I simply do not know where to start...the weather....the turnout....the ride.....

This may have been the largest assembly of STAR motorcycles in Georgia EVER!!

We (Chapter 111) left Atlanta Motor World with 18 bikes in tow. Chapter 304 (Fayetteville) had ridden up to AMW and make the ride to Dawsonville with us. The weather was unbelievable. The sun was out, it was already warm when we pulled out around 10 am. Watching the long line of bikes rumble out onto the road was truly great. We followed GA Highway 9 up through Alpharetta, and Cumming into Dawsonville. As the long line of bikes wound its way through the countryside and hills into Dawsonville I realized how proud I was to be a part of this great group of people. It was a really good feeling.

Upon arriving at the famous Dawsonville Pool Hall, we were greeted by members from Chapters 314, 285 and 376. There were bikes everywhere. I made an attempt at counting, but finally gave up. I would estimate it was in the ballpark of 50 bikes. After getting parked and saying our hellos to many of our good friends from various chapters, we headed to the pool hall for some good eats. Well.......the pool hall was maxed out. Every table was full and then some. So, a number of us in the "overflow" headed next door to Dogs and Hogs Barbeque for our food. A few opted for a nearby Subway. It was great to sit around with our friends on this gorgeous day and enjoy our food.

It took a while, but eventually the food establishments got caught up with all the orders and everyone got their food. Everyone eventually made their way back to the bikes for the real ride. Many people had to get home for various reasons...birthday parties, yard work, honey-do's and various other things. Eventually we gathered up everyone that wanted to ride to Tallulah Falls. After everyone gassed up we headed out of Dawsonville. By now it was 80 degrees and the sun's rays were strong. Sunscreen was applied but you could see and feel the effects of the sun. We wound our way through the North Georgia mountains...some of the best roads in the country for motorcycle riding. Riding through the mountains was a little odd. The temperature was in the 80's but the scenery of bare trees said it was still winter. One thing...you could see for miles. There were no leaves on the trees to block the view and it was breathtaking.

After a little over an hour or riding we made a rest/fuel stop. We stretched our legs, fueled the bikes and got some much needed liquid refreshment. Before long we were on the road again enjoying the ride. This leg led us along the twisting, turning and scenic shoreline road of Lake Burton, Lake Seed and Lake Rabun. The lakes were beautiful and some of the homes on the lake unbelievable. It was definitely worth seeing. Eventually we exited this wonderland and found our way to Tallulah Gorge.

After parking the bikes and paying a visit to the visitors center, we took the short 1/4 mile hike to one of the lookouts. Looking down 750 feet into the gorge was the river with some rapids. Birds soared the gorge below us and above us. The concept of some walking a tightrope across the gorge at this exact place just boggles the mind. After some picture taking we headed back to the scooters.

A few more goodbyes were exchanged as some headed off in different directions to end the day. The remainder of us headed down the road towards home. One last stop was in order. Dinner. Just south of the leaving the gorge we found the Hollywood Diner. It was a kinda small place but was doing a good business. We entered and did our usual table rearrangement. We placed our orders, enjoyed our cool drinks, conversed and watch some crazy stuff on CMT on the tv's in the diner. In due course our meals were delivered. The food was very good and made for a good end to the day.

Leaving the diner we said our final farewells for the day, mounted our mighty machines and rode off into the sunset. It was dark when we got home. It had been a long day, but a very rewarding day. We attended a great STAR gathering, had the best riding we have had in months in weather worthy of May or June, saw great scenery, visited a natural wonder of Georgia, had a great meal and most important of all spent time with our extended family.

Thank you to everyone who showed up and made this a great event. For those that were unable to attend, you missed a great time. But, our rides are always a great time and often a great adventure. We will be looking for you at the next one.

Attending:

Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Steve Argo
Mitch Argo
David & Josie Hughes
Malon Metz
Preston Howard
Ryan Bennett
Henry Williams
Bill Sanders
John & Janet Rennie
Chuck & Cindy Pierce
Bret Rose & Kathy Keuster
John Saari
Rick Curtis (Welcome to our newest member)