Posts Tagged ‘Bridge Day’

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B.A.S.E. Jumping on Bridge Day: An Expert Tells All

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

One of the biggest draws for the Bridge Day crowd are the BASE jumpers.  Anyone who has ever watched these thrill seekers launch themselves towards the rocks and water waiting a mere 880 feet below wonders, “What makes these people do this?”.

Well, we found the answer to that question, and a few others, when we chatted with Jason Bell of Vertical Visions.  Vertical Visions is a parachuting and BASE jumping company in Bridgeport, WV and this is its tenth year as the Bridge Day BASE coordinators.  Owner Jason and his partner Bill Bird are the co-organizers and both have extensive skydiving and BASE jumping experience.

Jason and his wife, Jennifer

Jason is originally from Morgantown and has a Mechanical Engineering background.  It was at WVU where his passion for jumping out of and off of things was spawned.

It didn’t take Jason long to become an experienced skydiver.  After only one year and 150 jumps, he trekked down I-79 and Rt 19 for his first Bridge Day BASE jump.  Jason was kind enough to take a moment out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about jumping off the New River Gorge Bridge.

How many years have you been BASE jumping now?

18 years, which is nearly half my life.

How many BASE jumps do you have total?

I stopped counting around 7 years ago after I reached 500 BASE jumps.  It’s exciting to quantify jumps when you first start, but it became time consuming and unimportant.

How many of those jumps are off the New River Gorge Bridge?


I’ve got 100+ jumps off the New River Gorge Bridge over the years.  This bridge is an amazingly safe object and hopefully jumpers will get to legally leap from the catwalk outside of Bridge Day in the near future.

How was your first Bridge Day experience?

I waited in line for over 5 hours to jump, but enjoyed every minute of the adventure.

What makes jumping off the New River Gorge Bridge so exciting/scary?


We BASE jump entirely because it’s scary.  After 18 years of jumping, I still get butterflies at the exit point.  The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the tallest bridges in the USA, which makes it an ideal location for safe BASE jumps.  As a mechanical engineer, I can also appreciate the structural beauty of this bridge.

Tomorrow, our interview with Jason continues…

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Bridge Day – Why Yes, There’s an App for That

Monday, October 10th, 2011

This year’s Bridge Day Festival is indeed a special one. This year, we are debuting the Official Bridge Day 2011 mobile app for iPhone and Android.

Bridge Day at Your Fingertips

The purpose of the app is to help you find your way around Bridge Day and share the experience with your friends and family. The application has vendor and event information, a map, a barcode scanner, and the iPhone version can even make digital postcards to help you share your experience.

Also built into the app is a “Check-In” screen, that will let you post to Facebook, Twitter, Gowalla and Foursquare right from the app. You’ll also have access to the Bridge Day blog, which will be updated during Bridge Day on all the festival happenings.

The app is free, so get to downloading!

See you on the Bridge!

 

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Bridge Day – Five Days and Counting…

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Five days and counting until Bridge Day 2011.  And what’s our office like?  CRAZY!

Although we work all year long to get ready for Bridge Day, these last two weeks are crunch time.   Not a problem for the Bridge Day Team.  That’s life and it makes things interesting.

The most interesting question so far?  “Are horses allowed under the Bridge?”  We love animals as much as you do.  Dogs, cats, and horses.  But not on Bridge Day.  With all the people in attendance, it’s just not the right time to introduce your pet to the beauty of the Gorge.

Posters are ready to go!

Vendors

At this point we have our vendors lined up and are happy to say that we have more vendors this year than at any time since 9/11.  It takes some planning to make sure everyone has the right booth and all the food vendors have their health permit.  Martha and Sharon have been working their tails off.  Make sure and come hungry, as we have some great food vendors!

Sponsors

And great sponsors!  Subaru is on board again as our presenting sponsor and will be previewing the NEW Subaru 2012 Impreza.  You will also enter the Bridge through Red Bull arches at each end of the Bridge this year.

So what else keeps us busy?  Answering questions from media that want to cover Bridge Day.  We love this part because it gives us chances to showcase the New River Gorge and that is our job.  This is the opportunity for the New River Gorge, and hopefully the sun, to shine.

What else would you see if you were a fly on our walls?

• Lights on the phone bank flashing.

• Stacks of the 2011 Bridge Day posters waiting for Ginger Danz to sign in the Bridge Day tent on the south side.

• A picture of the Bridge with cut-out witches placed strategically on it.  Don’t ask.

• Stacks of signs and corners filled with flags to mark the bus routes & parking areas.

• Orange and green vests for the volunteers that answer questions & give directions.

• The GEICO Gecko.  Okay, not really, but he will be at Bridge Day

• Pop-up tents and recycle bins ready to make their way to the Bridge.

• Boxes of Official Bridge Day shirts from Sustain U.

We have a big Bridge, and I think we need a bigger office.  See you at Bridge Day!

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Posted in Bridge Day Vendors, Visitor Information | 6 Comments »

Tandem B.A.S.E. Jump Contest Winners Announced

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Today we are happy to announce the winners of our Tandem B.A.S.E. Jump Contests.  Drumroll please…..

Stephanie Bercht is our video contest winner!  Her “BASE Hooping” video received the most votes, and her charity, World Hoop Day, will receive $1,000, courtesy of Subaru.

Mollie Seidler is the winner of the Hometown Subaru Test Drive contest.  Mollie is currently a med student at Marshall University.

Congratulations!  And a big thank you to all who entered both contests and to those of you who voted.

Next up: Stephanie and Mollie will suit up and jump off of the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day.  Will you be there to watch?

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Secrets to Having the Best Bridge Day in the History of the Earth

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

Bridge Day is one of the coolest events out there (and yes, we’re biased). But where else are you going to be able to hang out with thousands of people on one of the world’s largest structures and take in some of the most beautiful scenery and craziest people on the planet?

With more food than a fair and vendors selling everything from New River Pet Rocks to hand knit wool socks, Bridge Day is a unique event that showcases our wonderful fall scenery and our very own engineering marvel.

Here are some of the secrets to making your Bridge Day the best Bridge Day ever.

Family Fun on Bridge Day

Lodging 

Choosing where to stay can make a huge difference in how you’ll access the bridge. There are many options that are in close proximity to the Bridge and require either a short walk or shuttle ride to get to the event. Close options are:

Planning

The best way to make the most of the day is to plan, plan, plan. Take a look at the Schedule of Events to help you figure out how to take advantage of all of the activities taking place. Allowing yourself extra time to travel and planning for all the activities in advance is key to having the best Bridge Day in history.

After the Bridge

In order to get traffic moving again and clean up after the fun, the Bridge will start being cleared at 3:00 pm. But that doesn’t mean the fun is over.

There is a car show at the Quality Inn until 4:00 pm.  In downtown Fayetteville, you can check out the Mountain State Cornhole Tournament, Chili and Cornbread Cook-off and live music by local bands.  There’s free parking in Fayetteville for these events, so you should have no problem getting around.  If you opt to walk into Fayetteville from the Bridge, you’ll be able to catch a free shuttle from there to all of the designated Bridge Day shuttle parking lots until 7:00 pm.

And many of the local bars, restaurants and outfitters also have live music to take you late into the night.

Bridge Day Possibilities

Here’s an example of what an ideal Bridge Day Itinerary might look like:

  • Taste of Bridge Day- Adventures on the Gorge Friday, October 14, 5-9pm.
  • Pancake Breakfast – 7:30am at the American Legion Fayetteville.
  • Fayetteville Farmers Market – 8:30am
  • On the Bridge – 9:00am. Walk across bridge, see jumpers, visit vendors, and take in scenery.
  • Shuttle to the Bottom -12:30pm. Go check out the event from a entirely different perspective.
  • Car show – 3:00 pm Quality Inn
  • Downtown Fayetteville – 4-6:30pm Music, food, and fun.
  • Live Band, The Wild Rumpus – 8:00pm Rendezvous Lodge, Adventures on the Gorge

 

This is just one way to spend your Bridge Day. No matter what you want to do, remember to plan as early as you can for lodging and shuttles.

What is your idea of the best Bridge Day ever?

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Rafting on Bridge Day; Or, How to Get Up Close and Personal With B.A.S.E. Jumpers

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

As you know, Bridge Day is a very unique festival. It brings together extreme crowds and extreme thrill seekers in an electric atmosphere.

But there’s another way to experience Bridge Day: on the river.

Why Raft?

Rafting the Lower New River on Bridge Day is a great way to enjoy the event. Most whitewater rafting companies offer packages that allow you to raft and spend time underneath bridge watching the base jumpers, up close and personal. Watching the jumpers from water level is a whole different experience than watching from the bridge.

Why?  Well, would you be more excited about a herd of bulls running at you or away from you?  Exactly.

From bridge level, the jumpers hurl themselves off the platform and as they fall away they get smaller and smaller, and if their parachute doesn’t open instantly, you get little sense of the gravity (no pun intended) of the situation.

This could be your view

Jumpers Up Close and Personal

But from the water, you have a better perspective of just how little time jumpers have left for their chute to open as they accelerate towards you.

You get to see just how hard it is to have a good landing, especially on a rocky riverbank. You can watch their faces as they realize they are destined for a splash landing and a rescue by the safety boats that are positioned to quickly pluck not-so-lucky jumpers from the water. Maybe they get caught up in the trees above your head. Or maybe Elvis lands in your pot of chili (true story).

Lower New Fall Colors

But you also get some adventure in your day as you navigate the rapids of the Lower New River. The fall colors are usually in full swing, making this one of the most wonderful times to experience the Gorge. And there’s a good chance you’ll be offered a discounted rafting trip on the Gauley River as part of a Bridge Day weekend package.

So lets review why rafting on Bridge Day is a good idea:

  • Different, and in some opinions, better perspective to watch base jumpers.
  • Scenic time to whitewater raft .
  • Possibility of discounted Gauley trip the next day.

 

So if you love Bridge Day but want to mix it up this year, a quick run down the Lower New River with some added action at the end may be just what you’re looking for. It is a wonderful way to spend a fall Saturday in WV.

Have you rafted on Bridge Day?

 

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And the Poster Contest Winner Is…..

Monday, September 12th, 2011

Drumroll please…

The Winning Poster

Congratulations to Ginger Danz, our 2011 Bridge Day Poster Contest Winner!

Look for Ginger’s poster at Bridge Day on October 15; you’ll be able to purchase your copy there.

And a big thank you to all of our entrants and voters.  See you on the Bridge!

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Where to Camp Around the New River Gorge Bridge

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

Bridge Day is known for its base jumpers, plethora of vendors and spectacular view of fall colors. It’s also the largest one-day festival in West Virginia.  And you know what that means – lots of cars and traffic.

Parking and shuttles, walking, and dodging other visitors are all part of the day. But if you want to limit your time in traffic, plan to stay somewhere close to the Bridge. Camping is a good option to get you close to the event.

There are plenty of campsites in the area, but you should go ahead and make your lodging plans now.

Campgrounds

There are quite a few camping options for you if you want to be close to the Bridge.  Thinking about the kind of group and type of experience you hope to have will help you choose the right site:

Camping in the Gorge

  • Mill Creek Campground – This is a family-oriented campground also run by Adventures On the Gorge. It’s closer to their main campus, which is just ¾ of a mile from the Mountain State Outdoor Center campground, but still an easy walk to the Bridge.
  • ACE NRG Campground – Located a mile down Fayette Station Road, this campground puts you an easy hike from the Bridge or the New River if you want to enjoy the day away from the crowds.
  • Riftrafters Campground -  Located at the Laurel Creek intersection on Rt. 19, you’ll be less than two miles from the Bridge and less than ¼ mile from the Bridge Day Antique Car Show.
  • Gorge Gateway Center - This area offers camping but also has a lot of RV hookups if that’s your preference. From Laurel Creek Road, it’s an easy walk to the Bridge and Fayetteville.

There are many more camping options in the area. And if camping’s not your style, try one of our hotels, cabins, or B&Bs.

Have you camped around the Gorge before?

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Bring Your Appetite to Bridge Day

Friday, August 5th, 2011

When you think of Bridge Day, the images that might come to mind are of colorful parachutes, rappelers dangling precariously below the New River Gorge Bridge, and the iconic arch itself.

Bridge Day celebrates an engineering marvel and the spirit of adventure.  But it is also a celebration of food.  Yes, you heard that right.  Food plays a big role in the event.

Three Ways to Get in Touch with Your Inner Foodie at Bridge Day

Local Fare

Fayetteville, West Virginia can tickle your tastebuds like no other small town.  With a population of only 2.500, this place packs a serious culinary-punch.  It’s just down the road from the Bridge, so you can’t miss it.  Here are a few options:

  • Pies & Pints Pizzeria – Unique pizza that’s been recognized by the Food Network as the Best in West Virginia.  Great local brews on tap as well.
  • Diogi’s – Authentic Mexcian/Central American food in a really cool atmosphere.  Be sure to try the carnitas!
  • The Vandalian – Contemporary American fare with a twist.  Keep an eye out for the availability of Burger & Sushi night.  It’s become a local favorite.
  • Cathedral Cafe – Hearty, breakfast awesomeness served up in what was once a church.  Great array of craft items too.
  • Gumbo’s – Cajun Food. Real Cajun Food!

 

Taste of Bridge Day

Think the list above sounds good?  Imagine most of them (plus more) all in one place at a competition to serve up the best dish.  It’s like a foodie fantasy come true.

Oh yeah…and you get to taste them!  The evening before Bridge Day, you can join us for the annual Taste of Bridge Day presented by WOAY at Smokey’s on the Gorge.  There, restaurants will be showcasing signature dishes in tasting portions.

Simply show up, buy some tickets (from $1-$5 each) and enjoy.

Funnel Cake = Deliciousness

 

On the Bridge

If we could make Bridge Day scratch and sniff stickers they’d sell like funnel cakes.

You’ll find decadence in the carnival fare on the Bridge, like deep fried Oreos, Twinkies and yes, everyone’s favorite – funnel cake!

Event staples like hot dogs, pizza and burgers?  Check.  Unique vegetarian options?  Check.

You’ll also have no problem finding delicious slow-cooked barbecue; simply follow the scent of the sweet smoke.  Or perhaps fajitas or gyros are your thing.  They’ll be there too.

See, Bridge Day is a celebration of food (and oh yeah, people parachuting off a Bridge).  Better bring your appetite.

What’s your favorite Bridge Day food?  Tell us in the comments.

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How to Plan Your Bridge Day Stay

Friday, July 15th, 2011

It’s only July, but believe it or not, people are already planning their Bridge Day trips.  That’s because lodging and activities tend to book up quickly for that weekend.  Have you started to plan?  If not, here are some tips for planning the best Bridge Day vacation ever.

New River Gorge Lodging

We’ve got it all here in the New River Gorge.  You just have to decide what kind of accommodations you want.  From luxurious cabins to rustic camping, you can make the outdoors part of your stay.  If that’s not quite your style, there are some great hotels in the area.

Taste of Bridge Day

Looking for something more quaint? Choose one of our area Bed and Breakfasts.  The Historic Morris Harvey House in Fayetteville is a local favorite.

New River Gorge Dining

You might be surprised by the diverse dining choices available in the Gorge.  There is something for everyone.

Do some homework and scope out locals’ favorite haunts.  Fayetteville, Hico, and Oak Hill have an awesome variety of options – hand-crafted pizza, American cuisine, unique Mexican food, cajun-style fare.  If you stop by Swirl, be sure to try the Blueberry Pie ice cream.

Since it’s nearly impossible to try all of our local restaurants when you’re here, think about coming to the Taste of Bridge Day.  Sponsored by our local Fayetteville and Oak Hill Rotary clubs, it’s on Friday, October 14 at Adventures on the Gorge.  You’ll have the chance to sample a signature item from several local eateries.  And you can bet you’ll run into some local rafting and Bridge Day pioneers.

Plan An Adventure

Bridge Day coincides with the end of Gauley Season.  If you’re thinking of rafting the Gauley, make sure that you’re experienced enough to handle the class IV, class V, and class V+ rapids that you’ll be facing.  And if the Gauley’s not for you, rafting the New is a great option.  This is a really busy weekend for outfitters, so be sure to book your trip in advance.

If you don’t want to get on the water, try a canopy tour or zip line.  These trips have quickly become a favorite adventure for locals and visitors alike.  Autumn is a pretty spectacular time to soar through the trees.

And why not go for the ultimate adventure – tandem jump off of the New River Gorge Bridge! Only 10 spots are available for a brave and lucky few, so you should make the call quickly if you’re up for jumping.

So go ahead and start making your Bridge Day plans.  It’s never too soon.  Besides, who doesn’t like looking forward to a vacation?

See you there!

 

 

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