By Tom Blake
Every time I travel up from Florida, the moment mountains come into view on the horizon, a feeling of excitement and anticipation washes over me. Maybe it’s the good times I experienced as a kid growing up in the mountains of central Pennsylvania so many years ago that are at its root. Whatever, I like it. It makes me smile. And I cannot wait to get in amongst them again. As a sport-touring motorcyclist I know there will be a lot of exhilaration and excitement ahead – blasting around the Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains of the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia. Great roads in every direction. So many opportunities to test and sharpen one’s riding skills.
As Norm Kern, the club president, so succinctly points out “…sport-touring riders view motorcycling as a skill-based sport. That doesn’t mean they are particularly interested in racing or competition, but rather look forward to a challenge and enjoy practicing and developing their riding skill. It’s not about simply riding a fun, challenging road, it’s riding at a brisk pace, getting in the “zone” of total concentration on a capable motorcycle.” I could not agree more. Longtime member, local resident, onetime Michigan dirt bike racing champion and an all-around great guy, Doug Pippin knows those roads like the back of his hand and has developed 24 road routes for the rally fanning out in every direction. Most are considered “twisty” and a couple “twisty and technical”. They range from 32 miles to a local landmark and up to a 315-mile, 3-state loop. That equates to ride times from a little under an hour to a little over eight hours at a 38-mph average (you think that’s slow… you don’t know twisty!). Most are in the 160-to-270-mile range or roughly four and half to seven hours. You can access all the routes at the event website ridemsta.com/nc-biglynn. Preview or print out the maps, read the descriptions and download the GPX files for your GPS. I had the pleasure of riding with my longtime friend, Ken Worland, now from North Carolina, Rick Smith from Ohio but whom I met at a FL MSTA lunch ride to Soloman’s Castle back in March, and, finally, on one of the days – the aforementioned Doug Pippin. Ken still shags his Wing through the twists pretty good. Rick is a demon on his Wee-Strom. And I’m pretty sure Doug took t easy on his 900 Tracer because my RT was mostly able to stay with him.
The Big Lynn Lodge is located along route 226A and is within a stone’s throw of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s near Little Switzerland (1 mile west), Spruce Pine (7 miles north) and about halfway between Asheville and Boone. Being up at 3,100 feet, temperatures are cooler. Looking southeasterly, you get a 40-mile view of the Catawba River Valley and the town lights of Marion, 16 miles away. And then there are the many mountain ranges spread out as far and as wide as the eye can see. Truly a spectacular sight!
The Lodge has been in existence for over 100 years. Today there are 38 rooms and 4 suites – some in motel-like structures, some in single or grouped cottages with mountain views, some with 1 bed and some with 2. All include porches with rocking chairs and adjacent parking. Accommodations are clean and comfortable though not fancy. Owner, Hoyt Johnson, is constantly updating and making improvements. What doesn’t change, however, are the delicious breakfasts and dinners with desserts (vittles, they’re called in them thar parts). The two meals are included in the room rate and we all eat together. They even ring a bell when the food is ready. Attentive and friendly servers appreciate tips. We’re on our own for lunches.
For times when you want to socialize or just relax but not outdoors or in your room, there’s a large, carpeted sitting room adjacent the dining area with comfortable chairs and sofas, a table for cards or jigsaw puzzles and one wall covered with shelves full of books and magazines. There’s even a piano. And, yes, it has the same grand views.
Rose doesn’t ride anymore. But she does enjoy getting away from Florida’s summertime heat and humidity. And she likes the cool, fresh air, the serenity and the views looking out from the Lodge… (and me, of course). Early registration with Big Lynn is recommended because they fill up quickly. Barring that, Skyline Inn, Alpine Inn and Switzerland Inn are the overflow facilities. Breakfasts and dinners can be purchased in advance at Big Lynn for those staying elsewhere but wanting to get in on the socializing. Details are on the event website. If you book and later are forced to cancel, please try to do it as early as possible so folks on the waiting list can be contacted or the room opened to the general public. Also, be sure to understand the cancellation policy when making your reservation.
Chris Parker, also our STAReview editor, is in his second year as event coordinator. He sees to the countless behind-the-scenes details that make this the exceptional rally it is. His contact information as well as event registration, routes, etc. are on the event website. Note that club membership is not a requirement so you can even invite non-MSTA friends. Local massage therapist Anne Marie LaFrance is usually present to give free massages to participants. She will accept tips. I’ve had occasion to receive her massages before. Believe me, she’s good. She has more training and certifications than anyone I’ve ever come across. Unfortunately, a personal injury forced her to cancel this year. I’ll look forward to seeing her next time.
Friday evening a local band, Almost Vintage, sets up out on the porch and gets the crowd jamming with classic rock tunes mixed with a folk vibe. So… if this appeals to you, consider adding the Big Lynn Lodge to your rally calendar for next July. I don’t know of anyone who has ever been disappointed. It’s worth pointing out as well that weather forecasts for the area from three to ten days out this year were dismal and fret-worthy. But it turned out to be mostly sunny and beautiful each day. I’m glad I hung in there.
Now, let’s go ride