For Part 1 of this adventure, go here.
After 615 miles (this is only an approximation as I did not have any of my mileage counters on), late starts, and Atlanta traffic, we arrived to a luxurious setting in the foothills of the Appalachian. Mr. Fred and Ms. Pat, Eric's father and step-mother respectively, provided us with a delightful home cooked meal, beer, and beds to sleep (fluffy, cloudesque beds).
When I awoke in the morning, I was initially confused. I slept so soundly and was basking in the lap of luxury that I did not where I was or if I was still dreaming. A part of me was half expecting/hoping a beautiful women to murmur next to me to ensure that I was sleeping/dreaming. With a slight sense of disappointment, I hopped out of bed and bounded upstairs hoping to witness the grandeur of the rolling hills outside of Mr. Fred and Ms. Pat's home.
The rain that we had hoped to avoid on Saturday was rolling in and across the hills. Overcast, a mist of rain, and fog seemed to be the forecast for the entire day. The 30% precipitation predicted was 100% in effect. My childlike optimism was not abated by what some would consider "bad" or "dire" conditions. I rode along Blue Ridge Parkway in slightly worse conditions this summer (see post here). I have been feeling more confident in my riding abilities and believed with care the day would provide safe, clean, wet fun.
The plan was to go through North and South Carolina by way of various winding roads. This was actually a last minute change as we were planning of heading to the famed Dragon's Tail, which was the impetus to this adventure. However, with the conditions as they were we thought it best not to attempt such a challenging road.
Eric loaded up his GPS with a different route and we were off.
The roads were fun, but at some point Eric should have turned left and turned right, or vice versa. Nevertheless, we ended up doing a large three hour circle that brought us to Dahlonega, GA, about 15 minutes from our start point in Big Canoe. Unsure of exactly where we need to go, we ventured to find appropriate directions.
Through a series of probing inquiries, we ascertained the geographic coordinates of an establishment that could provide pertinent information. In other words, we walked into a boutique and they told us to go to the local motorcycle shop.
What started as a 10 minute information gathering session turned into two hours of "should I buy the Sidi Charger, which they have in my size, or wait and order the Sidi Adventure Rain. Decisions, decisions. . . I mean on the one hand the Adventure Rain. . . " Side information: Sidi is a brand of Italian motorcycle shoes. They are high quality shoes. I'm sure I mentioned they are Italian shoes. At some point, I pulled Eric aside and made him listen to my pro-con list. I have never cared about clothing in my entire life. I spent most of my life in jeans, various t-shirts, and sandals. Yet, I become an indecisive prima donna when shopping for motorcycle shoes.
Once I got the shoe shopping out of my system (I ended up not buying the shoes that day), and realized that I had wasted hours, we made a plan. Essentially, Eric's wrong turn prevented us from entering North Carolina, and my shoe shopping prevented us from entering South Carolina. With our limited time, we decided to find some lively roads in and around the area.
I took the lead when we left Riders Hill. Coming up on a section of road that we knew would be difficult, traffic came to a standstill. There was an accident ahead of us. It was bad, but did not appear to be fatal. Eric pulled up next to me and I could see fear and anxiety mingling in his eyes, which would be apt in this situation. He stated that he was nervous, but would follow me if I wanted to continue. There was a moment that I thought it might be wise to turn around and head safely back to the storage unit to the cozy confines of our accommodations.
Yet, I had no real intentions of turning back and wanted to conquer the fear that was brewing in my chest. I wanted to dig down, find that nagging fear, kick it in its proverbial testicles, and later drink a scotch in celebration of vanquishing my foe. Lads and Lasses, I enjoyed the hell out of some scotch later that night.
Epilogue Bullet Points
- I slept so well that night. Shoe shopping and motorcycle riding wears a person out.
- I headed back Monday, solo.
- I completely circumvented Atlanta, GA
- I traveled approximately 1,600 miles in total
Until I ramble on again. . .
P.S. Eric has been recording our trips on his GoPro. He posted a video that is a collection of photos taken every 10 seconds or so from the side of his motorcycle. You can watch the video here, and see our riding conditions.
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