It was just under 40 degrees when the four TLCMC riders (Steve, Robert L., Melinda and Bob S.) headed north-east working their way on colorful and historic backroads to Chatsworth, and the two hundred year old Vann House. They arrived just in time to join a tour of what had been the home of one of the most powerful families in the Cherokee Nation. The Vann House is original, as is its setting on a knoll just off the Old Federal Road. On the grounds are many period out-buildings, but the grounds, while picturesque, are only a fraction of the thousands of acres the plantation once contained.

After completing the tour and poking their noses into the restored outbuildings the four headed east on SR 52 to take a glance at the first of the two parks on the itinerary, (Fort Mountain), while heading to Ellijay for lunch. What is usually a first class motorcycling road over the mountain, was this day unfortunately clogged with cars whose drivers apparently were seriously intimidated by the "twisties" that most riders love. So it was  follow the on again, off again brake-lights most of the way down to Ellijay. At least it gave the riders a chance to take in the vistas.

Ellijay was crowded with folks who probably came north to see the "colors" (too late) so a quick decision was made to forgo lunch at the Cantaberry Restaurant, and instead head for the second park, Amicalola , for lunch at the Lodge.. Here again there were crowds enjoying a family day outside. In spite of the throng the four were seated quickly, and soon had plates of goodies from the buffet. Over lunch the four shared "war stories" and tips/techniques for negotiating the turns prevalent on the north Georgia roads.

After lunch it was down the hill and over numerous semi-secret backroads to Cherokee county and home by 4 p.m. By all accounts a good ride and great fellowship. Fall and Winter offer some great riding if you are prepared. Heated vest/jackets and heated gloves help make cold weather riding a different, and enjoyable experience.

(Photos and video of the trip are in short supply as some knucklehead (me) left the home-made lens cover on the GoPro for much of the trip. Now I know why GoPro doesn't offer one as an option.

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.

A Case of Trial and Error!

At 9am on Saturday morning the trio headed off to the trials park, leaving Robert's Harley holding the parking spaces by the tents to ensure parking on return despite the anticipated record attendance by cagers.  

The trials riding was excellent and, unlike the 2012 festival, the bikes were all classics. What a mixed bag they were too from vintage British singles to vintage Japanese that I remember and rode in my teen years.

Section 1 was deep in the wooded area and like all trials sections comprised two course; one for novice and one for more experienced riders. Maybe Steve and I will actually have running Ossa's for next year, so we can give the trials a crack.

Talk about dedication, on the afternoon of Thursday, October 10^th Steve flew back from the West coast and rode down to the 2013 Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival with Dan. Of course it wasn't all heroics, it was practical as well; can you imagine gettinng up early on Friday to ride over there when your body is on West coast time? Ugh, no thanks mate ;-)

They took 411 nearly all the way down, only dropping onto i759 and i59 for the last few miles to save a little time as night had drawn on. Their two powerful adventure bikes were laden with camping gear and the all important collapsable chairs, for to collapse into after the long days perusing and oohing and aaghing over the phenominal collection of classic two wheeled machines that adorn the race track perimeter at this festival.