Saturday's ride: Clockwise loop from TWoS to Hiawassee, Franklin, NC, Rivers End Restaurant at the Nanthala Gorge and back via Morganton, GA and GA Hwy 60 to Suches. From TWoS we went up Hwy 180 over Wolf Pen Gap, left at 129 and picked up 180 to Owl Creek rd, and then to GA Hwy 75N. We stopped for fuel in Hiawassee. From there it was up Bell Creek Rd (continuation of Ga hwy 75 that turns into NC hwy 175, turned east on US hwy 64 to Franklin. Hwy 64 winds through some beautiful mountain scenery up to Franklin, NC
As Mark mentioned, all went well until things turned sideways in Franklin, NC. I failed to check all riders made it through a traffic light in Franklin and a few of us took off on state hwy 28, which is a twisties delight. We turned off west on US 74 toward Nantahala Gorge and Rivers End Restaurant next to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The appalachian Trail crosses here and it's a popular location for hikers, kayakers and tourists. We realized about half our group was not behind us. After a few nervous phone calls the 2nd group, who had been rambling in some of the back roads near Tellico rd, finally caught up to us. We had a nice lunch at Rivers End restaurant. The restaurant overlooks the Nantahala River that is highly popular with the kayaking community. My blunder seemed to be taken in stride by the group, but the ultimate responsibility of a ride leader is to make sure ALL riders remain together and safe. Important lesson for me to learn.
After lunch we meandered through the gorge and beside the river. My plan was to cut off hwy 74 at Marble, NC to Brasstown, NC then back to Morganton, GA. But, I stayed strait through the scenic valley beyond Andrews into Murphy. We picked up Hwy 60 to Mineral Bluff, GA and over to morganton. Hwy 60 back to Suches is another twistie heaven, one of my favorite roads. We made it back safely and prepared for our cookout by the stream at TWoS. Other than my screw up the ride was beautiful. The weather was perfect and the company was warm and jovial.