Five County Ride--November 19, 2016

After a brief meeting at McDonalds, Larry, Tad and Bob S. headed west on Knox Bridge Road to get on Stamp Creek Road headed for White. It was windy and cold but no rain was expected. The new intersection at Ga 108 is open and White Road access no longer complicates the situation as it is now up 108 a short distance.

The ride west on Stamp Creek is always a delight and this day was no exception. After passing through White the three headed north on US 411 a few miles then took East Valley Road over and up to US 140 and then back to US 411 by way of Knucklesville Road.

A short hop up US 411 took them to Johnson Mountain Road. Heading in to the open country at the base of the mountain has the feel of ranch country in Wyoming. To complete that picture it looked as if a cattle auction was in progress on the ranch grounds.

At the top of Johnson Mountain Road they they picked up Townsend Teague Road and others to reach Ga 53 and a westerly ride to Fairmount for some coffee and "hot" boiled peanuts. (Riders should note that Irwin Mill Road was closed as a brush fire was in progress).

After the break the riders headed south to Salacoa Road that took that over to Jerusalem Road and a ride up to Henderson Mountain that sports new pavement but retains the steep hills that have always been fun.

The riders then headed over to Jasper for lunch at 61 Main.The town parking lot had some space but they were all reserved for this and that so we borrowed a few spots in the bank's parking area (the bank was closed).

After lunch we sought out the Old Burnt Mountain Road as a shortcut over to Ga 136. The last mile of our shortcut is gravel, but Tad, on his Silver Wing had no trouble on it at all. Ga 136 never disappoints. The air was clear (and windy) affording great views, especially now that many leaves are down.

Here's a video of some of the scenes:

After a break at the Foothills Chevron they headed home by way of Sperin Road, Conn's Creek and Ga 372. Total mileage was around 150 miles.

It was a great, color-filled ride on roads often overlooked.