Ohio Gorge

09/29 Monday

Bruce and I had morning coffee and then looked over the BMW headlight while the tents dried out. The headlight is a full LED assembly with a single multi-pin connector to the bike. Bruced pulled off that connector and reseated it. We slowly packed up camp and started out. The headlight idiot indicator light continued to spend most of the day in the failure state.

The roads continued to be incredible. A few dirt roads found their way into the mix as well. We exited PA, passed through MD, and into WV where we spent most of the day. At the end of the day we crossed the Ohio river and made our way to a county campgrround that was on Nate's route.

A little after 1pm we stopped at Monroe's in Kingswood WV for a good lunch. There is not much that could make this ride better. We shared good roads, weather, food and company.

We stopped to refuel a few times, and at least a couple more to stretch our legs. At the last gas stop we all grabbed snacks and/or dinner items. So reaching the campground would be the end of our day, no night riding required.

We camped at Piatt Park Gorge and Cave Area in Woodsfield OH. After placing our $30 in the drop box I took a quick walk to the gorge. Or at least walked along the east rim trail. There wasn't a lot to see at dusk. Some very big trees and interesting rocks left jumbled by erosion. The trails are not well marked and I eventually completed a loop back to our campsite. The clockwise loop ended in a steep climb on a leaf covered trail.

Back at our campsite I started putting up my tent while still out of breath. Two tents already up and being loaded with nesting material. Once setup we ate snacks and had a drinks. Retreated iInto our tents by 2230, it would have been a restful night had I not started blogging yesterday's ride. Starting with intentions two catch up and write two days entries ended with one day completed. Oddly, after going to bed later, I was the first up at 0715 and wrote this with my coffee.