This was a special ride. It was a ride to some place we have never been before. A rare treat.

By the time we rolled out of Atlanta Motor World thirteen riders had shown up. It was a pretty good turnout, although we do miss seeing some of you who didn't make it. The weather was fantastic. In fact, I think summer has arrived a little early this year...it got pretty warm by days end.

We left AMW and headed up 400 to 369. We took 369 across to and thru Gainesville. We did have to make one short unscheduled stop. Doug almost lost his shift lever right before Gainesville as the bolt holding it on was just about out. Luckily he noticed it and stopped to fix it before we had a recurrance of Kay and out Star Days trip. (Hey, it wouldn't be much of a ride without a little excitement). Anyway we got back on our way, got thru Gainesville over to 985 and headed north. Up around Clayton, we made a fuel stop to let everyone top off before hitting the mountains.

We left the station and took a quick left onto Warwoman Road. This took us into Highlands. It was a great ride. it was a nice two lane road with very little traffic, but some beautiful scenery and some great twisties. Parts were very reminisient of The Dragon...turn after turn...left then right, then left, then right then right some more...over and over. It was wonderful.

Arriving in Highlands, NC we found the Rib Shack and decided to do what we really do best and eat. The food was good and the fellowship better. After dinner we headed for the falls. Leaving the restaurant took us through the heart of the town. It was a quaint little town, with a very old town feel. There were lots of shops and even over the roar of the engines you could hear the women talking about the shop, stopping to shop and coming back...or...maybe that was Maria in my headset...in any case we made it through town without stopping.

Bridal Veil Falls was just a short distance out of town. It is literally right on the side of the road. In fact the road used to run under the falls, but a gigantic rock fell about three years ago and blocked the road under. We pulled off in the pull off area....which was a great place to ...pull off!! We walked up under the falls, took pictures, felt the water and generally gawked. The water flow was sort of light, probably due to the lack of rain.

We then headed down the road to a second waterfall named Dry Falls. Here there was a regular parking area...so we parked. As soon as we turned off the bikes we could hear the water. It was a short walk down a trail to the fall. Very quickly you could see the falls. This one was bigger and was moving a lot of water.....wonder why they call it Dry Falls? Anyway, the path went completely under the falls to the other side. It was truly beautiful. You could feel the mist blowing back on you as you walked. It was a great experience.

Too soon it was time to head out. Those living on the Marietta side of town headed out in one group and those of us on the Lawrenceville side headed out in another group. Before leaving we said our goodbyes. A few of us toyed with the idea of heading up to Cherokee...we were sooooo close, but ended up heading home instead. Along the way home we passed several more waterfall sites. I think we may need to go that way again.

This had been a great ride. It was about two and  a half hours riding each way. The route was through some great areas with great roads. We had some good food and saw two spectacular water falls. Most of all we got to share time with friends doing what we love to do...riding and eating.

If you missed the ride, try to make the next one. Each ride is an experience and each ride is an opportunity to be with friends. Don't forget STAR DAYS is just around the corner and Chattanooga is just around the bend. Even if you don't go for all four days, try to make it up there for a day.

Attending:

Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Allan & Shirley Sales
Malon Metz & Cindy
Ray Rutledge
Gary Kohl
Preston Howard
Henry Williams
Mark