A Short Stack of Virginia Western Highlands

[spklbuk]

I was pre-occupied with a 140 teenagers and missed riding in peak colors here at home. Yesterday I saddled Alegany and headed east to the Motherland.


Paused for a quick picture at Jerry’s Run Trail.


Humpback Bridge Wayside is always good no matter the season.


Swung by Covington’s Main Street Park…


And then hit the always fun Pitzer Ridge Road.



Pitzer Ridge showing some color.


Rich Patch Mountain at Hays Gap is showy but the photo doesn’t come close to telling the tale.


An elusive burning bush.


An unnamed ridge fronted by a chopped corn field just south of Hays Gap.


Headwaters of Barbours Creek.


The very distinctive Nicholls Knob.


VA617S near the Pines Campground.


West Face of Bald Mountain wearing fall camo.


Craig Creek sweepers keep things interesting.


East Face of Bald Mountain after rounding southerly.


Alegany out of her home range.


Seeking Roaring Run’s fineries.















Alegany ready to get on the move.


From whence we came.


Closing our loop on Rich Patch Road.





A brief video essay set to the soulful refrain of Jackie Greene's Sweet Somewhere Bound...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tePm9s_ZnOU

For more about the area… http://vawesternhighlands.com/

 

[Stridey]

Looks great over there!

Over the pond its just grey!

Still may all change over the weekend! ;D

 

[spklbuk]

Looks great over there!

Over the pond its just grey!

Still may all change over the weekend! ;D

Many places here have gone grey as well. I lucked out as to where to look.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Glad you were able to escape those kids and get out for a nice looking ride.

I like the tune.

Maybe, just maybe I'll get out for a ride next weekend....maybe...

 

[eemsreno]

Lots of nice pictures but you just can't beat the ones with a Blue bike in them.

 

[spklbuk]

Glad you were able to escape those kids and get out for a nice looking ride.

I like the tune.

Maybe, just maybe I'll get out for a ride next weekend....maybe...

Not nearly as glad as I am!!

Hope your ride works out.

Check out some more Jackie Greene sometime.

 

[spklbuk]

Lots of nice pictures but you just can't beat the ones with a Blue bike in them.

You know I posted pics instead of the video only just for you eh?

And yep blue is definitely the coolest color.

 

[trikepilot]

You know I posted pics instead of the video only just for you eh?

And yep blue is definitely the coolest color.

Who cares about the color of the bike when you are riding such awesome backcountry routes? Nice report, Jim - as usual.

 

[spklbuk]

Who cares about the color of the bike when you are riding such awesome backcountry routes? Nice report, Jim - as usual.

I spied with my little eye some interesting looking side trails that bear further exploration. That is if I could ever get you to join me across the state line! Aleghany already kicked my butt on one of them on a solo late Sunday afternoon when no ones knows where you are kind of ride and I've never made it back. Ran into the high sheriff of Craig County and his wife at a diner later after my self extraction. He had no idea how close I came to ruining his evening on search and rescue. Made me think twice about my choice of machines.

 

[trikepilot]

I spied with my little eye some interesting looking side trails that bear further exploration. That is if I could ever get you to join me across the state line! Aleghany already kicked my butt on one of them on a solo late Sunday afternoon when no ones knows where you are kind of ride and I've never made it back. Ran into the high sheriff of Craig County and his wife at a diner later after my self extraction. He had no idea how close I came to ruining his evening on search and rescue. Made me think twice about my choice of machines.

C'mon, Jim.... you well know that ALL side trails look interesting to me!!!

I am staring at the end of this grad school thing. Once out, I plan to join you on many more rides - even the ones in VA. I lived 4 years in Rockbridge County so there are definitely so old haunts I'd like to explore.

 

[spklbuk]

C'mon, Jim.... you well know that ALL side trails look interesting to me!!!

I am staring at the end of this grad school thing. Once out, I plan to join you on many more rides - even the ones in VA. I lived 4 years in Rockbridge County so there are definitely so old haunts I'd like to explore.

Keep your eyes on the prize and ger 'er done!

 

[trikepilot]

Jim- Will do. Looking forward to riding up there with you again soon. I was out today and saw this which made me think of you...

Of course, I ignored this sign!!

 

[Don in Lodi]

We need those GPS warning signs out here. There has been a rash of rigs going over our southern passes, Ebbett's Pass and Sonora Pass. The drivers obviously have no clue whatsoever and are following the colored line on the little black box. I don't know what the outcome has been, but I've seen a picture of a tanker essentially jackknifed into a switchback, right side of the tanker against the hillside, left drive wheels cocked into the air. A rig would need to back out for miles and miles by that point, no place to turn around. Poor sob.

 

[Checkswrecks]

GPS signals must get lost in WV too, as this one is in Berkely Springs:

 

[Dirt_Dad]

GPS signals must get lost in WV too, ...

It would be helpful if WV invested in more of those signs. I've run into a number of spots which could have benefited from a sign.