Bridge Day West Virginia
On October 17, 2009, the West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program will sponsor a ride crossing the New River Gorge Bridge during the Bridge Day festival. This ride will be to promote awareness of motorcycle safe riding and safe interaction with other motor vehicles traveling West Virginia highways. Motorcycle touring has become an important part of the tourism industry in West Virginia.
The ride has been approved by the Bridge Day Commission for 200 motorcycles. We must adhere to this limit, however, riders may bring passengers. The ride will meet at Songer Whitewater in Hico, WV. This ride will leave Songer Whitewater at 12 noon and cross the New River Gorge Bridge, then turn onto Rt 16 North, Rt 60 East, Rt 19 North and return to Songer Whitewater. We will have police escort service across the bridge and law enforcement help at all major intersections to facilitate our ride.
Since the incidents of 9-11-2001, security has been tightened considerably for all participants enjoying Bridge Day. Due to these security concerns ALL riders must be pre-screened prior to participating in this ride. The form for this ride asks for information that the authorities need to do this pre-screening. ALL of the information must be filled out completely for riders to participate. Passengers must fill out the same information.
All participants must arrive at Songer Whitewater Basecamp no later than 11am for registration and check-in. All riders, passengers and motorcycles must be screened by law enforcement prior to being allowed to participate in the ride. Participants and motorcycles will be checked for weapons and explosives. No large backpacks will be allowed and please limit items carried in saddle bags to facilitate the pre-screening. For those traveling and have tour paks, secure storage will be available at Songer Whitewater.
Any questions may be directed to motorcycles@songerwhitewater.com or by calling 304-658-9926. Ask for Lee or Len concerning the Bridge Day Ride.
Songer Whitewater is located just off US Rt. 19 at Miller Ridge Road, 2 miles north of the Rt 19 and Rt 60 interchange.