Anticipating a hot day the scheduled picnic was cancelled. We still made the ride to Cave Springs, GA (the site of the planned picnic), but opted to eat inside....in a restaurant....in air conditioning....and its a good thing we did. IT WAS A SCORCHER.

We met up at AMW as usual. Meeting at eight in the morning and leaving a half an hour later, really paid off. The morning ride was a lot cooler (but not cool) than it would have been, had we waited 'til later in the morning.

Nine bikes drove out of AMW headed for Rome, including three guests (two bikes). It was a casual ride routed on GA 20, US41 and US411. Between Cartersville and Rome we took a short break and allowed everyone to stretch and grad a cold drink as it was already warming up and it was only about 9:45 am. From the break we rode into Rome and out to the local Star Dealer to meet up with the Rome chapter (285).

Arriving at the dealer, they had eight bikes present plus another 111 member met us there. After a little socializing and some shopping in the dealer's store, we all mounted up and headed to Cave Springs. Ed Barber, president of 285 led the way with 17 bikes in tow. The ride to Cave Springs was quick, as it was only about 30 miles away.

Upon arriving at the park in Cave Springs, we parked the bikes in what shade we could find and ventured out to check out the spring, the lake and the cave. Cave Springs was neat little place to visit. We will have to return in cooler weather next year for a picnic as there are numerous pavilions for use. Also on the grounds is the spring and creek to wade in as well as a swimming pool in the shape of Georgia fed by the spring. The water was temping, but we stayed dry and opted for the coolness of the cave.

It is small cave, but still very interesting to visit. Best of all it was very very cool inside. Even standing outside the entrance to the cave was twenty degrees cooler than the shade anywhere else. Inside the cave was probably around sixty  to sixty five degrees....it felt good. After walking through the cave we had a refreshing drink of water from the spring. Many people were coming up with bottles and large containers to get water to take home. The spring fed a small lake with some trout in it. A couple young girls had caught a crawdad and had it in a cup to show off before returning it to the stream. We also found a small baby snake and played with it for a bit.

We were now getting hot, and hungry and decided to head for a local eatery. Leaving the bikes at the park we walked into town, which was literally across the street. The first two places we checked out had little or no air conditioning, so that wasn't even an option. The third place, a local steakhouse had room for us and was a little cooler and had ceiling fans going. We all got seated and got an order in for a cool drink. Later we placed our orders and by the time food arrived we had cooled down and were rather comfortable. We were there for a while. Twenty customers descending on them at once was a little overwhelming, but then handled it fine. The food and the service were both very good.

After lunch we headed back to the bikes. Some riders headed on home. About half of us headed over into Alabama to visit a local bike shop. It was a hot ride over there. Luckily it was only about 10 miles away. We spent a little time in the shop trying to stay cool and then headed home.

The ride home was hot. I mean HOT!! It was pretty much the heat of the day. I would guess the high had to be close to 100! Riders split off as we neared their home or the best route to their home. With the high heat, we took a couple breaks along the way and by early evening, most everyone was home.

It had been a good day....a hot day....but a good day. The ride was good. The food and cool air were good. And, it was good to meet up with and see our friends in chapter 285. Even with the hot weather, I was glad to be out riding. A hot day on the bike beats a cool day at work anytime.

Hope to see everyone on the next ride.

Attending:

Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Georges Tacquet
Marty Howard
John Saari
Tim & Diane King
Henry Williams