And the winners are …

Tour took riders from the mountains to the sea

The state-wide motorcycle touring competition -- if touring can be a competition -- was won by a guy named Joe Lieberman, according to Motorcycle Virginia!, a state-sponsored, tourism-promoting organization.

Created by a 2007 executive order from the Virginia governor, Motorcycle Virginia! organized the 2010 ride across the commonwealth to promote tourism and motorcycling.

"2010 featured more riders, sponsors, and more great riding throughout the Commonwealth than ever," the organization's website states. "Everyone had a great time at the concluding dinner and awards ceremony. Thanks for your participation in a great 2010 tour! During the event, prizes were awarded to eligible riders based on completion of the tour. The full list of award winners is included in the 2010 Awards List."

According to participants who posted on the site's forum, it was indeed a fun summer.

"For the record: 2010 Motorcycle Grand tour of Virginia completed on June 6 in Paint Bank, Va. using 3 different motorcycles - 3311 miles not including repeats of 320 miles for two Harley dealership stops (wrong 2009 stamp) and 650 miles two repeat runs with Ron K (Kilmarnock and Stauton) for a grand total of 4251 miles – give or take," wrote a member named "brpo." "Longest one day total was 621 miles on a '08 Suzuki B-King and the longest multi-day run 2 nights of camping 3 days for 1140 miles to Wise, Va. and Breaks Interstate on a '09 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe rigged for camping in the great outdoors."

To quote Harley-Davidson, "screw it, let's ride."

Brpo said he had a few mechanical problems, but nothing too serious.

"Only mechancal failure was GPS wire harness failure on the SuzukI B-King. It took about 35 minutes to repair at a 7-11 in the South Boston area," he wrote. "It cost about $300 for gas and took at least 66 hours of seat time not including repeats. I just want to say thanks to all my riding partners, for you outstanding company and comeraderie. It was a helluva alot of fun!"

Sponsored by the motorcycle council, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Motorcycle Dealer's Association, and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association, the tour offered an excuse to explore all parts of the state, collecting stamps in a specially-designed tour passport. Point totals were assigned to each stamp and winners won based on the number of points.

The tour officially opened April 10, 2010 at the Roanoke Bikefest and ended on Halloween.