Over the last few weeks, we have been focusing on bike rides in warm weather states so as to avoid cold winter weather. However, there are some states, such as West Virginia, where you can still enjoy a pleasant to ride during December and January. It's just a matter of watching the weather report a few days before you depart. As long as you don't mind some cool temperatures, you can take some beautiful rides with very little traffic. One example is a 36-mile ride between Thomas and Elkins.
Thomas, WV sits right on the edge off the Canaan Valley State Park and Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, just south of the border with Maryland. The first half of the ride takes you right through the heart of the state park. As such, this is a very quiet ride with plenty of places to stop and look around. Without stopping, you should be able to complete it in under an hour, but feel free to take as long as you like.
Riding the Route
Start the ride by locating Rt. 219 on the northwest side of Thomas. You will take Rt. 219 south, into the state park. Stay on the road for just under 14 miles and it will take you into the town of Parsons. Along the way, you'll pass a number of small creeks, including one known as Roaring Run. As you approach Parsons, you'll be traveling along the Black Fork River.
Rt. 219 actually takes you through the city of Parsons with a couple of turns before heading south along the Shavers Fork River on the way to Elkins. About 14 miles outside of Elkins, Rt. 219 becomes a divided highway that will carry you for the remaining 5 miles or so. It should not present much of a traffic problem, as this is not a heavily traveled area. Elkins is only a town of 7,000 residents.
Scenery and Road Conditions
The road conditions along this route are surprisingly good. Some have even called them impeccable. The roads through the state park can be narrow at times, but the pavement is in very good condition with no worries other than some loose gravel here and there. You will enjoy rolling hills and gentle turns that make for a very relaxing ride any time of year.
The scenery in the park is a combination of wooded areas, open plains, and small houses. Outside the park, you'll see plenty of family-owned farms and single buildings that seem to crop up out of nowhere. All along the ride, there are plenty of great paces to stop if you want to stretch your legs, take pictures or whatever.
As far as amenities are concerned, you'll find everything you need in Thomas, Parsons, and Elkins. But in between the towns, there is virtually nothing. If you're from out of town, it might be good to have breakfast in Thomas and then slowly make your way to Elkins for a leisurely lunch. Both towns have ample accommodations if you should decide to spend the night.
