The weather forecast for the day was sunny and HOT. With this in mind we decided on a fairly early start for the ride. The forecast was right on the money and our decision to ride in the cooler parts of the day was a wise one.

As usual we met up at AMW and left from there. The turnout was a little lighter than expected, but those than were able to come made up a great group. We pulled out on time and headed up highway 9 through Alpharetta, Cumming, and Dawsonville. Once past Dawsonville we took a very scenic route through the mountains to Blairsville. It was a truly awesome ride. The air was a little cooler at the higher elevations. The roads were as twisty as you could possibly want. Part of the ride were as good as the Dragon, but without all the traffic or the "crazies". It was a very enjoyable ride.

We made our usual stop about half way. Blairsville is more than a couple hours from AMW and most everyone needed the break for their butt, as well as a little cool refreshment. Once everyone was ready, we headed out for the final stretch.

We arrived at Riverwalk a little before noon. This allowed us to get into the restaurant, order and eat before any crowds came in...although none really ever did. The menu offered a selection of fish, BBQ, and chicken. Much to Maria's dismay, there was no salad on the menu and she had to eat real food this time. The meal was very leisurely and the food was good. No one was in a rush and we were all able to enjoy good food and good people.

Riverwalk is a small "village" on the river mainly consisting of little shops. So, after getting fed, we spent a good while exploring the shops and stores. There was a wide selection of things to look at and a little money managed to leave a few hands in the process. The stores were all of the "country store" variety and most had some interesting items to look at. The main store sat right on the river. You could buy a could drink or ice cream cone and sit out front with the various "characters" or you could sit out back on the hugh deck and enjoy the river.

Once the shopping was done it was time to go. Since we were very close to Copperhead Lodge we decided to go by and check it out. Copperhead Lodge is a resort designed for motorcyclists. There are "cabins" available for purchase. There are also cabins that can be rented as well as rooms in the lodge itself. We did a full tour of the lodge and even checked out the property and cabin rental/sales. It was very nice and may be a good overnight destination for a future ride. The lodge has a restaurant, a bar, a pool, meeting rooms and a full service motorcycle shop with a mechanic on duty.

From the lodge we headed home with those on the northwest side of Atlanta heading out one way and those on the northeast side heading another. For us, the ride home was as good as the ride to Riverwalk. The ride back through the mountains was actually relaxing and a great way to finish off the day.

It had been another great chapter ride. Good food, good roads, and good friends. Each ride is such a great experience, I never think the next one can be as good....but it always is. I guess I just never get tired of good riding, good eating and mainly.....good friends.

Hopefully those who were missing this week will be there next time.

Attending:

Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Allen & Shirley Sales
John & Janet Rennie
Jim & Donna Hale