West Virginia

[true grip]

Great moto destination

[Boondox]

I've long wanted to visit WV and this summer it'll happen when Barley and I pass thru on our way to the MOA Rally in MO. I had a route all picked out, then saw this thread and am beginning to wonder if I should start all over again. Touristy stuff has little appeal to me; much better to travel rural roads to see what a state is all about. Besides, when traveling with a dog in a sidecar much of what the typical tourist stops to see is off limits to us.

Here's our rough route thru your wonderful state:
Cross from MD on 29 by Forks of Cacapon south to 50, then west to 220.
220 south to 28/55 past Seneca Rocks to 250 NW then back roads to Helvetia
20 south to near Beckley, then 16 all the way to War.
Cross into VA and then KY on 119. From there we straddle the TN border all the way to Land Between the Lakes.

Would it be better to turn right at Seneca Rock and take 33 to Elkins, then on to Helvetia and 20 south..? Maybe not so far south, but cross into KY near Summersville instead? Well-maintained gravel roads are fine, but I try to avoid the rough stuff since my poor dog gets shaken up like a ball in a paint can.

If your best buddy wanted to see as much of your state as possible in a day and a half while passing thru from northeast to west, which way would you send him?

[WayneJ]

Originally Posted by Boondox

Cross from MD on 29 by Forks of Cacapon south to 50, then west to 220.
220 south to 28/55 past Seneca Rocks to 250 NW then back roads to Helvetia
20 south to near Beckley, then 16 all the way to War.

One thing I might suggest is in Petersburg, WV, stay on US-220 south. Just north of Upper Tract, take a right on Smoke Hole Rd/CR-2. This is where some of my photos above were taken. Be warned, Smoke Hole Rd is not strait at all.

Smoke Hole Rd will take you back to Rt-28/55.

I'd also stay south past Seneca Rocks and do US-250, not the Elkins route.

I've never rode a hack, but I would think 29, 220, 50, 55/28 would be excellent roads for one.

Good lookin' dog!

[Mike at Tank Vest]

Did a little back road riding today. Nothing major but we did get a few really neat pics...

[mrphotoman]

Originally Posted by Wheedle

Did anyone ever answer where and what this is?

Palace of gold, a fun ride there.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...ht=palace+gold

[smokediver3]

[QUOTEWould it be better to turn right at Seneca Rock and take 33 to Elkins, then on to Helvetia and 20 south..?[/QUOTE]

Not really the better route if you're trying to see the sights. It's not a bad road, but turns to 4 lane for a ways and just goes over the mountain. If you're trying to make time it's not bad though. You might look at turning on to Rt32 and head thru Canaan Valley if you come toward Rt33. You can still make your way to Rt20, but it's much more scenic going past Blackwater Falls, the windmills above Parsons on 219, wind thru some REALLY nice 2lane and end up coming into Phillipi and making your way over to Rt20. From my house to Canaan takes about 2hrs if I follow the posted limit going across I-79 to Rt33. If I take the back way and follow the posted limits, I can cut 15-20 mins off easily. Plenty of parks to swing by and Mom-n-Pops to grab some grubbage(along with the usual golden arches and such)

[Rider_WV]

Originally Posted by Boondox

I've long wanted to visit WV and this summer it'll happen when Barley and I pass thru on our way to the MOA Rally in MO. I had a route all picked out, then saw this thread and am beginning to wonder if I should start all over again. Touristy stuff has little appeal to me; much better to travel rural roads to see what a state is all about. Besides, when traveling with a dog in a sidecar much of what the typical tourist stops to see is off limits to us.

WV is a great state for hacks!!

[Boondox]

I don't want to hijack this thread, but might PM a few inmates for more in depth advice. Really appreciate the help so far and am looking forward to our visit!

[sockethead]

Sorry if this is the wrong place too ask this, but I am looking for a few good, not chain, mom and pop type, places to eat in and around princeton or bluefield. Any help would be appreciated. That pic with the dog in the side car is awesome!!

[DenniSMC]

Not exactly the theme. But it is in WV. Summit Point WV. If you ever want to have a fun filled weekend. Set up a ride around a Roger Lyle's Motorcycle Xcitement track day. Lots of SUnday Monday events. You can ride the beautiful roads of WV on Saturday. Camp for free at Summit Point. Do a track day on Sunday. Its a great time.

[wvbobsmith]

A Dolly Sods version of Neil Perts "Ghost Rider"



Notice the Bobcat crossing the road out there. And I, with a camera on a tripod. My lucky day.

Here is a link to a little story I sent some buddies about this ADV.--http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/3915-little-story-more-pics/

[iBiker]

Originally Posted by Boondox

I've long wanted to visit WV and this summer it'll happen when Barley and I pass thru on our way to the MOA Rally in MO. I had a route all picked out, then saw this thread and am beginning to wonder if I should start all over again. Touristy stuff has little appeal to me; much better to travel rural roads to see what a state is all about. Besides, when traveling with a dog in a sidecar much of what the typical tourist stops to see is off limits to us.

Here's our rough route thru your wonderful state:
Cross from MD on 29 by Forks of Cacapon south to 50, then west to 220.
220 south to 28/55 past Seneca Rocks to 250 NW then back roads to Helvetia
20 south to near Beckley, then 16 all the way to War.
Cross into VA and then KY on 119. From there we straddle the TN border all the way to Land Between the Lakes.

Would it be better to turn right at Seneca Rock and take 33 to Elkins, then on to Helvetia and 20 south..? Maybe not so far south, but cross into KY near Summersville instead? Well-maintained gravel roads are fine, but I try to avoid the rough stuff since my poor dog gets shaken up like a ball in a paint can.

If your best buddy wanted to see as much of your state as possible in a day and a half while passing thru from northeast to west, which way would you send him?

After leaving Helvetia head to the WV Wildlife Center (aka Game Farm) @French Creek. It's a nice nature retreat to strech your legs and view some wildlife. You will also be at Rt 20 and turn south there. Prepare for some of most beautiful twisie u have ever ridden. Upon entering Webster County, look for Christi's Cook Shack for an excellent home cooked meal. Stay on 20 as long you can before veering towards Beckley. Enjoy!

[whittrated03]

Originally Posted by WVdyhrd

Mike, there are some amazing WV shots on here from everyone, but that is front page material with the pup running in tandem!!!!!

Great job guys keep em coming
out stretching the tiger's legs

taken by hbn at fall LF

ed sr.'s scram -> http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=628295

Is the bottom pic a Honda CB450 Black Bomber?

[onaXR]

Originally Posted by whittrated03

Is the bottom pic a Honda CB450 Black Bomber?

Nah, thats Dads 305 scrambler.

[Iron Dingo]

I hope to get back and do some climbing soon..