The One-Armed Bandit

True Story: When I interviewed for a position with the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, the first person who said hello to me was Mike Pinkerton, director of marketing. And I have to say, in that moment I was more freaked out than at any time of my life to that point. Now, it may have been jitters from this being my first “professional” job interview coming out of college, but I think it was more the fact that I kept hearing every fear my mother had ever vocally addressed to me about ATVs and off-roading while he spoke.

You see, Mike lost an arm a few years back (not from off-roading by the way…he explains what happened in the video, so I won’t spoil it here) and while many people probably would’ve given up after that, he bought an auto clutch for his bike, rigged up a way for his artificial arm to hook to the handlebars, and hit the trails harder than ever. (He also somehow figured out a way to drive a stick shift, talk on a cell phone, and drink a Diet Mountain Dew all at the same time, but that’s another story for another blog.) Enjoy!

'Tis the Season to Rip the Snow Plow Off Your ATV and Ride

Don't let the season fool you: the Hatfield-McCoy Trails are open year-round and winter is an especially good time to experience the more than 500 miles of trails in southern West Virginia.

"Just because you've ridden one of our Trails once doesn't mean you've had the complete experience," says Executive Director Jeffrey Lusk. "Each Trail is different each time, and with four true seasons, a ride in winter is nothing like a ride in the fall, or any other time."It's always a different experience," he said. "The air is crisp, and with fewer riders at this time of year, the solitude and 'back-to-nature' feel is extraordinary."You feel as if you're as far from the hubbub as you can be."

Access to all six trail system is easy, regardless of the season.

Permits for 2009 permits are available now.Permits for West Virginia residents are $26.50 (plus tax); the non-resident fee is $50.00 (plus tax).Permits may be purchased online, at the new Visitor Center on US 119 south of Charleston, at one of the four other staffed trailheads (Bearwallow, Buffalo Mountain, Rockhouse or Pinnacle Creek) or at one of more than 30 authorized retail locations throughout southern West Virginia. Many vendors also rent bikes and ATVs for the trails, so there's really no reason not to spend some time at Trails Heaven this winter.

Happy New Gear!

Pun-filled title aside, be sure to pop on over to the Hatfield-McCoy Gear Shop and check out the new 2009 gear. It's a great way to blow some Christmas Cash. Happy Holidays everyone.