Hatfield-McCoy report - from Lane Sheppard
By now most FTR riders know that West Virginia has opened a public riding area in the southern end of the state with trail sections on logging roads and horse trails accessible to permit holders similar to the Crooms permit system. After two years of planning CFTR hooked up at the Bear Wallow section, in the Devil Anse campground in Logan WV, for a week of beginner and A (read scary fast) trail riding. Since all the marked trails are accessible to ATVs the trails are all at least two track. Single track sections can be found but bring a compass because there's nothing to show you the way back when you scout on your own. OK, you think two track sections don't offer a challenge. Well consider this. What's the toughest hillclimb of last seasons events, maybe the Gatorback uphill? Well, locals could ride up that little knoll on their ATV with two rug rats hanging off the back and a brown bottle swinging on the handlebar. In H/M if you start up a most difficult section in third and have to shift to second you're in trouble. If you shift to first you're done. Fortunately all trails in the system are marked for difficulty so beginners can enjoy an easy ride if they want. Plan on wasting a rear tire in three days of hard riding. A large fuel tank is almost a must or plan to carry gas. The big four are represented by dealers in town for parts and scooter supplies. Try to ride during the week to avoid weekend warriors. Call Brady Keyser at 888.417.7266 for the best information or E-mail at cjkeyser@newwave.net. Motels are close by and there's a Super Wal-Mart in town. If you like white water rafting check out Songer Whitewater Tours nearby. You'll be singing, "almost heaven -- West Virginia" all week.