2022 RA Rally Trip… Plan B
By Rich McCoy
My friend and fellow Buckeye Beemers member Tom Corey and I had been anticipating the 2022 RA Rally in Waynesville, North Carolina for months. We planned to leave home the Wednesday of that week, take back roads there and arrive early Thursday. As our departure approached, we began monitoring the tropical storm that would eventually become Hurricane Ian. By Monday it was clear that Ian was going to be an issue so we decided to set out as planned but be prepared to skip the rally and head west to avoid bad weather, Plan B.
We met south of Zanesville on Wednesday morning in light rain and temperatures in the 40’s. We headed south, out of the rain, and picked up Ohio 7 along the river to Huntington, West Virginia. We then rode West Virginia 152 and 52 south to Williamson, West Virginia. Along the way we passed a convoy of approximately fifteen utility trucks heading south toward the storm.
We found a hotel room about an hour south of Williamson in Clintwood, Virginia. The host of The Sleep Inn, Josh, asked us if we were riding the Dragon Slayer to which we replied no we were just passing through. To that he said “yes you are riding the Dragon Slayer, that gets you a discounted room rate”. Discounted room and a very good delivered pizza capped the 300 mile day.
Thursday morning, we made the final decision to skip the rally due to the heavy rain and wind forecast for that area. The temperature was 45 degrees when we rolled out under clear skies. We rode west about 250 miles on mostly two lane and back roads as the temperature rose to a perfect 60 degrees. Later in the afternoon we stopped at a gas station on the southeast side of Lake Cumberland, Kentucky and began looking for a campground to base at for a couple of nights. Some locals there told us about a KOA on the northeast corner of the lake so we called there and reserved a “rustic” cabin. We were told the cabin was cheaper than renting tent spaces since they only allow one tent per space. Another 50 miles and we were settling into our lodging. It was the size of a yard barn and had a bunk bed plus another small bed inside. There was one light and two outlets so we could charge our phones. Outside was a small porch, picnic table, fire ring and grill. It was much more convenient than setting up tents and then packing them again on departure.
Friday morning it was 50 degrees when we headed out in search of gravel roads. Our search was short as we found one just a few miles from camp and rode to its dead end next to the lake before turning around. We continued riding back roads, some paved and some gravel the rest of the day. Mid-day we enjoyed BBQ at a small place in Celina, Tennessee. The temperature peaked at 71 degrees and we clocked 210 miles for the day. Back at camp we had a dinner of takeout from a place down the road and enjoyed a campfire while discussing the day’s ride over some bourbon.
Saturday morning, we packed up and headed northwest. It was 50 degrees and sunny. Another day of backroads along with stops at Makers Mark and Buffalo Trace distilleries. No distillery tours were available since they book up in advance but we walked the grounds at both establishments and visited the gift shops. When we saw the prices at the gift shops, I joked that I would need to talk to my financial advisor before making any purchases. Let’s just say they’re proud of their merchandise.
We continued northwest and crossed the Ohio River into Madison, Indiana. We soon learned from a friendly local who was out walking his dog that there were two events happening in town and no hotel rooms were available. He advised us to try about an hour north near Greensburg, Indiana. We booked a room there for our last night on the road and set out in that direction. It was getting late and as we rode through the corn and bean fields the sun was getting close to the horizon. The air was cool and the sun cast our shadows alongside us. Riding along seeing my shadow riding next to me was a perfect cap to the day.
Sunday morning, we headed east toward our homes. Ian wasn’t through with us though and blasted us with winds out of the north making our ride more work than fun. I arrived home early afternoon with 1245 miles for the trip. It was disappointing to have missed the rally and visiting with friends there but I’m glad we chose Plan B.
