3rd Annual "West Virginia R.A.T. Gathering" (R.A.T. = Rider's Assn. of Triumph) at Canaan Valley Resort State Park (Lodge & Campground) Fr-Su, 24-26 Aug 07
Post Event Follow-up Our thanks to riders from the following RAT packs who attended...  Lexington KY, Pittsburgh PA, Windber PA, Raleigh NC, Great Bay NH, Philadelphia PA, State College PA, Washington DC, Frederick MD plus Indiana & Michigan.

During 2005 & 2006,  Garry Simmons (former PGH RAT Leader) set up the "West Virginia RAT Gathering" weekends at Canaan Valley State Park. For 2007, the event will be coordinated by three volunteer RAT Leaders: Mark Hawkins (Hawkster) of KY, Ron Woodhead (Woody) of PA. and Jack Larkin (MaddJack) of PGH. 
Update 13 Aug 07: Mark Hawkins, who won't be riding due to a prior arn injury, has offered to be the official "RAT Hospitality Guy." Thanks, Hawkster!

The event drew 30-40 riders in prior years. Really, it's just a bunch of riders from the local area and surrounding states getting together riding the great curvy roads in the area.  Each rider is responsible for all their own costs (lodging, food, fuel, etc.). No registration fees, no door prizes, no t-shirts or gizmos; it's all up to you and therefore, "at your own risk."  Everyone is invited, but Triumph riders are well represented (since RAT guys are doing the organizing)!  For the record, this event is not operated, sponsored or endorsed by TMA RAT.

Here are the details:

Fr-Su 24-26 Aug 07 at Canaan Valley Resort (State Park), WV (at 800-622-4121). 

You may wish to make your hotel or campsite reservations ASAP. Mark has a block of 10 rooms reserved in the "Raven Lodge" at the resort.  After (at least) 10 rooms are reserved during July, the discounted rate will then apply to everyone in the group. The rooms (when discounted) will cost $79 per room per night (double occupancy + tax). This is "prime" season, not the off-season like prior years, so the rooms are a little more expensive.  But if you split a standard room (w/ 2 double beds) with someone for $40/night per person (plus tax), it can work. When you call, be sure to ask for the "Triumph Motorcycle Group" discount and the "Raven Lodge." 
UPDATE 1 AUG 07: The release date for the group-rate rooms was 31 Jul 07. At this point, their standard hotel rates will now apply to all event reservations.
NEWS BULLETIN 14 AUG 07 from Mark Hawkins: "If calling to make Lodge reservations, ask for "hot dates 69."  Instead of $119, you'll get the room for $69! Whoever came up with 'hot dates 69' has a sense of humor."  Thanks, Mark. Sometimes it pays make plans at the last-minute, I guess.

Camping: Their on-site campground is available @ $25 per site/night, adjacent to the lodge property (but no group discount is provided). It's a real nice campground, too, with showers and flush toilets. Better call or send in a reservation form (see link below) ASAP.
UPDATE 12 AUG 07: It was reported that all the on-site campsites have been reserved; it is not known if they will do a waitlist in case of cancellations.

The resort has a pizza/sandwich shop, a nice restaurant and a bar on-site. We hope to descend on the nice restaurant there on Saturday night (7PM) and have a group dinner (on-your-own, with separate checks). The restaurant is just down the hall from the bar.

Schedule:
Thursday - Optional arrival day  (See optional rides, below)
Friday -  Arrive, unpack and ride (PS. Bring your own roadmaps or GPS units)
Friday night - Mingle w/ old and new friends (on-your-own)
Saturday - Various Rides w/ volunteer leaders  (See optional rides, below)
Saturday night -  Optional lodge restaurant dinner at 7PM (buffet only, on-your-own), then roast marshmallows & ingest other refreshments at a "Triumph Campfire" campsite.
Sunday - Bon voyage

This page was updated on 30.Aug.10. Please check back for last-minute event updates.