Leaving home at 8:30 it was a very crisp forty five degrees. For the first time since early spring we had to get out the long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts and jackets. The meeting place was the Flying J Truck Stop in Temple and for some of us, this was a 65 mile ride in itself. Arriving at the truck stop we filled the gas tank and then got some hot coffee. Turnout was a little light considering the great weather awaiting us. Having done the pre-ride the day before we knew it was only a little over an hour to the park, so we hung around the truck stop until about 11:00 hoping some late arrivals would show up.

We were to meet the Fayetteville chapter (304) at the restaurant in the park at 12:30 so at 11:00 we headed out. Already the temps had warmed considerably. Some jackets came off and at the very least a layer or two was removed. The ride to Cheaha from Temple was a pretty direct route. We headed east on US 78 through a few small Georgia and Alabama cities and after passing through Heflin, AL took AL 281 to the park. AL 281 is a lightly used road that winds its way through the Talladega National Forest. It rises and falls with the hills as it twists and turns it way through the forest.

We arrived at Cheaha State Park in about an hour and twenty minutes. We parked and made our way up the hill to the restaurant. A voicemail from Chapter 304 informed us that there had been a mishap and they would not be able to complete the days activities with us.

After walking up the short hill to we were seated in the restaurant. There lodge was situated on the side of the mountain with a panoramic view of the park and the forest. The meal was buffet style with an assortment of country home-style cooked veggies and meats with cold iced tea to wash it down and some yummy desserts to finish it off. After dinner we spent a little time out on the deck enjoying the weather and the view. Finally we decided we needed to head on out before we got too comfy and started napping.

Rick Cothran lead us on a great ride through the Talladega National Forest. The road was a low traffic, curvy road with lots of gravel. We kept speeds way down and enjoyed the ride. The scenery was beautiful. It was like riding through this dense forest on some wagon road...all alone...just you and the trees. I found it very relaxing and enjoyable, even with the gravely road. The road came out on a main highway heading north which we followed back up to US 78 and then east to Atlanta.

All in all, it was a great day. The weather had been fantastic, the scenery good and the roads good. As usual the time spent with our extended family was the greatest benefit. The overall experience was another great day and another great ride.

Make plans to attend the next ride. The weather is cooling off quickly, the holiday season is upon us and as we get busier and it gets colder, it will be harder to get rides in. Our next ride is to Madison, GA. Join us for what I am sure will be another great Chapter 111 ride.

Attending:

Gary & Maria Kohl
Preston & Stephanie Howard
Rick Cothran
Steve Argo
Mitch Argo