Appalachian Highways for June 2005 MC Tourism, Springs Museum, Motorcycle Camping Hello fellow riders, I've seen a number of indications recently that travel bureaus have figured out that motorcyclists spend money when they travel, just like everyone else. I've been contacted by several tourism groups and departments who now recognize riders as a distinct, desirable market segment. Generally speaking, I think that's a very positive trend. Many of you know that Pocahontas County, WV has made a concerted effort to target the riding community with events and materials designed to appeal to riders (www.pocahontas.org). Even more exciting is the recognition that motorcycling is beginning to receive at the state level. I had the privilege to attend a meeting in Richmond, VA in May, comprised of attendees from a number of state agencies and riding-related groups. The purpose -- a coordinated effort among public and private parties to promote motorcycle safety, tourism, and economic development in Virginia. As things progress, I'll keep you apprised of this important develop- ment for riders in the Appalachians. Our region is already rider-friendly, but having friends in high places is always a good thing. Happy Journeys, Dale ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Destination -- Springs Museum, Springs, PA Want to stretch your riding muscles and get out on a good, long, day ride? I'd recommend paying a visit to the Penn Alps region of Pennsylvania and western Maryland, and in particular, a visit to the Springs Museum. In the mid 1700’s many people arriving from the Old World (mine included) made their passage through Philadelphia and into Pennsylvania. As more arrived, they began pushing into the interior of the state. At the time, the ranges of the Alleghenies posed a serious transporta- tion challenge, so folks naturally turned left or right and began follow- ing the river valleys to the north and south. The museum at Springs, PA documents the life and times of those who settled the Casselman River Valley in the 1750’s. It's not a fancy place, but then, a museum documenting the life of pioneers should not be elaborate or ornate. The museum is located in the heart of the community on PA 669. Springs is near Pennsylvania's highest point, Mount Davis, as well as the Spruce Forest Artisan Village. Lunch at the Penn Alps Restaurant is recommended (US 40-Alt just east of Grantsville). The Springs area is about 170 miles from the Baltimore/DC area and about 85 from Pittsburgh. For more details, operating hours, etc., visit: http://www.pennalps.com/Museum.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Destination -- Camp Night in Blue Grass, VA Without a doubt, the Blue Grass Valley in western VA is one of the most rewarding riding destinations in the Appalachians. Ridges and valleys dominate the region, so you know that means good riding. As you reach the crest of a ridge, you're often rewarded with remarkable views of green pastures, forests, soaring eagles, and more curves! Once a year, riders in the community hold a motorcycle campout to benefit the Blue Grass Book Bank. As in years past, this year's event will be held at Brian Richardson's farm. It's scheduled for the weekend of June 18-19. If you haven't met Brian, he's a great guy and good representative of the riding community. His farm is in the middle of some fantastic riding. So good, in fact, that I selfishly did not document any of these roads in the second edition of Journeys. Just like fishing holes, there are some good roads that you just want to keep to yourself. Having said that, I'll offer that if you attend Camp Night, you'll have the opportunity to discover those roads, courtesy of self- guided tours that are offered at the event. You'll also make the acquaintance of some of the friendliest, genuine people you'll ever meet. Check out the complete itinerary at www.bluegrassbookbank.org BTW, if you do plan to attend, drop them a line to let them know you're coming so they can plan accordingly for food. I hope to see you there. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Appalachian Regional Map -- CNN News Website Article As much as I'd like to think that Journeys is a definitive guide to the region, I know that isn't true. So I am happy to recommend any resource that helps paint a more complete picture of the region. That's why I was particularly excited to see this article on CNN's site about a new Appalachian region travel map, sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission and developed by the National Geographic Society. The map designates over 350 attractions across thirteen states. I won't bother to regurgitate the article, you can find it at the CNN link below. In addition to the map, NGS has developed a website that offers access to some of the same information. You can purchase a copy of the map for $11 from the site, although the "preview" feature is so good, some folks may find that good enough... CNN Article: http://www.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/05/31/promoting.appalachia.ap/index.html National Geographic "Discover Appalachia" Site http://www.nationalgeographic.com/appalachia/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Found something interesting in your own Journeys? Please forward your discoveries to me at: editor@appalachianhighways.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- How Easy Is This, Eh? We're on a mission here: To show the travel industry that riders are a positive, significant economic force. If you know someone who enjoys exploring the Appalachians as much as you do, please direct them to visit http://www.appalachianhighways.com and click the "Join" button. Recommend us to your friends -- there is strength in numbers! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Next Time... I might have to skip July and get back to you in August. -- We're gearing up for a Great American Family Road Trip that will begin July 1st. I used this opportunity to suggest to the wife that a two-person sidecar rig would be a great investment so the kids could travel with us. A chance for everyone could enjoy the open air experience of travel by motorcycle. Think of the wear and tear saved on the car! The gas efficiency! The money saved! We'll be taking the Taurus. ----------------------------------------------------------------------