| Author | Message | ||
     Hughlysses |
BITA 13! This year's meet is the last weekend of July, Friday , Saturday and Sunday. This makes the second year the Skyline Village Inn has been under new ownership. Last year, a couple was temporarily running the Skyline for the new owner. Since then, a couple of guys have been hired to run the place full-time. Based on what I’ve seen on Facebook, they seem to be making gradual improvements to the hotel and more actively promoting it. Meet details follow:  In case you haven't been before, the meet is held at the Skyline Village Inn, located smack in the middle of some of North Carolina's best twisty roads, including NC 226A (aka "the Diamondback"), NC 226, NC 80 (aka "the Devil's Whip") and it's within easy riding distance of the Dragon, the Snake, and several other named roads. If you want a more leisurely ride, the Blue Ridge Parkway is ~100 yards away. See videos below for rides on the local roads. This meet is very loosely organized; show up (all makes welcome, 2, 3, or 4 wheels), grab a few other riders, and head out riding. In the evening hang out at the hotel deck and enjoy a cold brew with a good meal while enjoying one of the best mountain views in the area. We usually try to have one semi-organized ride on Saturday morning. There are several destinations that make good out-and-back group rides. Contact info for the hotel: Skyline Village Inn & Cavern Tavern 12255 NC Highway 226A Between Spruce Pine & Little Switzerland, NC Phone 828-765-9394 Email: info@skylinevillageinn.com http://www.skylinevillageinn.com I don't know if discounts will be available this year, but if you call in to make your reservation, it's worth asking. Tell them you're part of the yearly Buell meet, we usually get a small discount and maybe the new operators will follow suit. It's a funky little hotel that was built back in the 40's with some really interesting history behind it. It has a good restaurant, and a store with a great selection of craft, imported, and domestic beers. Room rates appear to vary from about $112/night to $159/night depending on what location you want (balcony or not) and the number of beds. Yea, everything is going up. Pets are allowed. Covered motorcycle parking is provided in back. If you’ve got an electric vehicle, there are 2 charging stations in back. If you prefer camping, the Bear Den Campground is a few miles away. Here’s their website: https://www.beardenmountainresort.com/ There are a couple of chain motels ~10 miles away in Marion if you'd prefer that. There are 4 craft beer breweries within a ~20 mile radius, and MANY more in nearby Black Mountain and Asheville. The Skyline has previously served supper 4 or 5 nights a week and breakfast every day. There are several decent restaurants in nearby Spruce Pine and many more within a ~20 mile radius. Post up or PM me if you have any questions. More info to come.  Hughlysses | ||
| Blake |
Nice. | ||
| Damnut |
I'll be there this year!! | ||
| Cupcake_mike |
I was planning on running up to Brainerd for the races that weekend, but I am now thinking real hard about extending my ride a couple hundred more miles and meeting you lovely gentlemen in NC. I am off work until 8/14 and momma wont miss me until 8/7 or so....I'll let you all know if I end deciding to come down. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Test | ||
| Hughlysses |
I recommend you make your reservations soon. We had a little trouble getting a room. | ||
| Damnut |
Well I don't know if I'll regret this or not but my room is booked. | ||
| Hughlysses |
 | ||
| Fordrox |
Jim, why would you regret this? | ||
| Damnut |
I kid.... I kid...... | ||
| Mhlunsford |
There is going to be another meet in CornCreek Tennessee 7/25-30. Otherwise I would consider this one. | ||
| Hughlysses |
There is going to be another meet in CornCreek Tennessee 7/25-30. That is only 65 miles away. At the Snake, right? | ||
| Rcontroler |
I wasn't able to book at the Skyline but I did find a place in Marion. I'll be coming up on Thursday. See y'all then!! | ||
| Hughlysses |
Sorry you could not get in at the Skyline, Don. At least there are more places to eat in Marion. Looking forward to seeing you. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Since the Skyline is apparently booked up, anyone else looking for a place to stay- there is a Holiday Inn Express, a Hampton Inn, a Comfort Inn and a Super 8 in Marion. In Little Switzerland, there are the Big Lynn Lodge, the Switzerland Inn ($$, but they have a lower-priced section for motorcyclists), and the Alpine Inn. In Spruce Pine, there is the Pine Valley Motel. (Message edited by Hughlysses on June 17, 2023) | ||
| Hughlysses |
Less than 1 month to go! | ||
| Hughlysses |
BTW- besides the hotels listed a couple of posts above, there are some reasonable Air BnBs in the area, too. | ||
| Damnut |
Started planning my trip this past weekend. Here is what I came up with. Wednesday's Ride:   | ||
| Damnut |
Thursday:   | ||
| Damnut |
Friday:   | ||
| Damnut |
Saturday:   | ||
| Damnut |
Sunday/Monday:   | ||
| Hughlysses |
That is a long ride! Looks like you are taking Skyline Drive and then the Blue Ridge Parkway? Just be aware the speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 MPH and the BRP is 45 MPH. Rangers can supposedly write you a federal ticket that is impossible to get out of, so take it easy. There are no gas stations on the Parkway, but you can usually find it not far off the Parkway. Here is a link with info on gas: https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/gas-availability/ Have a good ride! | ||
| Damnut |
Yes, that is the plan. I've always wanted to ride Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge but haven't had the opportunity to do so yet. When I saw the post for this year's BITA, I said this is the year. I've been doing some research and that is the first thing that pops up about the ride................ WATCH YOUR SPEED. lol I have a heavy hand so things could get interesting during my ride. I am really looking forward to this trip!! | ||
| Damnut |
Oh and if anyone needs some XB parts, let me know. I am sitting on a mountain of spare parts that I need to start thinning out. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I installed new tires over the weekend; these are Avon Trailriders. I am not gonna get caught again; on at least 2 previous occasions at BITA a tire that looked like it ~2,000 miles left on it was toast after riding twisties for a few days!   | ||
| Hughlysses |
One change at the hotel we just found out about- they are not currently serving hot breakfast in the dining room as they are remodeling. They will have complimentary continental breakfast in the game room on the second floor from 8-10 AM. No info about the supper situation yet; I will post up when I find out. | ||
| Hughlysses |
We made it!  Long drive today, miserable traffic around Charlotte, but it is 75 degrees F and the twisties are RIGHT THERE. Bad news- the restaurant is closed for renovations, so no dinner on the deck with a cold beer or 2 after a long day of riding. There are quite a few decent restaurants in an ~8 mile radius and many more within ~15 miles. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Jim- hope your ride is going well. Post an update when you get a chance. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Well, BITA 13 is officially underway.   I have seen at least 2 other Buells here; both tubers. One was just north of Marion when we were driving up a week ago. Today, a tuber came by the hotel, turned around in front, rode off, then came back by a few minutes later. If he is looking for us, hopefully he will find us tomorrow. |
