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PART I of II
My work schedule and the weather cooperated to allow me to take the "new" Burgman 650 out for a ride to Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and Smoke Hole Road. After two Honda Nighthawk 750s, a Kawasaki Concours, and two Suzuki V-Strom 1000s over the past 20 years, I was ready to downsize. After riding this 2007 Burgman 650 with only 2,300 miles (now 3,100 miles just 3 weeks later), I knew this is the bike for me. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, and more than enough power for me.
Let’s ride!
My work schedule and the weather cooperated to allow me to take the "new" Burgman 650 out for a ride to Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and Smoke Hole Road. After two Honda Nighthawk 750s, a Kawasaki Concours, and two Suzuki V-Strom 1000s over the past 20 years, I was ready to downsize. After riding this 2007 Burgman 650 with only 2,300 miles (now 3,100 miles just 3 weeks later), I knew this is the bike for me. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, and more than enough power for me.
Let’s ride!
Since it was foggy, I decided to give my back porch a quick coat of paint. I had scraped and cleaned it the day before, so I was done by 9am. Most of the fog was burning off and the sun was coming through!

First stop, Philippi Bridge – site of the first land battle of the Civil War.

After almost completely burning down about 1990 it was rebuilt using traditional materials and methods.
Looks just like it did (with the exception of road surface safety improvements for traffic).

Heading out Rt 33 near Elkins. Lots of wind generators on the surrounding ridges.

Short bit of 4-lane as Rt 33 comes out of Elkins eastbound toward Seneca Rocks.

I had to stop at the cave. This man-made cave (limestone??) has been a landmark since I was a kid.

A peek inside.

Continuing on out Rt 33 on the way to Harman.

Nice overlook at Rich Mountain.

Yogi Berra said, “If you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Just west of Harman.

Hey, look! I knew if I poked around long enough taking photos the Harley crowd would catch up.
Must be Mountainfest riders from Morgantown.There were about 50 of them.
Shortly after this, I caught up to their ¼ mile parade going 40MPH so no one could pass. Grrrr…….

Top of Allegheny Mt. Time to re-hydrate with Gatorade.
I was tired of following a group of 40 MPH Harleys packed together like a parade.
Sorry, but this scooter was built to RUN! No problem running 60-70MPH on the mountains.

View westbound from top of Allegheny Mt on Rt 33.

Rt 33 eastbound approaching Onego. Great riding roads!!

My favorite stomping grounds – Seneca Rocks.
I used to bring my grandparents out here after church from Petersburg. We would bring a picnic lunch
and watch the climbers with binoculars. Lots of great memories. When I retired from the US Air Force,
they asked me if I wanted my retirement flag flown over the state capitol or Washington DC. I said I would
like it flown over the Seneca Rocks Visitor Center – it is a Federal facility, after all. The Park Ranger,
Sue Grafton, was very gracious and flew it on a day my parents were coming by to get photos.
In my will, I want to be cremated and the ashes thrown from the top of the rocks.

After Seneca Rocks, it was south on Rt 33/28 towards Riverton and Spruce Knob.
(Yes, I turned around northbound for a more scenic shot)

A quick detour at Riverton to go up on Horse Ridge Road for this beautiful view north.

Same location (Horse Ridge Road) but looking east toward Germany Valley (more on that later).

Climbing the road to Spruce Knob. Whoo-hooo!

Highest Point in WV – Spruce Knob.
The Burgman had no problem whatsoever. Plenty of power.

A hiker came by and took my photo with Burgman.

Cheesy attempt at a panorama from near the summit.

Leaving the parking lot of Spruce Knob to head back down.

Another overview on the way down from Spruce Knob. Looking east towards Virginia.
See you shortly on Part II