Camp-N-Ride...May 15-16, 2015

 Despite worrisome weather forecasts (30% - 70% rain), Larry, Scott and Dennis hoped for the best for their overnight to TWO Wheels Only of Suches, Ga. They met at 3:15 in Ball Ground and promptly headed North before an advancing shower caught them. To their surprise, the skies cleared and they enjoyed a beautiful ride to Jasper, then across the Burnt Mt area (136) and past Amicalola Falls (52).

 Larry required a “seat break” so he took the opportunity to show the others the Nimblewill Church area off 52, a favorite jumping-off spot to enter the Chattahoochee Forest; then onward to Dahlonega. Following Bob S’ advice, they routed around Dahlonega to avoid Friday afternoon congestion - and they weren’t disappointed. First was the beautiful Clay Creek Falls, then the serene and vacant backroads all the way to the “Stone Pile”. From there it was up “twisty 60” to Woody Gap and Suches – a beautiful precursor of Saturday’s plan.

 They found the facilities at TWO in tip top shape and couldn’t believe they were the only ones not scared off by the weather! As they set up tents next to the babbling brook, they marveled at their good fortune (and good cell service) to fire off a few “your bike should be here” pics – and wondered if they could get as lucky tomorrow. After a hearty dinner in the lodge, they tried their best to wear out the porch gliders while enjoying the mountain views – can’t be done. Nighttime temps were only about 60 and they slept well.

(campsite...TWO Main House in Background)

Dennis’ hall pass expired in the morning, so after breakfast he headed home while Tad rode up from Duluth to meet them Like a replay of the previous day, forecast models were wildly different causing them to question the sanity of venturing outside. But they kept the faith and pressed on.

(Tad and The Meeting Place)

First up was Wolf Pen Gap (180); never disappointing. Their good fortune continued for while a large bicycle ride was in progress, it was routed in the opposite direction, so not an obstacle. Whew! Then the sun broke thru as they enjoyed a run up and over Unicoi (75) heading to Helen for lunch at the Meeting Place. In Helen, they enjoyed watching more VW’s (of all types and vintages) than they ever remembered and learned they were holding a national rally there that weekend (but their activities seemed mostly in town and not on the roads). After Helen, the beautiful weather continued as they traveled up the scenic Richard Russell (348) and down 129 to get up and over Blood Mt. After a break at Neels Gap they headed down thru Dahlonega toward home.

  (Dennis and Scott)

Friday mileage 100, Saturday mileage 150, and home by 3:00. It was an awesome trip and we hope to see you on the next one!