2010 Nationals Option - Peaks of Otter - Bedford, VA

[SWriverstone]

Peaks of Otter - Bedford, VA

Location: Right on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 86 (crossing of Rt.42), 10 miles from Bedford, VA.

Motel: Peaks of Otter Lodge - 63-room lodge, all rooms have a view of the lake.

Nightly Motel Rates: $115/night for a king bed or two double beds. No group rates, but they'll reserve a block of rooms for us up to 30 days prior to the event.

Info on Dining: Peaks of Otter Restaurant is on-site and serves outstanding breakfast, lunch and dinner—all meals have buffet options as well as al la carte. Meal prices are in the range of $15-20 for breakfast/lunch, and $15-25 for dinner. The food is outstanding and the service is excellent. There are many other restaurant/fast-food options in Buchanan, VA (5 miles away) and Bedford, VA (10 miles away).

Alcoholic beverages: There is a bar in the Peaks of Otter Lodge, and alcohol is served in the restaurant. Beer can be bought at the bar and taken to rooms (or wherever). not cheap, not crazy-expensive. Next closest source for alcohol would be in Buchanan or Bedford, VA.

Brief Summary of Benefits: This is a spectacularly beautiful setting right on a lake along the BRP and surrounded by mountains. Yes, it's more expensive...but the location and setting are worth it IMO. Note: the rooms have no TV and no phones (which is a plus in my book). It's incredibly cool to stay right on the BRP, and it's an amazingly relaxing place to hang out. The parking lots are huge, the grounds are beautifully landscaped, but it's not a high-brow atmosphere (gangs of Harley riders routinely stop on weekends to eat at the restaurant). Evenings are incredible, sitting in rocking chairs in the grass behind your room on the lake as barn swallows dart about overhead, the peeper frogs sing along the lakeshore and deer graze on the lawn right in front of you. Finally, Peaks of Otter is also ideal for non-motorcycling family & friends—there are hiking trails to waterfalls and incredible views, good fishing in the lake, and the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford—an awe-inspiring WW2 monument that's absolutely worth seeing. And did I say Peaks of Otter is right on the Blue Ridge Parkway?   Also just minutes away is Lexington, Virginia—a beautiful college town, home of the Virginia Military Institute (whose faculty members include Stonewall Jackson and George C. Marshall) and Washington & Lee University, one of the oldest/most historic schools in the U.S. and Robert E. Lee's burial site (in the famous Lee Chapel).

Brief Rundown on Roads to Ride: Aside from the BRP, there are countless miles of great roads to ride...including VA40 through Woolwine, VA8 through Floyd, Indian Valley Road between Hillsville and Radford, VA311 through Paint Bank, VA/WV 39 through Goshen Pass, and multiple fantastic roads over the Blue Ridge like US60 from Buena Vista and VA56 past Crabtree Falls. Countless great routes can be put together that include sections of the BRP, great "traverse roads" over the mountains, and beautiful valley roads to the east and west.

Camping: Literally right across Rt.42 from Peaks of Otter is the Peaks of Otter Campground, run by the National Park Service. It's a rustic-but-beautiful campground with 132 tent sites and restrooms. (So it's easy to pitch your tent there and walk or ride over to the lodge to eat and hang out.)

Here are photos of Peaks of Otter...








Here are two views of the National D-Day Memorial, 15 minutes away in Bedford, VA...




And here are two views of the Lee Chapel in Lexington, VA, burial place of Robert E. Lee...




Finally, here's a 100-mile circle around Peaks of Otter...



Scott

[maddjack]

Also a viable option ,IMHO

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

This is a beautiful area of the US if you've never been there.  Some of the best riding roads anywhere in the US as well.  The D-Day Memorial is a must see and the towns of Lexington and others have some nice historical buildings/places to visit.  You're also close to college row.  The home of many well known colleges in VA.

[falconati]

AMAZING choice.  I've been through this area about 3 times over the past year alone, and it is absolutely gorgeous.  Better yet, LOADS AND LOADS of twisty roads.  The Lynchburg/Appomattox/Charlottesville area has some amazing stuff, culturally and ride-wise.

I give this suggestion:  

[denisep]

note to any interested in camping---  the campsites on the parkway have restrooms (sink/toilet), but not shower facilities.  We use them for a night or two, but just wanted folks to know.  

[SWriverstone]

note to any interested in camping---  the campsites on the parkway have restrooms (sink/toilet), but not shower facilities.  We use them for a night or two, but just wanted folks to know.  

Thanks Denise—I didn't know that. I neglected to mention in the summary above that there are plenty of cheap motel options in Bedford, VA—just 10 miles down the road. So if we happened to choose Peaks of Otter as the Nationals site and anyone didn't want to pay to stay there, you can always get an inexpensive room in Bedford and still not miss out on the hanging out, meals, etc.

I know there are other campgrounds around too. There's actually a great campground (with a beautiful pool and showers) in Buena Vista, VA—I stayed there recently...I'm sure there are more.

Scott

[R Doug]

Well done.  If I get the time, I may put up one for Lewisburg, WV.  

[maddjack]

Well done.  If I get the time, I may put up one for Lewisburg, WV.  

Psst Doug  http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,43609.0.html    

[SWriverstone]

Okay...like I've said all along, I'm happy to go to Lewisburg...but...

Yesterday I was riding the BRP with 3 other STNers (including cablebandit and SLK50). The following unanimous declarations were made:

1. That the BRP rules, period. There was zero traffic and zero LEO---on a Saturday, we rode 65, and had a BLAST.

2. That Peaks of Otter is a spectacularly beautiful place...and that being there suddenly makes some mid-level hotel parking lot seem incredibly trashy and depressing.

3. That spending $40 more for a room at Peaks of Otter is MORE than worth the $200 improvement in scenery and relaxation factor.

3. That roads near Peaks of Otter (like VA58) totally rule, and there are no twistier roads in all of VA/WV.

 

Just sayin'.
Scott

[chas]

Just got back from ESTN 2009 in Lake Placid.  This was my first event and it was simply a great time.  There were maybe 40-50 riders, hard to tell from all the comings and goings.  There was a good mix of sport oriented/sport-touring riders.  Wife's and girl friends were in attendance.  Many pictures were taken and I'm sure they will be posted in the next few days.  The best part of the meet was the parking lot BS sessions, well after midnight.  For me and others it was more interesting putting faces besides screen names.  I don't need to focus so much on the twistys as I would rather see some people I have never met.  I'm sure anything you guys come up with will be more than fine with me.  This was a rather impromptu meet and what worked was that L.P. was in walking distance.  The wife's liked that.  Plenty to see and do close by.  Sport touring isn't all about riding/racing.  People are what makes an event.

[Blunder]

This is a beautiful area of the US if you've never been there.

Why do I feel insulted?

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Why do I feel insulted?

Don't know.  Why would you?  

[Blunder]

Sentence structure.  

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Sentence structure.  

 

[basco]

Ah, in a state that does not allow radar detectors? Come on.

BTW, no one camps at nationals anyways.    

[Rude_Rydah]

YAY!!!  If this works out, my clan will be there, definitely!  We love the BRP, and don't get there as often as possible.


Geez, three years ago...  


I am freakin stoked!  And I guess I'd better stop being such a smart ass, I don't want any grudges held when people (cops) finally meet me!

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

YAY!!!  If this works out, my clan will be there, definitely!  We love the BRP, and don't get there as often as possible.


Geez, three years ago...  


I am freakin stoked!  And I guess I'd better stop being such a smart ass, I don't want any grudges held when people (cops) finally meet me!

[/b]


Too late.  You're toast.

[Rude_Rydah]

Don't taze me bro!!  

See YOU in Bedford, I hope!

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Don't taze me bro!!  

See YOU in Bedford, I hope!

I hope to finally make one of these.  Hopefully I won't be laughed away when I ride in on my cruiser.

[sammyseaman]

I hope to finally make one of these.  Hopefully I won't be laughed away when I ride in on my cruiser.

Never! Hell, I may actually be on a cruiser by then  .......... or a motard....... or a standard....... or a ..........

[spinedoc]

Maybe I missed it, but what are the dates?  Sounds like a good time.  That's only about 2 hrs. from me.

[twist]

BTW, no one camps at nationals anyways.    

Not after Mark inflated his mattress with an tire pump, anyway.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Maybe I missed it, but what are the dates?  Sounds like a good time.  That's only about 2 hrs. from me.

Read this thread

[basco]

Not after Mark inflated his mattress with an tire pump, anyway.

Lol, where you even there? Na, that had nothing to do with it.

[Scratch33]

Re: Peaks of Otter - I've stayed there a couple times - it is beautiful and the restaurant & bar are nice.  

A couple considerations though are that there's no cell phone reception in that area; the rooms as Scott says lack phones or televisions; nor do they have internet or coffee makers.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

...nor do they have internet or coffee makers.

 

[Rude_Rydah]

Doesn't matter, unless the voting gets hot or plans fall apart, we're going to WV anyways.

[EricJ]

Looks great!  

Eric

[Scratch33]

 

...coffee maker's the deal killer there.  I needs me Spinach Coffee!

[SEUSADAVE]

Hey all. I'm new here, but if my vote counts I'm in!
I've stayed there (Peaks) once and it was great. The lack of cell and net seemed to be a social plus.
The outdoor place was great as well.

[soonerstan56]

No coffee makers!!!! That's Barbarian!!!!!

What century is this?

Stan

[SWriverstone]

Now waitaminit—while it's true there are no coffeemakers in the rooms...there's plenty of coffee up in the main lounge/restaurant area. Just sayin'.  

Scott

[Scratch33]

Now waitaminit—while it's true there are no coffeemakers in the rooms...there's plenty of coffee up in the main lounge/restaurant area. Just sayin'.  

Scott

Been there.  They offer colored water; not coffee.

[lionlady]

Okay.  I'm an admitted coffee addict, myself (get the 10 am withdrawal headache). And I can't stand the "coffee colored water" that 90% of restaurants and motels serve, either. But, I can't believe that anybody would  make "no in room coffeemakers" a deal breaker for this fantastic location.

There are other options... doubtless there's a Starbucks in Bedford.

Has anybody seen this little gem? http://www.aerobie.com/Products/aeropress_story.htm It is a wonder! Packs small and makes an amazing cup of coffee... all you need is hot water (and ground coffee)





What a bunch of sissies  

P

[mlinkibikr]

Coffee is just something to drink until the scotch gets broken out.

[sprint_st]

If you ride in WV there are warnings of impending speed limit changes.  In VA they are rare to non-existent.  In WV the State Police will actually give you a warning.  In VA they are absolute revenue predators.  Those are not my words but the words of a city manager and Chamber of Commerce in the Lexington, Va area.  I for one will not spend a dime in the state of Va.

[SWriverstone]

If you ride in WV there are warnings of impending speed limit changes.  In VA they are rare to non-existent.  In WV the State Police will actually give you a warning.  In VA they are absolute revenue predators.  Those are not my words but the words of a city manager and Chamber of Commerce in the Lexington, Va area.  I for one will not spend a dime in the state of Va.

I agree with what you say...but I also know from experience that there are thousands of miles of backroads in VA that are virtually never patrolled—because there simply aren't the personnel to do it. A prime example is the BRP. I keep hearing of people getting busted there, but I've ridden it many times at 60+mph and never even *seen* a LEO, much less been stopped by one.

But again, I agree—WV is a party by comparison, LOL.

Scott

[Mrs. DantesDame]

haha - I just found this over on ADV:

Also, the stuff RIGHT on the parkway is overpriced as hell.. the peaks of otter lodge was crappier than my first college dorm room and more expensive than a nice night at a holiday inn with a king bed

 

[SEUSADAVE]

hahahahaha...just found this on tripadvisor  


Brier Inn
quoted $69 a night - charged $174. NO PHONE in room, no safety lock, no clock radio and bathroom light worked intermittently. Asked for ground floor - got second floor though ground floor remained empty. NOW I know why - charged $174 a night - it was like being robbed at gun point. more

[sprint_st]

hahahahaha...just found this on tripadvisor  


Brier Inn
quoted $69 a night - charged $174. NO PHONE in room, no safety lock, no clock radio and bathroom light worked intermittently. Asked for ground floor - got second floor though ground floor remained empty. NOW I know why - charged $174 a night - it was like being robbed at gun point. more

Don't know why that happened because there were at least two FJR EOM's using the Brier Inn without any of the problems you mention.  My room was excellent.  If FJR drivers didn't whine about it, it must have been outstanding  

[maddjack]

hahahahaha...just found this on tripadvisor  


Brier Inn
quoted $69 a night - charged $174. NO PHONE in room, no safety lock, no clock radio and bathroom light worked intermittently. Asked for ground floor - got second floor though ground floor remained empty. NOW I know why - charged $174 a night - it was like being robbed at gun point. more

Quality Inns has purchased the site,I am sure they will institute the Quality Inn policy's when they officially take over in a couple of months ,so I would say this is not going to be a problem

[SEUSADAVE]

OK, My point was you can find ANYTHING on the web to back your view.
I'm going to go to both. First night at the Peaks (will bring own coffee maker) and next at the Inn.
I had no idea FJR owners were whiners....must be all that comfort?
Looking forward to meeting some STNers.
Cheers.

[maddjack]

OK, My point was you can find ANYTHING on the web to back your view.
I'm going to go to both. First night at the Peaks (will bring own coffee maker) and next at the Inn.
I had no idea FJR owners were whiners....must be all that comfort?
Looking forward to meeting some STNers.
Cheers.

Little late to back any view as the voting is long over my friend, the the point was kind of moot

[SEUSADAVE]

Point taken. Off to the Wild n Wonderful.

[R Doug]

If FJR drivers didn't whine about it, it must have been outstanding  

I darn near did a spit take on that comment.