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Post by frankbrown on Jun 30, 2015 9:24:45 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2015 19:41:47 GMT -5
June 18th
Left the house early Thursday morning attempting to beat the late afternoon showers and meet up with Roland and Elio who were trailering their bikes to Two Wheels of Suches (elev. 2,000 ft). The weather was extremely hot riding up thru Georgia, broke 90 deg by 9:30 AM with mostly 96 deg temps throughout the day, and a high of 99.7 deg in couple of areas. Stopped in Lexington, GA (east of Athens) center square all shaded by giant oak trees for an extended break to cool off and rehydrate. Closed my eyes for about 30 minutes before being awaken by thunder and heavy rain approaching. Put on the rain gear and waited out the 1st storm cell to pass and then started heading north again. After clearing the storms and the temperatures quickly climbing back into the mid 90’s, stopped to remove rain gear and check in with Roland and Elio who were scheduled to arrive ahead of me and was going to stop in Dahlonega to pick up dinner. Looks like they started their adventure a little early with a flat tire on the trailer and was now going to be arriving after me so I went ahead started acclimating to the mountain roads getting use to the lower gears and timing by diverting to Helen, GA and picked up Richard B. Russell Scenic Hwy, to 129 to the Rock Pile, and on to Dahlonega for groceries and dinner. Roland and Elio arrived safely and we had dinner and a few cold beers while getting to know some of the other riders staying at Two Wheels. [578 miles]
June 19th
Friday woke up early and went for a ride over Wolf Pen Gap to Sunrise Groceries for gas while Roland and Elio unpacked their bikes.
This being Elio first adventure into north GA we headed up Hwy 60 to start the introduction of twisty turns and gradual elevation changes. Elio adapted much quicker on his LT than I ever did and was enjoying the roads of Skeenah Gap, Hicks Gap, Owltown, and south on Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. We then headed north on 17 over the mountain towards Hiawassee and then turned east on 76 to north on Persimmon Rd to Germany Rd back into Clayton. We worked our way back to Helen via Burton Dam Rd to the German Bakery for lunch. We went north on Russell Scenic to 129 down to the rock pile and back to Two Wheels. After dinner at Two Wheels made a evening run up Hwy 60 to Blue Ridge and back. [282 miles]
June 20th
Saturday we started out with a run across Wolf Pen Gap and over to the tight climb up Hwy 180 spur to Brasstown Bald (elev. 4,783 ft). As we ascended neared the top of the bald we were over taken by the swirling clouds dancing around us as the wind blew, this turned out to be one of the coolest temps we would see all week. We continued on to Clayton and the famous Warwoman Road to Moonshiner Hwy 28 up to the Highlands (elev. 4,118 ft.)that is always cool and breezy. We headed east on Main St to try out a new road “Horse Cove Rd” which starts out with warnings which has a very steep descent with numerous 180 deg switchbacks and 90 deg corners before reaching the cove at the south side of Cashiers. Most of the descent is 1st gear with heavy braking to stay in your lane! We reached Cashiers and headed west back to Highlands, Hwy 28, and rode behind Bridal Falls. (Note: Roland had declared no shave week)
We continued following Hwy 28 until just before Franklin and took some back roads south west to eventually Old Murphy Hwy to HWY 64 to Hiawassee. We worked our way back to Hwy 180 and over to Wolf Pen Gap and back to Two Wheels. Murray and Robert drove by as they arrived at High Valley Resort, unloaded their bikes, and rode over to join us for dinner at Two Wheels restaurant. [233 miles]
June 21st
Sunday morning started with a daybreak run up 60 to Old Blue Ridge Rd and back. Murray and Robert rode back over to join us for breakfast at Two Wheels. We quickly moved into HVR cabins, and plotted out a ride for the day. Roland volunteered to stay behind and coordinate the cabin check in while the rest of us rode off to Hiawassee, over to Old Murphy Hwy, and to scenic Wayah road. We took National Forest Road 711 a nice twisty detour off of Wayah road which is paved all the way to Lake Nantahala Overlook (elev. 4,600 ft.). From the overlook Elio and I doubled back down to Nantahala Lake along Wayah road while Murray and Robert continued on the unpaved NF711 road. We met up at the Nantahala white water rafting drop off point after passing numerous folks fly fishing for trout along the river. After watching several rafts and kayakers launch we headed down 129 to the Nantahala Outdoors Center (NOC) to watch the recovery of the rafts and kayakers as they completed their run down the rapids. After lunch we headed back to HVR to meet all the other Adventures. Everyone had arrived except Mark Del Pico who was coming up on Monday. [259 miles]
While the cabin representatives were making the first night traditional grocery run, Elio was baking homemade Italian Lasagna including handmade pasta for everyone to enjoy.
After the excellent Italian dinner, Elio broke out some Italian Grappa....left over grape skins distilled into a liquor. It reminded me a lot of what we drank out of a jar growing up in TN...moonshine with grapes! However, I have to admit that the Grappa has a more refined bottle and taste !
June 22nd
Monday morning started with an early morning run across Wolf Pen Gap down 129 to the Rock Pile and back up 60 to HVR just in time kickstands up at 8 AM. Today’s destination was Cherohala Skyway via Hwy 60 to 68 to Tellico Plains. We decided to make a detour to Bald River Falls and recreate the Summer Adventure group picture, but this time with a missing man formation reserved for Roger Edwards.
After pictures and reflections we headed up the Cherohala and gathered on the other end at Thunder Mountain General Store.
The majority of the group broke off and set their navigation devices to HVR and ended up going three different directions. Murray, Jerry, Bob, and I continued up 129 to Deals Gap for a run on the Dragon. It was a very hot ride do to the heavy traffic and slow pace. We continued down Hwy 28 along Fontana Lake enjoying a very nice spirited ride until we got behind a pickup truck with two women riding on the tool box while the men were in the air conditioned cab near Fontana Village. As we road back and forth zig zagging on the bikes the women started swaying like a cobra snake and threating to blind us by flashing us! Luckily they turned towards the dam so we could escape unharmed down 28 to Franklin and up to the Highlands and back home via Warwoman road. The earlier group prepared hamburgers for dinner and iced down the home made beer which was much appreciated after a long ride in the unseasonable heat wave we experienced this whole week (mid 90’s vs upper 70’s). [365 miles]
June 23rd
Tuesday with Roger on my mind, made a GoPro run Hwy 60 up to Old Blue Ridge Road and back, arrived in time for KSU at 8 AM as headed to the backside of Highlands again via Wolf Pen Gap, Richard B. Russell Scenic Hwy, 356 bypass around Helen, to Burton Dam Rd, to Tiger / Clayton. Stopped at the BP for fuel and equipment check including adding much needed oil.
Made another run down Warwoman Rd to Hwy 28 to Highlands. We started down Horse Cove Rd and about halfway down the switchbacks we encountered a dump truck ascending up. Robert turned out to be the unlucky one to meet the truck in the middle of the switchback and was able to negotiate the only foot of unblocked pavement to clear the truck! We continued to work our way back to Cashiers on 107 and continued north to Cullowhee were we headed west on Eljay road. This road is very popular with bike riders do to elevation climbs and steep descents, however with all the ice this past winter they layed down a layer of pea gravel over the road causing some pucker moments navigating the descending 90 deg turns and switchbacks. Once we got back on Hwy 28 we took the backroads to bypass Franklin and head over to Old Murphy Hwy were we encountered a down tree across the road near the top pass. Luckly someone (bicyclist) had sawed off a three foot gap near the edge of the road that we were all able to pass thru. We stopped near Hayesville to pick up groceries for dinner. As we were heading back to the cabin on Trackrock Gap road we came around a corner and right in front of us was an old country church with a large American flag waving in the wind. We pulled into the parking area, turn the bikes off, and had a moment of silence in remembrance of Roger and reflect on past rides. One of my favorite memories of riding with Roger in the mountains was after a long day of riding backroads with Dan Ashline and myself, Roger pulls up and said “I’m going back to the cabin, I can’t turn anymore”. He always accused me finding low speed twisty switchback roads, he called them “Grinders” that neutralized his K-bike power. The day was still early, and still had Roger on my mind so I made a solo run up Owltown Rd, to Old Blue Ridge, to Skeenah Gap, and back to Hwy 60. Picked up Dial Rd to Aska Rd all the way to Blue Ridge where I took Hwy 60 back to HVR. Arrived in time for a cold beer, while Robert prepared the Brats along with Jerry’s homemade potatoe salad and once again we had enjoyed another feast “Brats & Beers”. [355 miles]
June 24th
Wednesday KSU at 8 AM Adventure destination was a late breakfast feast at Dillard’s Restaurant followed by a leisurely ride to Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley, NC. KSU at 8 AM and we started towards Dillard (Google maps: 62 miles 1 hr 30 min), thru Wolf Pen Gap, Russell Scenic Hwy, 365 around Helen, and up along Lake Burton. Bob pulled up next to me and needed gas, he learned the importance of topping off at the end of the previous day like everyone else. Bob, went on to get gas while the rest of us continued down several more backroads where the sun don’t shine with a lot of curves to work up our appetite. We met Bob at the restaurant (Fred route: 88 miles 2 hrs 8 min) and enjoyed a southern breakfast feast: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fried pork chops, salt cured ham, biscuits, gravy, homemade jelly, grits, fried potatoes, pancakes…..
Once we waddled out of the restaurant we mounted up and headed towards Maggie Valley. We arrived around noon time to find out that museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, with all our smart phones and computers, none of us checked to see if they were open!
At this point the group rode over to Cherokee before heading back to the Nantahala Outdoor Center on their way back to the cabin, I decided to take a longer return trip by getting up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and rode it to the other side of Waynesville were I picked up 217 and started my return on backroads towards the cabin where once again ice cold beer was awaiting on the front porch. [366 miles]
June 25th
Thursday KSU at 8 AM destination Wheels Through Time, (Google maps 114 miles 2 hrs 22 mins). Fred’s backroads 170 miles 4 hrs 21 mins with multiple mountain passes and 35 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 1st stop on BRP was the Courthouse Overlook where Roger, Jerry & I rode to last year for lunch.
After spending ~ 1.5 hours walking thru the museum we saddled back up to start our return ride to the cabin.
I had a craving in my stomach and headed back up the BRP for 45 miles to the Pisgah Inn for a late lunch / early dinner, Walnut Crusted Fresh Mountain Trout Garnished with Blueberry butter and finished with Blackberry Cobbler a la mode. After the completing the great meal.
I was still over 3 hours away from the cabin, so I headed towards the setting sun back down the mountain taking scenic backroads. With Elijay road covered with gravel, I took another parallel road Walnut Creek between 107 and 28 and after descending switchback came across this old hunting cabin with a piece of Americana…..
American Flag painted wooden pallet with “God Bless America”. Pulled into the cabin at 7:30 PM for a few cold draft beers and swap stories. [366 miles]
June 26th
Friday KSU ? varied by group, Roland was first out and went to ride with a friend (Jim N.) from NJ who lived nearby, Elio and I left soon after following Jerry’s suggestion and rode back up Hwy 60/68 to Tellico Grains Bakery for a great lunch. Ohers went into Dahlonega to visit the motorcycle shop and last minute errands before packing up and/or loading bikes on trailers for the return home.
(Note: You may have notice some additional gray fuzz......Roland had declared it was a no shaving week) Elio and I headed back along 39 Mecca Pike, 315 Reliance Rd aka Barb Wire Fence road. We picked up Hwy 30 in Reliance down to Ocoee Lake onto Hwy 64 were we pulled off to watch the rafters going down the Ocoee river and took an extended break at the launch ramp.
You have to love the warning sign on this section of road: Caution: Vehicles prone to cross yellow line…
We continued heading back passing the Whitewater Olympic Center with all the nations’ flag still flying and returned to the cabin by midafternoon to get one of the last couple of draft beers before the kegs went dry (sorry Murray)……2 kegs, total 10 gallon, gone in 6 days. We all loaded up in a couple of cars and headed into Dahlonega historic downtown square for our last meal. Everyone agreed the heat wave took it’s toll on everyone, I drank my camelback dry every day, and struggled to stay hydrated. We discussed about moving the Summer Adventure to much earlier in the month or having it later a Fall Adventure when the leaves are changing. A lot of pros and cons comes with each options, more to discussion needs to follow as well as advance planning…. [177 miles]
June 27th
Saturday woke early with a mission to get home as early as possible so I could take my youngest daughter Stephanie to the airport to see her off to London, UK to study abroad this summer. All packed up and ready to go at 4:45 AM and decided not to wait for Vic and Dan 5:45 AM departure. The early morning was very slow going do to the heavy fog on the mountains, eventually rode out of it, and was starting to make up time heading into Atlanta on Hwy 400 when the heavy rain came. Pulled onto the side of road under an overpass, put on my rain gear, and started back down the road. After successfully clearing the rain, Atlanta, and the construction zone with no issues, pulled off to remove rain gear and grab breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Gassed back up and continued heading south on I75, ran into rain at the Florida/Georgia border, but by this time it was a much welcomed relief to the afternoon heat. Pulled into the garage at 1:30 PM all hot and sweaty, Linda wouldn’t hug me? [512 miles] So a quick cool and refreshing shower, loaded up car and off to the airport. Mission Accomplished!
P.S. I did finally get that I MISS YOU HUG & KISS!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2015 9:09:59 GMT -5
Thanks for the wonderful write-up and pictures Fred!
I loved reading about all of the cool roads you and the other brave adventurers conquered. That Horse Cove Rd. sounds like a great challenge. And how about our boy Robert threading the needle to get by the road hog dump truck?
The picture of the gang at the falls was very touching with the gap left for Brother Roger. He would have been right there with that big, goofy grin of his.
Sounds like everybody acclimated to the mountain roads well and you rode the wheels of of that new RT of yours (how many miles did you come home with?)
Good job of keeping everyone safe and, I'm sure, tired after the marathon routes you led them on. I know the hot weather and long rides sure make the cold beer taste better when you arrive safely back to the cabin.
Katherine came through her back surgery well and is recovering at home. The surgeon found she had a nasty bone spur that was poking a nerve when ever she moved. Now that that is gone and the disk is trimmed back, her quality of life will definitely improve. Happy days should soon return.
I'm looking forward to joining you guys on our next adventure. How about October?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2015 18:41:02 GMT -5
Sounds like everybody acclimated to the mountain roads well and you rode the wheels of of that new RT of yours (how many miles did you come home with?) Mark, Completed the report, added some additional details as well as incorporated some of Frank's picture, and still looking forward to seeing Murray's pictures. My Summer Adventure total was 3,462 miles over 10 days. Covered ~2,438 miles over the 8 days in N. GA. The heat wave slowed me down a lot in the afternoon, I drank my camelback dry each day, and since being back I feel exhausted or maybe it is having to go back to work? P.S. That's great news on Katherine surgery, we wish her a speedy and pain free recovery. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2015 17:45:30 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2015 16:15:32 GMT -5
Fred, enjoyed the daily log of the trip. I look forward to riding the few roads that you found that I haven't ridden yet. Didn't do barbed wire road?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2015 17:41:13 GMT -5
Didn't do barbed wire road? Yes, Elio and rode it look at the last Friday after lunch in Tellico we took it 315 down to Reliance. |
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Post by Dennis and Vicki Anderson on Jul 4, 2015 23:17:51 GMT -5
Fred, you are a regular Ernest Hemingway! Love your idea about moving the adventure to the fall we would love to join you for that ride.
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Post by Dennis and Vicki Anderson on Jul 5, 2015 9:34:17 GMT -5
Mark I had no idea you weren't going on this trip or the reason for it I'm glad your wife actually found the problem in her back and a competent surgeon to fix it. We also second your suggestion to do an adventure ride in the fall because we've been dying to go on these rides.
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