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February Meeting & Guntersville Run |
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The first meeting of the year was a busy one but productive. We had a good turn-out with 14 members and 6 visitors. Scott provided us with some lunch from Lawler's while we took care of some business and watched the MSF video. Jason, Jeff and his wife Mickey along with Joel came up from LA (Lower Alabama), while Drew and Mark came down from Tennessee.
As is the norm, with the meeting out of the way, we turned our attention to the main reason we were there, ride. Kevin volunteered to lead and it was definitely a nice day for it. |
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Before we could get out of the parking lot the wife stealer lifted another one. I was putting my helmet on and I hear Chick say “he’s wanting to know if I want to ride”. I look up to see Tigger grinning that grin. I just shook my head and motioned for her to go ahead. This was the second one of the day. Mickey was the victim earlier on the ride up. I guess that Vision is just a Chick magnet.
I made one quick check with the group to see if anybody needed gas and we were on the road. The plan was to head south so that when the ride was done Jason, Jeff, Mickey and Joel would be closer rather |
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By - Wendell Rogers - Aka: Rocketcitymadman |
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Passing the flag! |
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Lined-up and ready to go! |
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Click on any of the pictures to see more pictures from that day. |
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than further from home. Kevin lead us from Madison Boulevard onto I565, toward what I thought was going to be an exit southward, down US 431. Instead he continued down the interstate and over Chapman Mountain where 565 ends and becomes US 72E. I guess he changed his mind on the fly and as it turned out, it was a good change. We hit Gurley and took a right up Keel Mountain.
It’s funny how you live some where all your life and you still find out things about your home that you didn’t know. Growing up, my Grandparents owned 39 acres on Keel Mountain. I spent many |
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days and nights on that mountain and I never realized, or even thought about there being a way off the back side. As we weaved our way up the North face, for some reason I thought back to the Christmas when my Grandfather had to come down the mountain to get us in his Volkswagen Beatle. A winter storm rolled in and the roads were iced over, making it impossible for Dad to get up the mountain. Once there, as we stepped out of the car to go inside, the night was so black you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. As we passed what used to be the gravel road leading through the tall thick grove of pine and cedar to the opening where the little house once stood, my heart sank at the sight of all that had changed. It’s true what they say about going back, but it sure doesn’t stop the longing to.
On the way down the back side we hit some awesome twisties and switchbacks making use of both gear and brakes. Once at the base, we made our way along some wonderful roads, taking in the beautiful farmland. It made me realize just how little I knew about this area and the |
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I think Scott found his retirement home |
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Let’s get this thing moving so we can ride! |
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Hidden Treasures! |
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fact that I needed to venture off that well worn path onto the roads less traveled. I had never been back this way and was really enjoying it. There were countless paths to take that looked every bit as promising as the route we were on.
We rode on for a few more miles when I looked ahead and noticed Kevin signaling a left. As I was gearing down to negotiate the turn I noticed there was something very familiar about it. I looked over to my right and there was my other |
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God’s Canvas! |
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Grandparents old homestead. My first thought was wondering if Chick realized where we were. That settles it. I definitely have to do some exploring.
Heading South we left downtown New Hope winding through the back roads to 431. For the next few miles we were on four lane as we passed the turn-off to the damn and rounded the gentle curve leading to the first glimpse of the waters from Guntersville Lake. Just when I thought I knew where we were going, Kevin makes another left up the side of the mountain and another road I’ve never been on. It was a gentle rise for about 200 |
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Taking it all in. |
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A beautiful sight nestled in the palm of the mountain. |
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yards as the group ahead of me slowed and came to a stop. I pulled up to the group when I crested the hill and eased onto the gravel area where the rest were parking. To say it was a beautiful sight to behold only covers it part way. About 50 yards in front of us lay a natural bridge and numerous rock formations with several gentle waterfalls. From the porch of the house below us we could see the owner waving us down. I couldn’t get my camera out of the tank bag fast enough. We made our way down the manicured path to the house below, taking it all in as we approached the man standing on the porch. It was if he was expecting us and in some ways I guess he was. I’m sure this is not the first time he’s seen gaping mouths. It was obvious he was proud of what he had and enjoyed sharing with those that happened upon it.
As it turns out the older couple that owned the place bought it back in 97, carving out a spot from the overgrowth to place the cabin. We stayed for quite a while just enjoying the beauty around us before reluctantly making our way back to the bikes. It was getting late in the afternoon and we needed to get the LA guys back on the road to home. At this point several |
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were in need of gas, so after the climb to the top of the mountain, we made a fuel stop in Grant.
I lost track of the road names leaving Grant but we ended up down the mountain making a right onto Scottsboro Hwy (AL79). With Chick back on Dragon Fly with me, and the glare from the afternoon sun in our face, Kevin lead us to the right onto US431, north bound, while our friends from LA veered left for numerous points south. The ride was ending as usual all too soon, but with a parting wave we made our way back.
It was nice seeing places I hadn’t seen in a while and finding new treasures along the way. Thanks for sharing, Kevin, and leading us on a ride that turned out to be one of the better ones I’ve been on. It’s really good to see our participation for group rides growing. If this is any indication I can’t wait till warmer weather rolls around. The next meeting will find us riding the roads in and around the Birmingham area. I’m looking forward to the visit with our friends at American Cycle Centers and the ride out to 29 Dreams. Till then, ride safe!
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L-R: Madman, Jeff, Mickey, Jason, Scott, Kevin, Karen, Jamie, Joel, Juan, & Mark |