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Blackwater Falls With the C & S

For a change from the usual poker runs, we accepted an invitation to the 10th Annual Fun Run Rendezvous held at Seneca Rocks, WV. As readers know, this is my favorite riding area of the state, so it was easy to say 'yes.' This event was a Clean & Sober Rendezvous hosted by the Third Tradition M/C, About 12 M/C and Sons of God M/C, and folks from Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania were in attendance. Would you believe we were the only folks from West Virginia?

We awoke beneath the picturesque cliffs of Seneca Rocks just as the fog was beginning to lift. Although the sun was trying to peep through, it made for a cold day of riding.

All riders gathered to listen as "Bullet" (far right in the pic) explained to the newcomers about group riding and the signals we might encounter. As a true road captain, he also arranged for several riders to clear intersections and turn-offs. Sure was different from most of the rides back home . . .

Two three-wheelers made up the sweep. The driver of this one just happened to be Bullet's wife, Mama Bear, and her daughter.

The bikes made a nice showing when we finally reached our destination -- Blackwater Falls State Park.

And for a bit of historical information -- The "black" water from Pendleton Run which makes up Blackwater Falls, is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls, which are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia, are 65 feet high, and the gorge below is more than 525 feet deep. For more info, see Blackwater Falls State Park

Everytime you take a road trip, it seems like there's always something you've never seen before -- as was the case with this motorcycle pulling a boat. There were several admirers to say the least.

No trip would be complete without meeting someone you know you'll never forget. In this case, it was Chip and his lady Cat. This guy had me laughing so hard my face hurt as he told stories about riding his three-wheeler.

John noticed Chip had a dirtbike fender mounted backwards over his front tire. This led to another great story . . . "I was riding in this storm," said Chip. "Man, it was really raining hard. Couldn't hardly see the road. I didn't have a fender, and that water was just shooting back over the handlebars right into my face. It looked like a firehose. Ya know?" "Well, I stopped by this wide spot and there was an old coffee can lying there. I cut it and bent it over and made a fender." said Chip. "After that, I figured I'd better get something, but you shoulda seen that water. Just like a fire hose!"

Mounted to the back of the three-wheeler were two large roller casters. All we had to do was point, and Chip was off on another story . . . "They're so I don't roll completely over when I'm doin' wheelies," he said with a shrug. As if it were the most normal thing in the world. We witnessed several of these wheelies during the day, and sure looked like Chip and Cat were having lots of fun.

This sticker on the back of Chip's tryke pretty well summed it up.

Back at Yokum's Campground at the base of Seneca Rocks, we joined in for dinner and a huge bonfire. Mama Bear (left) deserves a big thank you for making sure everyone felt welcome and part of a big family. Thanks for the invite! For more information about the Third Tradition M/C, See Their Website!

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