BACKROADS • AUGUST 2014
Coal Country
words and images: Brian Rathjen
Page 37 In this new world of sustainable and renewable energy sources, many will say that coal is a fading relic from the past. There are a number of states along the Appalachia that might beg to differ with these naysayers. And, along this same part of the mountains of Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky you will find some of the most delightful roadways, interesting places and wonderful people. Welcome to Coal Country. We got an early start as we rode down south the week before attending Morton’s excellent Spring Fling, in Natural Bridge, Virginia on our way to our own Spring Break Rally - so our own Backroads adventure began in a most excellent region. Early on a Sunday morning we started out with the rising sun over our shoulders, as we headed to West By God Virginia. In typical fashion we tried to route along some of the tinier roads, and did a fair job of it, making a quick visit by the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. It helped to start this sort of journey with something crazy called Allegheny. This humongous place will be featured in Mysterious America and is