On Halloween weekend my cousin and his wife, Joe and Ann Mullins, invited me to join them at a very special place in Bakersville, NC, called the Bicycle Inn. Joe and Ann are avid cyclists and members of the Freewheels of Spartanburg Bicycle Club. They are regular visitors to the Bicycle Inn, and now I know why.

The Bicycle Inn is a dream come true for owners, Paulette and Michael Davis. Together they have been involved in the bicycle business for over 40 years. They were owners of Pro Bikes in Asheville, NC, before opening the Bicycle Inn. They state, "Our goal is to provide a quiet country spot where we can share our love of nature and of bicycles with you."

Michael leads rides for guests on Saturday and Sunday. He is a die hard cyclist, who is the record holder for the most Assault completions. He has completed the Mt. Mitchell Assault 20 times.

Amenities of the Bicycle Inn include:

- Excellent road bike riding right outside the front door.

- Guided tours.

- Training sessions for the Mt. Mitchell Assault, Bridge to Bridge and the Roan Moan.

- Full service bike shop on the premises.

- An open dining hall and kitchen with abundant, delicious vegetarian meals.

- A choice of four comfortable, private rooms with eclectic bicycle motifs.

           -Bunk beds in the Peloton room, an economy room where a bathroom is shared.

The Bicycle Inn is a virtual museum of bicycles, bicycle parts and bicycle literature. You can relax and read a 1984 issue of Bicycling Magazine to see how much things have changed and how much they are the same.

Plan to slow down while your are at the Bicycle Inn. I asked Michael how to get the television in my room to pick up the Florida - Georgia football game. He explained that the television was available to watch bicycle related video tapes with, and that it has no reception. He said I could watch the blank screen all I wished.