It was a great run indeed.. a bit hot in the late afternoon but all in all, a fine day.
Di and I met Stephen (XHD) the night before for dinner and he was the first to arrive Saturday morning. We got there right before 0700 and awaited Gordons (lynchphoto) arrival. In just a few minutes we hear him coming down the road.. well turns out Ryan (ryan771)and Gordon were in cahoots (I love that word... or is that a word?) and kept Ryans arrival as a surprise.
We left Dahlonega at around 0710 headed west on hwy 52.. destination.. Chatanooga.
We took a short stretch and warm up at the overlook up On Fort Mountain and stopped for fuel in Dalton but still arrived at Chicamauga just before 1000.
We hung out at the visitors center for awhile.. pretty cool place, very informative. Anyway Mike (mikemm03)rolled in on his bike with the freshly revamped electrical system shortly after 1030 then Ed (oldroadie) showed up right at 1100. Good thing too.. Ed was very well informed on the historical significance of the places we visited throughout the day and had a great sense of direction to lead us along the scenic parkway to our destinations.
We stopped briefly at Ruby Falls and Rock City.. time didn't allow but that is something I'd really like to take in on a day trip someday. Covenant College was also an impressive site.. great architecture and amazing views.
Last stop was at the roadside Lookout Mountain Flight Park where people hang glide off into the valley below.. great scenery, quite fascinating. While we were there a couple of guys pulled up on, one on a green America and his partner on a Suzuki. Turns out he is a member here and Jim, you'll have to help me with your screen name.. Nice folks and a good visit.
We headed south in search of highway 136.. and food. We got lucky with the latter at a place called Wandas Restaurant a bit north on what I believe to be hwy 27... have to get back to you on that one. Anyway.. great food, good service.. good price.
Heading east, Ryan rolled off on Interstate 75 for his long journey home and after a stop in Talking Rock .. and a temper fit by Mikes bike, Mike and Stephen split off to head north on 2/515. Then as we turned onto highway 9 towards home, Gordon continued on south towards the big town.
We arrived home at 1700 or so.. all in all just under 300 miles and 10 hours.. mission almost accomplished... Turns out Cloudland Canyon would have taken us a good bit out of our way and at that point in the afternoon, I decided to give it a pass this round. Still.. it could have all been done in one day.... one really long day.
Pics on the way..
) and then went home (only 60 miles) and did my best DYI "Ed the Plumber" impression resetting Mrs. T's throne. I would have preferred riding with the group... 
