Southern Alps Weekend 2025
BMW Riders Association Southern Alps Weekend
We’re back in Little Switzerland, NC, for an epic getaway weekend!
May 8-11, 2025 (Thursday through Sunday)
($75 members / $85 non-members)
Join your fellow RA club members and other like-minded motorcyclists for an exciting weekend getaway at Big Lynn Lodge in scenic Little Switzerland, North Carolina
Big Lynn Lodge is located off of NC 226A (The Diamondback), North Carolina at 4,000 feet just a hundred feet off of the Blue Ridge Parkway! The bonus here is the remarkable location! The Big Lynn Lodge stood as a refuge during Hurricane Helene’s devastation and is ready to host us again!
We hope to see you all there for a weekend full of meeting old and new friends, camaraderie, and riding great roads!
IMPORTANT NOTE: With the destruction of some roads due to Hurricane Helene last year, some routes will be altered for safety reasons. Scouting out road conditions has already occurred and we cannot guarantee some routes from previous years will be open. Take that into consideration as you come. Repair work has been ongoing 24/7 since early October 2024 and continues.
Lodging Details
Your registration DOES NOT include lodging. Call the Big Lynn Lodge at 828-765-4257 to reserve a room or cabin (biglynnlodge.com). Ask for Kelly or Hoyt and let them know you are with the BMW RA group. Minimum 3-night stay; a full one-night deposit is required when the reservation is made.
This wonderful and historic 100-year-old motel has cabins, old-style motor court rooms, and private rooms connected to the main lodge. The motel has accommodations for up to 100 people at double occupancy—that means if you pair up with a riding bud, more motorcyclists can stay at the Lodge. You will not want to miss your chance to stay at Big Lynn Lodge, so reserve today! The room rates ($155-$170 plus tax for Friday/Saturday and $125-140 plus tax for Thursday) will include a full dinner and full hot breakfast in the onsite restaurant.
Note about Big Lynn Lodge cancellation policy (this is for the motel only, not the RA’s registration cancellation policy listed below): In the event that you need to cancel, please do so 7 or more days prior to your arrival date. There will be a $20 cancellation fee. If you cancel within 7 days of your arrival date, you will lose your deposit. Sorry, there are no refunds for early departure.
Tent camping is not allowed at Big Lynn Lodge. Search here for a list of nearby campgrounds.
Event Highlights
Your event registration includes access to event activities on the grounds of Big Lynn Lodge.
Raffle prize drawings will be a big hit on Saturday evening (must be present to win). Stay tuned—we’ll post prizes as they are confirmed.
And while you are here, enjoy listening to The Bridget Gossett Band on Friday night. Bridget Gossett is soulful singer-songwriter born in New Orleans and residing in Western North Carolina. Backed by a powerhouse band of musicians, Bridget has released 11 original songs on all streaming platforms in the last 2 years. They also cover some of your classic soul, rock, blues, and country favorites!
New On The Level columnist and humorist Hawk Hagebak will be emceeing the weekend.
- Registration is $75.00 for BMW RA members and $85.00 for non-BMW RA members.
- If you are not staying at Big Lynn Lodge, please join the group for breakfasts, $7.50 per meal, and dinners, $15 per meal.
- A Southern Alps Weekend T-shirt is included in your EARLY BIRD registration for 2025!
And while you are here, enjoy listening to The Bridget Gossett Band on Friday night. Bridget Gossett is soulful singer-songwriter born in New Orleans andresiding in Western North Carolina. Backed by a powerhouse band of musicians, Bridget has released 11 original songs on all streaming platforms in the last 2years. They also cover some of your classic soul, rock, blues, and country favorites!
New On The Level columnist and humorist Hawk Hagebak will be emceeing the weekend.
REGISTRATION REFUND POLICY: Event registration fees are refundable if canceled 30 OR MORE DAYS prior to the start of the event. Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the event will receive a voucher for a future weekend getaway if the cancellation is due to one of these specific reasons:
- Death or hospitalization of the registrant or a member of their immediate family.
- Declared state of emergency within a fifty-mile radius of the event location.
- Jury duty or summons to appear at court proceedings.
- Military deployment.
Huge Early Bird Bonus!
EVERYBODY GETS A T-SHIRT! [Well, almost]
A Southern Alps Weekend T-shirt is included in your EARLY BIRD registration for 2025!
This year, a shirt is included in your EARLY BIRD registration. EARLY BIRD registration ends April 15, 2025 and Early Bird registration is the ONLY way to get ashirt! If you take advantage of the EARLY BIRD bonus, you will receive your shirt when you check in. Shirts not picked up at event will be forfeited anddistributed to other attendees. Each shirt is a Gildan Softstyle 100% percent cotton shirt with Southern Alps Weekend Logo on back and BMW RA logo left chest.Please select size Adult Small through Adult 2XL.
When You Arrive Onsite…
Make sure all the red tape is taken care of so that the rest of your time is carefree!
- If you didn’t pre-register online, register onsite. Look for the BMW Riders Association banner and head to the registration table located inside the lobby of the Big Lynn Lodge. We’ll take care of you! $75 for active BMWRA members and $85 for non-members.
- Pick up your registration packet and pre-ordered shirts. Have your order confirmation email handy in case it is needed to verify your purchase(s). Your packet will include your event access wristband, raffle ticket, and event info. Shirts not picked up by 6pm Saturday, May 10, will be forfeited and may be sold as leftovers.
- Grab your Big Lynn Lodge meal tickets. If you are NOT staying at Big Lynn Lodge but would like to eat breakfasts or dinners there while attending the rally, visit their desk to purchase meal tickets ($15 for dinners / $7.50 for breakfasts). Breakfasts and dinners are free if you’re staying at the Lodge.
>> Breakfasts are a made-to-order menu that includes pancakes, eggs, choice of meat, grits, coffee, and more.
>> Dinner menus vary but include an entree with sides, dessert, coffee, tea, and more. - Wear your wristband at all times to ensure access to event activities.
2025 Southern Alps Weekend GPX Routes
- Snake Loop: A 241-mile, 8-hour ride that will include some of the best roads in the region and is for fast-paced, skilled, and experienced riders only. Remember to allow time for lunch and a break or two… with stops, you may be out-n-about for 9+ hours.
• Download GPX file
• Download 15-pg PDF with turn-by-turn directions
• Download JPG (map only)
• View on Google Maps - Erwin Loop: A 128-mile loop for a gourmet bite of Western NC roads for varied skill levels. Just under 5 hours of ride time.
• Download GPX file
• Download 9-pg PDF with turn-by-turn directions
• Download JPG (map only)
• View on Google Maps
*Access this PDF for instructions to import .gpx files to your GPS navigation device.
Weekend Schedule
The itinerary below is subject to change through early May. Some activities and surprises may be announced at the event.
Thursday, May 8
Noon-5pm
Check-in and onsite registration at Big Lynn Lodge (if you arrive after 5pm, please check in Friday morning). Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the surrounding roads, meeting and relaxing with fellow attendees on grounds of the Big Lynn Lodge, or taking in the local culture!
6pm
Optional dinner at Big Lynn Lodge.
7:30pm until
Informal meet-n-greet at Big Lynn Lodge. Meet new friends and old on the deck or in the backyard (weather permitting; indoor and covered space is available if needed). Water and soft drinks available for purchase. Alcohol isn’t sold onsite, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Friday, May 9
7am
Optional breakfast at the Lodge. Leave at your own pace for moto-adventures! Routes will be available during the rally and on this web page before the rally dates.
8am-5pm
Check-in and onsite registration continues. If you arrive after 5pm and wish to attend the Friday evening party, visit the front desk at the Big Lynn Lodge and ask for Chris Parker or an RA volunteer to check you in; if you arrive after 5pm and do NOT wish to attend the party, please check in Saturday morning.
Lunch
On your own.
6pm
Optional dinner at Big Lynn Lodge.
7-9pm
PARTY! Live music by The Bridget Gossett Band. Hang out on the deck or in the backyard (weather permitting; indoor and covered space is available if needed). There may be an announcement or two from rally chair Chris Parker. Water and soft drinks available for purchase. Alcohol isn’t sold onsite, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Saturday, May 10
7am
Optional breakfast at the Lodge. Leave at your own pace for moto-adventures! Routes will be available during the rally and on this web page before the rally dates.
8am-noon
Check-in and onsite registration continues. No check-ins after 12 noon.
Lunch
On your own.
6pm
Optional dinner at Big Lynn Lodge.
7:30pm
A short, informal presentation featuring emcee Hawk Hagebak, rally chair Chris Parker, and raffle prize giveaways!
8pm until
Hang with new friends and old on the deck or in the backyard (weather permitting; indoor and covered space is available if needed). Water and soft drinks available for purchase. Alcohol isn’t sold onsite, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Sunday, May 11
7am
We encourage you to grab your last Southern Alps Weekend breakfast at the Lodge! Check out of motel rooms and leave before 12 pm, the official end of the weekend getaway.