2012 Breaks Interstate Camping Trip, May 18-20

[Intech]

Janet and I made it home at about 2040. Art, Mike and us took back roads all the way to Lewisburg and then we slabbed the rest of the way. We wore ourselves out pretty good getting to Lewisburg. I know Art was just trying to make it to PA for the night and home tomorrow. What a great weekend! Great job Joe and great pork too. We had no incidents other than my GPS diving off the bike on 81 south at about 80 MPH. Mike and Art had to dodge it! I will get my photos and videos together this week. 1200 miles for us.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Home right at 6 PM with just over 1600 miles for the weekend, the last 50 in rain which felt good after a few hours of 90 degrees.

Thanks to everyone for being such great company. Thanks to Heidi for the routes, Bob for his most awesome fire-skills, and mostly to Joe. Besides putting all this together you saved my weekend by convincing me to get a new tire and then hung with me at the shop while they put it on. Then to top that, you get me out a performance award and show me some great roads. You were definitely my guardian angel for the weekend.

my pictures weren't great but I'll post the couple that turned out okay.

While I was enjoying a cigar with my retired cop buddy tonight, I told him about our little run in with constable Danny Taylor & he called him to thank him for letting us off without a performance award Damn that was close :lol:

 

[Powerman]

Made it home about 8:00, had a large time. The long way home was nice, resting on Monday

 

[wheatonFJR]

Lots of good reports...definitely wish I was riding those roads with you and doin a little camping. How did builderwill survive?

So Bob, are you going back to butt gps and maps for your cross country trip to NAFO?

Kudos to you Joe!

 

[wheatonFJR]

So...ANY PHOTOS?

How did the Park work out? Would it work as well with a larger group of 60 or so if they arrived? Any problems from the park staff with those imbibing beers or other types of refreshments?

Would people want to come back here next year? Or move somewhere more southerly?

Were the roads good enough?

Heck, I don't even know why I'm askin'...looks like you got a good leader in Joe...if anything he's got the good weather coordinated! :clapping:

 

[chivvalry]

The group campsite they gave us would NOT hold 60 people IMHO... also the entrance to the campsite (after quite a bit of smooth curvy asphalt in the park) was a rutted, loose gravel steep ramp around 150 feet long. The first time up it I aimed for the middle and encountered some great whoop-de-dos on the way up. Not sure I would have wanted to pull a trailer up it especially two up like a Bob did. His description of his back tire bouncing up the hill was amusing to hear though.

The campgrounds were fine, not spectacular (though the entrance ramp added some character). Roads up to the group camping area were wide and smooth, bath house was fairly clean, well lit, and had good strong hot water. Walking down the hill to the bath house for a shower wasn't a big deal as it was relatively close. They had just serviced the porta-let in the group camping area and it was clean and not stinky. The campsites were gravel free... though Joe did find the one that had gravel on it and promptly claimed it as his own. I think he was pining for the gravel at Cumberland Falls.

We had a lot of lookey loos come up the hill to drive past us, turn around, and head back down the hill. Mr. Ranger came through a couple of times but we caught no flack for "adult beverages" as folks were discrete... Racoons tried to steal my beer... they dragged my cooler halfway to the woods before I woke up and chased them off. They also took food from several folks... even trashed a couple of tents. Someone said they saw a fox as well...

Roads were real nice. The group I was in ended up doing a bit of wandering... I thought we were going to follow one of Heidi's routes but actually we were doing a route from a connie forum backwards. We got turned around a couple of times but hit some great roads anyway.

I wouldn't turn down a trip back there but I wouldn't mind trying a different venue either.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Thanks for the great feedback.

Anybody else??

Anybody on this particular weekend wish you were on a mcy only campground?

I'm just asking these questions because I stopped by Breaks on the way to last years EOM and thought it was a beautiful place and had great roads. I was curious how 40-60 imbibers might be received by those in charge of the Park.

My wife and I are visiting Breaks in July during her first weeklong mcy trip...so I love the place and the roads around there. Sorry if getting to the campsite was iffy?? Sounds like a fun time was had by all...even if the raccoons were on the top of the food chain it sounds like.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Thanks for the great feedback.

Anybody else??

Anybody on this particular weekend wish you were on a mcy only campground?

I'm just asking these questions because I stopped by Breaks on the way to last years EOM and thought it was a beautiful place and had great roads. I was curious how 40-60 imbibers might be received by those in charge of the Park.

My wife and I are visiting Breaks in July during her first weeklong mcy trip...so I love the place and the roads around there. Sorry if getting to the campsite was iffy?? Sounds like a fun time was had by all...even if the raccoons were on the top of the food chain it sounds like.

Mark,

I think that the Group Campsite worked well for this time and could work for a larger group because you can put at least 2 tents per site...but I don't think you could fit 40-60 campers up there. I didn't think that the gravel hill was an issue...I think everyone took the route up the center the first time, but after that you knew to stay to either side.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Mark,

I think that the Group Campsite worked well for this time and could work for a larger group because you can put at least 2 tents per site...but I don't think you could fit 40-60 campers up there. I didn't think that the gravel hill was an issue...I think everyone took the route up the center the first time, but after that you knew to stay to either side.

Thanks for picking up the slack on this shindig Joe. Sounds like you did real good...and that builderwill owes ya one for some reason.

Thanks for the feedback.

Joe, you up for Rally Master? I lke the sound of the El Toro Joe Smokin' FJR Campout...

 

Maybe head down south for a group camping meet at Iron Horse or northeast to WV at Seneca Rocks with individual camp sites?

You guys that attended this recent meet are the hard core campers...what say you guys? Everybody else (myself included) are just the riffraff...so you guys get yer input in on next year. :clapping:

 

[El Toro Joe]

Mark,

I think that the Group Campsite worked well for this time and could work for a larger group because you can put at least 2 tents per site...but I don't think you could fit 40-60 campers up there. I didn't think that the gravel hill was an issue...I think everyone took the route up the center the first time, but after that you knew to stay to either side.

Thanks for picking up the slack on this shindig Joe. Sounds like you did real good...and that builderwill owes ya one for some reason.

Thanks for the feedback.

Joe, you up for Rally Master? I lke the sound of the El Toro Joe Smokin' FJR Campout...

 

Maybe head down south for a group camping meet at Iron Horse or northeast to WV at Seneca Rocks with individual camp sites?

You guys that attended this recent meet are the hard core campers...what say you guys? Everybody else (myself included) are just the riffraff...so you guys get yer input in on next year. :clapping:

Mark,

I was lucky to have the great group of folks that took interest in this camping meet, I've camped with several of them in the past...we can all have as much fun riding great roads together as well as bullshiting around a campfire while consuming adult beverages afterwards...and I think the new folks enjoyed it too.

 

[Burnspot]

I would vote for BRMC again now that the kitchen is open...the food is fantastic.

Anyway, I rather liked Breaks. The roads in the surrounding area made for great fun! The group area we were in was separated from all other campers and very pleasant. We did have the occasional civilian drive through, but that was never a big deal...in fact, since the gravel hill was the only way to get or out of the group area, it made it easy to determine whether or not the alcohol needed to be hidden from view. Additionally, there was a nice big open area at the end of the group area that we did not utilize, but looked perfect for large fire gathering should the need arise. 40-60 campers would probably push it. The group area is used by the BSA, so they probably pack it up pretty good based on the clearing, pavilion and theater setup, so perhaps 40+ is possible somehow. One of the drawbacks is that some of the tent sites on one side did have a fair amount of slope to them. The area by the bath house, just before going up the gravel hill, would have been perfect for large groups (a big level field with some trees sprinkled in). The gravel hill wasn't much of a big deal as long as you watched what you were doing.

The bath house wasn't terribly far away, it was still a hike...especially coming back up the gravel hill, and the showers were good, although only 2 existed. There was one water source in the group area and it's potability was up in the air (it came out white), but was probably ok (Jaye didn't die). The single porta-a-pottie was ok, but wouldn't hold up with a larger group. I did not see any sources of power in the group area, but perhaps the pavilion area had something. Lots of crawling insects, but I only experienced a few mosquitos...not bad at all. Of course, we had the raccoons and the fox (It was a gray fox, down the hill from my tent), but hey, it's nature.

Overall, I thought it was very enjoyable.

Here's some of the photos I have. I haven't unpacked the other camera yet to get those photos...

The "early" Thursday group meeting in South Boston, VA before heading for Hungry Mother

Joe setting up his tent at Hungry Mother on Thursday. Definitely NOT a friendly spot if your tent requires external tie downs for the rain fly...unless you bring along nails and a hammer. I guess they did this since there was really no level ground.

Taking a break on Friday while we were taking the long way from Hungry Mother to Breaks.

Friday, looking back up to the entrance of the group area from my site (on the sloped side).

Another "area" view of Breaks. Off to the right of my tent, the slope increases greatly.

The open area at the end of the group section. Port-a-potty to the right, off screen and theater off screen left. Robert's castle setup on the left...

Looking back towards the entrance to the group area at Breaks.

We definitely need to have more pulled pork at events, that was some delicious stuff Joe!!!

 

[road runner]

Home at 4:30 PM today. Left PA this morning in the rain, and rain off and on all the way home today. But the extended weekend was definitely worth it. Great people and roads = great time.

Thanks Joe for putting this together, and Heidi for the routes, and Mike for the stories, and OH yeah FYB.

 

[fixedblade]

Dan and I made it home safe and sound about 6pm.This was my first motorcycle camp trip and I loved it! Even though my tent was eattin up by the Coons.I enjoyed all the people I met,and I'm going to do my best to make the EMO in September.Thanks for putting this together Joe. I hope to ride with ya'll again soon. and FYB, dammit I spilt my drink again!

 

[blrfjr]

Great Trip :yahoo: I would definately do it again. The roads were awesome. It seemed like they didnt know how to build a road in a staight line. Very few LEGAL passing zones. I was pleased with the park and the staff but I wonder if things would have been different if there were a lot more attendees.

I found some more good roads in KY on my way home and enjoy a lot more twistees all the way to Cincy. Then my ass was t

ellin me to get on the interstate and get home already. I enjoyed meeting some new friends, we had a great group of people to camp and ride with.

I take a few pics. This is one of the cabins

This is "The Grand Canyon of The South"

There are several over looks in the park that I dont think everyone got to see but I was there a day early so I got to see some of them. Sure is a pretty place to camp.

Thanks Joe for taking the reins and making this happen, it was a great time in a nice area. :clapping: :clapping:

 

[Burnspot]

One more pic from my other camera (the other pics on it were pretty useless, lol). This was from Thursday as our "early" camping group ran from South Boston, VA to Hungry Mother for the night. We stopped at Lover's Leap along US58 for a quick lunch as the road ahead was an alternating one laner while they repaved it and the wait for the escort car was pretty long.

 

[Outsider]

Enjoyed crashing the party folks. It was a hoot. Thanks for taking it easy on me & my George Foreman.

One more pic from my other camera (the other pics on it were pretty useless, lol). This was from Thursday as our "early" camping group ran from South Boston, VA to Hungry Mother for the night. We stopped at Lover's Leap along US58 for a quick lunch as the road ahead was an alternating one laner while they repaved it and the wait for the escort car was pretty long.

 

[luvtoride]

I took absolutely no pictures except for the ones in my head.

Jay & I got home about midnight on Sunday evening. We actually took our time, stopping off of Rte 58 & down by the river for some lunch. We stopped for dinner & split a terribly bad steak in South Boston somewhere off of 58. We ended up with a free meal. It definitely wasn't worth the rest of the ride home. Within a half hour of leaving the restaurant we ran into rain & fog for the rest of the ride home. It definitely made for a slower ride. I actually had my rear tire break loose a couple of times on the wet pavement. Can you say major f'in pucker?!?!? Yeah, it's the last trip on those tires!

As to the campground conditions: I'd give the campground a firm 6 out of 10. I'd give the roads (except for the strip of gravel that I planned which I had tried NOT to plan) a 10 out of 10.

I didn't actually like the fact that our campground was up a hill of gravel & rutted road. Trying to house 40-60 people likely wouldn't happen. It'd easily handle more folks than we had, tho... but likely not that many. The port o potty was supposed to be cleaned before we got there. It was just a few inches from full the first time that I used it. The bath house was clean with 2 shower stalls in the ladies room. I didn't like the fact that you had to go down the hill to use it.

There was dumped over garbage when we got there. There was no grate on the grill that was provided. It was obvious the area hadn't been tended to in awhile.

Would I go back? Probably... the racoons would highly appreciate Jay coming back. Especially, if he brings egg beaters.

Mark, I have a new road to share with you. Unless you are very comfortable with riding heavy duty twisties with a pillion, do not take it while on your trip in June. The road is Rte 80 from Poor Valley Rd (north) & south of Rte 19. We took it running north the first time & then Jay & I took it running south on our way home. All I can say is WOW!

 

[wheatonFJR]

I took absolutely no pictures except for the ones in my head.

Jay & I got home about midnight on Sunday evening. We actually took our time, stopping off of Rte 58 & down by the river for some lunch. We stopped for dinner & split a terribly bad steak in South Boston somewhere off of 58. We ended up with a free meal. It definitely wasn't worth the rest of the ride home. Within a half hour of leaving the restaurant we ran into rain & fog for the rest of the ride home. It definitely made for a slower ride. I actually had my rear tire break loose a couple of times on the wet pavement. Can you say major f'in pucker?!?!? Yeah, it's the last trip on those tires!

As to the campground conditions: I'd give the campground a firm 6 out of 10. I'd give the roads (except for the strip of gravel that I planned which I had tried NOT to plan) a 10 out of 10.

I didn't actually like the fact that our campground was up a hill of gravel & rutted road. Trying to house 40-60 people likely wouldn't happen. It'd easily handle more folks than we had, tho... but likely not that many. The port o potty was supposed to be cleaned before we got there. It was just a few inches from full the first time that I used it. The bath house was clean with 2 shower stalls in the ladies room. I didn't like the fact that you had to go down the hill to use it.

There was dumped over garbage when we got there. There was no grate on the grill that was provided. It was obvious the area hadn't been tended to in awhile.

Would I go back? Probably... the racoons would highly appreciate Jay coming back. Especially, if he brings egg beaters.

Mark, I have a new road to share with you. Unless you are very comfortable with riding heavy duty twisties with a pillion, do not take it while on your trip in June. The road is Rte 80 from Poor Valley Rd (north) & south of Rte 19. We took it running north the first time & then Jay & I took it running south on our way home. All I can say is WOW!

Thanks Heidi for all the information. That helps...especially the notes on the facilities.

It will take several trips to the area before I get to do all the roads in the area that I wish to do. I haven't even done rt 16 or 58 yet in that area!! We are going right into that area and I may not even get a chance to ride them. Oh well, I'm definitely coming back to this area...maybe in the fall if I can make EOM.

Louanne and I will be in one of the Lodge rooms at Breaks for this July trip. No way would I be camping with her on the bike...just for the amount of stuff that you need. She also likes to cool down in a pool or hot tub...so hopefully Breaks new pool/water feature will be done by then.

Also thanks for the road information...that is very helpful. When we head over from Cumberland Falls to Breaks on 119...I'm gonna mention to her in the intercomm that I will need ride down 160 to Big Stone Gap to stop in Hardees for lunch. I've never been on that stretch of road, but it looks tasty. Then after lunch, head back up 160 to 119! :yahoo:

I hope Louanne doesn't get motion sickness.

 

[chivvalry]

Enjoyed crashing the party folks. It was a hoot. Thanks for taking it easy on me & my George Foreman.

One more pic from my other camera (the other pics on it were pretty useless, lol). This was from Thursday as our "early" camping group ran from South Boston, VA to Hungry Mother for the night. We stopped at Lover's Leap along US58 for a quick lunch as the road ahead was an alternating one laner while they repaved it and the wait for the escort car was pretty long.

Glad to have you! Thanks for putting up with us ribbing you!

 

[Burnspot]

Enjoyed crashing the party folks. It was a hoot. Thanks for taking it easy on me & my George Foreman.

It was good meeting you, don't sweat the grill, lol. We're a friendly bunch and welcome most.