The cool morning air was a relief from the recent hot mornings of the summer. Much like the last ride, it was very nice in the morning. Some of the cooler natured riders even needed a light jacket to start the day. However, by ride's end it was just plain hot.

The turnout was a little on the light side, especially considering the beautiful day. Kickstands were up at 9:30 and we up highway 9 through Alpharetta, Cumming, then crossed the dam and headed up PIB towards Oakwood. From Oakwood to the Red House Restaurant was a really nice ride through the Georgia countryside. We did take a break around half way for some liquid refreshment. The last stretch was scenic and the weather still cool enough for it to be very enjoyable.

After navigating our bikes up a long gravel driveway we parked and immediately entered the Red House. It was about noon and already they were getting very busy. The parking lot was pretty full, people were in line and you could smell the food. Red house is a buffet style restaurant. It was all country cooking and it was all good. Fried chicken, fried fish, dressing with gravy, country fried steak, fried livers, lots of good home style veggies, rolls and cornbread and sweet tea to wash it all down. Then some great desserts to finish off the meal.

After finishing our meal we remounted out trusty steeds and head towards the park. The temperature had gone from the warm side of cool to HOT! It was in the low nineties. Luckily the park was only about 15 minutes away. We pulled in and parked out bikes. The first visit was to the shoals. Walking down to the river we sat in the cooler shade under a tree and watched the river, and the people wading in it. A few of us walked out across a few of the rocks. It would be a great place to just sit for a while and enjoy the day.

Next was a walk across the covered bridge to the 1800 era village. Here they had relocated various buildings from the 1800's from around the area. There were cabins, corn cribs, smoke houses, wagon houses, a church, a old courthouse and a few others, including the privy. Many were open and you could walk through them. All I can say is "We've come a long way" from the log cabin days.

By now everyone was really hot. It was time to leave and start heading back, but first we had to find a store with some good cold air conditioning and get something cold to drink. Ten minutes down the rode we did so and took our time inside cooling off. Eventually, it was time to leave and with our usual goodbyes we all headed off towards home.

We always have the best chapter rides and this one had been no exception. We always manage to find good food and enjoyable roads. But more importantly we are always surrounded by good friends. I always hate to see the ride end, and anxiously anticipate the next one.

If you are reading this and missed the ride, just come join us at the next one. It will be just as good.

Attending:

Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Preston & Stephanie Howard
Ray Rutledge
Bret Rose & Kathy Kuester (Chapter 304)

Pictures coming soon