2010 Nationals

[HappyRiding]

I stayed in Robbinsville a few weeks ago and forgot to buy beer before I got there. You can't get any in Robbinsville. I love the Cherohala Skyway and enjoyed the Foothills Parkway but I don't see the appeal of the Dragon. There are much nicer roads to ride with out the circus but you won't get a KillBoy photo.

I've never stayed in Sparta, NC since it is in my backyard but the riding is excellent. You can enjoy some of the best roads in SW VA, NE TN while in the neighborhood.

I stayed at the Marlinton Motor Inn last Monday. The room was cheap but very clean. I arrived around 9pm so all the restaurants had already closed but the Sunoco station in Marlinton makes a good pizza. The breakfast at the Sixties Cafe at the motel was pretty good. There is a store next door that sells beer, gas and munchies.

I stayed at Canaan Valley State Park for several nights last week also. They gave the BMW RA guests a flat rate of $91. There's a nice restaurant, bar, and a snack bar with great pizza. The resort served a "pay and eat" BBQ down in the covered pavilion with ribs, chicken and all the fixin's for $10. Davis is about ten miles north and has some good eats (Hellbender Burritos are awesome). There is beer, whine and liquor at the Exxon between Davis and the resort.

I just got home from Canaan Valley yesterday but I'd go back there tomorrow if I could. I just thought I'd toss a couple pennies into the discussion.

[servicerifle]

I think N. GA would be a great place to have it...

[HappyRiding]

I think N. GA would be a great place to have it...

You gonna try to make it back to the States next year?

[servicerifle]

Who knows...  It all depends on when I take my vacation, and how much time I've spent in the US...I only get 30 days according to the IRS...

Hmm..I left the US in December '08 this time, to technically I could spend 30 days before Dec 09, but that ain't gonna happen.  It doesn't accumulate, so if I still expect to come for a month in Feb (or so, depending on Zarina's US visa), then I won't be able to come back for a year...though there is some overlap that you can "cheat" with.  I might look into that.  

The problem is that I plan to get my ankle fixed when I come back (hence the 1 month trip, rather than 2 two week trips, spread out).  That basically means no riding when I come, too.

I'll do enough to run the gas out of both bikes and then put them away again, and then go under the knife.

BTW, if you think you're going to be near my bikes between now and then, you could go run them out of gas for me...

[HappyRiding]

Who knows...  It all depends on when I take my vacation, and how much time I've spent in the US...I only get 30 days according to the IRS...

Hmm..I left the US in December '08 this time, to technically I could spend 30 days before Dec 09, but that ain't gonna happen.  It doesn't accumulate, so if I still expect to come for a month in Feb (or so, depending on Zarina's US visa), then I won't be able to come back for a year...though there is some overlap that you can "cheat" with.  I might look into that.  

The problem is that I plan to get my ankle fixed when I come back (hence the 1 month trip, rather than 2 two week trips, spread out).  That basically means no riding when I come, too.

I'll do enough to run the gas out of both bikes and then put them away again, and then go under the knife.

BTW, if you think you're going to be near my bikes between now and then, you could go run them out of gas for me...

I can't believe you'd put your health and future ambulation ability ahead of the desires of your riding buddies.  And now you tell me to go ride your bikes after I just rode a Wee to two BMW rallies. I'd have run your GS out of gas all right (and tires).

[Mr_McBride]

I think N. GA would be a great place to have it...

+1

I've never been to a National event and would love to attend. WV is a bit far for me.

[SWriverstone]

Just an idea...Peaks of Otter Lodge—right smack ON the Blue Ridge Parkway...and right in the middle of a ton of great riding:



Inexpensive rooms, a beautiful setting, awesome restaurant and bar (though a bit pricey)...and there are a bunch of cheap-but-good eateries in Buchanan, about 5-6 miles down an insanely twisty road from the lodge!   There are a few big party rooms in the lodge too (easy to accommodate a large group).

Seriously—this place is more beautiful than Canaan Valley Lodge (though I like that too). There are countless great ride routes that follow the BRP, then down an insanely twisty crossover road...then along a beautiful valley, then back up another insanely twisty crossover road, then back on the BRP, then back down another insanely twisty crossover road...etc. until you have a perma-grin.  

Scott

PS - Here's a link to the location in Google Maps:
http://tinyurl.com/nempxy

[chas]

yeeeees!

[stefrrr]

Was the National at the Canaan River Valley Lodge? Do either of those have 30% discounts?

Is it ok if we keep it in the $60-80 range?

[garry]

Was the National at the Canaan River Valley Lodge? Do either of those have 30% discounts?

Is it ok if we keep it in the $60-80 range?

The 2006 National was at Canaan Valley Resort, a WV state park. They have a campus style lodge (multiple buildings) plus a camping area. Located on route 32, 10 miles south of Davis, WV. Rates have gone up since then. I inquired about using CVR for ESTN in 2008. Expect group rates in the $90 + tax range.

http://www.CanaanResort.com

[SWriverstone]

Peaks of Otter also has a beautiful 100-site campground literally right next to the lodge (in the woods), a multi-building setup with tons of parking, and comparable rates. (Not trying to compete with you Garry or CV...just saying.   )

http://www.peaksofotter.com/

Scott

[garry]

Peaks of Otter also has a beautiful 100-site campground literally right next to the lodge (in the woods), a multi-building setup with tons of parking, and comparable rates. (Not trying to compete with you Garry or CV...just saying.   )

http://www.peaksofotter.com/

Scott

I have no ties to CVR. I've used in the past and it's a fine location. Personally, I think it's a bit pricey for what you get, but a few bucks isn't going to kill me. Peaks of Otter looks nice. There are lots of options, but the Den Mother has declared that the site isn't up for discussion.

[servicerifle]

Another place would be Breaks Interstate Park.  The facilities and location are excellent.  The only downside is no restaurants nearby, but I think the park has one, and you could eat in town/bring food and beer into the park.  I really like that area.  Yes, they do have a restaurant...and a pool!

http://www.breakspark.com/

[SWriverstone]

Breaks Interstate Park is nice...but I'm not sure about the riding around there? (I'm actually spending a week riding in remote southwestern VA in September...so I'll find out!) And that area in general is pretty friggin' remote. (As in, you've gotta go a LONG way just to find fast food, a motorcycle dealer, etc.)

I don't think Colleen has officially vetoed anything but Canaan Valley...(have you Colleen?). She just said she *assumed* it would be the same place.

I see pluses/minuses to having it at the same place (sort of obvious)...
Plus: everyone knows it.
Minus: everyone knows it.
 
Might be nice to move it around a bit...

Well I'm happy to go with the flow...but I can absolutely guarantee that everyone would love Peaks of Otter. You can't get much better than literally staying right on the Blue Ridge Parkway...and there is plenty of great riding within a day of there.

Scott

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I don't think Colleen has officially vetoed anything but Canaan Valley...(have you Colleen?). She just said she *assumed* it would be the same place.

I see pluses/minuses to having it at the same place (sort of obvious)...
Plus: everyone knows it.
Minus: everyone knows it.
 
Might be nice to move it around a bit...

No, I haven't vetoed anything, but then again, I don't have right to    (I would if I could, however, plan it back at CV).

Another plus side to having it at the same place is that 2) no one has to go through the trouble to set it up. What's been done can be done again. For those who haven't set up a National yet, it can be quite a daunting task.  

I'll also discount your "con", Scott: while CV's been "done before", it's only been done once before. I seriously doubt that all of the roads in the area have been explored by everyone. I saw very little while I was there last time 'round and would like to see more of it.

For those who want it somewhere else, keep in mind that someone has to organize it. And that "someone" won't be me  

[twist]

For those who want it somewhere else, keep in mind that someone has to organize it. And that "someone" won't be me 

I think Scott just volunteered.  Thank you Scott 

[Orson]

No, I haven't vetoed anything, but then again, I don't have right to    (I would if I could, however, plan it back at CV).

In the past, these threads have sometimes devolved into heated bickering. Herding ST.Ners is like trying to herd cats, so it might be best to leave things in the hands of a benevolent dictator (dominatrix?   ) who has the site's best interest at heart.

best to nip it in the bud now before the two Scotts send this thread to whiney-town  

 

[SWriverstone]

Hey! I resemble that remark!  

Like I said, I like Canaan Valley...I just figured (and correct me if I'm wrong Colleen) that even having it at the same place still requires organizational work (getting the block of rooms, researching updated prices and other local campgrounds, hotels, eateries, collecting money, arranging the group dinner, etc.)

Given all this, it doesn't seem like it would be that much more work to have it in a different location.

I.........might..........be up for organizing a Peaks of Otter event if there's enough interest in that location (but I'd want to give 'em a call first just to get the basics on group rates, etc.).

I also realize that CV is farther west than Peaks of Otter, which might make it easier for western folks to make (probably a good 3-4 hours' difference).

Scott

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Like I said, I like Canaan Valley...I just figured (and correct me if I'm wrong Colleen) that even having it at the same place still requires organizational work (getting the block of rooms, researching updated prices and other local campgrounds, hotels, eateries, collecting money, arranging the group dinner, etc.)

Given all this, it doesn't seem like it would be that much more work to have it in a different location.

On the surface, that may seem so. But with going back to a place, you already know who (and how) to contact, what eateries are available, what exactly is in the surrounding area... the only thing that remains is to make the official reservation and request the dinner.

And the money. There will always be a money issue  

[SLK50]

  Scott has NEVER steered me wrong, and I would use ANY excuse

to ride the BRP! So, I guess I'm with Scott on this.

  Assuming the planets align and this is possible,

Peaks of Otter gets my vote.

  While Canaan Valley gives you access to the better roads in

( Almost Heaven ) West Virginia, Marlinton and Lewisburg would

be better locations  for a "hub" for rides.  This is why Peaks of Otter

is so appealing: more than access, it puts you in the heart of

motorcycling heaven