Aaalllllrighty then... looks like we'd better get this thing rolling huh? I've not been quite as on top of things as I usually am.. too many irons in the fire and all that..but! here we go.
Officially it all starts Thursday and I have only three rides planned this year buuuuuuttt.. there will be shorter rides during the week and maps are available for ride suggestions for singles or groups. Those of you who have been here before know that the selection of scenic and very crooked roads is numerous and varied.
First of all, there are several road closures this year so those of you taking the scenic route might check on road closures before completing the planning of your route... there are closures on hwy's 129, 64 and 28. And I'm very sorry to say, Richard Russell Parkway is closed as well. It seems that the highway department is concerned that the road bed has been compromised which could lead to the pavement sliding off. No info on reopening except sometime maybe in June or ?.
There now, you got that piece of info for free... it cost me $125. Reckon it's illegal to drive on a closed road and though it's a state highway in Union(?) county I was issued a federal citation by the local Rabbit Sheriff for driving on a closed road. Along with I suspect, many, many other people like me who said, "Huh!?! I wonder why the roads closed.. lets go see!". I'm sure the feds made a tidy little profit as they wrote up 3 guys on bikes while we were there and saw many more headed that way on our trek back down. Yes we tried to warn them but no one seemed to care... anyway...
Okay Thursday.. I'd really like to take the day to do Cherohala.. I have a couple of options that can be discussed by the group but whatever the route we'll meet at Chevron north ( North of town on the left just past the high school and Ace hardware.) kickstands up at 0900 headed north. Dinner in town that night, probably at the mex place.
Friday we'll do Fort Mountain, it's been awhile and I really love that section of 52.. those sweeet deep sweepers are calling me but I'll not go.. not without you folks. 0900 Chevron south, kickstands up headed west. Friday evening is tech night for all you tinkerers and order in pizza night.
Saturday... is going to be an interesting and seldom used run of a series of choice stretches of road leading to lunch in Blairsville and 17 to Helen for the return trip. We'll probably drop in on our local bike shop for motorsickleogling and must-have items, he prodded us with free biscuits and stuff last year so I'll see what I can do.
That night we'll eat, drink and tell stories till we're sated, for Sunday we will part.... unless you hang around, then you can come along on our Sunday morning breakfast ride.
Again...
Chevron South: Hwy 9 and Auraria
Chevron north: North from Dahlonega on 19 past the high school and Ace hardware.
Till then..
