September 2024 - A Taste of Fall

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 apparent nearly half this group were Brits - I think Dan may have found a new tribe!  Although we really enjoyed conversing with them and could have hung out much longer, we had more great mountain riding ahead.  

The gang of three headed S down 60 initially enjoying wide sweeping curves which gradually tightened into tight twisties before arriving at Suches – and all traffic free.  Next they headed west across Wolf Pen Gap, but made a quick stop to check out Kennedy Creek Resort (f/k/a High Valley) – Ga’s highest airfield.  The new owner operates a very nice restaurant and added a gigantic pavilion which that weekend was hosting an “old time music festival”.  We wished we had more time to spend with them, but instead will keep an eye on their calendar for interesting upcoming events.  Camping at this resort looks first rate.

Onward across the always-interesting Wolf Pen Gap (Ga’s Dragon) and then up-and-over Blood Mountain and down to lunch at Riverside Tavern (at Turner’s Corner).  None of us had stopped here previously but were impressed and look forward to another visit in the future.  There they met a couple Can Am (forward trike) riders and learned more about these unusual rides.  

From there it homeward-bound down 19 to the Outlets, then Bannister/Matt Hwy/East Cherokee to home.  

Afterwards, I couldn’t help but think the stops on this ride (cool cars, lots of great people, and new interesting places!) were just as good as the day’s riding, and in the N Ga mountains, that’s really saying something!  Sometimes you just get lucky.

About 190 miles for the day and home by 3.  Join us next time.