Into The Snow Covered Hills

The Weatherman said it was 37 degrees at 10:30 a.m. and promised a high of 50 degrees by the afternoon. Taking advantage of the heat waver, Bob K. and Bob S. (the elder) took to the hills today for a round about ride to Amicalola Lodge for a buffet lunch. For the most part the roads were OK, though on really back, back-roads patches of melting snow were still in the roadway.

Up in the hills the snow line in many places came to road side and the hills all had a few inches of a white blanket. Quite nice. Sand and gravel strips paralleled tire tracks, occasionally causing a tire to step out and remind you that the surface was not ideal for continuous traction. Other than causing us to slow down to sub-normal speeds on wet looking curves, the conditions were really OK, except in the Lodge's parking lot.

Apparently the Lodge employees didn't think it important to plow the the parking spaces, as they were covered with a few inches of snow and ice. Bob K did a fine job of keeping his Harley upright while his rear tire broke loose giving him a quick turn around, ready for an exit. Bob S went in straight but it took the two of us to walk the V-Strom back on to pavement after lunch.

I imagine we were an unusual sight as we walked into the dinning room in full garb, helmets in our hands. Then, surprisingly,  the dance getting the Stich off got no applause. We got a great table window- side overlooking the distant snow covered hills. After lunch we took in the "Raptor Show" that one of the Park Rangers was giving to the delight of the kids by the fireplace. She had five or so live birds with her and, while we were there a barred owl on her arm. The rangers do a nice job. 

Heading down the hill from the Lodge (I bet that was fun a few days ago) we decided to give the mountain route (136) a try, then take Grandview over to Cove and back to our Chevron, then home. Didn't happen. While 136 was passable, Grandview at 136 was not, so we continued on 136 to Burnt Mountain Road and picked up Cove at its start with some apprehension about whether the severe uphill curves coming out of the valley would be negotiable on two wheel. It was, albeit at a much slower speed than normal. Cove Road was wet in many places but presented no problem at all. Roads were almost dry the rest of the way home.

All in all a good ride (129 miles) with a pleasant lunch and good conversation.

Unscheduled rides like this one, that take advantage of a day of reasonable temperatures, are a good way to enjoy some winter days on two wheels. If you see a good day forecasted, and have some time free, put an e-mail out to the group and pull together a ride. You'll be glad you did.