Life

From Motorcycle Adventures

The annual Lake Hope Rebel Rally was held September 11-13, 2015. To ensure I would be there early, I planned to head out September 10. Unfortunately, storms in my area made that idea unpalatable; although I often ride in rain, I don't find hours riding in thunderstorms to be inside my acceptable risk profile.

Fortunately it cleared up on Friday the 11th, so I headed out at my usual time. It was a gorgeous ride out with clear skies and nice weather; until I got within a few hours of Lake Hope. As I approached it became clear storms and rain were prevalent over the park; a particular issue for someone planning on setting up a tent, compounded by the fact that it would be both raining and dark when I arrived. I contemplated the idea of camping to the east where it wasn't raining, but the forecast made it clear that wouldn't help as it would be raining Saturday. So for the first time on one of these trips, I stayed in a hotel in Parkersburg, WV.

It was still raining in the morning, but with daylight to ride, in I proceeded to Lake Hope. When I arrived I didn't find any Rebels; it turns out I missed the pack leaving by 50 minutes. After enjoying a fine meal at the lodge and generally puttering the park around for a few hours, the rain finally relented so I headed to my campsite to set up. Afterwards, I went for a ride to Ash Cave, a few trips on the Zaleski roller coaster, and a few of the other wonderful motorcycle roads around the park.

By then evening had arrived, the party had returned to the cabin area and had a campfire going, so I joined in. Although the party was small; the rain had scared off most of the riders it seems; there was plenty of fun conversation and Guba's famous chili to enjoy.

Sunday we enjoyed Lake Hope Lodge's breakfast buffet which includes their delicious brisket. Afterwards, I hung around the park, explored the campground and some trails around it. Guba stopped by with a large pile of firewood, and B.O.B. the bear. After dark, DNC stopped in and we enjoyed a fine campfire on a glorious clear night full of stars; a fun change from year's past where I'm usually the only one still there.

B.O.B. the bear (shown in the picture) has been riding around the country on Rebels for 10 years. Apparently I was the only one at the Rally who hadn't ridden with him yet, so he accompanied me on the ride home. Now to plan some trips with B.O.B. before I hand him off to the next Rebel rider . . .