After a long hot summer of non-stop work and low funds, finally, a road trip! I am the proud owner of a well loved 2002 KLR650, affectionately nicknamed "The Toad" after an observation by my son bout the old girls aesthetic charm. Anyone who owns one knows it is a no frills, basic ride, and at this stage of my life and career, one that i can own without guilt. That said, she once again proved herself worthy! I had tossed around a few ideas over the summer and decided on a little jaunt east, into West Virginia, VA, and after looking at a map and realizing how close I would be to DC, a little day run to our nations capital. I left Cincinnati on Friday afternoon after work, and planned on staying the first night in Parkersburg, WV. I chose Parkersburg as my entry into WV because my family originally emigrated from Ireland and settled there. I had seen old pictures of where my family came from and always wanted to visit the places I had seen. The first place I wanted to see was my relative's old home. It was right across the river in Belpre, OH. This is a picture of how the house looked around 1890: And today: After a little research, and the help from a distant cousin, I was able to visit the graves of my Great-Great-Grandparents. Pretty neat. Back on the road, it was time to explore West By God Virginia! Lots more pics to come!
Back into WV, the primary routes are awesome! Well maintained, curvy, and scenic. Lots of off road detours to keep you entertained. Route 47 from Parkersburg to Weston was an awesome, awesome ride! Lots of little mom and pop places to stop and eat. Made it into Weston and had to go visit one of the towns landmarks, The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Huge place, and plenty creepy.
Headed into the Seneca Rocks area and toward my second night's stop. Decided to ride up to the highest point in WV, although I didn't exacly plan for how FREAKING COLD it would be up there. Great views though. A little fall color peeking through From there, a chilly ride into VA across 33, another awesome route (probably much better if I hadn't been up against nightfall) and hit the sack for the night.
DC was a last minute decision while I was securing lodging for my trip. Looking at the map I realized I was only about 2 hours away so I decided I would go check it out. Beautiful countryside, stone walls as far as you could see. DC was almost overwhelming, to go from the peaceful riding across the countryside, and into the big city, it was an adjustment. That said, tons to see and do, no way was I going to see it all, so I hit the highlights. The Pentagon, you can see the new masonry where this section was rebuilt after Sept 11. Riding across the Memorial Bridge toward the Lincoln Memorial. The closest I would get to the White House The WWII memorial. I probably spent more time here than anywhere else. Beautiful and solemn at the same time. Lincoln memorial, very cool, and so familiar. Crowded too. Reflecting pool was a bit of a bummer, but it should look great next time The Vietnam Wall Felt like I walked forever, in riding boots no less. DC looks way smaller on TV! Actually was a bit relieved to get out of DC and back to VA for the night. Up next, Skyline Dr. and a stretch of the BRP.
I was really excited about Skyline Drive, and despite pretty crappy weather, it did not disappoint. As a buddy of mine from Louisiana says about the weather: "You know Mother Nature, she gonna do what she do." The clear to foggy cycle went on for the duration, but the views were still awesome. The road was also beautifully maintained. I came upon this fellow at about the halfway point, absolutely beautiful! Things started to clear up finally as I came down from the higher elevations. A quick self portrait Skyline Drive ends and the BRP begins. The BRP was probably the most fun I had the whole trip (which is probably why I didn't get many pictures of it) I am planning a trip back next year to ride the full length of it! Family rocks, so I had friendly faces and a comfortable place to stay on my final night before heading home. My cousins in Alderson, WV. Great, great day of riding!! The ride home to follow.
I wasn't ready to go home but reluctantly, i started my slow wandering in that general direction. Started out rainy, but warmer, More beautiful WV back roads Kawanha Falls Shameless self-promotion Finally Home!! All in all an awesome trip! Can't say enough about the quality of the roads to ride in WV. It was a lot like the Deals Gap area, without the crowds. Total miles 1,419. Not a single issue with the bike. She handled it like a champ!