DAMN Riders - No rules, Just ride!

Two of my friends are trying to put toether a moto camping trip out to Canaan area/Monongahela NF on May 7-9June 5-6. We'll probably leave work early Fri, rondezvous in Harrisburg VA, and ride to WV to setup camp. Not sure of exact ride iteniary yet but the plan is to get over to the Sinks of Gandy eventually and hike through the cave before heading back.

Folks are welcome to join and/or route suggetions appreciated. One friend says he wants "roads and trails he could ride two up w/ a fat girl" but Dan likes getting us into trouble. Dan suggested Cannan Loop Rd but it has some water crossings that have made "fat girl" friend mad before :) I'm not looking to drown the 701 just yet either.

Edit:change date

Hmmm Maybe.



Have you done the Sinks of Gandy "walk through"? I've walked into the lower end of it a bit but have never gone through it. The last bit of it is supposed to be a straight up swim in some very cold mountain water.

Thanks for that link on the cave - underground stream. Looks like a fun hot summer day activity.

I've never done the cave. I had not heard of it until Dan brought it up - he's been through some of it I think. Sounds like there is wading involved. Sounds like most people miss the 'dry' exit at the end and take the 'wet' path out (or just hike back out from where they came.) I suspect thats where the swimming part comes in.

Dan has confirmed there will be no deep river crossings. He doesn't want to get his 'new' Tiger nasty yet ;)

Edit:
https://seletyn.com/2020/03/05/wv-the-sinks-of-gandy/
"The cave is relatively forgiving to inexperienced visitors. Because of its straightforward layout, most visitors can traverse it safely with simple household flashlights. A combination of scrambling and wading are required to pass some stretches, however, and many a visitor cannot locate the dry, downstream entrance (about 200 feet (61 m) back and to the right from the wet stream exit) and is therefore compelled to return the way he came in."

Here is Dan's proposed route: "Start in Staunton. From there it's 92 miles to camp. Take 250 out to Durbin, little bit of forest road to Laurel Fork campground. Saturday: Cave, fire tower, 117 miles of mixed roads, camp at Seneca Rocks unless we stop short. Sunday, 65 miles (if we camp at Seneca) of mix roads to Brandywine, take 33 home from there."

We're bumping this back to a later date. Jun 5-6 now. Snow tonight in the forecast out in WV and rain/freezing temps all weekend doesn't sound like fun, esp if we want to hike though a wet cave. I doubt Elon Musk will send his sub to rescue us if we are in there and it floods

Well, I am interested in your "Motocamping WV/Monongahela Jun 5-6" sojourn...though I haven't yet purchased any sort of baggage system for my bike, nor the necessary replacement exhaust system deemed necessary for the reckless 80 baggage system, as I've only just recently--two weeks ago--purchased my 690 and I'm still getting used to the bike. Your trip is nevertheless appealing to me as a christening of the bike and my interest in this new sport. How many are there for this trip?

Who is JGalt?

Don't know whether to be enthused or afraid when your first post uses words like 'sojurn' Just 3 of us so far. Though Donnie's 990 is in the shop for some engine 'case gasket'. Sounds like they are slammed and don't know if they will get to it in time.

Congrats on the 690! I recently picked up a 701LR and have enjoyed it so far. I put a Wings exh on mine. For luggage I bought a Wolfman B-base to go w/ the Large Rolie bags I already had. I really like the Wolfman setup on my 500 (E-base w/ medium Rolies.) Haven't installed it yet though. Need to figure out if I need a muffler heat shield or not. Initial tests looks like it sits far enough forward to not need it - plus the Wings runs MUCH cooler than the stock muffler. The Reckless 80 looks to be a perfect fit for he 690/701 though. I like it has the hole in the base for the gas fill (I've talked to Wolfman about how to cut a hole in their base if I deem sliding it forward to fill ever becomes a hassle.)

JGalt wrote: ↑Fri May 14, 2021 6:31 pm Well, I am interested in your "Motocamping WV/Monongahela Jun 5-6" sojourn...though I haven't yet purchased any sort of baggage system for my bike, nor the necessary replacement exhaust system deemed necessary for the reckless 80 baggage system, as I've only just recently--two weeks ago--purchased my 690 and I'm still getting used to the bike. Your trip is nevertheless appealing to me as a christening of the bike and my interest in this new sport. How many are there for this trip?

Small bag strapped to rear of bike.
Pack light.

Dont overthink it

You're right Bucho, I am over thinking it! With or without a bonafide baggage system, a small bag and/or backpack will no-doubt do the trick for a simple overnighter!