Where the Adventure of a Lifetime Begins!

Good friends, a need to get away, ATVs, and a quest. Results: a relaxing and fun adventure in the mountains of West Virginia and reuniting friends that are normally too busy for each other.

The anticipation of the trip brought on a restless night before we left. So, getting up at 5 a.m. was easy. As we had everything loaded the day before, all we had to do was pick up everyone and start thinking about breakfast. The trip up I-95 wasn't bad except passing the "We Bare All" places and..., not stopping. We would pass each one with a sigh and knowing the employees were in church on this Sunday morning.

The time passed quickly on the trip up with the men gossip, catching-up, reminiscing, trying to top each other's tales, and listening to the satellite radio comedy shows.

We had switched over to Interstate Hwy. 77 along the way, and all we had to do was climb the mountains in Virginia; go through two tunnels, and take the first exit to highway 52 to Bluefield, West Virginia. Well, someone in our party, might have been me, thought it was the wrong exit and it was one more up. We had to drive eight miles to the next exit to turn around and go back. When we took the exit we saw to the left a place named "Southern Exposure" and to the right an "Outback Steakhouse." Well, it was decision time again. We chose the "Outback Steakhouse" because we were hungry and we knew the employees of the "Southern Exposure" were at church on this Sunday night.

The longest and hardest part of the trip was the last hour and half from Bluefield to Gilbert, West Virginia where we were going to stay for the week. The road was dark, winding, and never-ending. The satellite radio was in and out due to the mountains blocking the signal and we were talked out.

We were up early after a good night's sleep and ready for the trail ride. We had breakfast and rode to the civic center to get our permit for the ride. This is money well spent. They have done such a great job with the "Hatfield-McCoy" trail system.

On the trail we see wildlife and nature at its best. The trails are well marked and what a variety. The trails change with the weather, a totally different ride when wet. Two hours into our ride we encountered a difficult situation with one of the ATVs. It went over the side of the mountain. Luckily the rider ejected in time. After the help of five riders from Connecticut and two hours of repairs, we got it going and rode it for three more days. What can I say, it was a Suzuki.

We really like riding into nearby towns and having lunch. It's a thrill riding on the roads in town, just because we are allowed and can't do it at home in Florida. We spent four days of riding the Hatfield-McCoy trails and enjoyed every moment. Our secret to a good ride, if there is one, is to ride in the first part of the week and keep your head. The weekends get a little crowded and crazy with the hot doggers and the high-energy young riders. We like the more relaxing and scenic ride. What an experience!