Spring 2014 - Romney, West Virginia - May 2-4

Are you coming to Romney?

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FLEX

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Put me down as a maybe, unfortunately too early to say for sure. If I can make it, will camp at the dealership.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Dirt_Dad

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I've uploaded a few possible routes around the area. I have not figured out what ride route I'll be leading, but it will likely contain bits and pieces from several of these. Thought this could be handy for those planning their own solo or small group rides that weekend.

You can download a .gpx file from this website, or if you need a .gdb for your Garmin send me a PM with your email address and I'll send one to you.

2012 DCStrom Route. This is the route Trevor lead in 2012. Nice paved route with one 10 mile dirt road. Worked out nicely to have lunch on the porch at Seneca Rocks. Full day ride. We left at 9:15am and return at 5:45pm on this one.
Route Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2381718

Technical Ride. The most technical portion includes Blackwater Canyon Road, as well as a few steeper than usual (nothing extreme) downhills with wet sections, and a lot of pointy sticks. On a small dirt oriented dual sport with reasonable tires this course is pretty easy as long as you know how to pick a line. On a bigger bike with more street oriented suspension it will be more challenging. I would consider a skid plate as mandatory on this route. I've heard a fair amount of stuff hitting mine on Blackwater Canyon. You should have above average dirt skills and experience to do this ride on a big bike. That said, there is nothing here that is extreme, more like rough dirt road.
The full route is probably too long to do in a 9am to 6pm ride. If you are interested in this route we can talk about ways to cut it down. Keep in mind, we are 10 weeks away from the event. Hard to predict the condition of Blackwater this far out.
Route Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2381059

Mixed Easy Dirt Road Ride. Nice mix of pavement and regular dirt roads. This route includes Dolly Sods, the wonderful Rt 72, and Seneca Rocks. This route does include an out and back section that is more challenging, but there is no need to ride it. If you decide to ride this route on your own the challenging section is the little line that appears on its own just south of Rt 72 (points 100 - 102 on the map). This does include Smith Mountain Road, which has cattle gates that need to be opened and closed. Please be sure to close the gates behind you (and watch for cattle in the road). Should be no problem with this route in a 9am - 6pm ride.
Ride Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2381616

From East/Southeast. If you are coming from the east or south east this is a great dirty way to get to the Romney area. A lot of dirt road switchbacks. I'll probably take this way towards home on Sunday morning.
Ride Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2384104

Ohio and points west - if you are looking for a good route form the west towards Romney this is a favorite of mine. Lots of twisty roads. All paved, very fun.
Ride Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4062117
 

Dirt_Dad

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Just 9 week away and our headcount has continued to grow. At the moment the projected number is going north of 75. Looks like we will be joined by a much larger Canadian contingent this year, and riders from at least 6 states, probably more. Going to be a great gathering.

I'll be heading over to Romney in a few weeks for some service on the Tenere and to discuss logistics. If you have any suggestions you want me to take to them just let me know. They are aware of the projected numbers and are looking forward to it.

Over the years Romney has hosted many types of events for different groups of motorcyclist and ATV riders. They have experience with bike games and competitions. Stuff like slow riding, straight riding and other similar activities. If there is an interest they are very willing to setup some on-site activities for that Saturday. I suspect most people are interested in enjoying the fantastic roads in the area and do not plan to hang around during prime riding hours. If I'm wrong and enough people will be staying near the dealership and are interested having activities, let me know and I'll pass it along.

Speaking of riding on Saturday, a few thoughts about the size of our group. Right now there are two, probably three people in total that will be leading a group ride, plus a few who others have said informally in one post or another they would be willing to lead a ride. Bottom line, there will not be enough "official" ride leaders to accommodate everyone who might want a group ride. I suggest most everyone take a look at all the twisty lines on the map near Romney and have something in mind you would like to ride. As I've mentioned before, Friday night around the fire will be a good time to compare ride ideas and form up small groups for the ride on Saturday. I'll also post a few more loops or ride segments that I like to do in that area.

It going to be our biggest group yet. After such a nasty winter I'm really looking forward to the event this year.
 

Dirt_Dad

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More great rides in the area.

In addition to the routes posted at this thread: http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=10081.msg177822#msg177822

I've loaded a few other suggestions.

Breezewood Loop. This is one of my favorite twisty paved rides (I have a lot of favorites) in the area. It covers WV, MD, and PA. It will take you through the main drag of Breezewood around lunch time. You will also get to cross the wooded, no sided bridge over the Potomac. This is an all pavement ride. http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4135310


Fun Dirt Ride
This one is so long I have not had a chance to do all of it myself. A word of caution, since posting this I have been informed a couple of the roads do not exist as shown or may be private. Probably be hard pressed to get all of this one in on that Saturday. It does include a twisty, steep, switchback after switchback mountain ride with a WV to VA border crossing at the top. Easily my favorite state border crossing.http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4135363

Dolly Sods to Rt 72 and River Road. Scenic dirt and paved mix. See the beauty of WV.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4135498

For anyone wanting a GPS file (.gpx or .gdb) just PM me your email address.
 

True Grip

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DD just found out my sons commencement is May 3rd.(oops) Hope you all have a good weekend,maybe next year for me.
 

Dirt_Dad

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True Grip said:
DD just found out my sons commencement is May 3rd.(oops) Hope you all have a good weekend,maybe next year for me.
Sorry we'll miss you. I understand completely. My daughters commencement is the following weekend. Congratulations to you for getting him to this point. ::012::
 

dcstrom

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Teneres take over West Virginia - woo hoo! Sounds like it will be a great turnout - and Dirt_Dad's come up with some fabulous routes. Wish I could be there...
 

clint64

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Count me in as a strong maybe. Anyone else from N GA/Metro Atlanta going?
 

Dirt_Dad

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dcstrom said:
Wish I could be there...
We'd all like you to be there, too. You know, if you left now you could make it back in time. ::013::
 

Dirt_Dad

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I was at Romney last weekend for service and to talk logistics. They have some ideas on improvements for this year. I hope to have confirmations from them when I pick up the bike. Once confirmed I'll pass along the updates.

Here is the consolidated list of the routes I've posted throughout this thread, plus I've added two more for east or Romney.

2012 DCStrom Route. This is the route Trevor lead in 2012. Nice paved route with one 10 mile dirt road. Worked out nicely to have lunch on the porch at Seneca Rocks. Full day ride. We left at 9:15am and return at 5:45pm on this one.
Route Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2381718

Technical Ride. The most technical portion includes Blackwater Canyon Road, as well as a few steeper than usual (nothing extreme) downhills with wet sections, and a lot of pointy sticks. On a small dirt oriented dual sport with reasonable tires this course is pretty easy as long as you know how to pick a line. On a bigger bike with more street oriented suspension it will be more challenging. I would consider a skid plate as mandatory on this route. I've heard a fair amount of stuff hitting mine on Blackwater Canyon. You should have above average dirt skills and experience to do this ride on a big bike. That said, there is nothing here that is extreme, more like rough dirt road.
The full route is probably too long to do in a 9am to 6pm ride. If you are interested in this route we can talk about ways to cut it down. Keep in mind, we are 10 weeks away from the event. Hard to predict the condition of Blackwater this far out.
Route Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2381059

Mixed Easy Dirt Road Ride. Nice mix of pavement and regular dirt roads. This route includes Dolly Sods, the wonderful Rt 72, and Seneca Rocks. This route does include an out and back section that is more challenging, but there is no need to ride it. If you decide to ride this route on your own the challenging section is the little line that appears on its own just south of Rt 72 (points 100 - 102 on the map). This does include Smith Mountain Road, which has cattle gates that need to be opened and closed. Please be sure to close the gates behind you (and watch for cattle in the road). Should be no problem with this route in a 9am - 6pm ride.
Ride Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2381616

From East/Southeast. If you are coming from the east or south east this is a great dirty way to get to the Romney area. A lot of dirt road switchbacks. I'll probably take this way towards home on Sunday morning.
Ride Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2384104

Ohio and points west - if you are looking for a good route form the west towards Romney this is a favorite of mine. Lots of twisty roads. All paved, very fun.
Ride Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4062117

Breezewood Loop
. This is one of my favorite twisty paved rides (I have a lot of favorites) in the area. It covers WV, MD, and PA. It will take you through the main drag of Breezewood around lunch time. You will also get to cross the wooded, no sided bridge over the Potomac. This is an all pavement ride. http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4135310

Fun Dirt Ride - This one is so long I have not had a chance to do all of it myself. A word of caution, since posting this I have been informed a couple of the roads do not exist as shown or may be private. Probably be hard pressed to get all of this one in on that Saturday. It does include a twisty, steep, switchback after switchback mountain ride with a WV to VA border crossing at the top. Easily my favorite state border crossing.http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4135363

Dolly Sods to Rt 72 and River Road. Scenic dirt and paved mix. See the beauty of WV.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4135498

Dolly Sods, Rt 72, Smith Mountain Road
. Very similar to "Mixed Easy Dirt Road Ride" just a bit cleaned up.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4149091

new - Eastern Panhandle and Green Ridge State Park - Fun route that inclues a lot of twisty pavement, paved switchbacks up and down one mountain, and twisty panoramic views up another mountain. The dirt sections are all Soccer Mom, minivan passable, although the dirt section between points 68 to 70 on the map are likely to get mom a little nervous at times (somewhat steep and twisty). The roads in Green Ridge State Park are just a suggestion. There are lots of very nice forrest roads in there, don't feel compelled to stick with the map...and some of those roads on the map may or may not be open when you're there. You'll leave Maryland over the no sided wooden bridge over the Potomac on this route.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4149087

new - Eastern Panhandle Mountains - no dirt - Same as "Eastern Panhandle and Green Ridge State Park", but with no dirt sections. On a personal note, the major sections between points 50 and 94 are my mostly traveled in this region. They are not too far from home for me, they are wonderfully twisted and always bring a smile as I hammer my way through them. But beware, the pavement is not always smooth, there are many blind corners in narrow sections. It's a fantastic ride, but be vigilant.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4233934
 

terrysig

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Dirt_Dad

I can offically cancel out. RiderCoach prep I'm running fell on the mercy of the host High School and I've been forced to use the 2-4 now. Upside is that it is in St. Marys Pa so the north central PA mountains will be my playground during the off time AND I still need to visit Romney for a service and harness in April so will be camping on the same spot.

Thought I had this one made...oh well hope for good attendance so I can make the 3rd annual. Thanks for your efforts.

Last thought...if the prep falls through I'm back in.....
 

Dirt_Dad

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terrysig said:
I can offically cancel out.
Sorry to hear it, but I know stuff happens. I'm sure your students will be all the better for you being with them.

At the rate this event is growing I suspect Romney will be doing a 4th annual event.

Ride safe and teach some others to do the same.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Couple of updates from my visit out to Romney last weekend.

Mechanic on duty. There were a few people who encountered mechanical issues on the way to Romeny. This year they are keeping a mechanic on site until 7:00 pm Friday, just in case.

Demo 2014 DL1000 Their Suzuki rep is bringing a demo of the newly released V-Strom 1000. At a minimum it will be available for demo rides on Saturday.

Charity - Many of you know this event was started in 2012 by our friend, Tevor (aka DCstrom). Trevor was there in 2012 to lead the event, then just a couple of months later he departed the area for his multi-year ride to Thailand. Trevor is still an active member here on the forum. He keeps us informed on his adventure and he still keeps an eye on this event. The other day Trevor contacted me with another great idea for the event. He thought with so many people coming this year it would be a perfect opportunity to hold a raffle for charity, with the proceeds being donated to a WV charity. Trevor even offered up a prize for the charity.



Yes, Trevor is giving us the shirt off his back for the charity raffle. He is sending us the shirt he was given while riding through Peru.

Romeny Cycles is fully on board with the charity idea. They will be selecting the WV charity to receive the donation. Kevin (Romney owner) is putting one of his staff in charge of figuring out how to make it all work and investigating the possibility of more than just one desirable shirt for the raffle.

Personally, I love Trevor's idea. We're all there getting the full "Romney Experience" and helping out some good people in the process. Of course participation is 100% voluntary. There are no fees or charges of any type to attend this event.

Cameras They are planning to have an area this year where you'll be able to plug in your memory card and show off the highlights from the day's ride. Sit around, have a beer and look what you missed not going on that guy's ride.


More to follow I'm waiting on confirmation on two more items that I think will be welcomed upgrades to the event. I'll be back out there next weekend and should have more news.
 

True Grip

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I can't make it this year is there a way I could get in on the raffle? I would proudly wear that shirt!
 

Brick

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Hell, I'm still a definite maybe on the Rally in Romney... I wanna... just not sure just yet.

Dirt_Dad you make it sound so good. I went to check out the routes and see that you have them on Ride with GPS which from what I see is primarily a bicycle program/app. Is there a section for motorcycles? BTW: the routes look great.

PS: I've been using an app/program called Check My Tour it's kind of cool too.
 

Checkswrecks

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Put me on the in-list. I wanna hang with you Kool Kids, drink beer at the camp fire, and listen to your big stories! The RiderCoach class requires 100% attendance and I am going to miss part of a day for work so needed to drop out.
::018::


I'd be willing to lead a group. I'll probably be a bit over the limit but seldom more than 10 or so, making this not the racer group. While I know several of the routes that D_D listed, I now have an open weekend or two before May to pre-ride one or two of the routes and make sure they are usable.


I'm leaning toward easier dirt/gravel in a Dolly Sods / Seneca Rocks orientation. It could also be the torn up mill roads in western MD. If Karen wants to come, I could see if I can find my covered bridge all-pavement route that goes up to PA and back for the 2-ups.
 
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