The EIGHTH Buell/EBR meet in Little Switzerland is happening next month. The dates are Friday July 27 through Sunday July 29. The central location for the meet is once again the Skyline Village Inn on NC 226A.

skyline village inn.jpg

Contact info for the hotel:
Skyline Village Inn & Cavern Tavern
12255 NC Highway 226A
Between Spruce Pine & Little Switzerland, NC
Phone 828-765-9394

http://www.skylinevillageinn.com

Hotel reservations for the meet HAVE to be made by phone.

It's a funky little hotel that was built back in the 40's. The current owners, Mike and Lynn Thrift, have restored it and are really nice people. The hotel has some really interesting history behind it. It has a good restaurant, and a store with the best beer selection for ~50 miles. Room rates vary from about $80/night to $120/night depending on what location you want (balcony or not) and what discounts you can get. Pets are allowed. Tell them you're with the Buell meet and they'll give you a decent discount.

T-shirts will be available again this year, Kevin Rogerson of Yeetee Designs is back in business and will be supplying them. Kevin designed the shirts for BITA 6 and 7 and printed the ones for BITA 6. Sizes S-3XL available for $12 each; larger sizes are available for $14. All shirts will be this color (blue) to simplify ordering. Send me a PM with your order ASAP.

BITA 8 T-shirt.jpg

In case you haven't been before, the Skyline is 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.

This meet is very loosely organized; show up (all makes welcome), grab a few other riders, and head out riding. 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. Covered motorcycle parking is provided in back.

If you don't have a bike or don't want to ride it, Mike has a fleet of rental motorcycles so that's a great option.

That's it for today. Block the dates on your calendar, put in your vacation request at work, apply for that second mortgage NOW, and/or start creating a convincing story for your boss/significant other for why you HAVE to be there!

I'll send out another update next month. Post up or PM me if you have any questions.

Hughlysses