| Date:
June 8, 2008 If today was any indication,
it is going to be a hot summer. But, even with a little heat, this was
just a great riding day....and ride we did!
A decent size group met at Atlanta Motor World around 8:00 am. The
air was cool but not cold with clear skies and the promise of sun all
day. At 8:30 our kickstands went up and we rolled out for the day's
ride. Today's destination was Nanatahala. We knew it was going to be a
full day of riding. Everyone was looking forward to it and I think there
was even a little excitement at having a really good butt tiring, sunny
ride.
We left Atlanta Motor World and headed north, staying off of GA400
and taking back roads all the way. The morning ride was fantastic. The
route Doug selected was great. The air was cool under the cover of the
trees as the sun worked its way into the high sky. We had twists and
turns, beautiful scenery and very little traffic. A little over an hour
into the ride we had the challenge of navigating a cut-through-road. It
was only a couple miles long, but was really a fun challenge. It started
out as an older narrow paved road, then became a loosely paved road,
then gravel covered, then just gravel, then pot-hole and rutted before
bringing us back onto the main SMOOTH and PAVED highway.
Shortly thereafter we took our first break for bathrooms and drink.
Most conversation was about the great ride, with a few comments about
the gravel challenge. After resting our butts and stretching our legs,
we set out again. Soon we crossed over into North Carolina. We drove
through Murphy and on into Andrews where we stopped at the local Hardees
(and the only place for miles around) for something to eat. Hardees
actually has some good burgers, fries and a really cold Strawberry
Banana shake. They may not be the fastest fast food around but it was
pretty good, and we needed the rest. The temp was on the rise and it was
only noon.
After eating a quick stop at the gas station across the street
afforded everyone the opportunity to fill their tanks for the next leg
of the ride. With tanks full and bladders empty we headed out for the
Nanatahala Gorge. We rode for about another hour and a half
through some beautiful country, traveling along the Hiawassee River,
through lush green woods on roads that twisted and turned as they rose
and fell. The ride along North Carolina Highway 28 was worth the trip.
We passed by the Nanatahala Rafting Center and headed on towards
Franklin and then back into Georgia, finally coming to rest in Clayton.
In Clayton, we refueled ourselves and out bikes. After a long break,
we set a course for home. A couple headed on down 441, the rest of us
headed up US76 for a few more hours of good riding roads. This took us
through Hiawassee, Young Harris and into Blairsville, where we had a
couple more riders split off towards home. What was left of us set our
sites on home via US129. This is another fantastic motorcycle road.
Other than a slow hay truck holding us up for a few miles, it was
wonderful. From there it was on into Gainesville and over to I985 to
finish up the day and get home.
Everyone was home way before dark. It had been a great day. Lots of
mile, plenty of seat time. The afternoon was pretty hot, but hot and
sweaty on a motorcycle in the North Georgia Mountains, with friends
beats an air-conditioned day at work any day of the week. It could not
have been too much better.
If you missed this ride, you missed a good one. The next ride is to
Deal's Gap to ride the Dragon. It will be another long day, but if you
have never ridden the Dragon, this is your chance. The Dragon can be a
lot of fun to ride. We ride safely at our own pace. If you have a
passenger, they will be able to enjoy some great scenery. If you are
driving, you will be busy and your eyes will be on the road. We look
forward to seeing you there.....yes YOU !!
Attending:
Doug Turco & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Preston & Stephanie
Malon Metz
Jason Banister
Mitch Argo
Rick Curtis
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