TLCMC

In the midst of our never-ending Georgia summer, we wondered if it would be possible to sneak in an overnight ride before winter flurries came.  The Lord provided in abundance as we enjoyed gloriously cool riding and camping in God’s wonderland we call North Ga.  Three (Larry, Dave and BobK) were able to sneak off work Friday and make a full 2 days of it, while Dennis, Richard and his friend Chuck left Friday afternoon to meet up at our evening’s destination – Two Wheels of Suches.  (Welcome, Chuck! We thoroughly enjoyed riding with you and hope to see you again.) 

Friday morning the “early 3” headed out 140 to Armuchee, then N into “ridge and valley” country, resting at the Pocket (a gushing spring park at the base of Johns Mtn) before crossing up and over the ridge on extra-tight Lake Marvin Rd (by the Girls Scouts’ Misty Mtn camp).  We then reacquainted ourselves with an old favorite, hwy 52, across the Ft Mtn area to our well-earned lunch at Pooles BBQ in Ellijay.  The ‘que was good, but even better was our server, a middle-aged woman who’d just started riding a few years earlier.  She absolutely couldn’t contain her excitement for riding and was enthralled with our trip (and insisted she take our pic before we left!)  It was fun to see her so excited.  If you’ve ever considered riding, ask any of us and we’ll gladly point you in the right direction for a safe start.

After lunch we enjoyed the Dial and the Doublehead Gap area, then 60 S to Suches, but Larry and Dave couldn’t resist a forest service detour up Gaddistown Rd and across Cooper Gap for a short (ok, long) cut to Suches.  At TWO, we soaked in wonderful fall temps and late afternoon sunshine as we set up tents and caught up with each others’ trips.  Dinner was good, but fellowship even better.  The place was hopping with a mix of Motor Maids (SE gathering site for a ladies riding org), those riding the Blue Ridge 250 (charity ride event) and campers like us just taking advantage of the best weather in months.  Cool mountain air always makes campfires and tent sleeping better!

After hearty breakfasts, we broke camp and enjoyed Wolf Pen Gap to 75, then N to Hiawassee for a ride UP! Bell Mtn (see our Sept ‘18 write up on this spectacular and unique overlook).  From there it was S to Helen for a sampling of German fare and some truly interesting people-watching.  After lunch, we bagged a trip up the Richard Russel scenic hwy, then down 19 thru Blood Mtn before heading home via Dahlonega and Dawsonville.  Mileage was about 370 for the two days and home about 4.  Can’t wait to do it again.  Maybe in the spring?

With about five record highs in the previous week, we weren’t sure what to expect on our trek to the Cherohala Skyway.  Saturday morning 5 riders (BobK, Dave, Larry, Mel, and Mike) met in Ball Ground for an early start north. 

For the uninitiated, the Cherohala Skyway is a federal road project to create a ridge-top road connecting Tellico Plains (in SE TN) and Robbinsville (SW NC) and crosses up and over the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests – hence the name.  While similar to Blue Ridge Parkway in beauty, its layout is less “tight and twisty” and more “fast sweepers” with wide open views and large, frequent scenic turnouts.  In other words… Who knew our federal government would create such a glorious motorcycle route?!  And since it starts and ends in such remote areas, it’s always lightly traveled.

Morning temps were almost cool as we made our way toward Blue Ridge the fast way (4 lane). After a quick bite, we headed N to Tellico Plains on TN 68 – a wonderful motorcycle road in its own right.  Another pit stop in the excellent visitor center and we headed East, enjoying the graceful curves and views.  And much cooler temps as we rose over 5000’.  Yes, sweatshirts came out!  As we neared Lake Santeetlah, Mike headed to Robbinsville and a fast return home for his date night, but the rest reversed course and rode it again for twice the fun.  Why not, we’re already here.

Lunch was at the excellent Tellico Grains Bakery and Deli in downtown - you can’t go wrong with anything here.  Our return home was the same beautiful route, just warmer.  Between Ellijay and Jasper we caught a popup shower, but then pushed through it and were able to ride dry skies home to Woodstock.  Mileage was about 325 for the day and home by 5.  Or, as Trump would say… a big, beautiful ride.  With fall colors just around the corner, keep this route in mind for your loved ones - they let autos use it as well!

Saturday morning, August 10th, Dave, Dennis, Larry, Mel and Richard met in Ball Ground for a leisurely ramble to Blue Ridge.  Their early meetup provided beautiful morning temps for their ramble N along Grandview, Sunrise and Double-head Gap (perennial favorites).  Their rest on the porch at Van Zandt’s in Dial was extra peaceful since the owners were on vacation and the joint closed.  Oh, well, lunch is just around the corner at the renowned Toccoa Riverside Restaurant on Aska Rd.  But first, why not check out a waterfall just a couple miles away from the restaurant off a supposedly-paved road?  So they headed up Aska to Stanley Gap Rd.   They were pleasantly surprised to find Stanley Gap road nicely paved until just a ¼ mile from the Benton MacKaye trailhead (the road bikes had no issues with the gravel, thankfully).  The trailhead was quite busy with area vacationers.  The hike was about ½ mile (uphill!) and they were feeling the day’s extra heat and humidity.  The Fall Branch Falls were rather light (which is odd with all the rain we’ve had this summer).  Our recommendation is to save this one for after a large spring deluge.

Seven riders (Larry, Dave, Dennis, Richard, Steve, Barry, Bob) started out from Ball Ground heading for the north Georgia mountains, to attend the Vintage Rally at Two Wheels of Suches (TWoS). An eighth rider, Mel, joined the seven at Van Zantds in Dial Georgia. Mel had camped in Suches the night before.

From Dial the group divided in two, with Richard, Dennis and Steve opting to ride twisty Ga 60 to Suches, while the rest chose to take Forest Service roads through the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Vintage Rally itself was well attended though most of the many bikes parked throughout the grounds seemed kind of new to be considered "vintage". Never-the-less it was a fun, if crowded, event.