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Three of us are planning on leaving Marion, Va on Thursday morning and heading up I-81. It is 465 miles per Mapquest so we will stay on the slab most of the way. We are planning on meeting another rider from near Roanoke and having lunch at Mrs. Rowes in Staunton (http://www.mrsrowes.com/index.html). You are welcome to join us. Our rides include a R1200GS (2), R1200RT, and R1200CLC. We are either semi-retired, formerly retired or totally retired.
You should also join us in Marion on August 20th for Back of the Dragon Day (http://backofthedragon.com/?page_id=186). If you haven't ridden Rt 16 between Tazewell and Marion recently, you will find the road in excellent condition with Walker Mountain recently repaved.
Ken
I may just take you up on that if no one wants to go through the woods. I rode up from Marion awhile back, it must have been before the fresh pavement since I don't remember it. What are your thoughts on the hype for 16? I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand I know the economy could sure use a boost from lots of riders, but on the other hand I'd hate to see it evolve into something like Deals Gap has become.
I agree with you 100% on the tourism potential for Smyth and Tazewell Counties. Don't you think for the route to really take off someone with the financial ability will have to invest in a stopping place for the folks who are riding through. Something like the store/restaurant at Shady Valley, or a good motorcycle only campground.That would be great. We could meet a Wytheville and proceed from there.
I've been helping with the hype on Rt 16. The hype got the section of Rt 16 repaved rather than the planned patching (and it was done quickly). I don't want another Deals Gap either but we need to do something to increase the visitors to our area so we can attract motels, restaurants and similar businesses. As you know, we have a bunch of other rides around here as good or better than Rt 16. Smyth County Tourism is publishing a brochure and is opening a website in the next week or two with maps of other good roads in the area. I know at least seven of them are good rides because a friend and I mapped them out. We hope folks will come for the "Back of the Dragon" and stay a few days and ride other good local roads.
A big aside here
Last time I passed through Princeton I ran across this beautiful old house (I have a thing for cool old houses) and was wondering if you could tell me anything about it?
Here is the house:
And here is the location:
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I agree with you 100% on the tourism potential for Smyth and Tazewell Counties. Don't you think for the route to really take off someone with the financial ability will have to invest in a stopping place for the folks who are riding through. Something like the store/restaurant at Shady Valley, or a good motorcycle only campground.
As it stands now, it looks like I'll take you up on your offer to tag along with your group. No one seems interested in taking the back road up there. I'll work out the details with you as we get closer to the rally for the time and specific place to meet. I ride a 2005 1200GS. It's new to me, I traded an 1100RT for her last fall. I'm not retired yet, still have one daughter in college and another in her last year of high school. Are you guys camping or moteling?
have you been to Bramwell WV.?
I plan on camping. You guys going home on Saturday or Sunday?
That sounds great....what time are you leaving??? I could shoot across 16 and meet you in Marion...or get up with you in Christainsburg or Roanoke....
Ken
If you dont mind I would like to ride with your group...I can be in Wytheville @ 7am..This is my first Rally and I am excited about getting to go...As for other BMW riders in Buchanan Co. ... I don't know of any....I have been riding with a friend from Tazewell Co. who has a new 2010 30th anniversary 1200GS...I have been riding RT16 alot lately...and enjoyed the Back of the Dragon event.. I have a 2010 black 1200 GS that I purchased new last fall...I do plan on camping at the Rally..Looking forward to meeting you..