EOM 2015 - Location Discussion

[08FJR4ME]

I think I voted for Lewisburg but Wythe would be a nice choice.

 

[Top_Speed1]

Since this is a discussion/location thread is for a possible EOM, I wanna put in my backup location as SW Virginia.
I know a lot of you guys have done the likes of the Claw of the Dragon (Red), Possum Run (Green), Wooly Mamoth (Orange), Turkey Strut (Yellow) and Horn of the Cow (Blue). An area we should still keep in mind, IMO.

Just food for thought, and, I know some of you are visual learners

.....

-KJ

Wow. I learn something every day. I never knew all of those roads had motorcycle names. Thanks KJ.

And some prolly would say I made the names up lol, but no, they're real names.

-------------------------------- a bit more of the area (c&p material)---------------------------------

Southwest Virginia’s Premiere Motorcycle Trail - The Claw of the Dragon


It would be a challenge for motorcycle riders to find a more beautiful driving trail than the scenic back roads of Southwest Virginia. Looping through the Blue Ridge Mountain range, The Claw of the Dragon is becoming one of the most popular destinations in the South for motorcycle enthusiasts.

With the charming town of Wytheville, Virginia, as the trail’s center or hub, the trail features loops totaling over 350 miles as it ventures over to the community of Marion to the west and Galax to the east. The drive meanders through parts of seven Virginia counties but is easily accessible from Interstates 77 or 81 as a starting part.

Along the way, riders have the opportunity to stop at many interesting and authentic attractions.

​

After a heart-stopping trip on the ride that follows Virginia Route 16, the two-lane ribbon over three mountains between Tazewell and Marion called Back of the Dragon, don’t miss some of the unique attractions nearby. Harkening back to the grand movie palaces of yesteryear, The Lincoln Theatre is the home of the nationally syndicated bluegrass music television series, “Song of the Mountains.” This beautiful facility is one of only three remaining Mayan Revival theaters in America. The General Francis Marion Hotel is a favorite of riders with its restaurant called The Black Rooster and a bar with 27 beer taps. Nearby, Virginia Sweetwater Distillery and Appalachian Mountain Spirits offer a unique taste of local flavor. Wolf’s Barbeque is also a hometown favorite with several other restaurants also available. Other interesting attractions include The Lincoln Theatre, Hungry Mother State Park, and the Museum of the Middle Appalachians.
Next, continue on to the Wytheville area. Many people will recognize this area as the location where two interstates converge, but there’s a lot more interesting roads within the historic community. Riders will enjoy a challenging ride up Big Walker Mountain. As the 16-mile scenic byway makes it way to the top, the rider is immersed in breathtaking flora and fauna of each season. At the top, take a rest at Big Walker Lookout, climb the 100 foot tower, and enjoy a snack in the country store. A variety of other local attractions such as Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, West Wind Winery, and Fort Chiswell Animal Park, offer the opportunity to enjoy some distinctive “homegrown” experiences. Wytheville’s downtown historic district allows visitors to leisurely walk the streets and discover the history that has made this a town of hospitality for over 200 hundred years. Interesting shopping, museums, and the historic flavor of the 1776 Log House Restaurant are just a few of the must-see stops along the way. An evening of music can be enjoyed at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre or one of several music venues nearby. Wytheville has a variety of lodging accommodations from all-suite hotels to bed & breakfasts and cabins. A historic boutique hotel will open soon in the downtown district.

The newest anchor community for The Claw of the Dragon is Galax. This Virginia city is steeped in the history of music. The Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention held the second week of August each year has earned the community the distinction of the “World Capital of Old Time Mountain Music.” Festivals and special events are held at the Rex Theatre and in the downtown showcasing the area’s authentic sound. Capitalizing on the wealth of local artisans, the area is also home to the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. A variety of classes offer a hands-on opportunity to explore an art or hone a craft with a local artist. The words “Galax” and “barbecue” are synonymous, so much so that the annual Smoke on the Mountain, Virginia State Barbecue Championship is held in downtown Galax each July.

This is but a sampling of all the interesting things you can see and do as you ride The Claw of the Dragon and explore the interesting communities along the way.

The Lincoln Theater, Marion, VA

Song of the Mountains TV Show

BW Country Store and Big Walker Lookout

Wytheville, VA

Log House 1776 Restaurant

Wytheville, VA

The Rex Theater

Galax, VA

 

[Top_Speed1]

And like who doesn't want this? (Claw pic)......

 

[beachy]

Si "if" it is going to be Lewisburg, there are a few on here like Greg/Geaser that have sampled (and know) the area and hotels. I would suggest them to chime in with some suggestions (all non committed ones of course) and we start building from there.
Since this discussion is early in the game, we've got plenty of room for revisions. KISS is favored I believe at this point.

When I voted for Lewisburg in the poll I was thinking about the Quality Inn (ex-Brier Inn) because it is one of my favorite hotels to stop at when I'm on the road. The rooms are clean, the plumbing works, the beds are very comfortable, and they have a free hot breakfast. Overall it is a nice hotel and a step above what I usually expect for the price.

Wayne is aware of the Quality Inn and did contact them some years back to gauge their interest in having an EOM there, and they were not interested. That was at a time when there was a lot of windmill construction in the area and rooms were easily filled by the workers, so their attitude may have changed since then.

As far as I know, we have not heard from Wayne indicating that he can not run EOM 2015. I hope he does because he has done a very good job for many years. If he does not, then we can try to find someone else to run it and offer suggestions. Until Wayne steps down, I think it is his show and his decision about how complex the planning will be. He has asked us for our opinion about where we would like it to be, let's let him do his thing with the information he requested.

amen brother

 

[Teehaml]

Wytheville looks great. Looks like a bunch of places to stay too...

 

[steveoreno]

Any dates set yet or did I miss that detail??

I would think it will move back to the usual weekend (3rd weekend in September). It was 1 week later this year, due to NAFO being the 3rd weekend. So it looks like it will most likely be September 18-20.

If it's on that weekend, I won't be able to attend unless they change the dates of the Indy Irish festival.

 

[luvtoride]

KJ, there will probably never be an EOM held in western VA because of the "no radar detector whiners". Don't accidentally read that as winners, whiners. lol!

There are definitely some fine assed roads in Western VA... some roads that even given the chance, some won't ever ride.

Personally, I along with Jim (Spklbuk) have planned one of these shin digs in '07. I don't have the no-how to even begin running the event the way it has become. Wayne has certainly done a fine assed job with the route that has been taken, though.

& whoever picks up the ball & rolls with it gets to call the shots.

 

[TomInPA]

Did I miss something? I never saw where Wayne was considering stepping down. Hell he started this thread and the one at FJRowners to get a feel for where to go. I figure this is a non-binding poll and discussion on what to do for EOM next year.

We got off-track because someone on page 6 started asking for volunteers, and FredW started editing a list of what EOM requires in post #155. Nope, didn't happen.

IT'S NOVEMBER. Calm down and step back from the computer!

 

[luvtoride]

Did someone say that Wayne was stepping down? I missed that part.

The fact is EOM is not owned by one person.... but I can tell you... Wayne won't be planning an EOM in the Western part of VA unless there was a whole lotta' people who want to go there.

Personally, I hope that someone picks the ball up & plans one there. It won't be me... I can tell you that.

 

[Teehaml]

Lewisburg seems to be on everyone's mind right now... I'll make a call and let everyone know what I find out...

Did I miss something? I never saw where Wayne was considering stepping down. Hell he started this thread and the one at FJRowners to get a feel for where to go. I figure this is a non-binding poll and discussion on what to do for EOM next year.
We got off-track because someone on page 6 started asking for volunteers, and FredW started editing a list of what EOM requires in post #155. Nope, didn't happen.

IT'S NOVEMBER. Calm down and step back from the computer!

Exactly.. last thing he posted was he was gonna make a call.

 

[Uncle Hud]

I just want to get there. Last one looked like fun, and I hate missing out on fun.

 

[tby]

IT'S NOVEMBER. Calm down and step back from the computer!

For. Real.

For all you eager beavers... asdgirl and I seem to end up in the Bryson City, NC to Johnson City, TN range about every third weekend during the season. Anyone is welcome to tag along. Hit us up once the weather is warm again.

There are also FIVE events put on by the MSTA SE Region during the season, from the North Georgia mountains to Lewisburg, WV. Helen in April is a great one for folks who want to do North GA and experience Helen without the Oktoberfest crowds.

 

[LKLD]

All of this talk about Wayne, made me think of this fine piece of work.

 

[luvtoride]

IT'S NOVEMBER. Calm down and step back from the computer!

Big talk from a literal newb. If you haven't been around you might not know that this happens every year. This isn't the first time. You may waste your energy yelling at someone that you'll actually get some action/reaction from... because this is what normally happens.

Hey Bryce... I may take you up on that in the spring.

 

[Top_Speed1]

KJ, there will probably never be an EOM held in western VA because of the "no radar detector whiners". Don't accidentally read that as winners, whiners. lol!
There are definitely some fine assed roads in Western VA... some roads that even given the chance, some won't ever ride.

Personally, I along with Jim (Spklbuk) have planned one of these shin digs in '07. I don't have the no-how to even begin running the event the way it has become. Wayne has certainly done a fine assed job with the route that has been taken, though.

& whoever picks up the ball & rolls with it gets to call the shots.

Yeah I know Heidi, I have built-in radar detection and are more than willing to hit the disable button. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have it, but the place and roads are more important. IF ya couldn't tell from my post^^^^, I'm a SW Virginny fan

In fact, I'm altering my vote from Lewisburg to Wytheville... not that it prolly matters anyway

 

[luvtoride]

& KJ... not on your list are 160 from Appalachia, VA to Lynch, KY. This road is so loopy that you can actually kiss your ass as you're going through if you like that sort of thing. Also, SR 80 from Honaker, VA to I-81ish in VA is a totally friggin awesome road. Another kiss your ass kinda' road. That is just a couple of roads not on your list. There is a plethora of good roads in the area. We might need to plan a small gathering of folks to explore the area this coming year.

 

[luvtoride]

Breaks Interstate Park is a great home base for exploring this area. Just don't camp in the group camping area @ the top of the hill. They also have fine accommodations in the lodge. Not sure if they have cabins. I'm guessing so. If there weren't a couple of important things missing, I'd think this would be a fine place for an EOM... no gas nearby. They have a restaurant onsite... but it just gets old after a dinner or two there. The next closest food is a good hike away. Also, drinking isn't allowed. We've always drank while staying there but it was incognito type drinking... no bottles... pour your beverage in a cup.

Also a good home base... Hungry Mother State Park. HM is right on 16.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Since tby was involved in helping out on EOM this year.....ummm, I don't think the newb label applies. Not that it matters, we all have a voice. Who listens to what depends on how much respect you engender.

Wayne is busy I'm sure and having lots of fun NOT thinking about EOM for a change.

 

[Top_Speed1]

& KJ... not on your list are 160 from Appalachia, VA to Lynch, KY. This road is so loopy that you can actually kiss your ass as you're going through if you like that sort of thing. Also, SR 80 from Honaker, VA to I-81ish in VA is a totally friggin awesome road. Another kiss your ass kinda' road. That is just a couple of roads not on your list. There is a plethora of good roads in the area. We might need to plan a small gathering of folks to explore the area this coming year.

I've been more than sold (for years) on this SW/Virginny area Heidi. It's surely on my bucket list.

I've also always wanted to stay at the Switzerland Inn. (more NC-ish tho). It's on the top of the Blue Ridge, right in the mix and start of the fun stuff. Also, it is a very kewl looking place, said to be VERY M/C friendly as most guests whom stay there in season are by 2 wheels. Albeit, prolly a bit too expensive for our group... as I believe rooms start at $119. Someday tho, I'm going Switz!

 

[luvtoride]

I've stayed in Little Switzerland a few times @ Big Linn Lodge, though. In order for proper exploring of SW Virginia, you might think about staying closer to VA or in VA. Little Switzerland is a decent distance down the road. Not too far to get into VA. but you'd need to go in & then out without time to explore.