A Moment to Breathe

The photos were spoiked during a loop around some lower-Appalachia hills. Spoiked? Okay, I was rummaging for an apt word to describe half-assed photos snapped in afterthought haste, and the sound my phone’s "shutter" makes. Not the classic shutter. Boring. Droplet caricature, perhaps. I usually turn it off, but for some reason it was active this day. All right, let’s not wander too far off the trail …

Spoik!

Hogpen Gap - "Dodd Creek Lookout"
Mt. Yonah in background towards the right (over the trunk), Sal Mt. in center.
Currahee Mountain in the distant center background.

This is northern Georgia, USA. My ride arced Dahlonega, Suches, Wolfpen Gap, Vogel, and Hogpen Gap from northwest of Gainesville. Perfect weather. Lower 70s (F). Brisk on the northwestern slopes (lower 60s?) at speed, but no handwarmers needed. The bike is a 2004 BMW R1150RT – my midlife crisis pacifier – purchased in late 2017 with barley over 13,000 miles on the o-meter.  
More about her HERE.
To think I almost bought a boat! Maybe that would have been safer ...

Never thought I’d own a motorcycle, let alone a touring thoroughbred. I’ve rather enjoyed this one so far. Never once considered trading it. No complaints at all. Still, I wonder exactly how many rides I have left. Fatigue sets in so quickly unless you do it regularly, which, I am sad to say, I do not. And yet, I always await the next ride with great anticipation. Where to? So many choices …
I may have an idea for the next. About this one, though:

I’ve taken two big solo rides so far. First, to Cherohala from Central Florida. Then “The Obligatory Ride” through the Tail of the Dragon. Wisely trailered her to the Gainesville, GA base for this one. Fatigue on one hand, Atlanta's traffic zoo on the other. Side roads through the country? Endless stoplights and too much time (and police). No thanks.

I suppose the “big news” is that we’re loosely in Georgia for the time-being. My folks could use a little help in their elder years. Wife wanted a change of scene, so we’re here for a while. Haven’t located our permanent residence yet, although our odds have increased dramatically since being here. Hope to land it soon. Have I mentioned the housing market is hopelessly bonkers around here? Patience …

Spoik!

Suches, Georgia, USA

This was taken off the northwestern corner of GA 180 and GA 60. Those acquainted might recognize the barn-style lodge of Two Wheels of Suches (formerly T.W.O. — Two Wheels Only) camping/cabins resort in the background — a Famous long-running hamlet for bikers. Passed by it for decades. This was my first time doing so on a motorcycle. Drum hero Neil Peart stayed there once. He really left no road untaken.

TWoS is indeed at the heart of Georgia’s finest biking roads. The scenery and sheer amount of twisties is apex carving heaven. I know some might think the speed limits are designed for revenue punishment, and in a few cases this would be accurate, particularly the northern side of Hogpen Gap. Yet, the curviest parts of GA180 have a 25 MPH limit. I know. What? That’s insane! Um, not really. Unless you’re of the kneedragger variety, 25 is actually the best you’ll safely achieve. Worry not, you’ll be entertained, even at that speed.

Speaking of which … SPOIK!

 

 (credit: Google Maps Street View)

Road noise ….

Probably my favorite WTF moment from the ride. Had to retrace to find this bend with the opposing signage. The left arrow was more prominent from my angle of approach, actually. I, um, went with the majority indication. Duh!

Okay, this is where I fail as a travel blogger. Enjoyed the ride too much to frequently stop for photos. Suffice to say, it was over as soon as it began. Nonetheless, as intended, the run through these bucolic mountainsides proved a perfect distraction from the year’s calamity. There's quite a lot of minutia involved, so I'll keep it short. Cardio intervention procedure. The news came shortly after personally packing up and driving four truckloads to Georgia. Dental emergency on top of that. And, well, all the typical middle-age drama one incurs with a family life in flux. (or complete upheaval if I wanted to sensationalize it, which I don't). Thankfully, covid complications feel like they’re in the rear view. Drumming, engineering, and writing returns seem further away than ever, but also within grasp. Almost there …
The ride certainly helps in that return to blissful normalcy. I'm still here. More please!

/T 

PS — any suggestions for a fun route nearby? Though I might hit HWY 28 from Walhalla, SC to Highland, NC, then return through Sky Valley / Dillard, GA. Maybe take Blue Ridge Gap Rd?
Spoik!