April 29, 2019

I had such a good time exploring further down Vepco on Saturday that I went back Sunday to continue.

As mentioned in the previous post the turn for Vepco is off Little Dry River Rd in Fulks Run and has road signs. It is a left hand turn, about 2 miles give or take after LDR turns to gravel and just before the “end state maintenance” begins. 240 is marked just after making the turn.

I drove in the 20 minutes it took to get to 240A Straight Hollow, which is where I turned my ride around on Saturday. As a reminder, Saturday I parked at my usual spot at 240E Kritchie Mountain which has a closed fire gate but is a simple and enjoyable ride I have frequented. Saturday I rode from 240E along Vepco all the way to 240A Straight Hollow and then explored those side trails.

The drive in was fine. For a fire road it’s pretty well maintained and although there are potholes they are not too extreme or excessive. It’s still slow going and takes a while. I parked just after the second (concrete) creek ford. On the left there is a small side shoot that appears to be used for camping. It was perfect for backing in and parking. It is just before 240A.

For this ride I continued on past 240A along Vepco. There is an open fire gate just after 240A, which appears to be open for the long term since the actual gate part is busted off and down the hill, although it is not completely buried or aged and probably a super easy and quick fix.

I probably would not choose to drive my trailer in further than I did. The road remains mostly maintained, with a few rutted and narrow sections but it also has some rocky areas. I would certainly drive my truck without the trailer though. It was also quite a ways before I came upon another place I would feel comfortable turning my trailer around, which is another factor.

Simon has front shoes, but since I have not gotten him out much in the past six months, more like a year actually, I do not have back shoes on him. Because of this he was sensitive in the back on the rocky areas.

It was a beautiful ride, generally shaded, rolling up and down the mountain, popping out to amazing views and down into lush hollows. There were flowers and fresh growth and spring everywhere. I did realize after a while that all the trees I was bumping along the edges of the road were puffing visible clouds of pollen. I caught a little clip on video (it was a challenge to video, shake the branch and maintain Simon at the same time and it’s not the best video. But it’s at the very end of the video log at the end of this post).

After a while I came to 240C Bible Run on the left. This was just after a (non concrete) ford. The marker was knocked down and graffitied with a blue and yellow WV (presumably by a WVU supporter). There were a few other places this was found including on a tree a few yards behind the fallen post. I took this path, which was gorgeous until it reached a closed gate and poorly marked private property.

Across from 240C there appeared to be a trail, although I did not explore here and instead headed back. Closer to where I parked there were a few other side trails. One on the left going down into the hollow and one going up to the right through the woods, probably reaching the power lines.

240C nearly reaches Gauly Run, and I admit I was very tempted to continue but Simon and I were ready to head back and Daisy is also still building up her endurance. Perhaps another day when we are all a bit fitter.

On this ride I passed several dirt bike riders. 3 groups/pairs actually. They were all very polite and followed trail etiquette, stopping and turning off their bikes as I passed. Thank you.

The video: