West Virginia

Labor Day Weekend 2000

    The bleak weekend weather forecast did not discourage a group of 17 people on 11 bikes from making this trip. We left Morristown, Tennessee at 9:30 am on Saturday and traveled through Kingsport to I-81. Only a few miles were traveled on the Interstate when we exited for the scenery of Rt. 460 through Princeton, West Virginia. We got on Rt. 219 North at Rich Creek, Virginia and followed that route to Marlinton, West Virginia. As we traveled North, we were caught by a tolerable rain shower or two. The slick highway contributed to a auto accident that totally blocked the road and nearly caused us a 45 minute delay. Other's misfortune turned into a plus for us as the detour took us through 6 or 7 miles of magnificent farm country. A lesson was learned on this trip. Always guarantee your room with a credit card. We arrived at our hotel a little later than expected and two of our rooms had been given away. A third room was about to go when we walked in the door of the hotel. Rooms were shared and alternatives found so everyone had accommodations for the night.
    On Sunday, we rode to Cass, West Virginia and rode the "Cass Scenic Railroad" Bald Knob Trip. This 5 hour train ride is well worth the $18 price for a ticket. Take lunch and a cooler with you or pay a hefty price for snacks on the trip. Growling stomachs were patient with me as we took the long rode back to Marlinton. I have traveled the Rt. 150 Scenic Highway many times, but never have I seen it this beautiful. The valleys below were all filled with fog while we dashed in and out of clouds along the ridges. An occasional splash of warm rain kept my senses alert. It was as if mother nature was making a statement about her beauty and we were there to witness the display.
    The ride back on Monday was.....well.........wet. We did get to stop at Cranberry Glades and the New River Gorge, but rain plagued us most of the day. A early start was intended to assure a early return however, the slower pace and longer route caused most of us to get home after dark. Positive attitudes were maintained from the great group of folks that attended this ride to one of the most beautiful parts of the Eastern U.S.