Mid-Week Forest Roading

Larry and Bob (the elder) took advantage of some free time to head north into the Chattahoochee National Forest hoping to see the forest sporting some Autumn color. Larry was riding his KLR; Bob his V-Strom.

They rode backroads up to Dial Georgia, then, after a cup of coffee at the VanZandts, headed for Forest Road 42 that heads up to the trail for Springer Mountain, the start of the Appalachian Trail. When they get to three forks they headed down FS 58 to look for a side "road" to a cemetery with headstones dating back to the late 1890's. They found the cemetery with its weathered headstones, most with unreadable dates. A sign posted nearby said an annual meeting is held here presumably to honor those that passed years ago. Off to one side was an out-of-place kid's ride that the two could not resist.

From the cemetery they rode back to FS 42 and headed for the town of Suches hoping to get a late lunch at Two Wheels of Suches (aka T.W.O.). On the way they found the road blocked by a wrecker crew pulling a pick-up from way down the hillside. They were told it went off the road earlier when it swerved to miss another car. In the process of hauling it up they managed to mangle the open passenger side door when they pulled it past a tree. After fifteen minutes or so the workers let the riders sneak by and be on their way. Unfortunately TWoS was not open and they had to catch a hot dog at the local gas station. After lunch they worked their way through two non functioning compressors before the one from under Bob's saddle let them air their tires up for the ride home.

Going home they headed down SR 60 through Dahlonega then picked up SR 53 in Dawsonville and headed cross country home.

The trees were not yet in color but the ride was great anyhow.