Hey clewis - I need a scouting report

[Orange Crush/GJC]

Since you live in the neighborhood...I might be up at the apple festival this weekend and I was looking at a map. I was wondering if you might be familiar with the following route running cross country from 515 just North of you in Cherry Log to Hwy 60 just south of Morganton. I'm hoping these are paved roads...
Rock Creek Rd,
becomes Stanley Creek Rd,
R on Aska Rd,
L then R on Shallowford Bridge Rd,
merges into Old Dial Rd, to GA 60.

[clewis]

Nope, 50% dirt! and mudd!

Aska's good, Shallowford turns into dirt, Old Dial is good, kinda.

That route goes over the Mt. on Rich Mt. WMA. and the Jeep trails (rock crawlers) not good for bikes. I can send you 20 other ways to Morganton that are good rides. Just let me know what you want to do or where you are going and I will set you up!

Aska, Dial, Db. Head Gap area is all good and goes to 60.

[Orange Crush/GJC]

Thanks. I knew you would have the info. If we make it to the festival this Saturday, I was just looking at a more interesting way to get from Elijay to 60/129/Central Mtns than taking the 515 slab across the top of the state. If Doublehead Gap is nice, maybe Big Creek to Doublehead Gap to 60?

[clewis]

From down town (or 515), I would take 52 east to Big Creek. This turns into Db Head gap. Near the Fannin co. line, take Newport on the left. I think this runs into one of the Dial roads (whatever the name, it turns right after a bridge). that runs you into 60 where a right will take you to 129. If you take Aska out of Blueridge, it comes out on Newport and then the above route.

NOW, if you feel frisky, once on 60 and going into Suches, a gas station will be on your left. I'm not sure the number but some call it wolfpin something. This takes you to the Blood MT. run of 129 above Helen. GREAT ride but no straits.

[Motorcycle Mike]

That would be hwy 180.

[clewis]

That would be hwy 180.

Thank you, kind Sir.

[Orange Crush/GJC]

Thanks for the help. I like less travelled roads, but the VTX just don't look right with knobby tires.

[clewis]

Hay Crush,

How was your ride? route? traffic?

[Orange Crush/GJC]

Well, we didn't make it and from your earlier post, I'm glad we weren't in your way :lol: The little woman had a pretty bad headache when we tried to get woke up, so we stayed in until late afternoon and then took a ride down to Warm Springs/Pine Mountain. Maybe this Friday/Saturday we'll make it up there.

Speaking of Pine Mountain; We were riding Hwy 190 across the mountain ridge through FDR State Park and pulled into an overlook when a ranger comes up harrassing us about parking permits. I was still backing the bike up and had not really even decided if we were getting off or not. Besides that, how would he know if I had one or not? He didn't bother to look the bike over or ask. He just pulled up, jumped out of his truck and said, "If you stop at any more overlooks, you will have to buy a parking pass." Some may disagree, but just driving thru or stopping for a few minutes does not, in my mind, constitute 'using' the park. Besides, this is a state highway which happens to traverse park lands.

[xxxrider]

I don't believe you need a parking permit while riding thru Pine Mountain either and if you just stopped for a few minutes and didn't get off of the bike I don't think that ticket would hold up in court. Probably just flexing his muscles on a POWER TRIP!!!

[littleJohnnyfromNJ]

give some guys a badge...

[clewis]

This thing has a longer life than some of my ex-wifes!