April 2010 Club Ride: Steve's Ramblin Rookie Ride

[sfk]

Two club rides have been set for April 2010. Please watch this thread for details.

Ride Leader: Steve Katz

Ride date: Sunday, April 11, 2010

Start Location: Riders Hill, Dahlonega

Meet and Greet time: TBD

Departure time: TBD

GPS Route file: Not yet posted

ETA return to Atlanta metro area post ride: TBD

Other: This will be a twisty route, and I'll likely be riding two-up, so will look for volunteer to lead more spirited™ group if there is sufficient # riders/interest.

Details as they become available. Please subscribe to this thread for all updates!!

[sfk]

Yes, it's still a long way off, but I've been tinkering with the route for this ride.

Had a general idea of the path I want to take, and used the MAPSOURCE software that came with my GPS to lay it out. While looking, I saw a lot of cool squiggly™ roads that I'd never been on - so you know they had to be incorporated into the route .

Since I've been off this week, my wife and I went to 'test ride' the new route on Monday. We were doing great until the nice, smooth, squggly asphault turned into not so nice, not so smooth gravel and red clay. A quick double check confirmed that the badge on my bike says GT - not GS, thus causing an abrupt hault to that path and a very ginger U-Turn. Rerouted and finished the ride a different way.

Back on the computer Monday night, revised path, and a new test ride today. Same result - we got further, but found more forest roads (sure wish the software would tell you which roads were paved and which weren't).

A few more passes and we'll have the kinks worked out - not to mention many more miles of smiles.

All of this rambling to say that it's actually been quite fun working on this. Trying new roads and thinking about the ride in the context of leading a group has expanded the riding experience in a very positive way. For those of you that haven't done this yet, I'd highly recommend it.

[tlawrimore]

Count me in.
Awaiting details.

[sfk]

OK, so here’s the details…
Steve’s Ramblin’ Rookie Ride

When: Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 10:00AM (will leave around 10:30)
Ride Leader: Steve Katz
Tail Gunner: Chris Ehlbeck
Co-Leader (Spirited Group): Damian Finch (??)
Start & End Location: Riders Hill, Dahlonega
Optional (2nd) End Location: Sunset on the lake @ the Katz’s (Gainesville, GA)
Duration: ~5 hours riding / 180 miles, plus lunch
Lunch Stop: Brasstown Valley Resort
http://www.brasstownvalley.com
~$20/person

Directions (Mapsource .GDB file attached as well):
1. Left on US 19 North to Highway 60 (~5 mi)
2. Veer left on Highway 60 North to County Road 5/Dial Road (16 mi)
3. Left on County Road 5/Dial road to Newport/Woody Road (2.5 mi)
4. Left on Newport/Woody road to Aska Road (0.7 Mi)
5. Right on Aska Road to Veterans Memorial Hwy (13.2 mi)
6. Left on Veterans Memorial Hwy to Old US 76 Connector (0.2 mi)
7. Right on Old US 76 Connector to Appalachian Hwy (0.1 mi)
8. Right on Appalachian Hwy to Loving Road (5.3 mi)
9. Left on Loving Road to Hwy 325 (9.4 mi)
10. Right on Hwy 325 to Lundsford Drive (18.3 mi)
11. Left on Lundsford to Blue Ridge Hwy (0.3 mi)
12. Right on Blue Ridge Hwy to Hwy 515 (9.6 mi)
13. Right on Hwy 515 (76) to Brasstown Valley Resort (10.5 mi)
LUNCH
14. Right on Hwy 76 to Hwy 17 (9.2 mi)
15. Right on Hwy 17 to Hwy 180 (6.3 mi)
16. Right on Hwy 180 to Hwy 348 (11.5 mi)
17. Left on Hwy 348 to Hwy 75 Alt (14 mi)
18. Right on Hwy 75 Alt to Hwy 129 (5.9 mi)
19. Right on Hwy 129 to Wolf Pen Gap (17.8 mi)
20. Left on Wolf Pen Gap to Hwy 60 (12.2 mi)
21. Left on Hwy 60 to Riders Hill (12.3 mi)

Lunch per above is actually a brunch – they do a fantastic spread with everything from breakfast foods (omelets, fruits, biscuits, blintzes, etc.) to carved roast beef, fish, chicken, and a huge array of desserts. While a little pricey – it will hold you over for the rest of the day J. I picked this as I will have my lovely bride with me and I know she prefers a little nicer stop than the Waffle House our club prez suggested. Having said that, I’d be happy to select a different lunch/halfway point. Please provide your feedback and I’ll adjust accordingly.

I hope we have good weather and a good turnout – look forward to seeing everyone.

[BlueknightGA6]

Steve,
I'm already working on a FRS set up that I hope will be working by then.
Chris

[Ironkevin]

Count me in, sounds like fun. I've been trying to make one of these group rides for months, this will be my first. I'll be there for the ride but not the sunset on the lake portion.

[Rmiller]

Barring any last minute family issues, I am planning to join in the fun and I like the upscale lunch plan.

[SCOOBS]

Sorry I won't be able to attend- I'll be at the Dogwood Rally in Mississippi.
Cheers,
Ian

[sfk]

Update

So far – knock on wood – the weather looks like it will be perfect for the April 11 club ride, so I hope this means a good turnout, great riding, and even better camaraderie!
I’d like to get an idea of planned attendance. Please post to this thread:

1) If you plan to come on the ride
2) If you plan to join us for sunset on the lake after the ride (approx 30 min away, we’ll provide non-adult beverages and hors d'oeuvres).

Those unable to make the ride but wanting to participate in this are welcome. So, for instance, if you just had your knee replaced and can’t ride, but would like to join the group later, you can J. Just PM me and I’ll provide directions.

I’ve also updated the Garmin GPS file, cleaning up a few small items – either file will work, but this is slightly more accurate. (NOTE: Saw a post on the forum saying that part of Highway 348 is closed – if so, I’ll have to update route one more time).

Look forward to seeing everyone.

[dirtydave7]

I plan on being there for the ride and the sunset.

BTW, I was up in that vicinity last week and 348 definitely had a road closed barricade. I did not ride past the sign to see why the road was closed.

DD