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By
Editor at large
Mike Chero |
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It
was a dark and stormy day when we left home for the small town of
Houtzdale. The weather forecast wasn't expected to be good. With
a 90% chance of rain, it looked like we might be getting wet on
this Mother's Day ride. However, the weather gods smiled on us and
we received very little in the way of rain while we were there.
Getting there wasn't a problem, as the way was well marked by the
Ramey Fire Company
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We
pulled into the driveway to the parking area, and were given our sign
up sheets by two helpful volunteers. Upon cresting the hill, I saw
perhaps the biggest machine I've ever seen. It was an old time dragline
that looked as if it had been sitting for at least a decade. |
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Once
we parked and paid our registration fees, it was time to unload our
machines. There wasn't much of a turn out for this event because of
the weather and because it was Mother's Day. Still that is just fine
with Celeste and me. |
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We sat around
and chatted with Bob Abernathy and Joe Longin of the CPATVA. Unfortunately,
they weren't able to ride today, but said that they would when they
have their next poker run. One topic that came up was the DCNR's attitude
towards making new trails for us ATV riders. Needless to say, I wouldn't
hold my breath waiting for new PUBLIC riding areas to open up. Westco
Fred and Topgun from the Paatving Forums stopped by and said hello
too.
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11:00
rolled around in no time and we proceeded to the start area. Once
the clearance was given to go, we were off.
The trail
followed and was encompassed by a large strip mining area. Not only
were there plenty of trails, but also some scenic views as well.
There was plenty of terrain variety, with rocky sections mixed with
mud holes, hill climbs and down hills too. The perfect part of the
ride is that it was held on land that is considered by environmentalists
to be "Pre-Spoiled".
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Therefore
people wouldn't have to worry about ripping up land that was already
"Spoiled". Perhaps our legislators and the DCNR can take
a hint from this poker run. Since the land is already ripped up from
strip mining, what possible harm can come to it from ATV use? |
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The
trail wasn't rough, but it was challenging in several places. The
mud holes that were on the trail had a nice hard bottom to them so
finding traction even with a two-wheel drive machine wasn't a problem.
The hill climbs were a little on the sparse side, but that was O.K.
with Celeste who doesn't want to go up hills if she doesn't have to.
There were plenty of wide open spaces that you could open your machine
up to blow out any excess carbon you've accumulated in the many technical
sections of the trail. |
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Over
all it was a very good mix of terrain. Some mud boggers might have
been disappointed, but it didn't look like there were that many dedicated
mud machines there. |
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When
they say that the Ramey Poker run was fun for the entire family, they
MEANT the entire family. Celeste and I saw a gentleman with a Rottweiler
puppy in a specially constructed seat built on the rack of his machine.
Talk about man's best friend!
We made it
through three checkpoints out of the five, but couldn't find the
last two. In the later part of the run, the normally clear directional
markers were a bit unclear.
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Especially
in the two way travel areas. Perhaps maps would have helped, but I
wouldn't want to try and put one together. I am not a cartographer
and don't claim to be. |
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Still
it didn't keep us from having a good time, even when I crossed a small
stream and made such a splash that I drowned out my motor (gee, that
water was cold!). After a few cranks, the machine started back up
and we were on our way. Some people weren't as fortunate. One person
striped out the shifter on his Quad Racer, and another bent the axle
on his warrior. |
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When
we returned to the truck, we met Shawn and Doreen, also members from
the Paatving forums |
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To
say that Celeste and I had a great time (despite the rather vague
directions near the end) would be an under statement. The weather
held off long enough so that the riding was some of the best ever.
The value of the ride versus the money paid was very good and the
food was great! You can't ask for more than that.
I can truthfully
say we will be back later this year!
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