5 Tips to Make Your Bridge Day Better

August 31st, 2010

No matter if you are a first-timer or a long-time veteran of Bridge Day, there are some things you just need to know (or reminded of) to make the day better. The more you know, the fewer surprises and the more time you can spend simply enjoying the day.

Bridge Day Reminder: No Backpacks, Thanks for Your Co-Operation

Take a Look at the Rules
Law enforcement officials work many hours to ensure you have a safe day on the Bridge. Their focus is your safety.

There are not many rules to follow, but it’s important to know them beforehand so there are no surprises.

Some rules are no-brainers: no weapons, no fireworks, no drugs or alcohol. Other rules, may not make as much sense, yet they are in place to ensure your safety.   No dogs. No backpacks. We can hear you groan, but all we ask is just come have fun, and leave your dog at home (perhaps wearing your backpack full of beer and fireworks).

Plan Your Parking and Shuttles
Unlike many other large events, Bridge Day parking is aplenty. There are parking lots on either side of the Bridge, and for just $2 per person you can ride the shuttle right to the entrance. Our Bridge Day parking map can help you plan your parking location. Yes, it is that easy.

Wear (the right) Shoes and Clothes
Hopefully, we don’t have to tell you they are required. They are. As interesting as we think nude Bridge Day might be, well, let’s just say the day is extreme enough already. It’s not so much about shoes and clothing being required as it is about choosing them wisely.

You will be walking. A lot. Wear something comfortable and sturdy as nothing puts a damper on a great day like sore feet (especially if it is your kid with sore feet).

Also, come prepared for a variety of weather. Check the forecast before heading out and dress in layers. Also be sure to bring along a jacket or sweater tied around your waist just in case the weather changes. Which it is apt to do.

Bring a Camera, You Never Know What You Might See

Bring a Camera
If we had a nickel for every time we heard someone say, “I wish I had brought my camera”, we’d have a gazillion nickels. Ok, maybe not a gazillion, we don’t even know what that is as a matter of fact, but we’d have a lot of nickels. A lot.

So, bring your camera. No matter if you are a pro or simply snapping photos with your camera phone Bridge Day is a photographers dream. With so many vivid colors, so much action taking place and folks walking around in giant, pink bunny-suits, there is a photo op everywhere you look.

Be sure to tag your photos with #bridgeday and share them on the Facebook Fan Page and our Flickr group.

What Goes Down Must Come Back Up
Fayette Station Road, runs from one side of the Gorge, to the river, and up the other side. It is closed to public motor vehicle traffic on Bridge Day, yet it is open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. You are free to walk down the road, beneath the Bridge, and enjoy a different perspective on the day’s activities.

Just remember, if you go down, you have to come back up. It is a 4 mile stretch on either side, and it’s not exactly flat, so be sure you are physically able to make the walk back.

If you aren’t sure, but would still like to venture below the Bridge, you may want to consider taking advantage of the Down Under Tours.

Stay tuned for more tips and information to make your Bridge Day great. We look forward to seeing you October 16th.

Do you have any tips to add?

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Learning to Fly in the New River Gorge

August 18th, 2010

I always wanted to learn to fly an airplane. I had no idea where it might lead me.

In 1960 I showed up at Fayette Airport, just a hop and skip from my hometown of Oak Hill, and asked famed-pilot Frank Thomas (“Five-Dollar Frank”) if I could work for him. I was willing to cut grass, wash airplanes, just about anything I could do in-trade for flying time.

The Author and First Man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong

Thankfully, he was kind enough to hire me and I proudly learned to fly from what I feel is one the greatest pilots in history. A true pilot’s pilot.

In January of 1960 I took my first flying lesson in a Piper J-3 Cub. Not long after, at the age of 15, I took my first solo flight. During my years at Fayette Airport I was a member and Squadron Leader of Air Explorer Squadron 3, earning the coveted Air Explorer Silver Award. While working at the airport I made many flights over the New River Gorge before the New River Gorge Bridge was built.

I remember taking the long and winding road into the New River Gorge. Myself and other members of The Air Explorers would head to the river for a swim and on our way back we would load the truck up with river rocks. We used those rocks to make a small building at the Fayette Airport. It is still standing.

Over the years I moved to Indiana Pennsylvania, and became a charter board member (and 3-time President) of the Jimmy Stewart Museum. In July 2009, representing the Stewart family, I attended the National Aviation Hall of Fame induction ceremony. At the event, I had the opportunity to meet 13 Apollo astronauts including Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan, James Lovell, Charles Duke, Tom Stafford, Fred Haise, Vance Brand and others.

Learning to fly in Fayetteville, WV led me face-to-face with the first, second and last man on the moon: Armstrong, Aldrin and Cernan. It allowed me to meet the men behind “Houston we have a problem”, (Apollo 13 crew members Lovell and Haise) and the first woman commander of the space shuttle Eileen Collins. What an experience!

Each time I travel through Fayetteville and over the New River Gorge Bridge, I am reminded of my beginnings as a pilot. It brings a warmness to my heart and a tear to my eye.

Special Guest Post By:

Carson Greene, Jr.

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White Water Rafting, Or White Water Swimming?

August 9th, 2010

Well, in the New River Gorge, one doesn’t necessarily include the other.

Thousands and thousands of people every year go white water rafting down the New River.  It’s one of the most popular raft trips in the world, especially on Bridge Day, and for good reason.  The rapids of the New are a perfect mix of big waves and technical manuveurs, adn depending on the water level, perfect for just about everyone.

The Bridge Day Rescue Team hard at work.

You don’t even have to know how to swim.  It’s unbelievable but true.  Most people would not believe the number of rafters that go down the river that do not know how to swim.  Hey, that’s what the life jacket is for.  Actually, we can’t say “life jacket”; the correct term is “personal floatation device“.  Go figure.

Anyway, that’s why they call it white water rafting and not white water swimming, right?  People fall out of the rafts, but then they get scooped right back up and continue on downstream.

Now, an entirely different kind of white water swimming takes place on Bridge Day.  BASE jumpers leave the bridge, free fall, then throw their chutes and maneuver a descent to the landing zone below.

In theory.

There’s a whole lot that can go on between the time that chute opens and the time a jumper comes in to land.  And that, my friends, in addition to a whole load of other wonderful stuff, is what makes Bridge Day awesome.

Basically, jumpers have to choose between landing in the landing zone, or landing in the river.  Wait.  Actually, they have to choose between landing in the landing zone and landing in the river and landing in the rocks and landing in the trees and landing in the railroad tracks.  Life is full of choices.

But for simplicity’s sake, let’s just say some poor BASE jumper is about to land in the water.  They actually have a lot going for them.

Any BASE jumper will tell you that the sure fire, absolute, 100% softest landing you can make on Bridge Day is in the water.  It’s actually encouraged for some people who are making their first few jumps.  The bridge is positioned directly between two rapids, Fayette Station, which is Class IV, and Flea Flicker, which is Class III.  If a jumper lands in the water, it’s not going to be in a rapid, but rather, between them.  Pretty much.

That doesn’t mean there’s not current.  There’s enough power in the water to get thing moving fast.  So the Bridge Day rescue team is on hand in the pool below the bridge.  If you’ve never had a chance to see these guys and girls in action, do yourself a favor and check it out.  They’re amazing.

What happens is this:  A jumper lands in the water.  The boats have already predetermined where the jumper will touch down (or, touch in, as the case may be), and are there within moments of the first signs of dampness.  Through hand signals, radios, and, um, mating calls, the boats drop off the rescued jumpers at the bank and then reposition themselves for the next water landing.

Pretty cool, huh?

So, to sum up, there’s whitewater rafting swimming, and there’s whitewater BASE jumping swimming.  You’re almost guaranteed to witness both at Bridge Day 2010.  It’s going to be fun.

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Can You Win The Bridge Day Scavenger Hunt?

July 27th, 2010

It depends: are you going to Bridge Day (the largest 1 day event in West Virginia)?

If so, there’s a chance.

treasure map (scavenger hunt flyer by ryanrocketship on flickr creative commons)

Like this, but with the New River Gorge Bridge

Here’s the rundown- Subaru (our awesome flagship sponsor) is hosting a scavenger hunt -that’s right, a scavenger hunt- on the bridge.  It’s open to all BASE jumpers, rappellers, funnel cake eaters, official t-shirt wearers, and pretty much anybody that comes to Bridge Day.

What’s the prize, you ask?  Try $1000 cash.

Cool, huh? 2nd place gets $500. 3rd gets $250 dollars. All you have to do is make it to bridge day, have a cell phone that you can text from, and be willing and able to have a little fun.  Seriously.  That’s it.

It’s going to work like this:

  • The Subaru folks will hide 5 (and only 5) codes at different places around the bridge.
  • You’ll get a clue that describes where you’ll find the first code.
  • When you find code #1 and text it in, you’ll get a clue for code #2.
  • If you’re the first person to text in all five codes, you win.

You can sign up by going to the Official Bridge Day website and entering your name and phone number over in the sidebar.  The first clue goes out to everyone on the list at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 16th, 2010 (that’s Bridge Day, y’all).

So, what do you think?  Do you have what it takes to, um, text some stuff?  If so, Subaru and Bridge Day are ready to join you for some fun.

Come get your scavenger hunt on, everyone.  See you there.

UPDATE:  The scavenger hunt is limited to the first 2oo applicants.  Better hurry :-)

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How To Raft Like A Pro (Even Though You’re A Beginner)

July 23rd, 2010

Here’s secret: we do a lot of rafting around the New River Gorge Bridge.

Not shocked?  Okay, okay… it’s not a secret.  This is the whitewater rafting capitol of the universe.  Well, America.

Bridge Day in West Virginia

If you raft on the New River Gorge, you'll be as wet as this guy.

What I’m trying to establish is the fact that there’s a lot of know how here on the New River.  And this very post is all about how to act like you know what you’re doing on a white water rafting trip, even if you don’t.

Cool idea, huh?  Thing is, it’s not really the expense of a whitewater trip that’s important; it’s your time. Vacation time is more precious than just about anything, so it’s better to be prepared, right?  Just follow these simple steps:

1.  Know your reservationist.  Call her (almost always a “her”) several times.  Ask a ton of questions, everything from what should you wear to how long will you be gone.  Ask to talk to a guide.  Ask to talk to the owner.  If she gives you any grief about it, book your trip with another company.

2.  Request a guide.  Companies are a little hesitant to do this over the phone if you don’t know specifically the name of the guide you want.  But you can ask for a list of, say, the five guides with the most experience.  Experienced guides give better rides.  If you haven’t requested a guide before your trip, you should try to ride in the Trip Leader’s raft, usually the most experienced guide on the trip.

3.  Listen up.  Sit toward the front of the bus on your way to the river so you can hear the safety speech.  Pay attention.  Rafting is fun, but only if you’re prepared for anything to happen.  We can go ahead and be honest and say that, if you fall out in a rapid, you won’t remember much of the safety talk, but who knows?  The important parts might come racing back to you right when you need them.

4.  Choose the right section.  Here’s the golden rule to a rafting vacation:  Whoever has the most fun wins.  Not “whoever does the most dangerous thing in the world”.  Some sections are for kids, some aren’t.  Some water levels are good for the hard rapids, some aren’t.  Be honest about how adventurous you are when you make your reservation, and they’ll steer you right.

Bridge Day is one of the most popular days to go rafting in the universe.  Well, America.  You can check out all the action right from the water, which might be the best view of Bridge Day that anyone not wearing a harness or a parachute will ever get.

The big bridge is on the Gorge section, or as the rafters call it, the Lower New.  It’s pretty spectacular to see from a raft.  Book a raft trip (and use the techniques above) and see it for yourself.

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Bikes And Bridge Day- Secrets On Where To Ride

July 12th, 2010

Okay, this post is going to cover bikes (pedal) and bikes (motor).

Let’s start with some housekeeping.  The bridge is closed to bikes -every and and all kinds of bikes- during the event.  So don’t ride your bike up to the bridge expecting to cross it, because no.  You can’t do that.  Foot traffic only on the bridge.

classic motorcycle

Will you be riding one of these?

BUT that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring a bike.  You should.  There are tons of places to ride around the gorge, and a few places to ride on Bridge Day itself.

If you’re pedaling a bike, you can use the trail system on the Fayetteville side of the bridge to get around on the big day.  The best place to go is out to Long Point, which offers a spectacular view of the bridge, the gorge, and the jumpers and rappellers.  The first portion of the long point trail is an easy grade, making for some good mountain biking.  The last part is steep and technical, so you might consider locking your ride to a tree before the first rhododendron tunnel.  Plus there will be a lot of other folks out that way, so be careful of pedestrians.

You can also ride a bike down to the bottom of the gorge, but please, Please, PLEASE remember:  You have to ride back up.  You can also ride a bike to the bridge, as long as you plan not to cross.  Plenty of places to lock up.

Now, for hogs and road racers, there are some don’t-miss motorcycle rides around the New River Gorge.  The first is The Midland Trail, aka Scenic RT 60.  There are great winding stretches on both sides of RT 19, which leads you to the bridge.  Getting to Bridge Day a day early opens up the possibility of riding on the Fayette Station Road, which goes down to the New River right underneath the big bridge.  You’ll also get to cross the little bridge and get an up-close look at one of the biggest rapids in the gorge.

On the South (Fayetteville) side of the gorge, any of the roads that go down to the river will deliver some fine riding, especially the road along Duloup Creek that goes down into Thurmond, which is county road 25, aka the Thurmond McKendree Rd.  Make sure you stop at the train station on the other side of the river and check out the museum.

Other rides and maps are available, y’all.  If you’re a mountain biker, check out New River Bikes and Marathon Bike Shop, both in Fayetteville.  If you ride Harleys, friend up  New River Gorge Harley Davidson on Midland Trail.

See you out there!

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5 Must-Do Activities For Bridge Day

June 15th, 2010

Okay, when you come to Bridge Day in West Virginia, there are certain things that you absolutely have to do.

One of those is NOT “jump off the bridge”.  Just sayin’.  You have to be qualified to jump, first of all, and the vast majority of folks that come for bridge day are spectators (myself included).

ceviche & tropical fruit shorbread from Rezan's at the Taste Of Bridge Day

Ceviche & tropical fruit shorbread from Rezan's at the Taste Of Bridge Day

So we can go ahead and rule that out.  Also, you don’t have to rappel off the bridge.  Same thing goes here- you have to be qualified to do it, which rules most of us out.

But that’s only two things.  To use a scientific measurement, there are literally a whole bunch of other things to do.

Here are the 5 that I’m thinking are the full-on, don’t-miss, must-do, call-your-mom-about, been-there-got-the-T-shirt Bridge Day activities to put on your list:

-Taste Of Bridge Day Okay, you know there’s going to be some food at any place that has an event called “Taste-Of-Whatever”.  But here’s the thing:  this food is awesome.  Remember your favorite meal ever in your life?  Put that memory on steroids and place it next to one of the most beautiful views in the world, and that’s pretty much what you’re looking at here.  Taste Of Bridge Day is the Friday night before the actual Bridge Day festivities, so make sure you come early.

-Watch The Flags Go Up You have to get to the event early if you’d like to see it, and you would.  Like to see it, that is.  Seeing Old Glory, the WV state flag, and the US Park Service flag (a new addition last year) ascend up the entire length of space between the ground and the bridge is one of the most inspiring, patriotic sights you’ll ever see.  Be at the landing zone for the best view.

-Enjoy The Show Get as many angles as you can.  On the bridge is cool.  At the landing zone next to the river is cooler.  There are also some other spots around the rim of the gorge, like Long Point.  Jumpers leap from the bridge all day long, and rappellers slide up and down seemingly endless ropes all day long, too.  It’s one of the world’s great photo ops, so make sure you have plenty of film in your camera.  Wait, what’s “film”?

-Check Out The Vendors There’s only one place in the world where you can see a guy carve a wood duck with a chainsaw, buy a homemade quilt with a BASE jumper on it, and sign up for skydiving lessons within 100 yards of each other.  The sides of the bridge are covered with vendors from around the world, if you count the US as the world, and a walk through is definitely on the to-do list.  Also, you must eat a funnel cake (Fried oreos or elephant ears are also acceptable [barely]).

-Go To The Chili Cookoff When the jumping ends, the cookoff begins.  Right on the steps of the historic courthouse in downtown Fayetteville, you’ll find the best chili this side of wherever was formerly known for having the best chili.  Brought to you by the businesses and restaurants of the New River Gorge and the Fayetteville CVB, the chili cookoff is a great way to get to know our little (awesome) town.  Also, there’s cornbread.  And craft beer.

Okay, y’all.  Let me have it:  What did I miss?

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5 Reasons Why Subaru Rocks

June 9th, 2010

Hey, guess what?

Subaru is the flagship sponsor for Bridge Day West Virginia 2010.

Don't try this at home.

Don't try this at home.

Right.  Subaru.  The folks that did this.  And built this.

How cool is that?  Wait, wait… I know the answer…  VERY cool.  Sorry, but Subys flat out rock.  They run forever, go anywhere, look cool, and did I mention they run forever (almost)?

It’s really a perfect fit for Bridge Day, too.  They’re not hugely popular in New York and L.A., but hey, neither are we.  That’s okay; people in the mountains know what works (I’m kind of a fan, if you haven’t guessed).

Here’s a list of 5 reasons why Subaru rocks:

1. Attitude Or really, I should say non-attitude; they’re the opposite of showing off.  Pretty good on the fuel consumption, but more than that, it’s a feeling of independence.  That’s it: Subaru drivers are independent.

2. Looks They’re cool looking, but, again, not showy.  Lots of room for kids, dogs, parachutes, rope, bikes, skis, snowboards, skateboards, inflatable pool toys, apples, and kayaks.

3. Green-i-ness Every Subaru made comes for a factory that produces ZERO landfill waste.  And the Suby plant in Indiana was named… wait for it… a wildlife habitat.  Clearly, they’re on to something that resonates with their target market (read: you).

4. Performance Did you watch those video links?  These things can climb trees.  Nothing better for winter in the Appalachian high country than a dependable four wheel drives that’s all that under the hood.

5. Community Subaru sponsors all kinds of cool organizations, like the National Ski Patrol, the Professional Ski Instructors of America, and the International Mountain Biking Association Trail Care Crew.  And, y’know, us.

Hey, looks like Bridge Day is in pretty good company.  Make sure you stop by the Subaru booth to say hi.  They’re going to have a ton of swag to give out, and some great discounts on new cars (c’mon, you know you want one).

So what about you?  Love your Subaru?  Let us know in the comments.

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The Bridge Day West Virginia Blog Is Jumping

June 7th, 2010

Get it?  It’s a pun with the word “jumping”, because we… okay, never mind.  Sorry.

We’re getting the blog back together!  It’s long overdue, and there’s a lot to write about.  I’m not sure where we’ll put everything, but if I’ve learned anything from Bridge Day, it’s this:

Aw Yeah!

Aw Yeah!

Sometimes, you just gotta jump.

So here’s what you can expect to see on the blog…

  • Stories about funnel cake.
  • A lot of posts about why people BASE jump.
  • The view from the rope:  all about rappellers and the people that love them.
  • Da Bridge.  History, facts, stats, pics, and whatever else I can find.
  • How to make funnel cake.
  • Whitewater stuff and rock climbing stuff and mountain biking stuff.  Basically, the other events here in the gorge.
  • Lots of posts about the people that come to Bridge Day (that’s YOU!)
  • Directions, logistics, and seriously helpful info about the Bridge Day event.
  • Zen and the art of funnel cake.
  • West Virginia Vacation ideas, and believe me, there’s nooooooo shortage of stuff there.
  • Places in the park and exploring the New River Gorge National River Areas
  • Something about riding motorcycles around in the mountains of West Virginia.
  • Guest blog posts from around the world of Bridge Day.
  • Two words:  Funnel.  Cake.

So, in advance, thanks for stopping by.  You absolutely rock for coming to this blog, because, hey, that’s just how we roll.  It ought to be a really good time, so make sure you tell your friends.  Or not (completely understand if you just need to keep your Bridge Day addiction to yourself- baby steps).

So that’s where I’m coming from.  How about you?  This is your bridge day blog, so what would you like to see here?  Write a comment, and I guarantee you won’t be ignored :-)

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A Marriage Consumation

November 22nd, 2009

On Bridge Day morning in 2007, she walked out onto the catwalk completely unsuspecting that her future husband would be standing there waiting for her with a ring in his hand. TiNy Manke got on his knees, in one of their favorite places, surrounded by some of their closest friends, and asked NikKy to marry him. That is by far one of the most romantic proposals I have ever witnessed.

Tiny and Nikky - Bridge Day

Tiny and Nikky - Bridge Day

The following September, they were married during the huge caving event down in TAG (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia) Country, and it had all the glamour and beauty one could imagine with flowing gowns, flowers and beautiful tuxes.

But, according to the newly weds, the marriage wasn’t consummated until they had rapped down and climbed back up the 700+ feet of rope during Bridge Day, 2008. Talk about your ultimate marriage ceremony.

And as for Bridge Day, 2009, the couple will be taking their usual places at each of the V-Bats rappelling stations, now a happily married couple still doing one of their favorite things, in one of their favorite places with some of their favorite people in the world.

Special Guest Post By:

Wendy Williams, 2009

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