BY DAVE “BRICK” BRICKNER…NORTH CAROLINA
The following quote is from my announcement of the first Big Lynn Lodge Event 2011.
“It is my pleasure to invite ALL to a New MSTA Non-Event July 22 – July 24, 2011 North Carolina’s Big Lynn Lodge Ride. Note: the Big Lynn Lodge (BLL) (www.biglynnlodge.com) is located about 300 feet off the Blue Ridge Parkway! That first event was a Just for Fun event as I was testing to see if having an event at a facility that only has 42 rooms was a good idea. It was a sell out and so obviously a great place to have a MSTA riding event. I knew the roads were some of the best in the country and the BLL had an interesting “room formula.” With each room rented, two full evening meals and two full breakfasts are provided. As the event coordinator this was extremely attractive to me as I did not have to arrange a cookout or have a meal brought in. Each year after was better than the last. The Blues band, the Alligators, often play on the patio Friday evenings and free massages are provided upon arrival Friday and Saturday after riding. In a strange twist of fate, Covid-19 brought some major changes for the 9th Annual Big Lynn Lodge Event 2020, as it has for all our lives. One week prior to the event every room was reserved by MSTA members. The cancellations came in as the days went on. Hoyte and his staff at the Big Lynn Lodge stepped up and made some major changes to assure our safe attendance. Half of the tables in the meal room were removed and a second seating for each meal was started. Additionally, they controlled how many people came into the meal room. The wait staff was excellent as they always wore their masks. They also provided take-out meals for those who chose to eat their meals in their room or on their porch.
Deciding not to cancel this event was a difficult decision but it was a decision I am glad I made. Anne Marie LaFrance brought another Therapeutic Massage Therapist allowing access to a fantastic massage. Turn out for her services were excellent as always.
This year’s band was another fantastic local band, “Almost Vintage.” Those sitting outside listening were very pleased.
This year, Travis Leeman, a representative from www.skymed.com, introduced to those in attendance what SkyMed can do for riders. He also
provided a free trip to one lucky person at the event. The weather was excellent and the riding was superb as usual. Route Master, Doug Pippen, came through with additions and updates continuing to refine the route selection again this year. Hopefully 2021 will once again
allow us to fill the Big Lynn Lodge with only MSTA members for the 10th Annual Big Lynn Lodge Event.