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