Northeastern West Virginia

[RockBottom]

I got a taste of northeastern West Virginia's roads yesterday. Route 33 was excellent. Route 72 was really disappointing. It was a tiny road (two cars couldn't pass in opposite directions without one pulling off) and parts must have been last paved in the Nixon administration. Lots of gravel and debris, so I probably averaged 20 MPH. It wasn't a good picture day--hazy early and overcast late. Having been born a seventh generation West Virginian, this was sort of a "roots" ride for me.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=107895972692907556797.00048ce962d4e64207410&z=8

[Rick F.]

RB,

Very nice--thanks for posting!

Rick

PS: Was the landscape photo of German Valley? It looks familiar...

[Unity]

WV roads can seduce you. Some of those narrow, switch-backy ones are wonderful. Thanks for sharing your initiation.

--John

[R4R&R]

Route 72 was really disappointing.

I've always wanted to try that road but haven't gotten around to it yet. I guess I'm not missing anything! I'll often make a day-ride loop out route 55 (stay off the new-four-lane 55) then return via route 33. That direction gets you two-lanes going uphill on 33, since WV seems to be more aware that a second lane is needed for the slower vehicles!

Thanks for the quick trip report.

[RockBottom]

Was the landscape photo of German Valley? It looks familiar...

I think so--it was on 33.

[JimVonBaden]

There are few bad roads in WV. I love most of the state!

Nice, and thanks for the memories!

Jim

[gunnert]

Man, route 72 is one of our favorite roads. You just gotta slow down, take in the sights, and be sure and do the loop down along the Sheat River. We always find a big rock along the river to stop and wet our feet and share a cold one.