Day 1:
We had 3 Cruisers meet up at the Shell on HWY 421 and rolled out @ 6:20 am (Barely Dawn). I lead us to West Virginia down HWY 74 through Rockingham and up to I77. The ride was pleasant and without any issues. We would stop every 100 miles or so to stretch our legs and stay hydrated as the sun was burning bright. We rolled into the Hotel in Summersville WV around 3ish. The main tent was set up but had to be moved per Hotel Management. Since we had time we decided to check out an old time Hardware Store on our way to dinner. Phillip from Boone rolled in so we scooped him up as well. Let’s just say diner was ok. When we got back to the Hotel several other Chapters had shown up and were quickly setting up their Tents. We located Chapter 659 from Bluefield immediately. We hung out and had some fun into the night with old friends.
Day 2:
We were up and heading to breakfast pretty early. We decided to give Bob Evans a shot as it was pretty good in Bluefield. Let’s just say breakfast was ok. We gassed up and heading back to the Hotel for the Main Ride. 150 Miles of West Virginia twisty’s. It made for one long day but it was a great ride that ended at New River Harley Davidson (New River Gorge that is). Once we were back at the Hotel, a few folks hit the pool to escape the heat. We decided on a place for dinner and rolled out. Let’s just say diner was not ok and I ended up at Wendy’s. When we got back, the band was setting up. What a night of fun and festivities ! Travis even jumped in to help sell Tickets.
Day 3:
Up early once again but I took a pass on Breakfast and settled on the continental @ the Hotel. Travis, Deb and Phillip rolled out to some place. The word I got was that breakfast was ok. We lined up and rolled out for another day of West Virginia twisty’s. The ride was shorter but it did not fail to please. It was a great ride that stopped in @ Firecreek BBQ. The service and food was excellent. Several folks had to box up some of it because that gave out large portions. After lunch, most of the group rolled to the bottom of the gorge. A few of us headed back to the Hotel. Travis told me later that I should be happy that I did pass as the ride down was a bit rough. The pool became the star for a hot afternoon before the start of the Bike Games. Travis, Deb and I threw our hat in for a few of the events and had a lot of laughs. Phillip heard about a place for dinner so Deb and I joined him. Travis was helping out with the Auction which pulled in over $2200.00 for kids of St. Jude ! Dinner was pretty good. When we got back the DJ was going so one more night festivities commenced.
Day 4:
We planned to roll out early but most of us over slept a little. We still rolled out around 7 am and headed to Lake Wheeler in Raleigh for the bike blessing. We took our time rolling down the mountains. It was a little chilly but beautiful riding while we looked down and rode through some clouds. I 40 was full of traffic as it normally does. We rolled into Lake Wheeler @ 1230 pm to find Curb and DaBoy talking with Spike. We were offered some much needed water and lunch before I rolled home solo.
This ride was filled with some awesome mountain riding. The days were hot but we had too much fun to worry about it. Thanks to Deb and Travis for letting me tag along. Once again the West Virginia Cruisers were just awesome ! If you are looking for a Rally to visit next year, I would add this one. They treat all Cruisers like family.
Total Mileage: 1238
PICs:
portcity162scrc.weebly.com/west-virginia-state-rally---2018.html
TJ “Safety Cone” Bruno
SCRC PC-162
RC