Two days before we met up (Saturday), Bill and Marty road from Mass to Cumberland MD and spent the night there. The next morning, it was raining and they stopped at the first rest area in WV as they road south to Beckley.
As they were looking at the road map, the Governor of West Virginia walked up, introduced himself and asked them what their riding plans were. They stated that we planned on riding into Virginia and up the Blue Ridge Parkway.
He rides himself and suggested and alternate route. He said ride north on Hwy 92 then continue north on Hwy 28 to Petersburg. We took his suggestion and headed up via north on US 19, east on US 60, north on WV Hwy 92 to WV Hwy 28 and spent the night in Petersburg.
The hotel we stayed at in Petersburg was 'Hermitage Motor Inn'. They are biker friendly, had a bar and restaurant, and we got two adjoining rooms for $57!
What a great ride! The Gov was dead on with that suggestion. He seems to be a good guy.
Always remember, you can ride the same route, but never the same ride!