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RVMBA Members Converge on Davis, WV ( Photo heavy )

1K views 15 replies 8 participants last post by  outdoornut 
#1 ·
Several members of the River Valley Mountain Bike Association decided to converge on the little town of Davis, WV for a three day riding weekend. Many had never ridden in the area around Davis however had heard all about the trails from me. So now I had to join them and show them the trails I love so well.

The main group of 12, counting myself and Malibu, rolled into camp arond 10 a.m., set up camp and were climbing aboard our bikes for the first ride of the weekend by 11:45 a.m. Since the group was looking for about a 15 mile ride we stuck out into the nearby CVI trails right from camp.


After riding through the lower trails it was off to the our favorite spot in this area. Here we
pause for the view on top Mt. Strip Mine enroute to Moonrocks.


Then it was off to Moonrocks. A few shots coming off Mt. Strip Mine and then some climbing Moonrocks.








The group had an awesome time on Moonrocks and the ride continues. Here good friends Steve and Pat close in on HooDoo Rocks with Dave not far behind.




Then followed by an awesome jaunt down toward campsite # 7.






After a great downhill run, we turned up by Yellow Creek, crossed the newer bridge, and rode up the new trail to a fun little rock garden on the new extension to Rock Shock.










We followed the new extention back to the beginning of Rock Shock, took the yellow diamond trail to the white diamond trail and rode it back to town. Everyone had a great time and more fun after enjoying an evening of dinning at Siriani's. They ran out of beer so we struck Hellbenders. (This is a must for anyone visiting Davis - The most awesome buritos around).

We made it back to camp just before dark and stoked up the campfire for a great evening of conversation. Before the evening was over we gained three more folks who were old friends of many there. By our count, our attack ride on North Sods on Saturday would be an amazing 15 riders.

MORE TO FOLLOW :

ODN
 
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#2 ·
Saturdays Attack on Dolly Sods North

Saturday dawned sunny and brisk with temps around 44 degrees. With all the chefs in camp we had a great breakfast and started preparing our bikes for a rough ride in the North Sods. I was able to contact oldnoob who had mentioned he would like to join the fun. Myself, Malibu and oldnoob were the only riders in our group who had ever ventured into the North Sods so this was to be an adventure for all.

Our first stop of the ride was at the bottom of Rocky Ridge Trail at the edge of the Wilderness area just before what the locals call "The Wall of Tears". If you ride there you'll understand :eekster: . (Photo courtesy of oldnoob)


We then rode up Rocky Ridge Trail (524) to Harman Trail (525) where we turned and headed toward Blackbird Knob (511). Here are a few pics along Harman Trail.






At least he got up smiling.


Then it was around Blackbird Knob and down to Upper Red Creek (509) where we would take 509 to Dobbin Grade Trail (526). Here was a couple shots along Blackbird Knob.






We turned right on Dobbin Grade for a short distance and then left on Raven Ridge Trail (521). This is a long but not so difficult climb and the views were great. The first part of the climb:


About 1/2 way up the mountian, a little bike porn for me......


Then it was break time at the intersection of Raven Ridge (521) and Bear Rocks Trail (522).


We met 4 other riders while taking that break and they were making the loop in the opposite direction and were having a blast. After our break it was on to Rocky Ridge Trail (524) via Raven Ridge Trail. After bit of a climb, a fast ride down through a dip in the mountain it was into the woods. Once you dive into the woods on Raven Ridge it's a very technical rocky, rooty ride for the next 3/4 mile. Lots and lots of fun. Here one of our riders tips over on the first bunch of rocks.


I had too much fun through those rocks to stop for pics so I stopped near the end of them.






Once on Rocky Ridge Trail the work begins. Lots and lots of big rocks and rock gardens.


Even a few mandatory hike-a-bikes.


Of course one must stop and take in the views from the many vantage points.




And challenge ourselves along the way.


And enjoy all the downhill sections through awesome terrain.


Look at that smile !




Mechanicals are always a good time for a break.


And more views force a break.








Then it was back to the trailhead and the vehicles. Yes we whimped out and drove to the trailhead. Everyone felt 15 miles in this terrain was good enough without another 20 mile ride to get there.. Bike anyone ?


MORE TO COME :

ODN
 
#3 · (Edited)
Saturday night and our Sunday Ride !

Saturday night was cold but beautiful. The campfire was warm and the beer and conversations very enjoyable.




Several of the folks had never been on Plantation trail or any of the spurs off it and it had beeb years since some had visited so we had already planned on hitting Plantation with some sort of route. Saturday evening I discussed our route with Rod and Brad, who joined Malibu and I a few weeks back for some riding here, and we decided on our route. We would take the group up Son of Plantation, out Plantation, Fire Trail # 6, then all the way down Davis / Allegheny Trail to Blackwater Falls State Park where we would pick up Yellow Birch to STP Road and back to Davis.

Here oldnoob and others make their way up Son of Plantation.






Then it was an exciting ride out Plantation Trail. Most of us made it through this stream crossing.






Yes, there are some climbs on Plantaion Trail.


Malibu taking the more difficult route up and over.


After a short break to regroup at Davis Trail intersection it was on through another fun spot along Plantation Trail.






We followed Plantation Trail to Fire Trail # 6, took that trail out to Canaan Loop Road. This is the short drop just before Canaan Loop.
(Photo courtesy of oldnoob)


Then on Canaan Loop between # 6 and Davis Trail.
(Photo courtesy of oldnoob)


Davis trail from Canaan Loop down to Blackwater Falls State Park is an awesome downhill run and too much fun for many pictures. Here are some from the intersection of Davis Trail and Plantation Trail where we regrouped before our plunge the rest of the way off the mountain. I was the first one to the intersection with oldnoob not too far behind and the flurry began.




The rock is a must..




Of course Malibu has to play the "like father - like son"...






And we don't mind if a few ride around that rock ;) .


Regrouping at that intersection. (Photo courtesy of oldnoob)


It was soooo much fun going down Davis Trail and Yellow Birch I didn't even thiink about pictures. Thank goodness oldnoob got ahead of us a couple times for photo opps. (Thanks oldnoob for the photos)
Davis Trail


Yellow Birch




After reaching town, Shop-N-Save parking lot, where we had left our vehicles, everyone gathered to shake hands, talked about how awesome the last three days had been and start thinking about another trip to enjoy the passion we all share (Mountain Biking in WV).

Though I have ridden some of these trail many times, and some a few times, it was like riding them for the first time when leading fellow riders through the area for their first visit to such an awesome place.

Whatever you do, when you visit Davis WV you have to stop in at Hellbenders and give their Giant Buritos a try. They're awesome !

To view all 183 pictures from this adventure click on the following link or copy and paste to you browser.

https://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/djphotos1/Davis_Sept_08/

ODN
 
#6 ·
outdoornut said:
Funny how things change over the years. Used to be the only way to get through there was the opposite side, with the line hugging that tree root system.

Thanks for taking the time to post all of the pics. I was trying to look at all of the faces but didn't see Greg. Was he along for the ride? I guess he's pretty busy with the shop, have you seen/talked to him lately?

Hope to see you and Snottie before the snow flies, sorry you guys can't make Douthat.
 
#8 ·
jeffw-13 said:
I love seeing shots of older folks riding :thumbsup:
Hey ! I resemble that remark ! :D The age group was a wide range from 13 (Malibu) to at least 60 and maybe a little over (didn't want to offend anyone). ;) Gotta love mountain biking, not much in the way of age restrictions.

davis said:
Funny how things change over the years. Used to be the only way to get through there was the opposite side, with the line hugging that tree root system.
You can still hug that tree and go over the roots. I just can never do that so I found this other line to the left and more people were able to get through there.

davis said:
I was trying to look at all of the faces but didn't see Greg. Was he along for the ride? I guess he's pretty busy with the shop, have you seen/talked to him lately?
Yep, see him quite often. He wasn't along for this ride. The shop does keep him busy. He got my new '09 frame for me as quickly as possible, that's who I got my Fisher from. He usually rides with the group on Wednesday evenings (his day off). I'll pass on a "Howdy" for ya if you want.

Hope to see you also before the snow flies, if not, maybe while the snow is flying (hunting your area) :thumbsup: Would have liked to make Dougthat, just the wrong time of year for me.

ODN
 
#9 ·
Capt_phun said:
Nice write up as always Doug. Do you ride with a GPS or did anyone in your group ride with a GPS that I could get the tracks from those rides?

You going to Tour de Lilly?
Howdy Capt, no I didn't have my GPS along. I just use the map for North Sods and memory for the others ( haven't lost that YET ! :rolleyes: ). I think Tim had his GPS along. I'll check with him this evening during our group ride and see if he can get me those routes.

Not sure if we'll make the Tour. I'd like to, but it will be one of those last minute things I'm sure. If I do, I'll give you a ring on the cell and we can hook up for a beer or two or three or, I see where this is going. :D .

ODN
 
#10 ·
outdoornut said:
Hey ! I resemble that remark ! :D The age group was a wide range from 13 (Malibu) to at least 60 and maybe a little over (didn't want to offend anyone). ;) Gotta love mountain biking, not much in the way of age restrictions.

ODN
60 eh, glad I may have a few more in me hehe - today I "roll" into another year. :)

Nice pics and writeup as always ODN. When does Dolly Sods formally become off limits?
 
#11 ·
damn dude took forever to click on to load this with all those pictures on this slow ass connection! :) everyone in that group was very cool, fun and friendly! that guy tim was a riot. he kept calling snotty "peeler" tho .. is that a new nickname?

here is something from when me and "peeler" snuck ahead of the group to play on rocks on ridge trail and we found some steep walls to ride down

 
#12 ·
outdoornut said:
Howdy Capt, no I didn't have my GPS along. I just use the map for North Sods and memory for the others ( haven't lost that YET ! :rolleyes: ). I think Tim had his GPS along. I'll check with him this evening during our group ride and see if he can get me those routes.

Not sure if we'll make the Tour. I'd like to, but it will be one of those last minute things I'm sure. If I do, I'll give you a ring on the cell and we can hook up for a beer or two or three or, I see where this is going. :D .

ODN
Sounds good. I'll be staying at hopefully our usual spot on camp rd. 70 if it is available. I hope to roll in late thursday evening & stay till sunday.

Did you see the Douthat dates have changed to Nov. 14-16? Hope you can make it.
 
#15 ·
CraigCreekRider said:
60 eh, glad I may have a few more in me hehe - today I "roll" into another year. :)

Nice pics and writeup as always ODN. When does Dolly Sods formally become off limits?
Well happy birthday CCR and many many more ! Hope you got in a ride.

As for the Sods, the bill passed the House and the Senate subcommittee, however has been in the Senate for some time. There are so many other things for them to be worried about right now. I hope it gets swept under the table and they never find it again. That'd make me happy. There are some who think it won't go, however all that has to happen right now is the Senate pass it and it's a done deal. The longer it takes them to sign it, the longer we'll have to ride it.

I figured out another ride there that I want to do. Looks fun and will be a bit longer than our 15 mile jaunt on Saturday. If I get a chance to go I'll post something up to let other know. Maybe another big group ride in the making :confused: .

ODN
 
#16 ·
oldnoob,

Good point about the pics. Sorry about that, just got carried away with all the pics. I
started with 230+ pics and narrowed it down to 183. Then I couldn't decide which to post,
so I put some of every area. Guess I need to keep it short on the pics and just put the
link to the album. However, I didn't have much trouble loading it on my dial up, yes you
heard it right, "Dial Up" connection. :D

Glad you enjoyed the pics. Oh, Peeler, is the nickname Malibu gets called around that
group. Tim and Aaron both work for a company that deals in medical equipment, beds, oxygen pumps, etc. and they have this scraper called a "Scottie Peeler" so that's why
they started calling him that. He doesn't mind and even said he kinda likes it, like the
Malibu thing. :thumbsup: Those guys are a hoot and a great bunch to ride with. Kind of
reminds me a lot of the Shuffle Crew.

ODN
 
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