Motocamping WV/Monongahela May 7-9

[smdub]

Two of my friends are trying to put toether a moto camping trip out to Canaan area/Monongahela NF on May 7-9. 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.

[juddspaintballs]

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.

[Boom Boom]

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

[smdub]

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."

[smdub]

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."