NATIONAL RALLY

Reprinted from PA Chapter “A” Newsletter

Written by Gerry Geib

Ken and I did go to the Rally this year. Number one it was in the State we both love to visit.  Number two the Mentzer’s are members of our club and we wanted to support them anyway we could.  Ken never knows till the last day if a plan will fall into place for him, but it did.  We planned on leaving Sunday morning and just like Saturday we woke up to rain.  Laid in bed and talked about our options, decided there were none. What are the hills of West Virginia without a bike. Put the rain gear on, then took it off, then put it on, then took it off, oh well it could of been worse, it wasn’t a wash.  Got there and witnessed everybody meeting up with old friends, and making new ones.  It is a very friendly group from I don't know how many states, but it would be interesting to know how many.  I know when we got there Gloria was all excited because a man and his son from Norway signed up and they spent the week with us and watch everyone make them feel welcome.  They seemed to have a good time.  I helped at bingo and watched them learn the game, they did quite well and so did everyone else, thanks to everyone's generosity.  Every day we did get some riding in.  First day Ken and I went out on our own and did some exploring.  Second day we lead a group over to the Cranberry Bog, and after the flasher was done doing his thing in the parking lot, and we walked the boardwalk and looked at nature at it best, we returned to the parking lot to be greeted by two guys that were so excited about the neatest place in West Virginia, Beartown State Park.  So Ken asked some questions.  Next day we decided to go to Beartown State Park and quite a large group decided that sounded good.  The guys were right, it was a awesome place of rock formations.  When we decided to go there Ken had to phone home to get a Geocache.  He introduced Geocaching to the group.  There was a couple from Kentucky, Karen & Chris, that got into it and with the help of (Ralph GPS) Ken had a successful virtual  find. Karen was hooked big time.  After a phone call when we got home I’m sure she has a GPS by now.  Went for a good lunch, and back to the motel.  Ken wanting to do another cache but I was done for the day, Ron says I’ll go with you Ken. Now that's a story in it self.  They both came back as happy as two boys could be.  I know they were on roads no one else saw (nine miles of dirt the three wheeler didn’t fit on).  They will have to tell that story.  Next day after fog lifted, the group ask us to go along on the train ride.  We enjoyed it very much and took the tour at the top of how the logging camp worked.  Thursday while we were riding the train they held the field events.  On the last night, Ron gave us a little job to make us feel like we helped.  The food was excellent.  Everyone that help during the week with designated jobs handed out the awards.  They handed out a lot of plaques.  Went back to the hotel and had a drink with Ron and Glo so they could take a deep breath.  I don’t know how they could have done a better job, I think everything was nice. The couple that is in charge next year is the nice young couple from Kentucky that now know Geocaching.  They are a club of 3 people so they need every ones support.  They promise you won’t be disappointed if you come.  I know they are planning a ride that will encompass 5 States. Watching everyone saying good-bye till the next time was heart warming.

Thanks Ron and Gloria for a job well done, and one you can be proud of.