What type of lodgings for the national?

[stefrrr]

So wherever we decide to have the National this year, I wanted to start kind of looking at options for lodgings.

What's preferable - more remote a little distance from town/food/beer/attractions, or within walking distance of all the town has to offer?

I've been to two ESTNs, the first one right in town in Sparta, NC. It was nice to be able to walk to dinner although it was slightly further than the estimated 1/2 mile.  

Marlinton was slightly out of the way, which meant that we didn't have to worry about bothering the neighbors, not that we really did in Sparta either. We did have to ride to pick up beer, and those of us who showed up late had to go to bed without dinner. *sniffle*

What do y'all prefer?

[sterling]

I prefer camping, because I'm cheap like that!

[stefrrr]

So probably the ideal place would be somewhat isolated while within easy walking distance to food, inexpensive, and also have camping, yes?  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Most people get rooms. And drink. I suggest finding a low-key motel well within walking distance of dinner and drink. I love Fortuna (WCRM) for the simple fact it has hotel/camping/cabins/beer/dinner all within two blocks of each other, but that's hard to find at most places.

Sorry to dis the campers, but they do tend to be the minority  

Also, a lot of motels have been good at giving us a "group rate" when we all stay at the same place (or most of us, at least). Something else to keep in mind  

[sterling]

Forgot that part

But yeah, I like the somewhat isolated idea, as to not bother others, the walking distance to food doesn't bother me, I can bring my own, or go eat somewhere, it's all the same to me. Than again, a group effort on the food sounds better to me, might be hard to get a grill, etc out there, but that would be more fun to me than any restaurant, as it would be way more social.

[chornbe]

So wherever we decide to have the National this year, I wanted to start kind of looking at options for lodgings.

What's preferable - more remote a little distance from town/food/beer/attractions, or within walking distance of all the town has to offer?

No camping. I want a real bed and a real and private shower after a long day in the saddle. Whether that's arriving or just after the day-riding. I like smaller mom-n-pop or non-chain places. They're usually a little cheaper, but the service is usually better and you're not paying the premium for foo-foo shampoo and uber-soft nutsack towels.

[Ant]

I would say walking distance to food/drink... Stumbling distance to drink is the main requirement   Having to get kitted up on the bikes just to get food would be a pain in the arse and it'd mean you couldn't have a beer with your food.

Other than that I'll just say "cheap"  
A motel/cabin or whatever with a shower and somewhere to put my head each night is all I need  


(already scraping money in to a savings account to try and make this trip a reality for me...)

[twist]

What DantesDamex said.  Most people stay in a hotel and drink, so it'd be best if dinner and drinks could be had without having to ride.

[bubba zanetti]

I want to share a room with someone I have never met, listen to their remarkable and bison like sleep apnea and night terrors, wake after little sleep and ride like a demon on roads I have never seen before.  

I camp but walking distance trumps cheap.

[Ant]

I want to share a room with someone I have never met, listen to their remarkable and bison like sleep apnea and night terrors, wake after little sleep and ride like a demon on roads I have never seen before.  

I camp but walking distance trumps cheap.

I've been informed that my bison impression is very good  

[bubba zanetti]

I've been informed that my bison impression is very good  

Fine then. I get the bed near the window.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

And sharing rooms really cuts down on the cost too  

[greench440]

I'd prefer a swanky hotel with 600 thread count sheets, feather beds and large cocktail lounge in the lobby.  The bellman can take me up to my room on the luggage cart at the end of the night.

[maddjack]

beer in walking distance if posible,food close but it doesn't HAVE to be right there,but better if it is,gas nearby for those ,I  gotta top off before I get lost today mornings
Oh and there was beer next door at ESTN,but you high fluting micro drinkers turned your nose up at it

[Mac]

Do they have a motel with indian tee-pees like in Arizona?

[stefrrr]

beer in walking distance if posible,food close but it doesn't HAVE to be right there,but better if it is,gas nearby for those ,I  gotta top off before I get lost today mornings
Oh and there was beer next door at ESTN,but you high fluting micro drinkers turned your nose up at it

They were closed when we got there on Friday.  
 
Guess what I found when I was unpacking yesterday? A bottle opener in Ray's GIVI. I knew I had one somewhere.    

[maddjack]

Guess what I found when I was unpacking yesterday? A bottle opener in Ray's GIVI. I knew I had one somewhere.    

Thats why I always carry a leatherman type tool,I can even open the can -o-beans at the campground
I think (back on topic) that another critera would be room cost,we don't want it too high,yeah you can share to decrease cost,but sometimes thats not a viaable option,or desired,reasonable rates (for the area involved as it varies from tourist trap to tourist trap).

[Netminder]

What about the Motorcycle Ranch in Pikeville, Tennessee?

http://www.motorcycleranch.com/

[greench440]

It's a little far to get home each night since the 09 national is in Gunnison.

[stefrrr]

That kind of situation would be ideal, though. Price is right, plus they have camping - and tepees!  

There's nothing like that in Gunnison that I can see, but I'm sure we'll find something.