Photos by Kyle Jolly/High RPM Photo.
As the first hints of fall painted the landscape of the Appalachian Mountains with hues of gold and crimson, motorcyclists from Australia, England, the District of Colombia, Canada and 17 states across America rolled into Kentucky’s oldest state park for a weekend immersed in history, hospitality and picturesque geological marvels. Over 100 guests rolled through its gorges in September, 2025, as they entered Pine Mountain State Resort Park on motorcycles of every make and model. Home of the BMW MOA Getaway for over a decade, Rides4Fun once again welcomed riders from the MOA, AMA, BMW RA, MSTA and other riding organizations into this 101-year-old State Park of Kentucky.
Entering off Hwy 25E, guests rode by the Wasioto Winds Golf Course, named for the Valley of Deer. Indeed, the area has a healthy population of whitetail that one may catch grazing on the Bermuda grass while swinging clubs. Riders first stopped in at the Herndon J. Evans Lodge, a rustic icon of the park built from hemlock timber and stone quarried straight from the mountains it inhabits. The smell of fresh cookies greeted attendees at the check-in area as staff and volunteers handed out gift bags filled with multiple goodies from event sponsors, BMW of Louisville, Backroads of Appalachia, Quad Lock, Helmet House and Rider Justice, plus AMA Gypsy Tour pins, keychains, stickers. With no rush warranted, guests helped themselves to cold drinks from the Mountain Top Tavern and took their time to unpack, unwind and wander the grounds at their own pace.
The lodge sits atop Pine Mountain, which maintains a watchful eye over the town of Pineville by protecting it with a 101-foot chain that early settlers claimed “holds the mountain back from falling onto the city below.” Those old stories of a boulder chained to the mountain in effort to prevent it from rolling down and destroying the town beneath remained legends until June 24, 1933, when citizens attached a 3,000-pound chain anchored at each end by iron stakes, hand-drilled two feet deep into a 75-foot-wide rock looming above Pineville. The rock and its chain now bring in tourists from all over the world, visitors who traverse the Chained Rock Trail and can confirm the story’s truth for themselves.
By late afternoon, the conference center echoed with soulful conversations as guests shared their journeys over a homemade meal prepared by the Pine Mountain Grill. The welcome reception, led by Rides4Fun hosts Daryl and Becki Casey, officially kicked off the event Friday night. Glasses clinked as everyone gave attention to venue supporters who spoke about their services and vendors who showcased industry knowledge, like BigEar, a newcomer to the event. Stone Hood, son of Glen Hood, the creator of this international solution to poor-fitting ear plugs, delivered a heartfelt speech encouraging riders to be more proactive in preventing hearing damage.
Saturday morning began sentimental and slow. With coffee in hand, eyes on the valley mist and full stomachs from breakfast at the lodge, riders geared up to roam the grey ribbons weaved throughout the hills of eastern Kentucky. Whether chasing a leisurely circuit of small-town antiquity or seeking a long haul with tight turns and mountain switchbacks, riders had their choice of five thoughtfully designed street routes. Those sporting a bit more of an aggressive tread pattern on their tires could opt for a scenic, adventure-friendly ride with a bit of gravel and dirt.
Before even leaving the park’s property loop, some riders chose to do it twice! Pine Mountain showcased incredible routes—sweeping curves of 180-degree hairpins and vast overlooks along the descent—made even more incredible by a gorgeous, sun-soaked 75° day. Cumberland Gap Route, seemingly a crowd favorite with its must-see Pinnacle Overlook offered sweeping panoramic views of the tri-state region. Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee converge amongst the valleys flowing between the mountain ranges each state calls their piece of Appalachia heaven; it is a vista worth every twist and turn.
Several riders ventured into nearby Harlan County, home to mighty Black Mountain. Rising taller than 4,100 feet, it is Kentucky’s highest peak. This region is renowned for its legendary tales and turbulent past, notably the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud. Just across the state line, many bragged on their lunch stop at Black Bear BBQ, in Appalachia, Virginia. While the BBQ is divine, don’t miss the opportunity to have one of the best fried catfish fillets in the east!
History lovers enjoyed mixing conservation and geographical splendor with nostalgia from another popular option: The Kentucky Sampler. True to its name, this route gave guests a sample of Kentucky’s best riding terrain. It included both the grandeur of Cumberland Falls (nicknamed the Niagara of the South) and a lighthearted lunch stop at the original Kentucky Fried Chicken, where Colonel Sanders got his start. Some folks chose to visit the Dr. Thomas Walker Museum in Barboursville, Kentucky, along the way. Walker was perhaps a lesser-known frontiersman, but emerged as crucial to Kentucky’s early development.
For those drawn to the roads less traveled, the adventure route beckoned the primitive urge to get lost among the state’s remote backroads. This route offered a ride friendly to big bikes, one focused more on beauty than boldness. Designed with comfort in mind instead of difficulty, riders found it thrilling to get a little dirt under their wheels.
As the sunset drifted across the foothills, riders returned to a banquet hall feast. Laughter commenced while everyone shared their day’s adventures during Happy Hour with drink coupons donated by SkyMed Insurance. During the door prize drawings—and in-between bites of a Southern-fried chicken dinner—riders chatted about their day’s highlights and favorite scenes. Donors made sure attending guests did not leave empty handed. Some were lucky enough to go home with a new Cardo Edge, Arai helmet, Alpinestars gear or a set of Dunlop tires. Others won gifts from Quad Lock, DP Brakes, Aerostich, OGIO, Continental Tires and more.
Rides4Fun’s partner, Backroads of Appalachia, also took the stage. Founder Erik Hubbard is a local rider, driven by a community-focused heart. He started this nonprofit organization to promote tourism to lift Appalachian communities recovering from poverty and economic devastation left behind after the exit of the coal mining industry. Supplying riders curated routes, via their free app, exposed them to more than 5,000 miles of the best curves, climbs and cultural experiences the mountains have to offer.
No matter the style of riding or choice of wheels, Rides4Fun hosts an event that rallies a strong sense of kinship infused with southern charm and warm hospitality. It offers more than just scenic routes to log miles; it’s a meaningful experience designed to unify like-minded riders and build a community that feels like family. We can all agree this adds true value to our lives! This event offered something we all seek—not just the joy of riding together, but a genuine happiness and richness money simply cannot buy.
Visit the MOA Events Calendar to find out what Getaways, rallies and other fun things to do are happening in your area and across the country.
