stuff folks are saying... (cont.)

Rolling hills laden with colorful, nostalgic farms adorned with cattle and hay rolls, mountainous passes containing more natural beauty than can be digested upon the first glance and perhaps most important, twisting, winding roads that sweep up, down and around hills and mountains is but a small sample of what the 2004 Flood City Rally in Johnstown, PA will offer. Rich in history and heritage,Johnstown, PA offers exposure to early Americana and a robust modern society. The geographic location of Johnstown is ideal for sport-touring enthusiasts as a day trip can bring you south and west into Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia or parts of Ohio, north to Lake Eire and Eastward to the vastness of all that Pennsylvania has to offer. No matter your interests, the 2004 Flood City Rally will offer much more than the span of a week can accommodate.

Jason Kaplitz, Rallymaster, was more than well prepared for the scouting party. His knowledge of the area both of Johnstown proper and the vast surroundings is amazing. Jason introduced the scouting party to the area with a wealth of information spanning history, culture, areas of interest and so much more than we could absorb in a single weekend. He had some twenty routes planned for the scouts to choose from. These sample routes ranged from relatively short, mild runs to high distance, all out rip and run rides.

I joined one of the more aggressive routes which brought Mike Flynn, Brad May, David Samuels and I through a gorgeous countryside of green pastures and rolling hills of farm lands complete with livestock and magnificent scenery. As we headed southwest toward Maryland the twisting, winding roads offered an incredible ride. Southwest through Maryland into West Virginia, the terrain became more mountainous, the roads more twisty and the ascents and descents more acute. Our ride was a bit fast paced through the winding mountain roads and periodically the ascents and descents were so abrupt that the sensation was more of a roller coaster. In my own humble words, "Freekin' Orgasmic Riding'" best describes the experience. The highlight of the trip for me was Seneca Rocks, WV - a scene more attuned to the Garden of Eden than anywhere else on Earth.

Seneca Rocks (photo: Brad May)

Purchased by the federal government in 1969, Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. These rocks have long been noted as a scenic attraction and are popular with rock climbers. The rocks are a magnificent formation rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River. Eastern West Virginia contains many such formations of the white/gray Tuscarora quartzite. Truly this is a marvel to behold.

On the route back to Johnstown we were not disappointed at all. More thrilling roads laden with captivating scenery along challenging winding twisties, ascending and descending through mountains and hills continued to excite us. At one point due to a misjudgment requiring that I hammer my breaks to avoid a left turning cage, I locked my rear wheel and spooked myself more than just a mild tad. I decided to break off for a less rugged route back to Johnstown. There are an abundance of routes back to Johnstown from every direction, all scenic and very much worth the ride and I had no problem getting back to the Econo-Lodge.

Food choices in the area are endless and those we sampled were phenomenal, attractions are numerous, roads are vast and for a great time, wonderful riding and memorable good times, plan on being at the 2004 Flood City Rally or plan on missing one heck of a great time. In short, freekin' orgasmic! Jonathan Coler COG # 5379

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