COTU 2012 - Eastern Edition, Elkins, WV

When: May 18-20
Where: Days Inn, Elkins, WV and its surroundings

WTF is COTU?

COTU, meaning Center Of The Universe, an annual spring ride, usually held the weekend after Mother's day. It was started by Alan Wilson and friends on the VFR List in 2000. He started it as a counter point to the September WDGAH (We Don't Give A Hoot) rides in the northeast. Alan passed away several year ago, but the gatherings have more or less continued.

The intent is to gather Friday night in the parking, kick tires, drink adult beverages and tell lies.
Saturday - form up into small groups or go off and explore on your own during the day. I'll post up some suggested routes for Saturday's ride next.
Saturday night we'll gather for more tire kicking, lying, eating, drinking and lying (yes, I said lying twice, I like telling stories.)
I'm NOT going to try to set up a group dinner (I'm the MapMaster, not a menumaster - unless I'm doing the cooking, and that ain't happening this trip), Besides, you can only hear what your immediate dining companions are saying anyway and I'm lazy and don't want the hassle.
Sunday - go back where you came from, or on to where ever else they'll put up with you.

There is no formal sign-up list, but let me know if you're coming if you would, just 'cause I'd like to know and if you do make it, stop by and say hello Friday or Saturday evening. I'll be easy to find, I'll be hanging out near my red VFR :biggrin:

Make your own room reservations.
Day's Inn is giving us a $60/room/night rate for May 18 and 19 (this is for either a single queen or two doubles 1 or 2 in a room. Ask for the VFR Group rate - good till April 15.
Light continental breakfast is included. There is a cafe on site for a full breakfast or lunch.

So show up, meet lots of fine folks (and a few reprobates) and ride some of the best roads in West-by-Dog-Virgina!

While started by and the focus of VFR riders, anybody on any type of m/c is welcome, attending w/ someone on a VFR is not required. We feel sorry for the poor bastards that don't have a VFR and wouldn't want to exclude them from an opportunity to see and hear our wonderful machines.
However, the ability to put up with the (mostly) facetious superiority complex that the VFR riders will show is a requirement.

Cheers,
Greg

 

Hey, thanks for posting up!
I hope you get a great turn out.

I will be way too far west to join you, but if I ever make my move back to Pittsburgh I will definitely make this part of my yearly events.

 

COTU 2012 - Elkins, WV - Loops

Google plots of three different loops of WV goodness centered on Elkins:

The Almost Heaven Loop

There are so many entertaining diversions along this route that depending on the time you get started and how the weather is, modifications on the fly may be necessary.

If the weather is clear and warm, a run to the top of Spruce Knob is an option. Highest point in WV. Paved road to the summit. Stay on 28 south of Seneca Rocks to Cherry Grove and follow the signs (Google maps can't find the road). Adds about 30 miles if you go back to 33 (which is a really awesome road into Franklin).

Another worthwhile stop before Cass is the Greenbank Radio Astronomy Observatory - free tours - cool place for science geeks - allow an hour

Lunch at the Cass RR station or in Marlington at the Greenbrier Grill and Lodge (cross the river on 39 and it's on the left)

If the stops take up too much riding time, skip Marlington and take 219 south to the north entrance to 150 and take that to Williams River Rd.
Loop becomes 253 miles





The Piped In Sunshine Loop
Der's some deep hallers heyr, If you hear banjo music, don't stop.

There is a definite reason this loop goes over the same stretch of US 50 in the same direction. I like uphill mtn roads!

The destination markers are not important in and of themselves, but for reference/info, Destination D, the dip into Thomas is mainly to keep the entire ride w/in the confines of WV. You can stay on US 50 and cross the tip of MD to reach Mt Storm if you want to save some miles and time.

Destination F, Jct of US 33 and WV 28 - launch point for a run up to Spruce Knob (see above)


The BBC Loop (Blessed Border Crossings)
350 miles
A basic plot to take in three of the best WV/VA crossings. Ignore the spur west from the WV 92/39 junction (google thinks you can't turn left).


It's next to impossible to not find good roads to ride on in WV. Feel free to modify or make your own.

Note GPS stands for Greg's Pointing System. I've done the pointing. I don't have gps compatible files for these (they may become available from another rider).


Cheers,
Greg

 

Greg,,,

Iam thinking of stopping there on my return from out west. so I would like to book but can't be 100 o/o sure if I will make it due to the back leg and also if I get called to the new job early. But if I do make you will have to look at all my [pictures from my 2 month ride LOL


John

 

I have my room reserved. I got a double so if someone comes in late we can split it if you like. I do snore and sometimes I wake myself up.

Kelly

 

I'd love to join the shenanigans but I believe I'll have children that weekend. DRAT!

 

I didn't know they scheduled cesareans on the weekend :wink:

 

Thanks for the warning. I'll make sure I'm not next door.

 

I'll take my chances with the pictures, but if you show up with time and tread that could've been spent in the Colorado mountains, I will flush any future navigation assistance requests. :flip:
:wink:

 

lol Dont worry going to do colorado plus if I miss this year there is always later on in the year

John

 

If the insurance pays they do what you want.

 

I will be there friday more then likely but saturday for sure I need to find somewhere to do my tires along the way. Also kelly I might take you up on that offer to split a room

John

 

Sorry man, we are full unless you want to spoon with Tripple T or Tom who is on a rollout bed. (Not really an option)

 

Just remember, spoonin leads to forkin. Especially in WV...

 

Got a rooom booked for friday saturday getting another new pair of sneelers on the bike in louisville tomorrow so for thursday and part of friday going to play around KY and tn and va come play with me

John