Cloudland Canyon 2006

Date: August 27, 2006

Once again we started the day early. The sky was a little grey and the temperature very pleasant. The forecast called for a beautiful day with clearing skies and a high in the high eighties.

Eight bikes with a total of twelve riders pulled out of Atlanta Motor World for the trek to Cloudland Canyon. We took a nice leisurely route up to Lafayette. It was a great ride with a break about halfway to refresh, stretch and socialize. We arrived in Lafayette a while later to find the mexican restaurant closed where we had planned on having lunch. Lafayette is not a big town, so Doug, after using one of his "turn arounds" lucked up on the relocated mexican restaurant. They had moved down the street to a bigger place.

We took our time and had a very enjoyable lunch. The food was excellent and there was a lot of it. This place did not skimp on portions and the prices were very reasonable. Gary II ordered a sampler that looked like it had one of everything from the menu. He somehow managed to eat most of it and ended up more stuffed that the burrito he ate.

I think everyone was ready for a siesta, but instead we got back on the bikes and headed to the canyon. The ride to the canyon from the restaurant took a little less than an hour. A stop for gas resulted in missing a turn and added an extra 15 miles of sightseeing to the journey...but hey....we were on our bikes in the mountains, so who's complaining? We finally discovered the error of our way and got back on the straight and narrow and found our way to the park.

We spent about a half hour enjoying the view and talking. A few of us started to walk down to the waterfall, but met a couple coming back up who informed us that it was basically just a big drip due to the lack of rain. We decided to forego the needed exercise and instead just sat and talked.

By now it was just plain hot. Sitting around even in the shade was not pleasant so we decided to get on the bikes and head back, thinking the breeze would feel good. Turns out it was just a hot breeze, but it was better that no breeze. After riding for about an hour we took a much needed break for some liquid refreshment....large quantities of liquid refreshment. It was just hot and humid.

Knowing this would be our last stop before getting home, we all said our goodbyes. As we traveled on down the road, riders slowly split off from the group to head towards their home. Eventually everyone arrived home safe and the day was done.

I say it every time ....Those who missed this ride, missed a great ride, great weather, fantastic food, and most importantly good friends.

Be sure to be there next time.....you don't want to miss out.....

Attending: