Ride

Mark's Huntsville Bash

This past Sunday/Monday/Tuesday I spent time at a retreat in Huntsville. That I stayed in a self-described “Lifestyle Boutique Hotel” may come as a shock to some, but sometimes I do forgo the pleasures of tent camping. Sharing my ride routes. Nothing really special in either my there or back tracks but both routes were reasonably direct combinations of practical Interstate and more interesting main roads the latter with great scenery still showing plenty of fall colors.

Ride over Sunday started early. Temps were on the cold side, but I figured that I would only need two sweater layers and could leave my heated gear at home. That was fine for the first part on wide open roads in sunshine. Different story when I got on Ga 100 (a favorite) as being narrower and forested on both sides meant shade for a long stretch (it’s a quick road as well…) and heated grips on full only just kept out the cold. By the time I got to my planned rest stop in Fort Payne my fingers had started to become numb from holding the grips tight to get as much heat transferred to my hands as possible. Obvious lesson here being that I should have packed and used my heated gloves. Temps had risen after my stop in Fort Payne and more open roads meant the ride thereon was all in sun. 188 miles with 3 hours 26 minutes ride time.

Ride back Tuesday started early afternoon. This time the weather was warm and sunny and sweater layers weren’t needed. Gassed-up on the outskirts of Huntsville and headed for a planned rest stop in Centre, Al. Really glorious ride, and I was soon opening vents on my jacket to avoid overheating. Blew past my planned stop as I was feeling great and was enjoying the open largely two-lane roads, great scenery, and the wonderful weather. Route become multi-lane as I skirted to the south and east of Rome and stayed that way onto Cartersville where I made a rest stop before picking up I75 for the final stretch home. Actually opened up more vents on my jacket when I stopped as even though the sun was close to setting by then temps were such that I’d started to get a little too warm before the stop. Home in 189 miles with 3 hours 19 minutes ride time. One mile longer and seven minutes quicker than the outbound route, but time passed a lot quicker (warmer = more enjoyable journey inbound vs. cooler with “are we there yet” thoughts making the outbound seem much longer).

Tracks GPX and map attached.

Mark

1993 R100R

2001 R1150GS

Our paths almost crossed, albeit I was in a pickup truck. I have family in the Huntsville area and am looking for routes that might include some gravel and/or forest service roads west of I-75 from around Calhoun on. Anyone have any to share?

Mike,

You probably know this, but in case you do not there’s a downloadable and print-friendly booklet style version of motor vehicle use maps (MVUM) in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest available here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd526758.pdf. The Houston Valley area just west of Dalton has an extensive system of OHV trails. There are separate details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd632165.pdf.

These maps show the National Forest System roads etc. in the forest that are designated for motor vehicle use and show the types of vehicles which are allowed on each route and if there are any seasonal restrictions. Just because there’s a route shown does not mean it is accessible, but isn’t exploring part of the ADV mindset? Seems like a reason (excuse) for a club off-road outing…

Mark

1993 R100R

2001 R1150GS

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the suggestion. My GPS and my bike both have "adventure route" preference settings. In addition to what you provided, I may see where those lead me and come up with a route that I can post. I should be visiting my mother more regularly anyway.