basketcase
02-10-2005, 09:31 AM
Many of you will remember that last November, I posted here about the desperate repair needs of the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground in Cruso, North Carolina. The campground was nearly completely destroyed by three consecutive hurricanes.
The well known campground was purchased four years ago by the present owners, and massive damage from three hurricanes in succession will put the owners, Phillip and Leslie Johnson, out of business unless they receive some help from the motorcycling community. The last I heard, FEMA had coughed up a generous $460.00 towards their loss.
The most daunting aspect of the damage, and the most difficult to repair, is the bridge that provided the only access to the campground. It was completely washed away.
This bridge had massive concrete pillars supporting it, and was approximately 105 feet long. The flood waters rose nearly 40 feet altogether. The estimate on re-building the bridge alone is $65,000. Even with a loan from the Small Business Administration, there are more repairs to be done among the buildings and roadways and waterways within the campground.
While the campground is in North Carolina, riders from all over the country have stayed there in their travels, and the target market of the campground is touring motorcyclists. So it is not simply a localized need in that area, but the need of a vital member of the nationwide motorcycling community who depends upon us for their livelihood -- as we patronize them through our hobby.
A PDF flyer about the need, designed by Connie Reaves of the Alabama BMW Club, was made available for download from this site on the earlier thread. The flyer is now available for download at the campground web site. You can access it by clicking here (http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/), or at the link below. Their web site is being updated regularly.
Last Fall, in partnership with 29 Dreams Motorcycle Resort in Vandiver, Alabama, and the High Valley Motorcycle Resort of Suches, Georgia, the Alabama BMW Club put on a fund-raising ride to benefit the Blue Ridge Campground and the Johnson family business. With the new riding season approaching, I anticipate other opportunities to help will be organized.
So please pass the word, and download and share the flyer as you wish. Different individuals have commented to me that they plan to help, and I am always conscious that together, our combined efforts accomplish much more than any individual might hope to do alone.
Thanks in advance,
Rick
Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground (http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/)
The well known campground was purchased four years ago by the present owners, and massive damage from three hurricanes in succession will put the owners, Phillip and Leslie Johnson, out of business unless they receive some help from the motorcycling community. The last I heard, FEMA had coughed up a generous $460.00 towards their loss.
The most daunting aspect of the damage, and the most difficult to repair, is the bridge that provided the only access to the campground. It was completely washed away.
This bridge had massive concrete pillars supporting it, and was approximately 105 feet long. The flood waters rose nearly 40 feet altogether. The estimate on re-building the bridge alone is $65,000. Even with a loan from the Small Business Administration, there are more repairs to be done among the buildings and roadways and waterways within the campground.
While the campground is in North Carolina, riders from all over the country have stayed there in their travels, and the target market of the campground is touring motorcyclists. So it is not simply a localized need in that area, but the need of a vital member of the nationwide motorcycling community who depends upon us for their livelihood -- as we patronize them through our hobby.
A PDF flyer about the need, designed by Connie Reaves of the Alabama BMW Club, was made available for download from this site on the earlier thread. The flyer is now available for download at the campground web site. You can access it by clicking here (http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/), or at the link below. Their web site is being updated regularly.
Last Fall, in partnership with 29 Dreams Motorcycle Resort in Vandiver, Alabama, and the High Valley Motorcycle Resort of Suches, Georgia, the Alabama BMW Club put on a fund-raising ride to benefit the Blue Ridge Campground and the Johnson family business. With the new riding season approaching, I anticipate other opportunities to help will be organized.
So please pass the word, and download and share the flyer as you wish. Different individuals have commented to me that they plan to help, and I am always conscious that together, our combined efforts accomplish much more than any individual might hope to do alone.
Thanks in advance,
Rick
Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground (http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/)