Touring - Cincinnati OH to Fayetteville WV

I'm planning to ride from Cincinnati to Fayetteville in May and could use some route suggestions.
I will probably take route 8 as far as Vanceburg in KY and then cross the Big Sandy at Louisa.
If anyone is familiar with riding between Vanceburg and Louisa and from there to Fayetteville any advice would be greatly appreciated. I plan to do 60-80 miles a day and stay in motels.

Can't help with Louisa to Charleston but at Charleston ride on the south side of the Kanawha river on Route 61 to avoid traffic. Then cross the river at Montgomery and ride Route 60 through Hawk's Nest Park. Stop there for some pretty views and ride the tram into the gorge. Then take the boat ride up to the rapids under the New River Gorge bridge. It's pretty fun especially when the captain "surfs" the boat on the rapids.

Then continue on Rt 60 toward Hico and then south on 19 to cross the bridge. There may be restrictions about bikes on the bridge (don't remember). I'd call the WV DMV and ask about that. If that's the case then you'll have to stay on 61 out of Montgomery and that will be a brutal grind up the mountain to Fayetteville. I'd also try to do that part on a Sunday as the coal truck traffic is pretty dangerous.

I agree with Duck except with one exception. On Rt. 60 just before Hawk's Nest S.P., at Chimney Corner, Rt. 16 splits off of Rt. 60 and goes directly into Fayetteville. I used to travel those roads on a constant basis, since I lived in Oak Hill. He's right about the coal trucks on Rt. 61. I wouldn't travel that except on Sunday. Rt. 61 is very narrow and the coal trucks will run you down.

Good luck with your trip, have fun, and be safe most of all.

Ray

Thanks for the advice but I plan to arrive in Fayetteville on Friday. Has anyone ridden 61 on a weekday and lived to tell about it? I've been in some tight spots and don't scare easily but I prefer not to take avoidable risks.

Seriously, 61 is VERY dangerous between Montgomery and Fayetteville. The truck drivers are paid by the load and try to get as many in as possible. Route 60 is prettier east of Montgomery/Boomer as well as you follow the river and there are nice places to stop along the way. If you choose to go Route 61 out of Montgomery then I'll just pay my respects to your family now.

Thanks for the advice but I plan to arrive in Fayetteville on Friday. Has anyone ridden 61 on a weekday and lived to tell about it? I've been in some tight spots and don't scare easily but I prefer not to take avoidable risks.

My brother-in-law drives coal truck still down there, and believe you me, He'd run you down in a heart beat. Like Duck said, they are paid by the load. Heaven help anyone that gets in their way.

Ray

Put an American flag on your bike in the rear where the truckers will see it. Seriously!

Okay. You guys have been a big help. I'm crossing the river a Montgomeryand then I guess I'll talr CR 13 up the hill to SR16 to Fayetteville. Ant objections?

I think you should be good with that route. Its been forever and a day since I've been down CR13, but I don't remember any coal truck traffic. Its a very winding road, and not very wide, so just be careful about meeting cars. Make sure and carry pepper spray, for the four legged locals. They're not too used to seeing bicycles and like to take chase. I think that will be the safest choice for you though. There is a nice bike shop in Fayetteville now. If you need any help while your there, he'll be glad to help.

Have fun and be safe,

Ray

If you are planning on riding 61 on your bicycle, I hope your insurance policy is up to date. Seriously dude that is taking your life in your own hands!! Riding down through there in your car is insane, much less on a bicycle. I honestly wouldn't do it!! Those toothless inbreds will run you down in a second and back up just to make sure they got you. Good luck with your trip though, sounds like a lot of fun.