This was a joint ride with the Fayetteville chapter (304) and the Carterville chapter (376).

Most of us met at Atlanta Motor World. As we arrived the skies were a little dark and the temperature on the warm side of cool....or the cool side of warm, but, the forecast was for no rain and a warm mostly sunny day. The forecasters got it right. We rolled out on time and headed toward the rendezvous with the other chapters and a couple more of our members at Hwy 92 and I-575.

We arrived at the meeting point on time. The skies were already clearing up and the temp was on the rise. Upon arrival we met a couple more of the 111 members a larger number from Fayetteville and a couple from Cartersville. In total there were 14 bikes and 23 riders. It was a very good turnout.

With the road captain of 304 in the lead we headed up I-575 towards Tellico Plains. The interstate gave way to Hwy 5 in Georgia and turned to highway 68 as we crossed into Tennessee at McCaysville, GA/Copperhill, TN. There ride was relaxing as we traveled the route at the speed limit. The roads were great and the scenery nice.

Tennessee 68 goes into Tellico Plains where you jump onto the Cherohala Skyway. Before making that run we stopped for lunch at the Bistro By The River. Shortly after arriving at the restaurant another couple from the Cartersville chapter caught up with us. We had phoned ahead and warned the restaurant that we were coming.  They had table ready on the patio overlooking the river. Service was a little slow but we were a large group.....A couple hours later everyone was fed and watered and we were ready to hit the highway.

Cherohala is a beautiful ride. The road is in great condition and the twisties are very enjoyable. The scenery is spectacular. The trees were still pretty green but were starting to show hints of color. Every now and then an isolated tree would have already turned to some spectacular red or orange. Overall the tint was toward the yellow end of green. A few more weeks and it is really going to be pretty. We made one stop at an overlook for some pictures. Also, as we rode the Skyway the sky darkened. You could see rain off the the left and right and sometime it appeared to lie ahead. We got a few light drops on the windshield and in spots the roads were wet from recent rain. I think that two hour lunch that aggrevated us at the time actually kept us from being in some heavy showers.

Finishing the Skyway we headed towards Fontana dam. We made a brief stop at the bottom of the dam before heading for a pit stop. It had been a while since we had a break and most riders were thankful for the bathrooms and cold drinks. By now a few riders had headed back to Atlanta and had ended their day's ride. The rest of us were headed on to Cherokee for the night. The skies were now completely clear. The temperature was perfect and the ride into Cherokee was very enjoyable.

Arriving in Cherokee we located the hotel and everyone checked in. It was dinner time and everyone agreed to meet in about 45 minutes to go eat. This gave us time to settle into the rooms and freshen up. An hour later we were all sitting down feasting on the buffet. After dinner some headed back to the hotel, others headed over to the casino.

Sunday morning there were several different agendas. Some headed straight home. Other were headed up the Blue Ridge to Asheville. Others stayed in Cherokee for the morning and some for the day. By days end, everyone was home. It had been a great trip. North Georgia, Western Tennessee and Eastern North Carolina is some of the best riding in the country. We are fortunate to be so close....but don't take it for granted. Join in on the rides. It is always enjoyable and always a great ride.

Attending:

Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Mitch Argo
Malon & Cindy Metz
Ray Rutledge
John & Sharon Saari