Easter Ride Report

4th Easter Ride

Once upon a time, in a land far from HMT, there lived a hungry rider, Wacker, and his energetic wife, GiddyUpGirl. This year, as in 3 years past, they loaded up the cushy Yamacliner and the old buckboard Honda to spend time riding in balmy Southern WV. They met up with the white-legged rider, Midget, and his giggling wife, Suze who were also able to break free from their jobs in the salt mines for a few days. The first stop was at the Mason Jar Restaurant in White Sulphur Springs, WV for the hungry rider to take the triple ½ pound burger challenge. His success was rewarded with a free dessert as well as much admiration from the other riders and some local teenaged youths. They then stopped for the night at the super tall rider, G-Bob, and his speedy wife, Jo-Bob’s home. They had to tame the savage beasts before a good night’s sleep was allowed as the vicious Chihuahua likely smelled burger on the riders and was looking for his doggie bag.

The next day dawned sunny and bright as the riders made their way to the Castlerock Trailhead to ride in the 80+ degree day. Other riders converged on the parking lot as well; the RZR rider, Mr. Ed and his cheery wife, Bev, the sous chef rider, Ruger and his lively wife, Switchbackroller, the 50 year-old rider, Prairie Pounder and his bubbly wife, Wifee, the woodcutting rider, Farmer and his peppy wife, Farmer’s wife, and the mudspeckled rider, FullThrottle. Everyone enjoyed riding through the shade of the pines and the laurel as well as the cool breeze from Pinnacle Creek. There was a tense moment when the riders started to take the connecting trail to Mullins. The powers over the HMT kingdom had advertised the connector as open and the riders’ lunch plans involved using the trail, which was closed…as usual. But the near disaster of “no lunch” was averted by the quick thinking of the riders digging into the snack reserves of their boxes. Thankfully, the lunchtime hunger pangs were kept at bay. Everyone arrived muddy and dusty at the parking lot to head off to Huff Creek Lodge in Man, WV. As riders cleaned up in the shower and the tub, a pork BBQ meal was prepared and cans of Lager were passed to the male riders to keep them from mutiny until it was ready since lunch was a little light. After dinner, the riders welcomed the diesel driving rider, Sportsman and his would-be-more-comfortable-in-a-RZR but still happy wife, Joyce, and all riders settled in for a 3 night stay.

Day 2 was another 80+ degree day and the riders headed out to the Bear Wallow trail system in Ethel, WV. Lunchtime that day was as planned at Wendy’s in Logan, WV. After lunch, the riders took off to the trailhead to pick up Farmer who had some technical difficulties that were fixed in the a.m. The gang shopped in the HMT store, washed radiators in the creek, and rested in the shade of the front porch of the office. Somewhat refreshed from the break from the heat, they rode out to the far side of the system. Farmer impressed all with a few steep climbs and some of the guys ran up 45 to show that even though they were much older than him, they could still run up a hill. From around 10 and the coal piles, the group went back 16 and 12 to the trailhead. Another day ended hot and dusty with the riders ready for Giovanni’s pizza.

The third day was the “best and last”. Ruger and Wacker led the riders up the hollow toward Wylo. They all noticed smoke on the mountain, as if a coal fire in the earth was on that particular mountain. As they rode closer, orange flames became apparent and it became obvious that there was a mild forest fire to drive through to be able to keep going up the mountain. So, through it they went. Then they climbed down and back up a steep rocky ridge where they stumbled upon a US forest service truck with workers to help control and snuff out the fire. Secure that the fire was in good hands, they headed off to an old high wall for a little playing and a photo op. Next, it was up and across Wylo to Rebel rock and the mud pit for more photo ops and laughs. Another lunch was enjoyed that day; that one at Wooten’s One Stop. Several riders noted that the food was good, but the store was getting close to being in the same condition as the “Home of the Demon Burger” in Northfork. Full and rested, they all hauled over the mountain to explore Kelly Mountain/Laurel area. Splashing through the creek soon led to some downed trees which the tree cutting rider was very quick to chop up and they were moved out of the path with all the men’s assistance. Back on the main trails, the riders headed back over Wylo and encountered the forest fire again. There were more US forest service workers on the job, but this time, the flames had claimed a few trees that were over the trail. Thankfully, Farmer came to the rescue with his chainsaw again so that the much anticipated steak dinner was not in jeopardy of being delayed. Sharing videos and photos capped off the great day.

Good friends, food and fun made for a great weekend.
As the hungry rider says, “A good time was had by all.”

Click for MORE Pictures

Nice Ride Report

Good Friends, Good Food and FUN made for a Great Weekend.
Big Thanks to everyone for taking the time to make it happen.

Very nice Ride Report GUG !!!!!!! Good job

Great ride report GUG I think Wacker should take you out to eat the rest of the week for all your hard work

Great report !! Sure was a GOOD time.

Great report, nice pictures. Looking at those steaks again are making me hungry.

Loved the report, GUG! Thanks for sharing!

Great ride report GiddyUpGirl. We had a great time riding and visiting with everyone.

Excellent ride report GiddyUpGirl. Bev and I had a great time. Looking forward to the steak next year.

May not have to wait till next year.

Great report and pics. Ruger and I had a great time! Good Friends, Great Food and Lots and Lots of trails yet to ride

GUG~~That is one great ride report!

"Hungry Rider" is a keeper. Sounds Indian. If you think about it, he (wacker) really is like an Indian Scout. The only tiny difference being, instead of scouting for the location of the Cavalry, he is on the lookout for cheeseburgers.

G Bob wrote:

Great ride report GUG I think Wacker should take you out to eat the rest of the week for all your hard work

We did!
Great suggestion.

Thanks for the positive comments everyone!

Prairie Pounder wrote:

"Hungry Rider" is a keeper.

AKA ~ Rueben Quest

aka...Reuben Quest McBurger...

Ruger wrote:

Prairie Pounder wrote:

"Hungry Rider" is a keeper.

AKA ~ Rueben Quest

Prairie Pounder wrote:

aka...Reuben Quest McBurger...

Had one last night, while out with some of the other "QCR's", at a little spot called Maloo's in Hagerstown.
Not too bad at all... with waffle cut fries & of course a few "golden nectars".
Everyone seemed to have a good time and enjoy themselves. Thanks for joining us.

Jim and I always have a good time when we get together with some of the other "QCR's" and Thursday evening was one of those many occasions. The food was delicious and the company was great. Thank you for inviting us.

Wi-Fee and I did a stroll though our 'hood during the annual community yard sale...Side note: People are nuts...Back to the story. While stopping to talk with a neighbor, what do my eyes spot in his coozy? That's right, The Golden Nector. Turns out he is from PA.