Seeking touring companion(s) for West Virginia Loop (7/18-22nd)

[two4one]

Attention all PA, MD, VA, WV residents. I'm opening the invitation to join me on a quick loop in West Virginia, July 18th-20th. Due to various reasons, my riding partners have all had to back out but I'd still like to go. I will go by myself if I have to but you don't get to meet new people if you don't try.

Anyway, here's a quick overview:

I'll depart Reading, PA Friday after work and head to WV to spend the night. Somewhere around Winchester or maybe further northeast to start the ride early on Saturday morning. After a day of hitting the twisties, Saturday night will include a stop at an undetermined hotel and hopefully a nice filet or other tasty dish at a local establishment. This will depend on what route I decide on. Sunday I'll start my trek home. I'll probably ride up and over the Blue Ridge then pick a route to go home with as little slab as possible although trying to make it home at a reasonable hour.

The riding:

Just as an FYI, my riding style is on the aggressive side but never out of control. I'm always seeking a set of twisties to lay down some puck plastic and also enjoy the scenery where available.

So if anyone is at all interested in either meeting up, joining mid-trip or whatever let me know. I'd be glad to develop a rapore via PM or other means if need be. If anyone decides to join, I'll narrow down the route and itinerary.

Thanks!

Todd

[FrankoQ]

Sounds like a fun ride.
Unfortunately, I will be in Dallas on those days.
Have fun

[JHKolb]

Hmm, sounds like a nice run. I have not done any runs over 250 miles yet on mine so I'm not sure how I would make out on a multiday trip (yet).

Been looking to do some longer rides just to build up to a longer multi-day.

I have been looking for some to do so longer rides from the King-of-Prussia area, 1 trip idea has been to leave Valley Forge head south to Lewis, Delaware - take the Ferry across to Cape May, ride up the Jersey Shore and back to Philly. Probably a good long day run.

[two4one]

No better time than now to start touring. It won't be major milage. Probably 1000 give or take.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday would depend on how things are going.

[JHKolb]

Well I'm considering it. I looked at you maps, pretty nice route, I have spent some time down in that area, Waynesboro/Charlottesville/and down to Lynchburg. There is an awsome resorts south of Charlottesville called Wintergreen, has a pretty cool road that winds up the mountain.

What kind of gear/packing do you do for a multi-day trip like this?

I really need to gear up better for something like this, and really (really) need to get a decent pair of riding pants (if you know any good place in the area let me know).

[11JLARG]

I live in western md out by deep creek lake and may be able to do part of it with you if your coming close to my area.There are some good mountains in our area.when you, get more set on your route post or email me at large34@msn.com. would really like to ride with you if possible.John

[PARedVFRRider]

Oh man, I feel really bad now. I'm the guy who had to opt out on Two4ones WV Weekend. My woman (wife) finally asked that I give her one weekend over the several I have taken, sometimes with Two4one, to go riding or track days. Man I was depressed enought that I was going to miss this weekend.

Let me throw a thumbs up for Two4one as a riding guide and I'll say it that way guide. He is an excellent navigator, lead rider, riding mentor, or whatever. I've ridden many miles with him so far, from down at the Tail of the Dragon, to the Berks County Pa Hills, to Track Days at Summit Point, WV, Two4 is an great guy to hang out and ride with. He is a very good rider, keeps the pace within the limits of the riders he hanging with and I swear he has a GPS in his head.

I very much recommend you guys taking advantage of this if you can.

Two4 I'm sorry I'm going to miss it.

[two4one]

Originally Posted by JHKolb

What kind of gear/packing do you do for a multi-day trip like this?

I really need to gear up better for something like this, and really (really) need to get a decent pair of riding pants (if you know any good place in the area let me know).

Well first off, when I pack for any trip on the bike I always ask the same thing: "Do I really need this?" My primary goal when taking a road trip is not overloading the bike (see below). Main reason being when I get to the good sections of road I don't want to ruin the bikes handling characteristics by having a huge pack of gear that I don't need.

For a trip like this? I would probably take:

1 Pair of jeans or shorts, your preference
1 Pair of sneakers
2 t-shirts (one for Saturday, one for Sunday)
2 pairs of socks
2 pair of underwear
Basic toiletries
The rain gear decision is typically made last minute due to the extra weight a good rain suit has.

Chain lube is about the only tool-related item I bring anymore. If something serious happens to your bike, no amount of tools you bring with is going to fix it short of the entire craftsman 450 tool chest and the service manual. I put my faith in Honda on this one (even though I was burned, literally, last year by the wiring harness issue).

Funny thing is, the first tour I took 3-4 years ago on my Blackbird I had EVERYTHING with me. I had tools, clothes, this that, blah blah blah. Ridiculous! Granted my first tour was from PA to FL to SC for 11 days but still. The load I had on that bike was crazy! I guess this might be something you have to experience for yourself. I remember thinking that I couldn't get by without all that stuff but actually that's part of the fun. Scaling down and living minimalistic.

As far as gear is concerned, I would give CycleGear and maybe Montgomeryville Cycle Center a try. Here are the locations for CycleGear: Cycle Gear - Motorcycle Apparel, Parts and Accessories - they typically have a good selection of stuff to try on and get a feel for.

I usually wear full leather for all my trips but I'm now experimenting with lighter gear for the summer months. Make sure you get something with support in the seat. I've found that to be the biggest help for long days in the saddle.

[two4one]

Originally Posted by 11JLARG

I live in western md out by deep creek lake and may be able to do part of it with you if your coming close to my area.There are some good mountains in our area.when you, get more set on your route post or email me at large34@msn.com. would really like to ride with you if possible.John

That might work. Depending on where I come in from the east, you could meet me on Route 50 heading west which is south of you based on my Google search. Last year in July I came in 50, but in October I came on the high-side via Berkleigh Springs and Paw Paw. 50 doesn't get really good until after Romney anyway.

Glad to see some interest!

[two4one]

Originally Posted by PARedVFRRider

Oh man, I feel really bad now. I'm the guy who had to opt out on Two4ones WV Weekend. My woman (wife) finally asked that I give her one weekend over the several I have taken, sometimes with Two4one, to go riding or track days. Man I was depressed enought that I was going to miss this weekend.

Let me throw a thumbs up for Two4one as a riding guide and I'll say it that way guide. He is an excellent navigator, lead rider, riding mentor, or whatever. I've ridden many miles with him so far, from down at the Tail of the Dragon, to the Berks County Pa Hills, to Track Days at Summit Point, WV, Two4 is an great guy to hang out and ride with. He is a very good rider, keeps the pace within the limits of the riders he hanging with and I swear he has a GPS in his head.

I very much recommend you guys taking advantage of this if you can.

Two4 I'm sorry I'm going to miss it.

Please don't take it as a dig on you guys. We single folk have it VERY easy. Thanks to our group, riding solo has started to become less and less fun. Thanks for the kind words also...kiss ass!

[JHKolb]

Originally Posted by two4one

Well first off, when I pack for any trip on the bike I always ask the same thing: "Do I really need this?" My primary goal when taking a road trip is not overloading the bike (see below). Main reason being when I get to the good sections of road I don't want to ruin the bikes handling characteristics by having a huge pack of gear that I don't need.

Got it, I am still in my old Jeeping days of packing. I'd pack nearly my entire garage, including air tools, torch, tire kits, spare everything, enough tools to totally dissasemble my Jeep on the trail. I guess with the bike less is more, only thing I really would worry about would be a tire plug/CO2 kit as you are right anything more serious than that and a call for a tow might be best.

I ran down to CycleGear - not a very good store selection, and Montgomeryville is short on pants, I may just have them order me something.

[two4one]

Originally Posted by JHKolb

I ran down to CycleGear - not a very good store selection, and Montgomeryville is short on pants, I may just have them order me something.

Really? I was just there recenctly and although they didn't have a lot of AlpineStars stuff there that day, I thought they had a pretty decent selection to at least get an idea.

What kind of pants are you looking for? Touring? Sporty/Track type pants? Not sure? Price point a major factor?

[JHKolb]

CycleGear had some really cheap (quality & price) Frank Thomas brand mesh pants, or full Dainese leathers. Montgomeyville had a few Rev'It in a size 30 (which hasn't fit me since, Oh, glam rock was big) and the only other in stock pant was a

I'd like some type of Sport-Touring pant, I don't need track pants with Knee pucks, just something I can be comfortable in for spirited touring. Price is not a factor over quality and comfort. All of my riding jackets are Rev'It, so it would be nice to match up the pants to them. For now I just want regular pants, something that will stand up to being soaked if it rains and remain comfortable while riding. I hate to buy on-line because i do not know how riding pants size and fit and don't want to deal with returns to a store purchase is my best choice.

Options ?:

REV'IT Challenge Pants - RevZilla Motorsports

REV'IT Cayenne Pro Pants - RevZilla Motorsports

REV'IT Ultimate Pants - RevZilla Motorsports

[JHKolb]

BTW - Went for a nice ride out your way yesterday. KOP out Rt23 to Morgantown, up 176 to 422 to 724 and back. 85'ish miles and somehow managed to go completely around all of the heavy storms - lol.

[two4one]

Originally Posted by JHKolb

BTW - Went for a nice ride out your way yesterday. KOP out Rt23 to Morgantown, up 176 to 422 to 724 and back. 85'ish miles and somehow managed to go completely around all of the heavy storms - lol.

We've gotta' get you on some twisties pronto if you wanna' do WV .

[JHKolb]

Originally Posted by two4one

We've gotta' get you on some twisties pronto if you wanna' do WV .

Yea, seriously. I am still a wuss when it comes to laying the bike over in corners, still a bit shy taking corners to hot and overshooting

[two4one]

Originally Posted by JHKolb

I ran down to CycleGear - not a very good store selection, and Montgomeryville is short on pants, I may just have them order me something.

What size pants do you need?