In early September, three riders enjoyed a welcome “early taste of fall”.  In unseasonably cool temps, Larry, Dan and Dennis met in Ball Ground before heading up to the N Ga mountains.  But first they enjoyed meeting a fellow on his way to a car show with his beautiful muscle car – a ’70 Buick GSX (real one, not cloned, 455 Stage I Ram Air!)  

After tearing themselves away and apologizing for all the drool on his car, they layered up and headed up casual old favorites like Grandview, Sunrise and Doublehead Gap roads to the always-pleasant Van Zandt’s for a break.  As they were about to leave, a large riding group of 11 (mostly new, high-end euro bikes!) arrived.  It quickly became

After a too-long winter break, Larry, BobK, Mel and Dennis decided a 2-night moto-camp was in order and successfully avoided the “grey and wet” days of recent.  They left after lunch on Friday taking backroads up to Blue Ridge (Boardtown was especially nice), then stopped for a break at Buck Bald Brewing in Copperhill, TN (check out their delicious Berry Hibiscus Brewed Tea).  Winds were gusting over 30 mph so they didn’t stay long since it felt better bundled up on the bikes than exposed on the patio.  Overnight lows were forecasted to be 43, but each was beginning to question if they’d packed enough warmth for this trip.

From there it was west along the Ocoee River, then NE up Reliance Road to Cherokee Mountain Trails Campground (CMTC) west of Tellico Plains.  Reliance Road proved to be another trip highlight as it was pleasantly curvy and empty!  Tents popped up quickly and they eagerly entered the lodge building to warm up and get out of the wind.  CMTC

Camping and Riding.  Like Peanut Butter and chocolate – does it get any better?  On a gorgeous, crisp fall morning, Larry and Dan headed toward Cleveland to meet Mel.  The three quickly headed up 75, then westward across Wolf Pen Gap.  The leaves had begun to change color and the day’s brisk winds caused them to rain down at times.  As they headed down the Richard Russell Scenic Hwy in beautiful sunshine, they stopped to admire the view from the always-scenic Hog Pen Gap.  

From there it was south to 19, then back north through Neels Gap to pick up the western half of Wolf Pen Gap.  Soon the annual “True Grits 50cc Rally” would begin and the guys wanted to position themselves at Wildcat BBQ (about 6 mi N of Suches) where they could

Taking advantage of early fall weather, Dan, BobK, and Larry rode a couple areas in the northwest we haven’t ridden in a while – the Ocoee River in SW TN and the Ft Mountain area NW of Ellijay.  Why did we wait so long?

The morning was chilly and the afternoon warm.  In other words, perfect!  The trio zipped up to Ellijay the fast way (Hwy 515), then hopped over to Boardtown Road to Blue Ridge - beautiful and relaxing.  As they arrived in McCaysville, the early morning cloud ceiling was just beginning to lift.  It was cool enough they really hoped those clouds continued rising.  By the time they were riding along the Ocoee river, they were enjoying bright fall sunshine.  And even if they were a tad cool, what about those rafters and kayakers!  After reaching the Lake Ocoee area, Larry missed a turn which took them a few miles N on Hwy 30 at the base of the mountain. When they stopped, they met a couple of friendly hounds in the road sporting radio collars with antennae.