2024 National Rally - Big Bike Friendly Forrest Service Roads

[roger123]

I'm putting together some big bike (think GS/ Super Tenere/ DL1000 with luggage, etc.) "off-roady" type routes for the National. I've not ridden a lot that far west, I've spent a ton of time around Marlington, Watoga, Helvetica, etc. but am looking to put some stuff together around Rally HG.

These will be big bike (with luggage and 80/20 tires) focused gravel type roads, no single track, no mud, no sand. I really enjoy riding forest service type roads and that's what I'm putting together.

I use onX Maps, Google Maps, Garmin Explore, and Garmin BaseCamp to do my routing. These routes will likely encounter gates, some water crossings perhaps, and some turn-arounds when the going gets too tough. I'm doing this from my living room 300 miles away so can make no promises on road surfaces, gates, restroom facilities, etc.

If this is something you like to do and have some experience in the Flatwoods area please post up what you have and your thoughts here.

I just started this weekend and have a few ideas that I'll be posting up soon.

It doesn't have to be 300 miles of pure dirt, just looking for good forrest service type roads mixed in with some great WV twisties!!!

 

[LSGiant]

How is this going?
Look forward to this. A Dual Sport group ride has been popular at previous rallys.

 

[gsjay]

Roger.
Is the road from Holly River State Park over to Pickens dirt/gravel?
And I think Greenbrier Road south out of Richwood is a LONG dirt/gravel road down to route 60 east of lewisburg,
Jason

 

[roger123]

Unfortunately my limited scouting trip didn't pan out as I had hoped. The road south out of Flatwoods that I was looking at is really just a dusty smooth fairly straight gravel road.

Jason, Yes, I am looking in that area now as probably our best bet for a big bike friendly gravel road excursion.

 

[gbyoung2]

Roger.
Is the road from Holly River State Park over to Pickens dirt/gravel?
And I think Greenbrier Road south out of Richwood is a LONG dirt/gravel road down to route 60 east of lewisburg,
Jason

Mixture of broken asphalt, gravel, and assorted other "stuff." The road's condition changes dependent on the weather conditions in the preceding months.

 

[gbyoung2]

FWIW - I'll be over that way in a few weeks for the WV State Folk Festival in Glenville - about 30 miles from Rally HQ. Normally, I'd ride the Connie like I did last year, but gonna take the KLR this time and do a little wandering on the way home. Planned route will take me down to Hacker Valley and I'll pick up the road in question (Rte. 3 / 45) and take it to Pickens, Helvetia, and on out to Rte. 219. Alternate route might have me taking Turkey Bone Rd. out of Pickens on down to Monterville on Rte. 15 through the Kumbrabow State Forest..... all depends on the weather. Gonna try and video as much of the road as I can so ya'll can see its current condition. Obviously, subject to change at any given moment.

 

[roger123]

FWIW - I'll be over that way in a few weeks for the WV State Folk Festival in Glenville - about 30 miles from Rally HQ. Normally, I'd ride the Connie like I did last year, but gonna take the KLR this time and do a little wandering on the way home. Planned route will take me down to Hacker Valley and I'll pick up the road in question (Rte. 3 / 45) and take it to Pickens, Helvetia, and on out to Rte. 219. Alternate route might have me taking Turkey Bone Rd. out of Pickens on down to Monterville on Rte. 15 through the Kumbrabow State Forest..... all depends on the weather. Gonna try and video as much of the road as I can so ya'll can see its current condition. Obviously, subject to change at any given moment.

Thanks Guy!!

 

[Andy-WV]

Thanks Guy!!

Roger. Wondering if you are making multiple routes or just one. Is this going to be a guided ride? I might be able to help with scouting out some routes if needed.