I hate writing this story. Not because of anything West Virginia did, but because of what West Virginia is. You see West Virginia is unspoiled. She’s friendly; the natural beauty of both her citizens and the lands that lie within her borders hasn’t been spoiled by hoards of travelers scrambling to, “get there first.” It matters not if you are arriving from the North or the South, what greets you as you ride into her welcoming embrace are well maintained roads and people whose attitudes toward the traveler are not jaded by the huge uncaring influx of people demanding to be, “taken care of first."

West Virginia is a state struggling to keep her young people home. The factories that once supplied the majority of the work shut down and the children of West Virginia are leaving, looking for jobs to support their new families. It’s time to look at what West Virginia has to offer on the “outside” of her…rather than on the inside of her rocky valleys. Coal mines are here in West Virginia, but why ravage her beauty, when you can take advantage of it and attract tourists?

West Virginia is going after the tourist industry in a big way…and they are doing it by reclaiming the ruined mined lands and turning them into ATV Trails…. also by advertising their best assets, such as the beautiful ski and snow boarding trails in the Snowshoe area, the scenic roads through the farming area to the south. In the central eastern portion of the state, the land boasts of great Civil War history, with landmarks, memorials and architecture. Grand mansions, small historic towns, and railroads abide!

Recently West Virginia played host to 12 moto-journalists… We came from all different motorcycling backgrounds and interests. It was a strange crew, some motley, others quite well kempt, and all of us were looking for something new and wonderful to write about. Let’s face it…we all love motorcycling, but sometimes we need a change of pace. It's a blast to find and write about something and some place we haven’t seen before, new experiences, new friends, new reasons to love what we do and the motorcycles that provide for our lusts, needs and devotions.

We moto-journalists met at the Marriot in Charleston W.V. Our hostess, Jane Bostic of the West Virginia Tourism Board herded us into a saloon, where we soon headed for dinner at the award-winning restaurant in the Marriot Hotel.

Before dinner service began, we listened to the lofty goals the state set for itself and our roles in this grand tourism scheme. Of course, their jobs are to show us the state in such a favorable light, that we could not possibly write anything unsavory… Our job is to write whatever we see and experience as the events pass before us. The die was cast and all accepted our roles. For good, bad or indifferent, we were all here to experience what West Virginia offered us.

DAY TWO: BREAKFAST AT THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION… BIKERS AND SUITS!

Thursday morning found us bikers suited alongside our iron horses at the crack of dawy…it was to be the only morning we could count on everyone being able to attend the early morning call to arms, and ready to leave within a reasonable time frame for our appointed hour.

Our duty was to gain entry to the Governor’s Mansion… THROUGH THE FRONT GATES! Amazing, and it was easy thanks to our host, (Jane) and our tour guide, Joe Tyree. Do you think they would actually let a leather clad, Harley riding horde of journalists through the gates of Government without first arranging it with security?

Pulling up to the front of the mansion, parking in the circular drive, we dismounted, took pictures and made our way to the front door, where we were greeted by the woman who looks after the mansion. I didn’t catch her name. I’m sorry, she led us on a tour of the public parts of the mansion, then led us to the dining area. It was here, we all sat down at the trough with the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Larry Puccio.

There was some lively conversation between the journalists and Larry…You see, Mr. Puccio AND the Governor of West Virginia are avid motorcyclists, and while they are not able to ride as often as they would like, you can bet you will see the Governor and his State Police detail riding the roads and enjoying the best of West Virginia from time to time!

A fine meal it was, but it was over, and Larry headed for his office, and it was time to ride. We marched to our waiting steeds. We were all very excited. We knew our destination wasn't far, just a bit down the highway. We would trade our Fat Boys and Road Kings for side-by-side ATV’s, two wheeled dirt bikes, or four wheeled balloon tired ATV’s.

We were scheduled to meet at “The Little Coal River Trailhead." We took Route 119 out of Charleston toward Danville and Madison and you came upon the Ranger Station for the trails (28 Big Pinnacle Branch RD. Julian WV. 25529). This particular trailhead allowed us to run a tad over 41 miles of trails…and is commonly known for having the highest percentage of, “easy,” or blue trails!

They took us crazy biker journalists for a bone crashing, eyeball rattling 25-mile, “easy,” trail tour…there were two causalities by the end of the tour…nothing serious…but what would you expect from 12 people chained to desks and laptops more days than not? Yes folks, we did have an excellent time on the trails! I would encourage anyone to find out more about West Virginia’s extensive off-road trail system by clicking on this link! They have the largest ATV and dirt bike trail system on the East Coast…and the trails are rated best in safety all around! Please visit their website: www.trailsheaven.com/ .

By the way, did I tell you the Rangers fed us lunch while we were at their station? I think the wives and girlfriends did double duty to make sure we had enough to eat, drink, and be merry… West Virginia is one of the friendliest States I have ever had the pleasure to ride in!

Folks, the day wasn't over yet…but my tales for this installment are…coming up in the next installment: White Water Rafting, Boy Scouts, VIP housing, bus tours, BBQ feasts, and Snow Shoe Mountain. Believe me…the riding only gets better from here!

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