Watoga State Park

Day 4

Bill was our ride leader today and led us over more great roads for a total of 189 miles.  It had rained last night so the roads were wet and while daylight starts around 7 I’m convinced the sun cannot climb these mountains until at least 10 AM.  I don’t like mountain roads that are wet but I guess no one does.  After riding for a couple of hours we turned on Pyles Mountain Road going into Watoga State Park.  The roads are listed as public access roads which means no lines, no shoulders, no guardrails and barely wide enough for one vehicle.  A canopy of trees covered the roads as we wondered around the park past log cabins and rushing streams.  I’m certain these roads never feel the warmth of sunshine and the only sound was the rumble of the bikes.  Coming out of the park we happen upon a country store selling just about anything you might need while camping as well as food for lunch which we ate on the porch by the Greenbriar River.  Then off we head through one small town after another.  In the little town of New Hope the school billboard stated “All 81 of our students are talented”.  Seems every rally we have one bike which develops problems and this year is no exception.  George’s bike lost power twice and he would turn it off and let it sit and then turn it back on and everything seemed fine.  Then later down the road it would suddenly loose throttle again and he would have to repeat the process.  He has an appointment with the local HD shop tomorrow.   Dinner at DQ for me tonight while the others headed either to AppleBees or to Fran’s downtown.