Up To The High Lands

They planned an early start to get up in the mountains and back before the predicted late afternoon thunderstorms would arrive. It almost didn't happen as two riders didn't arrive at the appointed hour but were discovered to be checking out a different Chevron as a meeting place. Cellphones came to the rescue and no more than a half hour later the seven bikes with eight riders (Bob and Sally, Dennis, Dan, Frank, Larry and the two Bob S's) took off north to the high country.

Earlier showers and a persistent mist left the roads wet and ominous looking clouds had all a little on edge. Not to worry, only a few drops fell as they made their way up through Dawsonville, Dahlonega and Blood Mountain. At the stop at Neels Gap most of the riders donned rain gear, less for the threat of rain than to ward off the chill. By the time they made their way into Clayton the sun was blasting between the remaining clouds and sucking mist up through the surrounding mountains. A nice sight 

After refueling in Clayton they went out on War Women Road through the Wildlife Management Area. Just before Pine Mountain they picked up SR 28 for the run up to Highlands, North Carolina. The town was packed with tourists so they didn't stop but took a back road bypass on Buck Creek Road to the bottom of the Cullasaja River Gorge. Buck Creek Road presented a number of technical stretches with more than one  turn causing metal parts to reach the ground. One turn in particular, a blind right of deceasing radius brought a pucker to more than one rider.

The ride up the gorge was spectacular. The sun bounced off the cliffs and highlighted the whitewater in the Cullasaja. Bust-Your-Butt and Cullasaja Falls were at full tilt and Bridal Veil Falls gave them an unusual opportunity to ride under a flowing tributary. After the run up the gorge, now after Noon the group headed back into Georgia for lunch at Cupboard Cafe in Dillard.

After lunch it was over to the Bootlegger's Highway, down through Moccasin Creek State Park,  past beautiful Lake Burton and on to Cleveland, Dahlonega and home by 5 p.m. Total mileage, correct Chevron to correct Chevron, 295 miles.

All agreed, a great ride and fellowship; cool enough and dry.