Oct
27
2008
I survived the mountains. And my butt was completely unclenched after a couple of days.
Yes, I was the bright yellow roadblock, but I relaxed and smoothed out by Monday. Hwy 60 from Blue Ridge was a workout, but I loosened up a bit by the time we got to T.W.O. On Sunday, we went to Helen ’cause I hadn’t been there in years. Now I remember why; tons of tourist traffic, and greasy tourist food.
On the way back from Helen, we went to Pappy’s Riverwalk Restaurant on 129 (’cause there’s no dinner at T.W.O. on Sunday nights), then back down 180 (Wolf Pen Gap Road).
Oh. My. God. Late, bright, sunny afternoon on 180 with the brutal sun strobing through the trees. Continue Reading »
Oct
09
2008
I have put 6000 miles on the SV, and probably put 1000 on the first SV, but I’m still kind of green (I think). Oh, I’m fine navigating through the metro area, and I seem to have quit falling over in parking lots. But next weekend I’m taking a true motorcycle trip with my gentleman friend, up to Two Wheels Only motorcycle resort in Suches, GA. The area is full of twisty roads that sportbikers love, so I should be thrilled, right?
I’d say “cautiously optimistic” instead.
I do need the practice on roads that are more challenging than my well-worn runs around Atlanta, I know. And people with less skill (and certainly less cautious natures) than I have ridden north Jawja and lived to tell about it.
But I’m so guilty of overthinking and overanticipating: I read about the blind curves, the bozo bikers, the careless locals, the slick tar snakes patching the cracked asphalt, and I tense up. Ah, well: I will just ride at my own pace, stay away from the center line, and try not to embarrass myself. Who knows — I may actually enjoy it 
