June 4, 2020
I’m Back, Baby! covid-19: day 83 | US: GA | info | act
Oh, man, I was so excited for today’s ride. I woke up too early, as usual. I had some coffee and did a bit of work before leaving Tim’s, about 09:00. Since the first part of the ride was basically interstate, I covered it as quickly as I could. I stopped for coffee at the Tennessee border in McCaysville, which straddles the Georgia/Tennessee border, about 10:30. After a caffeine injection, I was ready to get into some twisties.
The road, TN-68, soon delivered: after Ducktown, it was a twisty, up-and-down road to Tellico Plains. Unfortunately, about a third of the way in, I caught up to a mail truck that was determined to keep his position in front of me. No matter; it was a fun, leisurely ride to my next coffee break right at the western edge of the Cherohala Skyway. This is what I’ve been waiting for.
On the Cherohala Skyway. Photo by FootHillsPix.
On the Cherohala Skyway. Photo by FootHillsPix.
And the Cherohala did not disappoint. As I climbed, the temperature dropped. I started about 86°F in Tellico Plains and by the time I reached 5000 feet, the temperature was reading in the low 70s. I think I even saw 69.5° at one point. I remember the Cherohala Skyway being more leisurely, but I found it to be fairly challenging to ride. I know I’m a bit rusty, but the long sweeps I remember were replaced by sharper curves. These two sportbike guys even passed me at one point. No matter, I was having a blast as the cool (almost cold!) blew through my vented jacket here on the top of the world. (Well, kinda high.)
. . .
On the Dragon. Photo by 129 Slayer.
On the Dragon. Photo by 129 Slayer.
On the Dragon. Photo by 129 Slayer.
