March 27th Recap

A cool, breezy day, with New Mexico-like blue skies, greeted the fifteen enthusiasts that attended the monthly gathering of the TLC Motorcyclists. Five of the ten that rode in on their bikes were on Harleys; the rest on a KLR 650, a KTM Adventure, a V-Strom, an FJR, and a red red VFR.

After a somewhat abbreviated indoor meeting where we viewed an episode of LHM's Baloney Shop, discussed the risks and techniques of riding on non-paved surfaces (led by Steve Garland), and glimpsed at the beginnings of a TLCMC web-site put together by Dan Beckett, we moved to the lower parking lot for slow-riding practice and a lunch provided by Jim Burmeister (hot dogs), Paul Cehanovich (chili, kraut) and Bob Koether (toppings). Thanks guys!

Slow-riding practice centered on weaving through cones spaced at 12 foot intervals and u-turns within a 24 foot box. Future practice, once everyone is comfortable with the current set up, will probably advance to weaving off-set cones, tightening up the 24 foot box to 22 feet and include a 20 mph hard braking drill. 

After lunch and practice Steve, Frank, Scott, Tad, Bob K. and I took off to the north to explore the back country. A ride through one-lane banjo territory in Bartow and Gordon counties brought us to downtown Fairmount where we stopped to gas up (and whatever). From Fairmount we rode north on US 411 through Ranger and turned east on SR 136 just north of Oakman, with the expectation of visiting Carters Lake. The twisty road up to the Visitor Center was a joy but alas the Center was closed on the weekends (go figure). Not perturbed we continued on SR 136 to the town of Talking Rock and from there up through the mountains and down past Big Canoe for a rest stop at the Foothills Chevron. The ride home from there, through parts of Pickens and north Cherokee brought us back around 5 p.m. It was a great ride that left us wanting to come back for more.

With Springtime here we ought be thinking about all-day rides on days other than our monthly get-togethers, either on a weekend or when possible during the week. I'd like some feedback on where you might like to go. I suspect we should limit the expected round trip mileage to 300 miles or so. That mileage would allow a great many rides in north Georgia, east Tennessee and west North Carolina but still not over extend anyone. Let's hear about some of your favorites.

Our next planned get-together is April 24th. I'll e-mail you with more details as they develop. In the mean time circle the 24th.