If you are an off-roader and needed a way to "fall" in love with Preston County WV autumn- the CRT 2023 Fall Ride was definitely the place to be!

It was raining early, sure, but we had a delicious warm buffet breakfast waiting for us in the Rowlesburg VFD building. We all had a nice time visiting and fueling up to take on the chilly day.

The first climb on the ride really left the rider feeling like they were riding up and away from the civilized world and into the wild magic of the mountains.

The foliage was absolutely spectacular on every inch of the route, and I sometimes had to tear my eyes away and get them back on the trail.

Wild, Wonderful, and Wet- the Cheat was showing off, the waterfalls were running full, and listening to the water run on the wash climb really enhanced the experience.

Clouds and heavy fog on some of the ridge tops had us slowing down, but honestly, added to the magic of feeling like we could actually touch the sky from up there.

The trail conditions were as close to perfect as we could have hoped for with no dust to be found, and just enough mud to make you smile and help you remember why you are into this hobby!

I know we made some new friends along the way, and I sincerely hope every other rider in the 36 buggies sharing the trails did too.

Big thanks to everyone that came out, helped out, and had fun!

We're all looking forward to sharing the trails again!

The CRT Fall Ride "route-scout" was a fantastic afternoon adventure!

We had a great group of 6 buggies, complete with sweet and entertaining little furry passengers. All of our stops along the way were enhanced and filled with pleasant company and true appreciation for our nearly perfect weather and backdrop against Preston County's top notch scenery.

Just getting to Rowlesburg with our buggy patiently waiting on the trailer was enough to get excited about a good ride with so much picturesque WV to take in on the way, following our crown jewel, the Cheat River.

Everyone was a little disappointed that we found a dead end when exploring a narrow track right along the river. I did eagerly suggest that we install a launch ramp to clear the washout but of course the group made the much more respectable turn around instead.

The rocky climb away from the river was beautiful and rough enough to keep you interested with a rewarding crest at the top.

The logging road section had me personally smiling the whole way with its super fun exposed dirt and small drops.

I lost count of how many little graveyards we passed- i thought a lot about how much history this route can provide if one wanted to stop at all of them.

We rode on October 1st, and the foliage is already pretty marvelous- I imagine that will be a real highlight for riders on the 21st if Mother Nature is kind to us until then.

I don't think I could possibly properly express in words what the views were like on this route, and I don't even think the photos we took do justice to what our eyes took in. I can only say- do this ride and see it for yourself- you won't be disappointed! My passenger and I inhaled deeply with awe at the elevation and sheer drop off several times during the ride- and we absolutely loved that aspect! This route offered well-balanced tastes of excitement and wild and breathtaking scenery and interest. This is the kind of ride that leaves you feeling like you went somewhere, even when your riding buddy tells you that we're "Smack dab in the middle of not sure" when you ask "Where are we?" on a stop to enjoy some hidden rock formations along the way.

I'm personally very much looking forward to seeing a lot of smiling faces on the 21st when they roll back to town.

Country Roads, take us home.

CRT members and invited guests ride was a great ride. We left Bruceton Mills and headed south towards Rowlesburg with 7 buggies. The weather was light rain at times it helped keep the dust down. Our first stop was at the high bridge my favorite place to ride. We left the high bridge headed to our next stop which was tunnelton for gas. Along the way we took some our favorite trails. In Reedsville we rode through Indian rock we hit some nice big mud spots due to the heavy rain they had earlier in the day and week.  We continued south towards Tunnelton once we got to tunnelton we stopped for gas at amazing little store. That store has absolutely everything you could possibly think of.  We left the Store after fueling up our buggies. Next stop was Rowlesburg park for lunch.  The Rowlesburg park is a beautiful place to stop for lunch  with pavilions and restrooms there.  We left Rowlesburg heading into the mountains riding around Rowlesburg heading north  towards Albright. Riding the trails through Albright we took copperhead Road one of our favorite trails.We continued heading north towards Bruceton Mills  taking muddy creek road and up the mountain to preachers cabin. We followed the trails back to Bruceton Mills to our trailers. All  7 buggies made it safely back with no trouble. A total of 86.6 miles. During the ride we saw the Beautiful scenery and wildlife that Preston County has to offer. It truly was a great ride with the group. The Weather held off for us. Once everyone loaded the trailers and headed home the downpour of rain started. 

CRT's Trail Maintenance work day was a huge success.  We were able to repair the bridge that crosses Buffalo Run and bring a long forgotten trail back into the Preston County WV OHV system.   Thank you to all the CRT members that helped make the day possible!

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At our August Meeting the date was proposed and voted on for CRT's Fall 2023 Ride.  Location details are still being discussed but our hope is to secure a starting location in Southern Preston County.  Mark October 21, 2023 on your calendars!

The Country Roads Trail group is working with the Tri-County Alzheimer’s Association chapter to support its first ever “Ride to Remember”, departing from Pretzel Arena on Saturday, August 19, 2023.  Registration is $20 per person, and begins at 0900, with last buggy out at 1100.  It’s going to be a great ride for an even better cause!  Please join us!