[rickgz]

Hello all. Sit down and let me tell you a tale. A 4 day 1100 mile tour of OH, WV, MD and PA. Purpose of which was to meet up with some ADVriders folk at an annual roving event called BYOB or Bring Your Own Bike. Nothing more is organized. We meet up camp, tell lies, ride, tell more lies and go our separate ways until the next meet up.

Those who have followed my 13 SE build, this was my first extended trip on her, solely for the purpose of riding and bonding with her.

Packed and ready to roll! My usual travel bike looks on sadly.

I met up with my buddy Kevin riding an 01 Sprint ST. Kevin and I have ridden or met up at BYOB's in the past. In fact, we met at one 15 years ago at Boyer Station, WV, when I still lived in Pittsburgh. It was the first BYOB for each of us. The BYOB concept hasn't changed much over the years. Just bring a bike and ride it!! So we did.

Our route took us on mostly familiar roads through the rolling hills of OH, eventually crossing the river at Follansbee on an old school metal grate bridge, and a long one at that! Thankfully it was dry and other than some wiggle, we made it across safely. If you have ever ridden across one of those in the wet, you understand why we were cautious. You don't want to low side on one of those.

We found our way to US 250, riding south through Hundred and Cameron WV. That section is quite twisty and good and was day ride reachable for when I lived in Pittsburgh. Once we got through Fairmount WV and a bit of congestion US 50 beckoned and as always it did not disappoint. Mostly smooth roads, with a few bumpy sections but the curves and mountain passes were as dismembered, sweet! We stopped at a very cool spot, worthy of the name Cool Springs.

Me having some silly fun!

Kevin making a new Jackass of a friend!

From there we were only an hour to our destination Abrams Campground and Retreat in Elk Garden, WV where we checked into our cabin.

Now Elk Garden, WV is in the middle of nowhere. Literally! Though it is right off of US Route 50, the closest towns with food and supplies are Keyser WV about 20 miles or Oakland MD 25 miles away. We chose Keyser as we were not sure if MD was allowing sit down dinners yet due to the virus pandemic. We chose correctly as we found the Candlewyck Inn and Restaurant to be quite tasty. A quick trip to the grocery store for supplies and then back to our Cabin. That night we mingled with other attendees. Some of whom I have known for 20 or more years, others I met just this past weekend. That is the beauty of motorcycles. An instant common bond!

Too be continued...

 

[rickgz]

The next day, we rode WV 42 South down Mt Storm. A great 2 lane mountain pass that has light traffic due to a new bypass. Then it was on to Smoke Hole Road, a 30 mile stretch of narrow unmarked twisty road! Got into my zone and never stopped for a pic, but I have been on it before and have pics from previous trips. It drops you off onto US 220 in Upper Tract just north of Franklin WV where we stopped for lunch, dining on local trout.

On the way back we made a mandatory stop at Yokum's where I bought a t-shirt to help out. It was obvious by the stock on hand, they were hurting during this crazy pandemic. Once again, no pics as I have dozens from other trips.

My other buddy Tony arrived that evening on is DR650, standing next to Kevin.

We rode back to the Candlewyck for dinner enjoying a nice steak. Forgot my phone so no pics of that delicious meal. More campfires and lies later that evening.

The ADVrider Salute! Lets you know they accept you.

 

[rickgz]

Next day we decided to explore the Potomac State Forrest area of MD near Oakland and Deep Creek. The roads are not as technical as WV but very nice none the less with beautiful scenery. Come lunch time Garmin found us this cool little tourist trap of a village some grub.

There is a historical working village for the tourists. Unfortunately only a couple of shops were open, the neighborhood blacksmith was one. And he rides!

The rest of the village.

 

[rickgz]

Attached to the village is a small park with a stone arch bridge originally built in 1813 and rebuilt in 1911.

 

[rickgz]

Afterwards, we checked out a campsite that Tony and his family once camped. At one time the mining in area totally ruined the local water systems. They now have a reclamation project that puts lime in the water to neutralize the acid from the mining.

An afternoon break at a local church cemetery.

We picked up some take out food this time and had a picnic back at the cabin.

Once again lies and campfires followed. And drinking! LOL

The next morning, departure day, we awoke to the pitter patter of rain on the roof of our cozy cabin. Our rain free streak had ended. To make matters worse, it was only 50 degrees! BRrrrrrrr.

We packed up, putting on all the clothes that we could squeeze under our riding suits and took off together. Tony split off for PA after an hour or so. Kevin and continued on west, freezing our butts off till we finally rode out of the rain and temps started to rise a bit. We even saw some sun and I actually had to take off a couple of layers. By the time I got home, I had forgotten how uncomfortable I was when we left. Now I have a dirty bike to remind me of the great weekend. However it will be clean by the time I ride it again, I just like to look at the dirt for a couple of days to keep the trip alive!

Thanks for reading!!

Rick G

 

[urbandread]

I had to take the day off work as I'm moving at the weekend and got to put some stuff into storage. As I haven't been doing my usual grocery shop I realised this morning I don't actually have anything in for breakfast. So........I took Penny for her first trip to the Ace Cafe London for breakfast. Decided to cut through central London (like a numpty), but will take the long route back via the A406.

Some nice bikes at the cafe and Penny certainly didn't look out of place next to them. Will definitely have to come back another day with some friends.

 

[stoanee]

Gin run to distillery in Turner Valley Alberta. 680 kms, great weather, rain threatened but did not deliver.

 

[urbandread]

So, I have just moved house from Stoke Newington (London, N16) to Greenwich.

My old house was 5.5 miles away from my office and took me about 25 - 30 mins in the morning, depending on traffic lights.

My new place is 13 miles away from my office. My journey time in the morning (including going through the Blackwall Tunnel) is 30-35 mins!

Further proof that having a motorbike in London is the best way to get around. Especially when it comes to the tunnel. Traffic is backed-up in queues, but I just filter through. Plus, once I'm through to the other side, especially on the way home, I can open up the throttle and enjoy some speed😁

 

[billyballer]

Finished up a 2600 mile loop from Oakland CA to Yuma Arizona and back, mostly on back roads. 2 Triumphs, 2012 Scrambler and my friends 09 Bonneville SE. Here's the link to the write-up and a few teaser pics below:
New Year adventure. 2600 miler to Yuma and back.

 

[Pat350]

Short spin out on some classic Welsh roads, through Tally, lampeter, up the coast road to Aberaeron and Aberystwyth, cross to Devils Bridge, walked the whole route down the gorge and up (639 steps) and back home across country through tregaron to home, 130 miles, beautiful scenery every mile of the way.

 

[Pat350]

Lovely spin in the pouring rain, haven't ridden in the dry since I changed tyres, though the Avon Mk 2 130/90 is a big improvement.

 

[luvdemstillers]

Afterwards, we checked out a campsite that Tony and his family once camped. At one time the mining in area totally ruined the local water systems. They now have a reclamation project that puts lime in the water to neutralize the acid from the mining.

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An afternoon break at a local church cemetery.

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We picked up some take out food this time and had a picnic back at the cabin.

Once again lies and campfires followed. And drinking! LOL

View attachment 728122

The next morning, departure day, we awoke to the pitter patter of rain on the roof of our cozy cabin. Our rain free streak had ended. To make matters worse, it was only 50 degrees! BRrrrrrrr.

We packed up, putting on all the clothes that we could squeeze under our riding suits and took off together. Tony split off for PA after an hour or so. Kevin and continued on west, freezing our butts off till we finally rode out of the rain and temps started to rise a bit. We even saw some sun and I actually had to take off a couple of layers. By the time I got home, I had forgotten how uncomfortable I was when we left. Now I have a dirty bike to remind me of the great weekend. However it will be clean by the time I ride it again, I just like to look at the dirt for a couple of days to keep the trip alive!
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Thanks for reading!!

Rick G

Like the colors. And i see you wear a spare headlight on your head. Very smart.
Well, your sig does say any day is a good one to be stupid. I adhere to that rule.

 

[Maritz]

Took the Scrambler out for the first time in far too long, up and over Exmoor. Perfect weather and I had forgotten what a nice bike this is (apart from the suspension!).