed well and lasted 4 rears so I just ordered a new front K60 from Jaxon today. I just hope that I can restrain myself over the next 7 weeks so that the e09 rear is not shot by the time I get to Romney.

I have been talking with DirtDad about some ride ideas that adhere to Snakebitten's TBDBITW mantra. I lived at Seneca Rocks for 6 years back in the mid 1990's so I know the area well. Once I have crafted an ideal loop (currently just shy of 190 miles), I will post up with screengrabs, descriptions, and gpx files. There is definitely one section that I want to do where knobbies will be mandatory and those with an aversion to laying the beast down might not want to visit. But if we do make the journey, this is what you are rewarded with:

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Well... got the green light today from the powers that be. I am moving up my final exam from Monday to Wednesday afternoon so I can travel to Romney on Thursday and then play all day Fri-Sun without the specter of an exam the next day hanging over my head. I am hopeful nothing changes that keeps me from making it.

::012:: ::014:: That's good enough to put you on the list my friend. Glad you're going to make it.

 

[True Grip]

Glad your getting to come Trikepilot! I may get to Seneca Wed. evening and camp at Seneca Shadows Campground. Thursday I'd like to hike to the top of the rock, just hang out at Seneca Thursday then ride Smoke Hole on the way to Romney in the evening. Any advice on a trail up? Of course weather will play a role as to what I do. Got a feeling being on the rock in a thunder storm would be scary. I would like to ride your loop with you too. Getting anxious for a multi day ride.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Glad you can make it and now I'm thinking about loading both bikes in the pickup.




btw - as to shirt orders - I'll be traveling till Monday night, so may not answer as quick but promise that I will respond!!!

 

[snakebitten]

Nice to see attendance obstacles being cleared out of the way.
We got a RALLY shaping up. ::26::
And routes are gettin made that are designed to test our crash protection!

Could be epic!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Glad you can make it and now I'm thinking about loading both bikes in the pickup.

That thought has crossed my mind more than once. Later this month DM and I are loading up the dirt bikes and spending two days checking out the rougher dirt stuff I have in mind for one of my Romney rides. Need to make sure it is passable. Two years ago it required riding through/under some trees that had fallen across the road. Fortunately there was a path through the branches.

 

[trikepilot]

Glad your getting to come Trikepilot! I may get to Seneca Wed. evening and camp at Seneca Shadows Campground. Thursday I'd like to hike to the top of the rock, just hang out at Seneca Thursday then ride Smoke Hole on the way to Romney in the evening. Any advice on a trail up? Of course weather will play a role as to what I do. Got a feeling being on the rock in a thunder storm would be scary. I would like to ride your loop with you too. Getting anxious for a multi day ride.

Cool. Seneca Shadows is a stones throw from my old house. There is only one trail to the top of Seneca. It leaves the visitor center, crosses the Potomac, and switchbacks up the mountain along the flank of the North Peak where they have a wooden observation deck. You can scramble on out to the top of the rocks proper from there - very non-technical terrain. The trail is pretty mellow, well graded, and not too steep thanks to all the swithcbacks. The view from the north peak summit proper is worth it. There is a "road" to this observation deck that is 4wd only that we used for rescues back in the day. I know the owners and may attempt to seek permission to ride it as a spur out-n-back part of my loop.

When you plan your trip into Seneca, give me a holler and I can help out giving you a far better way into the area than one of the major highways.

Nice to see attendance obstacles being cleared out of the way.
We got a RALLY shaping up. ::26::
And routes are gettin made that are designed to test our crash protection!

Could be epic!

Snake... there are far fewer options to loose the TBDBITW into its native environs around the Seneca area thanks to the fact that much of the Monongahela NF has gates and/or restrictions on many of the backroads and trails. All that notwithstanding... I am still planning to ride two of the days to places where I know there are some options on the rougher side and would be honored to have you join. I fully plan to let Fancy take a nap or two - seems wrong to not do so after asking her to drag her 700lb carcass over such obstacles. But once I get grad school behind me... I plan to talk either/both Jaxon and/or Romney to hold a rally at my current WV home - The New River Gorge region - where I can certainly plan several full days of riding TBDITW in a manner befitting our interests. Ask DirtDad - he can testify! We rode the WRR's for two days around the area on routes that I routinely explore on Fancy.

 

[MojoToot]

GuzziTodd will be taking possession of his S10 @ Romney Cycles on Monday and I will be keeping him company Mon-Thurs whilst he works on breaking it in and getting the 1st service on Thursday. So add a +1 to the attendance and we we see the rest of you when you get there.

Bring sunshine.

 

[Checkswrecks]

. . .
Snake... there are far fewer options to loose the TBDBITW into its native environs around the Seneca area thanks to the fact that much of the Monongahela NF has gates and/or restrictions on many of the backroads and trails. All that notwithstanding... I am still planning to ride two of the days to places where I know there are some options on the rougher side and would be honored to have you join. I fully plan to let Fancy take a nap or two - seems wrong to not do so after asking her to drag her 700lb carcass over such obstacles. But once I get grad school behind me... I plan to talk either/both Jaxon and/or Romney to hold a rally at my current WV home - The New River Gorge region - where I can certainly plan several full days of riding TBDITW in a manner befitting our interests. Ask DirtDad - he can testify! We rode the WRR's for two days around the area on routes that I routinely explore on Fancy.

For those interested, remember that the FJR Owners of Dirt Bikes (FODS) will have a group at Pipestem June 18-21. Great group of folks and only an hour down from The New River Gorge. More info here:



http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=11981.0

 

[True Grip]

Glad you can make it and now I'm thinking about loading both bikes in the pickup.




btw - as to shirt orders - I'll be traveling till Monday night, so may not answer as quick but promise that I will respond!!!

One of these days I've got to get a WR or something too to bring to some of these places. That Uncles thing in BB sounds like fun also.

Trikepilot I'll leave Nashville Tuesday after work(hopefully early) and slab till I get tired a back door into Seneca Wed would be appreciated. PM me or post what you got here others may want to ride it. I've been by Seneca twice always stop and stare at it this time I hope to see the view. If anybody is arriving early your welcome to join me Wed at Seneca Shadows Campground. Does Harpers store sell beer? Thanks a lot!!!!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

A question came up on Trooper about camping space. Here's a map for those joining us for the first time.

 

[merchant]

Working on making this happen. Hoping all the pieces will fall into place.

 

[gunner]

I'm in! I'll be camping and don't have a tight travel schedule but I'm definitely be stopping by Jefferson's Monticello.

Steve

 

[Andrew]

The 2015 Camp and Ride/Charity event is officially on. The weekend event started by dcstrom and Romney Cycles back in 2012 is happening again. The date has been confirmed and they will be holding the “4th Annual Camp N Ride” on May 1-3, 2015.

In 2014 Romney added a charity component to the event after it was suggested by dcstrom. Along with Romney's contribution our group raised more than $1,300 for the WV School for the Deaf and Blind. Romney has selected the school again for 2015. It's a school that really cares about the kids and puts the money directly towards helping the kids.

If you were one of the 100 riders that joined us last year you already know the guys at Romney go out of their way to make us feel welcome. They remain interested in growing their involvement in the Adventure market and are once again looking forward to hosting the event again in 2015.
Link to 2014 event video
Link to 2013 event video
Link to 2012 event video

When: May 1-3, 2015
Where: Romney Cycles in Romney, WV
What: Camping on the grounds of the dealership, or staying at local lodging. Then riding some fantastic West Virginia roads.

Romney has recognized that as this event grows there are more people are coming from greater distances. For the people who want more time to take advantage of the fantastic roads in the area they will have everything ready for people who want to arrive on Thursday evening, April 30th. For the rest, the usual schedule has been most everyone arrives at some point during the day or evening that Friday. Saturday is ride day, and everyone headed their own way on Sunday. The dealership provides the camping area in a nice field next to the dealership, portable toilets, showers, water, ice, a coffee maker for the morning, plenty of wood for the fire each evening, and they sponsor the meal on Saturday evening. They also worked out a group rate at one of the local motels.

Those who attended in 2014 will be happy to hear the Ruritans will be back again in 2015 to sell breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning. They will also provide the Romney Cycles sponsored dinner on Saturday evening. The food was great, the convenience of having them on site was fantastic. We apparently also made an impression on the Ruritans. They mentioned to Kevin (Romney Cycles owner) how unusual it was for them to repeatedly hear "keep the change." Doesn't usually happen to them.

For the non-campers
Koolwink Motel
South Branch Inn
I heard we sold out the Koolwink last year. I suspect we had a good number at the South Branch as well. Never heard any complaints about either place.

As far as Saturday rides, it's open. Talking around the fire Friday evening was how most people hooked up with who they would ride with on Saturday. This event has grown too large for me to try to manage in advance who is going to be a ride leader. Attendance at this event has more than tripled every year. I would be surprised if we maintain that growth rate in 2015, but it's reasonable to anticipate the event will grow again this year. If you think you have some good ideas of what would be a nice ride and you are willing to take some people with you, please do. Even if you are navigating for a small group please see Checkswrecks or me. There will be a couple of items we need to cover.

Romney is centrally located to a lot of great riding. If you do want to explore on your own here's a few ideas along with the approximate mileage from Romney.
65 miles Rt 72 video
83 miles Spruce Knob
54 miles Dolly Sods
16 miles Oldtown Low Water Bridge video
57 miles Black Water Falls
62 miles Seneca Rocks
52 miles WV/VA Border Crossing near Mathias, WV
74 miles Harpers Ferry video

If you want to bring your significant other, but they don't want to do a day ride with a bunch of sweaty guys, the scenic train is less than a mile from the dealer.
Scenic Railroad
The Apple Blossom Festival was enjoyed by at least one of the spouses at the event last year.
41 miles Apple Blossom Festival - Winchester, VA


Romney Cycles will want a ballpark figure on how many to plan for, but obviously it's way too early for anyone to commit this far in the future. When time gets closer I'll try to get a headcount. But until then post up if you think you may attend, have any suggestions or questions.

So mark your calendars and plan to start your early spring season in beautiful West Virginia.

This following is not an obligation, more of a way to see how many and who may be coming. Post to this thread or send me a PM and I'll add/remove you from the list. When we're a few weeks out we'll try to get a more official headcount so Romney can make their plans.

Possible headcount from yamahasupertenere
Dirt_Dad
checkswrecks
twodogs
Firefight911
fredz43
sail2xxs
Brick
mbabc
William42
iml53
BravoBravo
triman11427
True Grip
spam16v +2 (?)
patrickg450
Snakebitten
BigBob
eemsreno
elmo_4_vt
Random ride
Scoop47501
Tony99
Brick
TABASCO
TNWalker
becoyote
Ishirock +4
Koinz + 2
keeponriding
brennan
MojoToot
Scoop47501
cjct21
trikepilot
GuzziTodd
merchant
Gunner

Additional headcount from other adventure boards (Stromtrooper & ADV): 88

So is this now the North American rally for 2015?

 

[True Grip]

Andrew hope you and Stephanie can come. It's beautiful over there! Any of y'all coming from the west I'm 17 miles south of I40 exit 148. We got 1 spare bedroom several couches,big yard or covered river pavilion. Our newly married son has depleted some of our home furnishings but I'll do my best to make you comfortable. If Stephanie comes she gets dibs on the bedroom. Everyone is welcome PM if you want my address.

 

[Checkswrecks]

So is this now the North American rally for 2015?

As the Teneres are no longer in the majority, I'm not sure we could call it the 2015 North American Tenere Rally.
But you are almost guaranteed to go home having new friends.


::018::

 

[Dirt_Dad]

As the Teneres are no longer in the majority...

Maybe...just maybe that may not hold true this year. This board is out pacing the Strom board by 42/37. Of course ADV has a solid 52 so far, and I know some of those are going to be Stroms. It's hard to beat Stroms in sheer numbers, but I think Teneres will be right up there in bike count this year.

This is not the 2015 North American Tenere event. I, like everyone else, look forward to see what Tabasco is planning for this year. Got to give him and the now retired Karson a lot of credit, they do an amazing job of planning and executing an event. For me, I like to think of Romney as a fantastic way to kickoff the new riding season.