Gold To Brass

We had planned to ride over to Alabama on the 12th of May, to see the wonders of De Soto Falls and the Little River Canyon Preserve, but the weather forecasters promised a deluge would greet us if we went. So we changed plans and opted to ride north to Brasstown Bald instead. At first it looked as if seven riders would make the trip but three, seeing a possibility of rain there too, decided to wait for sunnier skies. Too bad. The four that took a chance ( Frank, Scott, Larry and Bob S.) had a great time with only an occasional sprinkle (47 drops by one count) and low hanging clouds to deal with.

Their route took them through Tate (where the railroad station is being moved across the street?), through Dawsonville, and up to Dahlonega. North of Dahlonega they twisted their way on still damp roads to Stone Pile Gap and Trahlyta's grave  http://roadsidegeorgia.com/site/stonepile.html  but they didn't add a stone, and instead ran over to Turners Corner where they where surprised to see the store is again reopened and serving breakfast and lunch on weekends. Not hungry they didn't stop, but headed up the road to Neel's Gap and the Mountain Crossing at Walasi-Yi, http://www.takemytrip.com/06appalachian/06_04a.htm  Here they joined hikers, bicyclists and other bikers stomping feet and rubbing hands trying to warm themselves. It was cold (wind chill ya know).

Then it was down the north side of the mountain and a turn to the east heading for Brasstown Bald. No rain, not even a drizzle, but dark clouds were hanging over many of the mountain tops. This was very apparent as the turned up the Bald's approach road. At mile 2 they were into the cloud and at mile 3 (the parking area) it was clear that there would be no four state views that day. Still cars came and paid the toll and did whatever one does in a cloud. The four opted to save a few bucks, and with the toll takers OK pulled a 360 and headed down again.

It was lunch time, and after crossing Unicoi Gap and passing the active scene of a horrendous accident (hikers hit by a car?) they approached touristy Helen, but knowing better, slipped around it by taking 75a and Asbestos Road into Cleveland where they looked for, but couldn't find, the legendary Ma Gooch restaurant. After circling the town square they settled for the Creekside Deli. Not a bad choice. The food was good and the dining area, though filled, was large enough to allow the guys to sit a while and talk, without feeling guilty about waiting patrons. While gearing up in the parking lot Bob asked one of the locals if Ma Gooch's was still around. He said sure, and pointed up the street to a hard to read sign that declared the restaurant's presence. However, he said we made the right choice with Creekside.

Once more they rode to Cleveland's courthouse square, but this time got on SR 115 headed for Dahlonega. At the Long Branch intersection they headed across and came into Dahlonega from the east. By now the sun was shinning through the clouds and the day Spring-like. The square at Dahlonega was busy with tourists, so they rode through, past North Georgia College (now a "University") and off to the Amicalola area and Steve Tate Road. After a brief stop at the Foothills Chevron they headed home.

Portal to portal about 210 miles and a bit more than six hours of good riding and great fellowship.