Harley Owners Group members pleased with annual rally

Marlinton, W.Va. – Upwards of 1,000 motorcyclists rumbled onto Snowshoe Mountain last week for the annual West Virginia Harley Owners Group rally. From Wednesday to Sunday, cyclists enjoyed the numerous amenities of the resort and Pocahontas County. On Saturday, a column of motorcycles two miles long roared into Marlinton for a bike show and pig roast. Soon after glimmering machines lined the length of Main Street, a downpour forced the riders under cover. But the showers passed over and blue skies returned for the festivities to resume.

Carl Duncan, of Ironton, Ohio, says he’s glad the rally returned to Pocahontas County.

“It’s super, because I’m glad it’s back to Snowshoe and back here to Marlinton,” he said. “There’s a lot to do and it’s beautiful scenery and it’s always cool here and you can just flat enjoy yourself,” he said. “And all the people’s friendly here.

” Well, we got free passes to ride the chairlifts down. They have balloon-tossing things – for $500 if you hit in a pot. They’ve had all kinds of bands, entertainment, dancing – just a lot of good things – a lot of good specials. It’s just a good time.”

Kim Wolfe, of Parkersburg, says the food and music have been great.

“Oh, it’s great,” she said. “We’re having a wonderful time – except for the rain. Of course, bike rides, we’ve just been sightseeing, checking out some of the local bars. The band last night was excellent, as was the band on Thursday night. And also the food – the food has been awesome up there. We’ve had a really good time, made a lot of new friends. Everybody’s been great. We couldn’t be happier.”

Chuck Aldrich, of Lexington, Kentucky, says he’d like to move here.

“I love it,” he said. “I’d like to move here, if I could. I’m a country boy by heart, okay, and the mountain scenery here is absolutely stupendous, okay. Whenever they have the rally here in Snowshoe or Canaan, okay, in the central part, you’ll find me here. We did that scenic ride over 150, oh man, that is absolutely gorgeous. West Virginia – we love you!”

Aldrich says Snowshoe is the perfect place for a summer vacation.

“That center up there – it’s basically got the shops, the food, the eating, okay, wonderful accommodations. For anybody looking for a holiday, okay man, come to Snowshoe.”

Karen Miller, of Morgantown, says she wants the rally to return to Pocahontas County.

“Going great,” she said. “A lot of bikes, a lot of fun, a lot of good food and a lot of good friends. There’s shopping; there’s entertainment; there’s lots of good food; there’s lots of nice rides. Beautiful, beautiful views of the mountains. It’s just a gorgeous place to be. I’d love to come back here. The rides are beautiful. The mountains, the trails, everything’s nice. I’ve been to 15 West Virginia rallies and this is one of the best ones.”

Sarah Miller, of Morgantown, started riding when she was 73 years young. As an associate member, she was allowed to ride her Honda trike.

“I ride a Honda 750 Shadow,” she said. “Since I was 73 – and what am I now – I’m 80. I like the view. I like riding the mountains and off the interstate. You see more and very friendly people. Very nice – I mean, I would move here, I think.”

See the video and photo sidebar for a video and photo gallery of Saturday’s HOG rally procession into Marlinton.