Everyone was excited as they had learned that today was the 100+ ride. We went via trail from Matewan to Gilbert to Man.
This trip, instead of going up the big hill at the Matewan Trailhead, we went a few miles down the road and up through a residential holler and onto the trails. It’s pretty cool going up that way; it’s like prehistoric vines and has that Jurassic Park feeling. I don’t mind people riding up close behind my machine, but the day before, I went into a mudhole and looked, and James was right behind me as usual. I smiled into my rearview mirror, and he looked at me awkwardly, and then all of a sudden, I let her eat. Today, he stayed very far behind. It’s ok, James, I doubt I will ever do that to you again. Feel free to stay close to see how I approach obstacles and whatnot. It truly doesn’t bother me to have someone right on me!
This trip really was all about relaxing, seeing some awesome overlooks, visiting the goat, and lots of hill climbs and whatnot. Our first big stop was at the goat. Just like the previous year, I got out calling for it and shaking food, but this time, no one thought I was trying to trick them about a goat really being out there. This time, the goat ignored us all, full. So, me and a few others trekked up the hill and found him at the top, laying in the rocks, just enjoying himself and being a goat. Nathan was happy to get to pet the little fella. Also, some great views from that vantage point.
We were off again and were able to see some great overlooks. If you have never been to the mountainsides in West Virginia, they have some breathtaking overlooks. We had now made our way from Devil Anse to Rockhouse. We navigated through several hills and scenery and wound up at the waterfalls. First, a guy came up and said, “We are almost out of gas; do you know the quickest way to Man?” Since the gate is no longer open at the waterfall, I showed him the trails to make it out. He had the look on his face that his group might be in trouble.
Once we did a photoshoot at the falls, we were off to take several trails and hill climbs to Man, WV. It was getting later, and I could start to see the look on everyone’s faces, you know, that hungry look and the look of “I am going to need gas soon; are we going to get stranded?” I always say, “Don’t worry, I have 3.5 gallons onboard to distribute amongst everyone. :)”
We made it to town and ate at a crowd favorite, Keith’s Bar & Grill. Everyone was hungry, and just like on the last ride, the food was great! At least that’s what we think — you never know when you are really hungry. I decided to go to the back of the bar’s gambling room since I did well last year. I put some money in the first machine and lost my $5.00. Then I put $10.00 in one of the other machines playing a pig slot game, and I was down to the last few dollars and hit, getting to select different pigs on the screen and cashed out for $50.00. Thanks to West Virginia for paying for my meal. I bet the TWRA area wouldn’t do that in Tennessee. 🙂
A great trip this was, and I hope all the people who joined in on it had a memorable day, enjoyed each other, and will be back for many more memories.
This is my last trip of 2024, and I can’t wait until 2025. I think in 2025, I am going to spend most of my time at Pickett State Forest and Hatfield. But if I do Hatfield, I’m going on multiple trips to multiple different trail systems I have never been on. I have always stayed around and know Devil, Buffalo, Rockhouse legal and outlaw systems pretty well. I am ready for some new riding and adventures. I will scratch Pickett if they don’t open everything back up in February like they are supposed to. Pickett is probably my favorite; so much to see there, it’s awesome! Probably won’t do much riding in TWRA with the proposed costs going up to $300 a year!!!!!!
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