Words & Thoughts from the President

[Bruce DeAngelis]

Note from the NTBA President
Hi All,
Not much new right now during the off season, but I wanted to stay in touch, because things will start getting exciting soon.
If you’ve been trying to call the Talley Ho Inn in Townsend, they are closed for January and February. They do have a recording saying they’ll get back to you, and are usually prompt about it. Again, all the reservations were forwarded from 2020 to the same corresponding days. Starting in March would be a good time to check in with them.
From my earlier post 2021 is an election year for the board positions of Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. So far we have both Lee Metcalfe and Chris Ward running for another term as Treasurer and Secretary. Running for Vice President is Dennis Neblock. This is the last call if anybody wants to run for any of these positions.
If anybody is having trouble finding the 2021 schedule it’s on the website under events, and on our Facebook page at the top under announcements (to the right of discussion). We have to make one date change, the Crawfish and Cruisin Fun Run, Gulfport, MS, in April is moved to the following weekend of the 15-17. Also remember to come early to Nationals in Tennessee. We will have activities starting on Monday, with a kick off dinner party on Wednesday night. We also need people knowledgeable of the Area to help with runs, and “shag wagon” drivers. Let either myself or Cory “Cooter” Cothern know.
Something we have to respectfully watch is still the COVID levels. All of us hope it’s ok to hold all the events, but realistically we have to keep it on our back burner and see how we’re doing as time approaches. I know everyone is ready for some good cruising, especially me!
That’s it for now, I’ll talk to you soon.
Bruce DeAngelis
NTBA President

[mike wade]

Lets hope we can do some cruising cause we all need to do that....................... .......here we go Mr. President..........

[Bruce DeAngelis]

Note from the NTBA President
Some of you are asking for more information on the Nationals event in Tennessee in June. At this point I can give you what I have with more to follow.
The NTBA National event is The week of June 7-12. The two host hotels are The Talley Ho Inn 865-448-2465 and The Tremont Lodge and Resort 865-448-3200. The campground is Big Meadow 865-448-0625. The Talley Ho is booked full but there are plenty rooms available at the Tremont. The two hotels are 1.1 mile apart and the RV Park is across the street between the two. There will be activities at both hotels. Truck and trailer parking will be in a huge lot at the Talley Ho along with the Registration room. At registration you will get a “goodie bag” with a complete schedule of days events, including runs, activities, restaurants, places of interests, etc. If your arriving late or can’t get the schedule before a departing run, I will post the entire daily schedule here and on the website before June, when we’ve finished it. I should have that by next month. Our pre event team is still gathering that information.
I can tell you that we will have seven runs available. The three big runs of 100 miles or more will be Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The other four of 50 miles or less will be Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. These smaller runs will be open or self guided runs, you can pick and choose and do either on your own or in smaller groups. These will all be announced. Remember, Townsend is a small town with only a few roads leading in and out, so these smaller “loop” runs are very scenic and easy to follow. Those of you interested in the Tail of the Dragon run we will actually do that twice. Once on Wednesday, and then go through again on Friday.
There will be a kick off burger burn on Wednesday, and a send off dinner on Friday. The NTBA meeting will be on Saturday morning. Keep in mind we will have a basket raffle on Saturday, 50/50 ticket raffles everyday, and event T Shirts available. We encourage you or your club to put together a basket of something from your town or area, to be raffled off on Saturday.
My idea is to get as much information as I can out to you, and if you don’t know the answer, you’ll know where to find it. That way nobody will feel or be left out. It’s going to be fun!
Bruce DeAngelis
NTBA President