I thought it would be interesting to post a few ramdom thoughts on the upcoming NRGNP motorcycle trip in late September...
When I posted this 4-day motorcycle trip to the New River Gorge National Park (NRGNP) back in April, I wasn't sure how much interest there would be. Sure, the distance is only about five hours via highway from the DC area. But by backroads with breaks, it would calculate out to 8 and half hours of riding time (~270m). Hum, is that too much?
Rather than break the ride up into two-days each way, I figured one long riding day to get there, two days to frolic in the Park, and one long day getting home would be a great way to squeeze out a 4-day motorcycle trip. Eight and-a-half it is!
After planning out the route, it was time to test it. A riding buddy caught up with me during this year's Square Route Rally (SRR ‘24) and asked if he could join me on the recon trip. I explained that I would ride out on Saturday, hotel it, then ride back Sunday using the planned route. He was in. I also reached out to my cousin, who has never been on an overnight motorcycle trip. He was in too.
I emailed the GPX files and the route report that MRA generates to Ted. I also uploaded the GPX files to both my ZumoXT2 and REVER.
On a beautiful Saturday morning in late July, we met up at the starting location, completed our route briefing, and then headed out.
We arrived at our destination. The route out was a good one, with only having to adjust one gas stop.
As we headed home on Sunday, we followed a different planned route. We stopped for a quick 5-minute leg stretch at the end of Route-33 at Seneca Rocks. Turns out Ted had never been there before, so it was great to introduce him to something new. After passing Front Royal and getting to Point of Rocks, we arrived home safe and sound.
The route back was also good, making one small road adjustment.
All in all, a weekend of riding while testing out a new route, with great weather, and great companionship was an unbelievable experience. Now I'm ready and excited for the real trip!
I'll try and provide some more random thoughts after the trip is completed. Ride safe all!
MarkP is an IT advisor to the Club and helps administer the website. He enjoys leading and participating in multi-day motorcycle trips.