Inzane XVI Things of interest nearby

[Bigwolf]

I am just going to throw out some thoughts here.  Kind of a heads up of things near ground zero that you might be interested in and want to check out.  I will be coming back to this page from time to time and adding more things/places as I think of them.

Albert Gallatin: The home he built at "Friendship Hill" is now a landmark and is open to tours during certain times.  A neat place to see if you enjoy history.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Gallatin

Cooper's Rocks State Park:  http://www.coopersrockstateforest.com/recreation.html

Philippi is about an hour and half ride from Morgantown.  There is an old covered bridge there that was being repaired last November but is usually open for car traffic.  I am not sure just how long the repair will take but there is plenty of room to park at either end.  And a small railroad museum in the old depot on the town side.  The first land battle of the Civil War was fought here.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Philippi_(West_Virginia)

There used to be several glass companies in and around Morgantown.  Most have closed their doors now.  Seneca Glass Company on Beechurst Ave, was one that closed and the main building has been retasked for small business mostly trinket shops.  They do have a few displays of some of the old glassware and some pictures of the factory when it was in operation.  Oh, and a restaurant. 

Downtown Morgantown, on the old main campus of WVU, stands the mast of the USS West Virginia that was lost in Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941

More to come...........

[cookiedough]

I wish we had more time last year on our DC trip to visit that state park and the whole area since Morgantown area was so beautiful with the rolling mountain ranges in that 1,000 mile trip from WI, to IL, to IN, to Ohio, then to WV.  Once on the eastside of Ohio into WV, it started getting hilly and very pretty but Morgantown area south heading to Washington DC was surely a pretty mountain range area to look at and drive thru. 

Definitely needing the power of the Valk to go up/down those mountain ranges since our 4 cylinder car, although 190hp and loaded down, was definitely loosing the mpg up/down those hills.  IL and IN and most of Ohio though all interstate driving near 80 mph was totally boring and long winded was a pleasant change once into WV with some scenery to actually see worth seeing. 

[DirtyDan]

be careful on US 250 its no joke seen people crash on it......

... after I warned them

dan

[henry 008]

be careful on US 250 its no joke seen people crash on it......

... after I warned them

dan

praytell what is wrong with 250? its the route I planned on taking there... 

[Earl43P]

Hope you don't mind me contributing,

Whitewater rafting, etc., nice riding to get there if you stay off the interstate:
http://www.discoverohiopyle.com/
http://wilderness-voyageurs.com/

http://www.friendsville-md.org/Kayaking.html
http://www.precisionrafting.com/

http://www.cheatriveroutfitters.com/

For Architecture buffs, both of these Frank Lloyd Wright homes are near Ohiopyle:
http://www.fallingwater.org/
http://kentuckknob.com/

Jumonville Cross:  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11896

Casino: http://www.nemacolin.com/casino/

I have no affiliation with any of these, but I am up in this area about every month or so. I keep my 82 right here: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7459711,-79.4466808,3a,75y,251.95h,69.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snXGwuDFNtCXBvBQAIm32KA!2e0!7i3328!8i1664

[hubcapsc]

Albert Gallatin:



Marty Feldman:



-Mike "can't wait"

[GiG]

be careful on US 250 its no joke seen people crash on it......

... after I warned them

dan

praytell what is wrong with 250? its the route I planned on taking there... 

Me too, it's my route for most rides. Seems like I know every turn in that road.
Saw a black bear on it in 2013.
Cadiz Motel has a new owner (and new rates) and the Skylite Bar in front is now closed 
I DO remember enjoying the view a little too much a little too quick above Wheeling one time and almost sending the Valk over the rim... 
Rolled through Philipi in 2011 while the War Re-Enactors were there, pretty cool 

[msb]

Very much appreciate any and all suggestions posted...great idea to start a thread for this   I have never been to that area, and am really looking forward to it. It will be fun to research all of these suggestions in the months leading up to my departure, and have a bit of a plan once there. I'm a big history buff, and I would imagine there's a fair bit of it around WV. 

[DirtyDan]

be careful on US 250 its no joke seen people crash on it......

... after I warned them

dan

praytell what is wrong with 250? its the route I planned on taking there... 

its a cool road just be careful , twists n turns, reverse slopes, road debris , animals etc

dan

[Bigwolf]

Earal43p,
I do not mind at all.  It would be great if everyone with knowlege of the area added to this thread.

[Bigwolf]

be careful on US 250 its no joke seen people crash on it......

... after I warned them

dan

praytell what is wrong with 250? its the route I planned on taking there... 

its a cool road just be careful , twists n turns, reverse slopes, road debris , animals etc

dan

I believe caution is wise anytime you are not routinely using the road you are on and therefore very familiar with it.  This applies even more so in places like West Virginia where everything Dan mentioned is real and present.  Some of these roads will lull you into thinking they are easy and then you top over a little rise and find the road makes an immediate and very sharp turn that is likely reverse sloped and covered with gravel unless weather has been dry for a while.  Bring it, and enjoy the ride but complacency or lack of attention here will get you hurt.

Jerry

[DirtyDan]

be careful on US 250 its no joke seen people crash on it......

... after I warned them

dan

praytell what is wrong with 250? its the route I planned on taking there... 

its a cool road just be careful , twists n turns, reverse slopes, road debris , animals etc

dan

I believe caution is wise anytime you are not routinely using the road you are on and therefore very familiar with it.  This applies even more so in places like West Virginia where everything Dan mentioned is real and present.  Some of these roads will lull you into thinking they are easy and then you top over a little rise and find the road makes an immediate and very sharp turn that is likely reverse sloped and covered with gravel unless weather has been dry for a while.  Bring it, and enjoy the ride but complacency or lack of attention here will get you hurt.

Jerry

thank you Bigwolf

ive been around the block, been around the continent.... more than once.

eastern WV deserves caution and RESPECT

spruce knob take the northern approach road its paved, Seneca rocks cool to see, smoke hole road long narrow n twisty but cool, greenbank radio telescope largest moving structure on {dry} earth. new river Gorge neat but a bit of a drive from Morgantown IIRC

dan

[hubcapsc]

219 north of Lewisburg (I forget how far) is not just twisty, but off-camber, tight and
like a roller coaster.

There's a road in Tennessee, from Elizabethton to the Shady Valley Store, that
is all that, plus it is cut into the slope, one side is "up against the wall" and the
other is "off into the ravine". The off-into-the-ravine side of the road surface is
crumbling down into the gully in places. But it only lasts for a few miles, some
of these West Virginia roads probably stay that way for miles...

-Mike

[ptgb]

be careful on US 250 its no joke seen people crash on it......

... after I warned them

dan

praytell what is wrong with 250? its the route I planned on taking there... 

We ran Rt. 250 out of New Philadelphia (Ohio) all the way to west of Morgantown just last summer. In Ohio it is a really nice road, no problems for any rider.

Also fine for any rider when you cross into WV, except the pavement was in much worse condition in WV compared to the Ohio side.

Other than that, no one should have any issues, unless you ride like a maniac.

[ptgb]

Posted this in the registration thread... it is more apropos here though:

Blackwater Falls is about 60 miles south of Morgantown


"If you hit Blackwater Falls, which is in Davis WV (little town), make sure you have lunch at Sirianni's. A little hole in the wall with GREAT pizza. Stop there every time we are in the area.

https://forkyou.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/siriannis/ "

[ptgb]

Another great run, for an all day, pure riding day (not too much as to tourist stops), is to run Rt. 92 south down into Elkins (lots of food choices in Elkins) and then run Rt 33 over to Franklin.

Rt. 33 is an awesome road with plenty of twisties and pretty much no traffic whatsoever. Franklin was the home of on of Smok'in Joe and Highbinders ride some years ago (Hillbilly Highway ride). We have gone to and ridden out of Franklin at least 10 times since.

Worth the 250 mile round trip.

[ptgb]

Sorry if I'm thread-bombing here, but gonna out as much info as I can, as we absolutely think this area of (WV/PA/OH) is one of the premier areas for riding and sightseeing in the US!

If you are interested in a trip into the big city for a day of less riding, but more sightseeing, then make the run north (70 miles) to Pittsburgh, PA. While there are members on here with much more knowledge of Pittsburgh, here are a couple places/things to check out that aren't anywhere else...

Check out the original Primanti Bros in the Strip District (not that kind of strip)... much cooler and tastier than their chain locations. Open 24/7

https://www.primantibros.com/locations/strip-district/


Ride one of the inclines. As Pittsburgh is a very hilly city, they built many of these inclines in the late 1800's to get people out of the hill neighborhoods down to the factories in the city's river valleys. They are like cable cars that run a steep angles down the hillsides.

http://www.stationsquare.com/info/inclines


And, well this might not be a stop for the hardcore biker type, the Phipps Conservatory is really nice. Not to be sexist, but the wife or significant other might really like this.

https://phipps.conservatory.org/


The only thing I would advise about riding into Pittsburgh, is once you get with 30 miles of the city, you want to roll in on the Interstates as any secondary roads, even the larger routes, are stop and go hell. Pittsburgh is not the easiest city to get around in (if you aren't from there).

[Skinhead]

Sorry if I'm thread-bombing here, but gonna out as much info as I can, as we absolutely think this area of (WV/PA/OH) is one of the premier areas for riding and sightseeing in the US!

If you are interested in a trip into the big city for a day of less riding, but more sightseeing, then make the run north (70 miles) to Pittsburgh, PA. While there are members on here with much more knowledge of Pittsburgh, here are a couple places/things to check out that aren't anywhere else...

Check out the original Primanti Bros in the Strip District (not that kind of strip)... much cooler and tastier than their chain locations. Open 24/7

https://www.primantibros.com/locations/strip-district/


Ride one of the inclines. As Pittsburgh is a very hilly city, they built many of these inclines in the late 1800's to get people out of the hill neighborhoods down to the factories in the city's river valleys. They are like cable cars that run a steep angles down the hillsides.

http://www.stationsquare.com/info/inclines


And, well this might not be a stop for the hardcore biker type, the Phipps Conservatory is really nice. Not to be sexist, but the wife or significant other might really like this.

https://phipps.conservatory.org/


The only thing I would advise about riding into Pittsburgh, is once you get with 30 miles of the city, you want to roll in on the Interstates as any secondary roads, even the larger routes, are stop and go hell. Pittsburgh is not the easiest city to get around in (if you aren't from there).

I agree with all of the above, especially the local roads.  Route 51 is/was under construction at the intersection of route 88.  this is an ancient intersection they are trying to modernize and I guarantee it to be a major cluster intercourse.  If you are taking 51 north into the 'burgh, I suggest get off 51 a couple miles before the RT 88 intercourse on Brownsville Rd (Right Turn) to Becks Run Rd (Right Turn) and take that down to Carson St (Rt 837) (Left).  This will bring you into the South Side.  There are a lot of Bars and Night clubs on Carson Street and if you follow Carson to Smithfield ST, you will be at the Monongahela Incline and Station Square (Old P&LE RR Station, now shops and a mall).  At Station Square, the Grand Concourse Restaurant is in the old Train station and where they filmed the restaurant scene in Flashdance.

[Skinhead]

If anyone likes amusement parks, there is a great, historic park on the MON river.  It is called Kennywood Park and has some great rides and coasters (both Modern steel and several historic wooden ones).  It is a great place to spend the day and usually not too crowded during the week.

https://www.kennywood.com/things-to-do/attractions

The Black Widow- This thing is awesome!  Bring an extra set of drawers!
https://youtu.be/77QcSPEMZ98

Here's a review by a local celebrity
https://youtu.be/DoRmFszjLxs

[Willow]

praytell what is wrong with 250? its the route I planned on taking there... 

Some years ago I rode across West Virginia on 250.  An Accident of Time and Space

[Skinhead]

praytell what is wrong with 250? its the route I planned on taking there... 

Some years ago I rode across West Virginia on 250.  An Accident of Time and Space

Heed Willow's Warning.  2fiddy is a fun road, fast?  Not so much.

[Jess from VA]

250 is a great ride.  But care is required.  It is always so in the mountains.

It is important, I think, to understand that riding skill is relative to the roads you usually ride (for years and maybe decades).

If you ride the mountains all the time, you are better at it than those who don't.  This is no takeaway from flatlanders.  If they rode the mountains all the time, they'd mostly be as good as anybody. 

Confidence is a good thing, but it can get you in trouble.  So can peer pressure (even if it's fully unintended).

[cookiedough]

WE were around that hwy. 250 area heading back from Washington DC on way home to WI but after several twists and turns and ups/downs with the car loaded down we decided to get back up to Morgantown WV area onto the Interstate to Wheelin (nice local historic town as well) instead of heading on those same curvy roads into Ohio. 

The twisty and dangerous roads we seen first hand though having to follow a flatbed semi for well over 20 miles unable to pass him on those roads and a few of those hairpin turns his one entire wheel of his rear duallies was OVER the edge pretty darn dicey driving for semi truck drivers. 

YES, so be careful of your surroundings and don't admire the views too much or for too long for it will swallow you up over the side you go. 

Also, for awhile there south of Morgantown WV on those curvy switchback roads what is with all those unincorporated towns?  WE must have been thru 10 unincorporated little towns (basically a few run down houses/trailer homes) in a short stretch there. 

Also, be careful of water flowing over the roads in those mountain ranges, I bet on a cycle can be dangerous/slippery. 

[RP#62]

I'll add a couple

Cass Scenic Railroad
Green Bank Radio Observatory
Seneca Rocks
and, one of my favorite rides is US 50 between the Maryland line and I-79

-RP

[Alpha Dog]

That 250 will take you down to Green Bank, WV where the National Radio Astronomy Observatory is.  Just some huge dishes pointed to the sky.  Think they are the largest in the world or at least use to be.  Also in this area is one of the premier ski resorts in the east - Snowshoe.  They have quite a bit of summer activities including hiking, biking and golf, etc.
Chuck

[Bigwolf]

I'm a big history buff, and I would imagine there's a fair bit of it around WV. 

Yes, quite a bit. 
Oil - WV had one of the first 2 oil wells in the world.  http://www.oilandgasmuseum.com/Pages/news/news_California_10-2008.html


Naturally occurring asphalt - First discovered here: http://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/86

Salt was a booming and innovative business for some time: http://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/168

Several battles of the Civil War were fought in West Virginia:  http://www.civilwartraveler.com/EAST/WV/MoreWV.html

[Romeo]

If anyone likes amusement parks, there is a great, historic park on the MON river.  It is called Kennywood Park and has some great rides and coasters (both Modern steel and several historic wooden ones).  It is a great place to spend the day and usually not too crowded during the week.

https://www.kennywood.com/things-to-do/attractions

The Black Widow- This thing is awesome!  Bring an extra set of drawers!
https://youtu.be/77QcSPEMZ98

Here's a review by a local celebrity
https://youtu.be/DoRmFszjLxs

just checked out the " celebrity" there's 8 1/2 minutes of. My life I'll never get back.

[Romeo]

Sorry if I'm thread-bombing here, but gonna out as much info as I can, as we absolutely think this area of (WV/PA/OH) is one of the premier areas for riding and sightseeing in the US!

If you are interested in a trip into the big city for a day of less riding, but more sightseeing, then make the run north (70 miles) to Pittsburgh, PA. While there are members on here with much more knowledge of Pittsburgh, here are a couple places/things to check out that aren't anywhere else...

Check out the original Primanti Bros in the Strip District (not that kind of strip)... much cooler and tastier than their chain locations. Open 24/7

https://www.primantibros.com/locations/strip-district/


Ride one of the inclines. As Pittsburgh is a very hilly city, they built many of these inclines in the late 1800's to get people out of the hill neighborhoods down to the factories in the city's river valleys. They are like cable cars that run a steep angles down the hillsides.

http://www.stationsquare.com/info/inclines


And, well this might not be a stop for the hardcore biker type, the Phipps Conservatory is really nice. Not to be sexist, but the wife or significant other might really like this.

https://phipps.conservatory.org/


The only thing I would advise about riding into Pittsburgh, is once you get with 30 miles of the city, you want to roll in on the Interstates as any secondary roads, even the larger routes, are stop and go hell. Pittsburgh is not the easiest city to get around in (if you aren't from there).

I agree with all of the above, especially the local roads.  Route 51 is/was under construction at the intersection of route 88.  this is an ancient intersection they are trying to modernize and I guarantee it to be a major cluster intercourse.  If you are taking 51 north into the 'burgh, I suggest get off 51 a couple miles before the RT 88 intercourse on Brownsville Rd (Right Turn) to Becks Run Rd (Right Turn) and take that down to Carson St (Rt 837) (Left).  This will bring you into the South Side.  There are a lot of Bars and Night clubs on Carson Street and if you follow Carson to Smithfield ST, you will be at the Monongahela Incline and Station Square (Old P&LE RR Station, now shops and a mall).  At Station Square, the Grand Concourse Restaurant is in the old Train station and where they filmed the restaurant scene in Flashdance.

gotta concur with Skinhead visa vie the roads in an around the 'burg. We were at his bro in laws house, and were headed to his sisters. His bro in law said, we'll take the back way, to which I replied, very way is the back way around here.

[Skinhead]

just checked out the " celebrity" there's 8 1/2 minutes of. My life I'll never get back.

I should charge you for the lesson on how to speak Pittsburghese, N'at!

[Gavin_Sons]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centralia,_Pennsylvania

Centralia Pennsylvania is about an hour and a half ride from ground zero. This is the old abandoned coal town that caught on fire years ago and is still burning to this day. I have always wanted to go see it.

[Skinhead]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centralia,_Pennsylvania

Centralia Pennsylvania is about an hour and a half ride from ground zero. This is the old abandoned coal town that caught on fire years ago and is still burning to this day. I have always wanted to go see it.

You and me both, I didn't realize it was that close.  I thought it was in north eastern PA.  If that close, I'd be interested in going.

I just checked streets & trips, it's about 4hrs one way.

[NewValker]

If it happens, I'm in too.
Craig

[Gavin_Sons]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centralia,_Pennsylvania

Centralia Pennsylvania is about an hour and a half ride from ground zero. This is the old abandoned coal town that caught on fire years ago and is still burning to this day. I have always wanted to go see it.

You and me both, I didn't realize it was that close.  I thought it was in north eastern PA.  If that close, I'd be interested in going.

I just checked streets & trips, it's about 4hrs one way.

My google maps must have been wrong, it said 1 hour 29 minutes one way. Still think it would be very neat to see.

[Gavin_Sons]

I was wrong,  sorry. I had morgantown PA instead of WV. My bad, it is a 4 hour ride

[Bigwolf]

Coke Ovens at Bretz:
I am not sure if any of these ovens are still standing.  I know that most have ben destroyed.  They  sure were a sight when they were in full operation.  And they stunk up the whole valley.  When they were in operation, they were scattered along the railroad all the way from Bretz to Morgantown.
http://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/648 
There might be a few left standing yet right in Bretz.  I will check the next time I am up that way.

Jerry