Priscilla Flanagan
Cycle Source Magazine has chosen West Virginia for its “Big Mountain Run” (BMRWV.com) for the third consecutive year. Camp Kidd, in St. George, will host BMR7, known as the rally of the finest builders in the country. Hundreds of bikers will descend on Tucker County June 9 – 12 to again tour the scenic countryside and ride the roads they have come to love.
Interestingly, Cycle Source Editor in Chief, Chris Callen, has had his eye on West Virginia since he came to Davis more than twenty years ago for the Blackwater 100 Motocross. Later, when Cycle Source was in its infancy and chose West Virginia as one of the first distribution areas, Chris received a letter from the governor thanking him for having confidence in West Virginia. More recently he was pleased to find that West Virginia Tourism Division has a specialized Motorcycle Tourism Department, a rare and welcome complement. West Virginians are not only receptive but hospitable and encouraging, and given the beauty of Tucker and surrounding counties, Callen allowed, “West Virginia tops the list as the most beautiful and friendliest state in which to ride, and North Central West Virginia is surely a motorcyclist’s ‘Almost Heaven’.”
The Big Mountain Run began in Tennessee, moved to North Carolina, then to West Virginia for BMR5, 6 and now 7. Each year the attendance increases: men and women from all over the United States and Canada. While in the minority, there are many women at the BMR, and though they joke about being “biker babes,” they certainly do not fit the old perception of the term. They are often professionals i.e., teachers, bankers, nurses, realtors, journalists, artists and business owners. They generally ride in on their own bikes and are a delightful addition to the rally and the biking community.
There are many human-interest stories at each Big Mountain Run. One particularly poignant time occurred at BMR6 when women spearheaded a memorial service for Dain, a biker who had lost his life in an accident the previous month. Dain always rode with another amputee, and they shared the journals of their rides with those home-bound and the military who lived vicariously through their eyes. In the words of Dain’s mother: “I am inspired by the women and men who have made the road their life passion. They are serious about riding, learning anything motorcycle, loving family, both at home and on the road. I saw this strength, courage and perseverance in my son, but I now see that it is a binding cord throughout the biker community.”
Cycle Source Magazine is a “grass roots” publication. Initially published for the choppers and builders, Cycle Source has had its finger on the pulse of the upsurge in motorcycle riding for more than 20 years, for both the “grey-beards” and the younger men who find satisfaction in the mechanics and artwork involved in building a chopper. Wicked Willie’s Bike Shop, Indian Larry Motorcycle, Northeast Chop Shop, Austin Marten Originals, The Twisted Spoke and Squirrel’s Garage are all well-represented at the BMR. Many riders ride and write or blog about their experiences. One of the best-known is Kevin Bean’re who has ridden through Europe, Southeast Asia, Cuba and Australia as well as in the U.S. and Canada. His book, “Bean’re, Motorcycle Nomad” is very popular among the riders, and his new book, “Bean’re Rambles the Orient” was just released last week.
The kick-off for the BMR7 begins at Steel City Harley-Davidson in Washington, PA on June 7th, and the Gypsy Tour begins the next morning, heading for the “Sportster Challenge” and kick-off party at Buck’s Indian Motorcycle Museum in Romney on the 8th. The next morning, the Gypsy Tour continues to Camp Kidd where a stage with music nightly; biker games; a pig roast; a food concession stand; Mountain State Brewing Company; bike shows, competitions, rides through the hills and swap meets; and an air-conditioned, smoke-free dining hall with full breakfasts and dinners, await. Tucker County residents 21+ get in free on Thursday night, June 9!
