Bigwolf Recon

[Bigwolf]

  I used to spend some time there but now it has been a few years since I was last in Addison, WV.  I am going to go there next March/April and reconnoiter the area.  It is a remote part of West (by God) Virginia with excellent trout fishing and a goodly portion of twisty mountain roads.

Sooooo. .............. I am inviting all that would like a gathering over the weekend of March 29, 30, and 31 to let me know in this post and/or by phone.  There are already some great ride loops laid out if you wish to ride your own way and speed.  I plan to make a run up along the Williams river (if that is workable........it was washed away 2 years ago so might be too rough) and across the Highland Scenic Highway and back across rt15.

Addison (better known as Webster Springs) is built around a confluence of the Elk and Back Fork of the Elk Rivers.  It was the site of the Webster Springs Hotel built in 1897 by John T McGraw.  As the railroad expanded into Webster Springs and the salt sulfur waters gained a national reputation, the hotel expanded to 300 rooms.  They cut ice from the river in the winter and stored it packed in sawdust to have ice for guests throughout the summer.  The hotel had many amenities for that time including hot baths.  The salt sulfur water was considered to be something like a "fountain of youth ".  The hotel was destroyed by fire in July of 1925.  The motel I/we will be staying at is built on the same ground as the original hotel.

The motel I plan to use is a 2 story structure with room doors opening directly to the parking lot.  It is not fancy but is adequate and rates should be low. When I see about how many people are interested, I will talk to them about a group rate. Restaurants are within walking distance.

Come on and reconnoiter the area with me

Bigwolf

[3fan4life]

Sounds like a good idea.

Except, late March can be really cold in that part of the country.

[Bigwolf]

Sounds like a good idea.

Except, late March can be really cold in that part of the country.

And April is very busy in that part of the country.  I already asked the motel about their bookings around April.  April 5,6,&7 - Spring Festival, and white water kayak games and lots of people in town all month for trout fishing and wild ramps.

I know the weather "can" be really cold there at that time of year but it "can" and often will be very comfortable.  Particularly when wearing full motorcycle gear.  I cannot manage the weather.  It will be whatever it is.  This gathering might not suit everyone..... but then, ...... no ride gathering ever will.

My first wife grew up in Webster Springs and, for the 8 years we were married, I spent a fair amount of time fishing and jeeping in and around that area.  I have fond memories of that area. 

Bigwolf

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I might be in on this all depends on what the waterhead I work for has going on for me . Work a lot of weekends now not crazy about it but it pays the bills. We came back through WV on the way back from InZane this year. Great state to ride a bike in I've been riding it as often as possible for many years.

[Mr Whiskey]

We may be in Marlinton, Wv. first weekend of Oct. so been scoutin' the area on the interweb. Might be a few good roads in the area For anyone considering this ride, here's a link to a couple of maps & possible attractions...(Webster Springs is on the first map at the intersection of 20 & 15.)
https://www.pocahontascountywv.com/Files/FInalMotorcycle2010.pdf

[Bighead]

Would love to make this ride. But wont be able to tell until after 1-1-19. That is when i get my yearly work schedule

[Bigwolf]

Joe,
I sure hope you can make it.   

Mr Whiskey,
Those are the routes I was talkin 'bout when I said there were some rides already laid out.  Thank you for posting that link.

Marlinton is a great area too.  You will really enjoy that in October.

Bighead,
I will count you in for now.  We can adjust the number some after January if we need to.

[DDT (12)]

Jerry,

I'm interested... but, you know how it is... No way for me to know this early... West Virginia has always been good to this ride seeker, and I do enjoy revisiting that great state... Planning, particularly long-range planning, is... well... Let me put it this way... I don't even buy green bananas or tomatoes!

DDT

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
Ha!  I know your modus opporendi well.  Of course I would love for you to be there.......but I fully understand that late March may very well find you deep in southwestern New Mexico with little desire to head deep into cool or possibly even very cold Appalachian mountains.  It is what it is my friend.

Thanks for checking in.

Bigwolf

[JimmyG]

Sounds interesting, may have to start the long range planner on that.