Except for the first T Rally where Putz, Andy/Clerider, Jeff/Toadrider and I mutually planned to ride along the shorelines of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan,
Sept. 2003, there has been a host or hosts for every fall T Rally. In 2004, Skip and Lori, hosted the Second Annual T Rally in their hometown of Charles Town,
WV. A very pleasant surprise was Lori treated all 9 of the attendees to dinner. A very classy gesture! Guitar Ken hosted the Third Annual T Rally, centered
in Franklin, NC. Ken introduced us to a whole passel of great riding roads in southwestern North Carolina and northern Georgia. Last year, Andy hosted the
Fourth Annual T Rally, with the rallying point in Caldwell, OH. There are 20 pages of posts and pictures describing the planning and execution of that
spectacularly fun event. This year it is my turn to host the annual Fall T Rally and I have chosen Marion, VA as the central location for the rides and
lodging.
Marion is on the door step of Hungary Mother State Park, which has cabins and camping for all that are interested in staying there or who just want to explore the Park's beauty. Marion, VA is in a mountainous region within close proximity to four other states including North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. I could not innumerate all the fantastic riding roads and sights in that region, but to name a few right from Marion going north is SR 16 which in the span of 32 miles goes up and over 3 ridges each with it own set of tight curves including 180° switchbacks. Continue going north on SR 16 West Virginia is comes up quickly, and everybody knows there is not a straight section on any road in the whole state of WV!
Going south from Marion, SR 16 goes around Mt. Rogers, the highest point in Virginia at 5729 feet. Less than 20 miles west of Mt. Rogers is Backbone Rock, the world's shortest tunnel. http://www.mce.k12tn.net/johnson/features/backbone_rock.htm Close by is also the famed Blue Ridge Parkway as is the Striped Snake, an 11 mile stretch of US 421 east of Bristol, TN/VA that is every bit the equal of the Tail of the Dragon. The great thing about US 421 near Bristol, TN/VA is there is a matching 11 mile stretch of US 421 west of the cities also the equal of the Dragon. These are only some of the highlights to whet your appetite and entice you to come join us.
Now down to some details. As regards lodging, if you would like to stay in a hotel would you prefer a Rodeside Inn at $60/night, or an Econo Lodge at $70/night, or a Best Western at $64/night all senior or AAA rates? Normal rates are usually about $5 higher. If you prefer to camp or stay in a cabin Hungary Mother State Park has both. Unfortunately the cabins are rented by the week there. Camping at Hungary Mother is described on the State Park's website as:
Marion is on the door step of Hungary Mother State Park, which has cabins and camping for all that are interested in staying there or who just want to explore the Park's beauty. Marion, VA is in a mountainous region within close proximity to four other states including North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. I could not innumerate all the fantastic riding roads and sights in that region, but to name a few right from Marion going north is SR 16 which in the span of 32 miles goes up and over 3 ridges each with it own set of tight curves including 180° switchbacks. Continue going north on SR 16 West Virginia is comes up quickly, and everybody knows there is not a straight section on any road in the whole state of WV!
Going south from Marion, SR 16 goes around Mt. Rogers, the highest point in Virginia at 5729 feet. Less than 20 miles west of Mt. Rogers is Backbone Rock, the world's shortest tunnel. http://www.mce.k12tn.net/johnson/features/backbone_rock.htm Close by is also the famed Blue Ridge Parkway as is the Striped Snake, an 11 mile stretch of US 421 east of Bristol, TN/VA that is every bit the equal of the Tail of the Dragon. The great thing about US 421 near Bristol, TN/VA is there is a matching 11 mile stretch of US 421 west of the cities also the equal of the Dragon. These are only some of the highlights to whet your appetite and entice you to come join us.
Now down to some details. As regards lodging, if you would like to stay in a hotel would you prefer a Rodeside Inn at $60/night, or an Econo Lodge at $70/night, or a Best Western at $64/night all senior or AAA rates? Normal rates are usually about $5 higher. If you prefer to camp or stay in a cabin Hungary Mother State Park has both. Unfortunately the cabins are rented by the week there. Camping at Hungary Mother is described on the State Park's website as:
- Swimming and boat launch, when available, are free for overnight guests.
- Firewood is $3 for one bundle or $5 for two. Bring a starter log and/or kindling to help start fire.
- People visiting overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. and pay parking fees.
- One vehicle per campsite in addition to camping unit allowed. Others must park in parking area and pay parking fee.
- Each campsite has a round fire ring on the ground which can be used for cooking and campfires.
Total sites of each type: TENT, 11; REWA, 32
Let me know if you would rather camp or stay in one of the hotels. If you prefer to stay in a hotel which would you like to use as the rallying point for our
Fifth Annual T Rally?
I'm in. As for where to stay, BW is fine with me for a first round
choose.
Fredrider - South Carolina
