Curious if some Crossfire Owners would be interested in participating in a weekend event at Little Switzerland, NC this year. One of the attractions popular with motorcycle & sportscar clubs is a trip on The Diamondback, which is a 12 mile stretch of NC 229A that's reported to have 190 curves along the route! Links to the lodge & Diamondback follow:


Little Switzerland / The Diamondback / The Diamondback Route

If we can generate some interest & find a time slot bewteen our weekend meets at ToD, Chrysler Nationals, & Woodward Dream Crusie, then I'd be willing to check to see if we could get a weeknd setup at Little Switzerland for a small group of owners so we could check out this possible venue.

It's possible we could "piggyback" with another car club that already goes to this location. I'll keep up with the website(s) and update this thread, when needed.

Get back to me,

 

What weekend/month/etc are you thinking of?

 

Looks like the only reasonable gap between major XFire GTG's is sometime in MAY/JUN. Probably middle of MAY thru middle of JUN. I'm already committed for the weekend of JUN 7-9 for the Ford Nationals in Carlisle (another passion of mine!).

Like I said, I'll wait to hear about any car club groups that already have a weekend planned & hope we can get a few of us to "piggy-back" so we can learn about the area. I've sent an eMail to the lodge in hopes to get some sort of schedule from them for the upcoming summer season.

 

Always interested.

 

Thinking mid-June in Little Switzerland is something I would like to do. Area looks great and we could maybe get away from all the traffic on the dragon. I have never been there. Anyone know of a good place to stay? I could arrive late Saturday and spend several days in the area. Any local members willing to GTG? Ron

 

There's Switzerland inn, which is similar to Fontana Lodge. Several hotels are scattered around, anywhere from 3-15 miles away.

I'd really like to take a drive down NC-226A, more commonly called "The Diamondback".

 

Me too Dennis. Pick a weekend and lets see if we can get at least a few cars to commit.

 

I'm planning on coming back that way from the Asphalt Ventures June 8th track day. That would be in conflict with the 7-9 Ford event which deedwards0323 has already planned. I'm planning on being at Little Switzerland and the Diamond Back on June 11 & 12.

 

June is good for Murfi and me; we'll be back from TEXAS by then and ready to cool off. Of course we will be in "TOURIST CLASS" by default, so we'll make sure we bring our radios to stay in touch from the rear of the cha cha line.
PACEMAKER.

 

I have reservations made at Little Switzerland for Sun June 9 and Monday the 10. I will drive the "Diamondback", check out the local mines and cruise the general area about the Blue Ridge Parkway. I got a room in the main lodge for less than the internet price; any club members who have a chance to be in the area please come along.

 

I am headed to Little Switzerland tomorrow, Sunday the 11th of August. Will be there Sunday and Monday. If anyone wants to meet up and drive the diamond back let me know. Tomorrow I will be on channel 9 on the radio. Planning on staying at the Big Lynn Lodge Sunday night if they have a room.

 

I was JUST reading about the Diamondback. Sounds like a great road. The "Diamondback Loop" incorporates NC80/Buck Creek Rd., otherwise known as "The Devil's Whip", and a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Great stuff! I am thinking about trying to work it into a road trip I a taking on 8/22.

Diamondback Loop Info: Diamondback Motorcycle and Sportcar Route Little Switzerland and Blue Ridge Parkway North Carolina

 

Got there today around 5:30 pm. There is no town. Little Switzerland is a general store and a post office. Doesn't appear to be any night life. Booked a room at Big Lynn Lodge. Price of room includes dinner and breakfast. Dinner was good. They also sell wine and beer. Mountain views are amazing. This is a good place to stay. It is right on Rt 226A, the Diamond Back. I am not going to ride the loop until morning. It is getting dark. Some of the motels in the area are not open all year. I recommend you call ahead.

 

singerron, did you get my PM?

 

Yes, I got your PM. Thanks for the tip. That is why I selected Big Lynn Lodge. Going to stop and check out the other 2 lodges in the area this morning. Weather is great. Not a cloud in the sky.

 

Be safe and enjoy your day. Wish I could join you as I an only a little over an hour away but too many obligations today.

 

The Little Switzerland area is not what I was expecting. It is very peaceful and quiet. The mountain views from the lodges and open area's are amazing. The Blue Ridge Parkway has an exit here and it appears travelers stop here to relax and take a break. There are lots of small roads and historic attractions. The lodge I stayed at had about 6 maps of different loop runs you could travel and see the local area. Most of them did not include Diamond Back but other attractions.
I won't go up the mountain low on gas. There is no gas in Little Switzerland. There probably is some maybe in one of the towns not too far away but I don't know that for sure.
I would call Diamond Back curvy but not twisty. There are a few tight turns but most are more gentle sweepers. However all are tight enough you can't see approaching traffic so you must stay in your own lane. About half way down you start seeing homes, lots of homes. I kept my speed down for the last few miles because you didn't see the homes and drive ways until you came around the turn and I didn't want to hit someone coming onto the road.
Overall it was a good weekend. If you have been to Fontana Dam and have ridden the Dragon, don't expect Diamond Back to be as exciting. It is a pleasant mountain drive but it won't take your breath away.