Quiet night in XG. Something to be said about sleeping in a legal place: No worry about a rap on the van and a badge. Warm night.
Punched in Davis, WV into GPS. And did I see some back roads. I selected shortest route instead of fastest. John Denver’s song, Take Me Home Country Roads was sung about these roads. Windy, twisty, no shoulder, Up & down but seeing a part of the countryside that is missed going the fastest way. Saw remnants of snow drifts along road side. All leaves are gone. Up at nose bleed elevation of 3230′.
Hit Davis, home of Blackwater bikes but they were closed. Walked down to Visitor’s Bureau. Was greeted by woman who fed me w/ info but not bike specific. Bought an Adventure map and drove out of town climbing to the Plantation trail that ran the ridge line. The ride would be an out & back.
Beautiful day, warm like in lower 60s for Nov 5, day after pivotal point in America’s future. Go America! Maybe our future will be like after Reagan took office: restored pride in America. May the new era be for the peoples’ benefit and may America restore respect throughout the world.
Hit trail, noticed that there were no bike tracks in mud which got me to suspect that I picked a bogus ride. Trail was on top of a ridge, rhododendron thickets cut out for trail. Some boggy spots, lots of rocks & roots, the stuff I came to experience. Smaller rocks with lots of challenging moves. I decided that I would ride out for an hour and then turn around. Different challenges on return. Stalled front wheel against a small rock and I violently lost my balance and did the slam to the ground. I landed on my left elbow and hip. Just pain, no loss of use. Going to be sore.
On way up I noticed a guy alongside the road with h2o jugs: there was a spring pumped out. Never pass up good water so I stopped on my way back into town.
I had wash to do which slipped up on me. I know this because of the number of clean bike shorts I have. Today i had only 2 meaning a wash day.
Stopped at visitor bureau again and asked questions about how they earn their existence. I learned a whole bunch about web data gathering of user info.
Did wash.
Davis is just a several block long Main street burg. Former bank is now a county gov office. I walked in admired the original wood work. I noticed the finish on the wood was worn away at the 2 teller windows. With the present economic debacle I could imagine people going to the bank like in the 30’s and the cupboard was empty of our savings.
A small backpacking shop was opened attended by a mother rocking a young baby. I asked about rides and she said that was her husband’s purview and I should check back later. He still wasn’t back when I returned. I left my card and said that I was going into Thomas to a brew pub for a beer. When I entered the pub the bartender asked if I was the biker looking for ride info and she handed me the phone and a phone number. We had a laugh because she sorted out her definition of a biker from the caller. I lacked the tattoos etc of a biker biker.
I drank a jelly jar of their good beer. I saw a picture behind the bar of a guy with a snake. And a guy inn the bar looked like him. I asked if it was he and he said yes. What followed was an educational biology discussion about snakes and their hiberniculum, where a bunch of snakes gather to hibernate. Snakes are affected by hormones and fight other males during mating season but come snuggle time, all bad vibes are past.
Way past dinner time with 2 beers in my belly.
Called Ben, the shop owner with the ride info, and he provided me with info for me to stay another day.
Apparently the 24 hour race craze was born here in Canaan Valley and Ben sent me to the trail system. I found a legal campsite after dark.
Cold and clear night. Need heater and doubled blanket.
Ride here tomorrow then maybe moosey down to Seneca Rocks. I found Slatyfork where my license tabs await. I need to have them on plate by 11/9. Forecast has snow maybe Sat and I do not want to be driving these roads with any snow on them
Craig, a couple of questions: Has it been hard to adjust to living in such tight quarters (are you going stir crazy in the Sprinter Van)? What are your short and long term plans (where will you winter, is there another ‘similar’ adventure in your future)?
I enjoyed the travelogue portion of this report on WV and hearing the community was put on alert by your presence. Small town America just had an Ewok sighting.
I share your belief that that we are at the start of a new chapter for America, and am optimistic that it will be one which restores the dignity of the individual, our national pride, and the respect of our global community. If you get a chance, check out the snake handlers in the revival tent! They gotta be out in those hills on a backroad somewhere close by. Safe travels!
I seem to blend in or stand out depending upon the person. I don’t blend in w/ older people who’s bodies have been broken by hard work. I have my teeth because I had good insurance. My clothes do not have holes yet because I had a good paying job.I have engaged in spirited conversations with better educated people than myself and interesting ones with less educated.
Mono, The inside of my van is bigger than your work space cube where you spend 8 hrs a day. I have almost everything I need almost within arm’s reach, except for a shower and a growler hole. I spend time outside for space relief and when I’m inside I am at my desk on this computer sitting still. My possessions are fewer than with a house but then I am not changing screens or raking leaves. I have just a few clothes so the laundry is smaller but more frequent. So far I have all things I have needed although I have bought a few things like a battery powered beard trimmer.
Plans? I am on an endless weekend, everyday is Friday night with a Saturday for tomorrow. I plan on slowly working my way South and West during the winter and head N as the snow melts. I still have to ride kansas which appears to be the hole in the doughnut. And the rest is evolving.