It was officially fall. The air had a crispness to it. It was slightly overcast with moments of sunlight breaking through the clouds. It was a great day for a ride into the Tennessee and North Carolina mountains.

Turnout for the ride was a little light. We had 8 riders on 5 bikes leave AMW. Doug led us out and took us on a great route staying off the larger highways. About halfway we took a break at a small gas station, more for leg stretches, snacks and drinks, than for gas. After a short break we headed on our way with Tellico Plains as our destination. It was a nice ride. Along the way another ride met up with us giving us a decent size group as we arrived at the restaurant in Tellico Plains.

After a good meal and some chit chat, we mounted back up. After a quick gas stop we jumped on the Cherohala Skyway and headed to the opposite end at Robinsonville, NC. Cherohala is great ride. Plenty of curves, some decent altitude and great scenery. The trees at the lower elevations were still pretty green, but as out altitude increased so did the color. On this day however the cloud ceiling was pretty low and at most of the vista overlooks all we could see was white. In some places the clouds were so thick that we did good to see the bike in front of us....not sure what Doug was following in the front. However, as we crossed over into North Carolina the clouds lifted and the colors seemed to intensify. It was a beautiful ride from that point on. At highest elevations the colors trended more to the browns, but as we descended the colors changed to bright reds, yellows and oranges. It was well worth the ride. It was a little cool higher up, but as we came down the temps warmed slightly and made for a nice ride.

Leaving Robinsonville we headed back towards Georgia and our homes. As we got closer riders began splitting off, each taking the best route to their home.

For the first time in several weeks we had a good ride with a decent turnout. It was worth the effort as we were rewarded with natures marvelous fall show and time spent with our extended family.

Attending:

Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Preston & Stephanie Howard
Rick Curtis
Marty Howard
Rick Cothran