HOG Overnight Trip
June 11 & 12, 2011
HOG Members who went on the ride:
Bruce Minor and Tisa Brown
Keith and Patty Phillips
Scott and Regina Baker
Mark and Janet Pissos
A short recap of the overnight ride:
The original plans for the overnight trip were to be at the “Grand Canyon of the East”, located near Wellsboro, PA. On Friday, a check of the weather was not too promising. Plans to meet at the Valley H-D, Bethlehem on Saturday morning were kept and a final decision would be made then.
Saturday, 8:00 AM. Weather forecast was for 60% rain and thunderstorms going across the Ohio Valley toward PA. A decision was made to head south, where the chance of an all-day rain was lessened. Eight riders on four bikes headed out that morning, destination: Elkins, WV. We would find a hotel in the early afternoon and ride into the mountains of WV from there.
On the way to Elkins, we stopped in Philippi at Smokey B’s for a great lunch. It rained while we were eating, and once lunch was over, it quit raining. What luck! We found our hotel and left for the Cass Scenic Railroad for a well needed break and some ice cream and of course, the women found some shopping (Tisa’s candy?). We wanted to take a ride on the train, but the last one had just pulled out. Maybe next time!
We then left for the Green Bank National Observatory. A movie of the history of the Observatory preceded the bus tour of the surrounding radio telescopes. (For those of you who have never been there, it would be a must-see).
After leaving, the storm clouds rushed in. A downpour, a quick stop at an old gas station to don the raingear, and we were on our way to locate dinner. Dinner was at a restaurant named “The Railyard” in Elkins. They were about to close, but graciously kept the kitchen open for us. We enjoyed great food, good conversation, and the company of a very entertaining waitress, named Melanie (with the “Pen” hairdo) and the hospitable chef named Michael.
We headed to the hotel as everyone was looking for a good night’s sleep. The next morning, we had a continental breakfast and discussed the plans for the day. Off to Fairmont, where we stopped at Mark and Janet’s daughter’s house. Lucas, their three year old grandson was sooooo excited to have all the motorcycles at his house and his meeting new friends.
Off through the back roads and more of the beautiful countryside of WV toward home. This weekend was a great ride and I’m sure all of us who went absolutely cannot wait to ride together again. It’s amazing how just a couple of days can make friends into “Family”.
Pictures are posted.
