2 Days, 2 Directions! and 1 oops!! WV Outlaw trails to Wilmore Dam and Sophia Tunnels!

First two days of a 4 day trip to WV staying in Bluefield, Buffalo Cabins(link below), I timed myself heading south to Wilmore Dam outside of Welch, WV on day 1 and then north on day 2 to the Sophia Tunnels. I had bunch of friends coming to join the trip after these 2 days so I wanted to know the way to these places and glad I did this scouting trek. Wilmore Dam is not a problem but getting to Sophia tunnels turned out to be mostly blacktop driving because of blocked trails and marked private property. Total of 510 miles this trip and my tip-over didnt hurt anything.
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Пікірлер: 49

  • @supercuda1950
    @supercuda1950 Жыл бұрын

    That's why you don't ride alone. I had a similar "tommy tipover" but was lucky some complete strangers helped me upright my rzr. Sadly, as the trails get longer and more numerous, the upkeep goes down,

  • @bprguy2003
    @bprguy20032 жыл бұрын

    So cool with that mine shaft cover!!! Thank you for sharing something cool like that

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    Its such a cool thing but ya would never suspect it’s there!! I’ve seen plenty of my share of mine shafts open and closed(I live right next to Pennsylvania coal regions) and that one looks like just a concrete building foundation...nothing to suggest it’s a cap!!

  • @benthepcsurgeon
    @benthepcsurgeon2 жыл бұрын

    Great video and great info, going next month and this was very helpful.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    Can’t go wrong riding down there!! So much to see and discover if ya look around ! Enjoy and be safe!!!

  • @bcfmef
    @bcfmef Жыл бұрын

    Excellent coverage. Sometimes it’s good to ride out on your own to avoid all the drama from big group rides. Just have to be a little more cautious when out on your own though and make sure maintenance on your ride is up to par.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    Жыл бұрын

    The more I ride, the more I prefer riding alone! Lol it’s great to have others to share experience with but man you can move so much quicker and change plans on the fly when alone! I really pride myself on the maintenance of my machine too so it’s as reliable as I can try to make it. Abt 90% time that works out perfect….can’t predict everything!!

  • @daleliske9757
    @daleliske9757 Жыл бұрын

    Just watched a video from 2021, the first tunnel you didn't want to chance was closed off.! Your video was awesome. I loved how you showed what trail you were on and then what may have turned into. Very informative. I know you are an experienced rider, knowing your limitations of what you want to do, but without help, chose wisely. My wife and I are heading down to Hatfield and McCoy trails in 2 days, first time there. Staying at Twin Hollows near Gilbert, WV. We ride 4x4 utility atv's, and like the more 50' challenging trails. Trying to stay away from the Side X side traffic. At least here in Michigan. I had a bad experience with one a year ago, met a 4 seater at a crossing, no stop sign for either of us. I was going 25mph, he was doing 60 at least. Caught him in the rear tire. Totaled my atv, and flipped him on his side for 60 ft. Skid. Another second sooner and I wouldn't be texting this comment.! So, anyway, I'm thinking we will run the northern trail systems and then maybe return next year, and hit the southern trail systems where you rode. Looks amazing. Great job on your own and great video. Thanks.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!!! Sucks abt that accident in Michigan but I absolutely understand this situation, I would love to and could def ride faster than I do BUT I’m also a motorcycle rider(street) and riding defensively is just my way. I can’t help but think abt what may be coming around blind corners and hopefully the other guy is paying attention as well!! Really glad it wasn’t worse for you and awesome you still riding!! What part of Michigan was that at? I’ve been north and south of Houghton area in the U.P. and some places in Lower as well!!

  • @daleliske9757

    @daleliske9757

    Жыл бұрын

    @@wildstar365 the accident happened in the Atlanta, Michigan orv trails. My atv was a 2020 yamaha kodiak 700. Brand new. Didn't have insurance on it yet. So, $3000 later and had to wait 7 months for a new frame, have it all back together.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    Жыл бұрын

    That sounds like it totally sucked!!!

  • @TheCanAmCrew
    @TheCanAmCrew2 жыл бұрын

    🤘🏻 I see you found our sticker at cave rock hahaha. We love riding that area and looks like you hit some good spots.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!!! Def watched some you guys adventures!! I’m sure it was you guys a couple months back who showed that trail at the Sophias tunnels that is on a hard angle, only a thin ledge to drive on unless tip over and that be a bad day ! It’s only bad for abt 30yards but that’s enough!!! I’m honored to have you comment on my video!! Thank you!!

  • @joshc606
    @joshc6062 жыл бұрын

    Buffalo Cabins is a great place to stay!

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    we used to always stay at Ashland Resort when riding Indian Ridge/Pocahontas/Pinnacle Creek areas, and Ashland is great...but Buffalo Trail is my favorite!!! The way we tow into the area Buffalo is a solid 45minutes less tow time then towing to Ashland but yet you're only about 15min ride(mostly blacktop) on the RZR from getting to Ashland itself!! And my personal fav reason is the Restaurant, or more specifically the many beer taps inside! After riding the day to be able to grab a great meal and some microbrews right at camp is great!

  • @rylenpretty5756
    @rylenpretty57562 жыл бұрын

    Those skinny machines tip way to easy for my liking. i prefer my 72" stance. Good video, earned a sub.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    I am heavily considering ordering a new ProR RZR , Polaris finally addressed the lower ball joints and wheel bearing carrier issues(my only complaints abt mine) ....I’m hesitant on the 74” width tho because I’ve been on many woods trails where my current 66” was scraping to fit!!!! But damn I want that new machine! Thanks for the sub!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

  • @rylenpretty5756

    @rylenpretty5756

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@wildstar365 I’ve got the 21’ can am x3 and it’s awesome. Get that new machine brother!

  • @jimjrmason53
    @jimjrmason53 Жыл бұрын

    Great video! I too have recently installed a map system in my buggy. Have not used it yet, as we usually have a guide lead us around, but in case we loose them, it will be nice to have. I read somewhere that they have closed the Sophia Tunnels, which is a bummer, but not exactly sure. Question - I see you installed a Night Rider scanner type light on the front of your machine. OK, probably ordered it from Amazon - but which one did you get? And is it surviving mud, water, etc? I'd like one of those!

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    Жыл бұрын

    Be a real shame if thats true abt the tunnels!! Hope it’s not true! Yeah the scanner in front was just a 24” LED strip with only Blue n Red lights and could be toggled between multiple modes with a remote. I set it to all red, that scanner mode and havnt touched the remote since!!! It’s been over 3yrs mounted to machine and not a single problem!!!! Dude it was as generic a LED as they come, I figured I’d see how it worked out and it still good! Was like $20

  • @sbennettyt
    @sbennettyt2 жыл бұрын

    I used to ride my DR650 through all those tunnels at Sofia before they sealed them up. Also rode all the nearby trails before it became Burning Rock.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    Did you get to enter Sophia Tunnel 2(the very wet and more closed off one!!) !? I didn’t dare enter it for how bad shape it looks to be in now!! I have not rode Burning Rock…any good??

  • @sbennettyt

    @sbennettyt

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@wildstar365 I rode there back in the 1990s. It was a very different place back then. The rails had not been gone long and the gravel bed was dry and in great shape. Looks like a soupy mess in the videos now. Burning Rock did not exist yet. I don't want to pay $20 per day to ride what I did for free in the 90's. I wish I had pictures of how it used to be. The Stotesbury church was still standing. I have not ridden it since it became Burning Rock. Don't know what it's like now.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@sbennettyt that sounds exactly like a ‘new’ pay-to-ride place near me called AOAA. We all used to ride that area for 20yrs for free and it was a blast, now it’s so full of dumb rules and expensive we just stay away.

  • @MidwestAtvGroup
    @MidwestAtvGroup Жыл бұрын

    I like your video, you give a lot of information. We are staying in Ashland resort end of March and wondering how far is the tunnel and dam from there? Also are you using Bob's T map? Thanks and subscribed.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    Жыл бұрын

    Not BobTs , I use the Lifetime trail map app….all of em will guide ya there, Lifetime has points of interest I find helpful!!! The tunnels are far and I found take some improvisation….but totally worth it!!!

  • @kariking171
    @kariking1712 жыл бұрын

    Slow down a little and you will see more cool things. Don’t forget all the outlaw trails are private property and I would say the rumor is true about blocking the trails because it has already started.

  • @timjeffreys6855

    @timjeffreys6855

    2 жыл бұрын

    If he went any slower he could save gas and walk

  • @BradFizer
    @BradFizer2 жыл бұрын

    Really nice to see videos like this! Helps me plan my routes and account for trail closures! How many miles is on your 1000 now?

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    After this trip it’s at 7125. Still original belt 🤞🏻🤞🏻

  • @BradFizer

    @BradFizer

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@wildstar365 that’s awesome. Do you worry about breaking down when riding alone?

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    All the time!!! Lol but I do a lot of preventative maintenance and I feel I’ve got a good grip on what’s in good shape and what isn’t, I take as much as possible with me to make sure I wouldn’t get stranded buuuut you can never have everything. Reliability is key. I drive totally different when riding alone then when I’m with a group....I drive much more ‘sensible’ when alone lol

  • @BradFizer

    @BradFizer

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@wildstar365 hahahaa I can understand that. I know my rzr pretty well. I just am paranoid of something going wrong on the trail that I can’t fix. Like electrical or something.

  • @woodrow1185
    @woodrow1185 Жыл бұрын

    What mount for the tab you running and you mind sharing your ride files?

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    Жыл бұрын

    The mount was an Amazon generic spring tension clamp type, I made a bracket and welded it to cage to mount it up that high, couldn’t find one that got it that high from factory…. And I’d gladly share any ride files I have!…if I knew how!!? Lol

  • @dianerobinson13
    @dianerobinson132 жыл бұрын

    You're so cute. You should have your own show.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!!! That’s the boost I needed !

  • @jakedaum
    @jakedaum2 жыл бұрын

    can you post a picture of the location of each of the sophia tunnels?

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    What I can do is send you a Goggle Earth link that shows exactly where the entrance to the tunnel 1 you can drive thru is, it right off of Independence Rd and across from stone/dirt turnaround, you can see the tunnel 1 entrance from the road! It’s fine to drive down the road too, I passed a cop and all and was totally fine. Once you ride thru tunnel 1 you can follow that trail to other tunnel 2, that one I would not enter, it’s very wet and looks unsafe. But then you could either go back out thru tunnel 1 or follow trail out to secondary road on backside of town!!! Good luck it’s really cool spot! You are right next to Burning Rock ATV Park when at tunnels too. earth.google.com/web/@37.70293794,-81.23605701,729.44927991a,1189.95519526d,35y,352.68038373h,0t,0r

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    Tried to send a pic but seems i can’t do that here....if you want a pic of satellite image where entrance is send me email address or something!

  • @jakedaum

    @jakedaum

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@wildstar365 I just emailed you to the email on your profile

  • @daviddowell2662
    @daviddowell26622 жыл бұрын

    What map do you use?

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    lifetimetrailmaps.net/index.html I chose this one because it has points of interest like waterfalls and such shown on the maps

  • @timjeffreys6855

    @timjeffreys6855

    2 жыл бұрын

    Better of to use BobT maps they show everything

  • @ruffryder5150
    @ruffryder51502 жыл бұрын

    what maps do you use

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    Lifetime Trail maps. It’s a bit pricey compared to some others that may show same trails but this one also shows points of interest and things to check out. It’s updated often and you could check out the maps on their website before buying to see what areas they have maps for, many other apps don’t tell you where their maps cover.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    lifetimetrailmaps.net/index.html

  • @JamesSmith-dc6rg
    @JamesSmith-dc6rg2 жыл бұрын

    F*** That's why I don't ride WV anymore.

  • @wildstar365

    @wildstar365

    2 жыл бұрын

    I got into a great conversation with a local guy n his wife while I was looking for the Wild Horses(they weren’t around) and he said he’s heard the areas around Ziggys are gonna be logged out soon and the plan is to close those outlaw trails around there. Now is that true or just local rumors....who knows. In my area of PA we sure have our share of confirmed rumors abt areas closing up that wind up never happening buuuuut who knows!