Enjoying the Weather

Between the kids schedules and work, this past weekend was the first time I've been able to get out on  group ride since the Hill on Wheels rally in Chattanooga.  Sunday, however, I ended up leading a ride from Roswell up into the mountains, through Amicalola Falls and over to Dahlonega before heading back to Alpharetta and Roswell.  A 160 mile total day in what can only be described as perfect riding weather.


The roll out at 10:30am was in mild 55 degree air.  As we worked our way into the mountains, the air warmed up, but as we were climbing, the temperature for us remained pretty constant.   It wasn't until we stopped at the top of Burnt Mountain a little before 1pm that it had warmed enough to remove the hoodie from under the jacket.  It hit the mid 70's as we rolled into Dahlonega around 2:30pm and was just approaching 80 when we got back into town around 5pm, all with very little breeze.  


As for the ride itself, well, the route was through some of the best roads south and west of Helen's Richard B Russel and Hwy 129, and though there was quite a bit of color in the trees, we haven't really hit peak color, nor do I expect as rich coloring as we normally see.  The lack of rain this year  will most likely mean that we won't get as full a season as normal.    Somehow, I don't think that will stop the two wheeled community from enjoying the area.  


The population of bikes of all forms this past weekend was truly amazing.  When you get into to a town and the bikes outnumber the cars 3 or 4 to 1 and there isn't a spot to park anywhere in town, you know there are a bunch of folks out on the roads.   


Interestingly, as I read around the various message boards, I see alot of complaints by scooter riders of being disrespected by the owners of bigger bikes, and yet, running round this area, I have never witnessed this behavior first hand.  Admittedly, this weekend ride was all Maxi's, but we got waves, smiles and thumbs up from everyone.


In case you are curious, the route map is here, courtesy of Google Maps:  Route Map

Content by dru_satori, edited on a Mac using SandVox (because I'm lazy)