Originally Posted by
FatguyRacer
Are there a number of convienence stores along the route?
Not too many. There's a store in Huntersville, about 33 miles. There's the Visitor's center at the start of the Highland Scenic Highway (water available, but no food IIRC) at 62 miles. Then on 219 there's a store around Slatyfork.
And there are stores at the base of Snowshoe Mountain, but then you're almost done.
If you fill bottles in Huntersville and the Visitor's center you should be fine, but I'd definitely carry food.
Also, if you're going to do this loop yourself, IMHO, turning down Back Mountain road toward Marlinton, instead of going to Huntersville is prettier, less traffic, and more climbing. (and gets you to stores in Marlinton) I think the organized ride doesn't do it that way because it takes you over a very narrow twisty road which could be a concern with a large number of bikes.
If you want directions for that alteration PM me.