Me, EJ30157 (ZX-6R), and ARF07 (EX250J8) met up yesterday for a ride into the Talladega National Forest in Alabama. I've read about the Cheaha Skyway and wanted to give it a try.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...,0.884399&z=10
We left Paulding County Georgia at around 1 pm, and traveled into Alabama via Hwy 78. In Heflin Alabama we picked up Hwy 281, which is the Skyway. The pavement was awful for the first few miles, with lots of ridges and loose gravel. It got better as we headed South, and we picked up the pace. Amazing road. Sweeper after sweeper, with good tight curves on elevation changes, and long range views. It's a lower elevation version of the Cherohala. We blew past the rangers station at the peak because the road kept going. We eventually stopped for a stretch, and decided to turn around. We returned to the rangers station (highest mountain peak in Alabama), got some refreshment in the store, and headed back North. We took Hwy 49 S to Lineville, Hwy 48 to Wedowee, and stayed on 48 all the way into Georgia. Hwy 166 to 61 lead us into Villa Rica, and a storm. After 3 miles of hard rain we sought shelter.
A solid 200 mile day, and it affirmed my opinion that the seat on the Ninja sucks. Towards the end of the day I actually stood on the pegs for brief periods (like a dual sport) to try and get some blood flowing.
If you're in the Southeast, the Cheaha is one of those 'must do' rides, and I can recommend it. Just don't crash. It's a very desolate area. Little or no traffic on weekdays, and a long way from hospitals or EMS. No outstanding landmarks either. '
Hello 911 - we're next to a bush somewhere on the Skyway in Talladega National Forest...'
I actually took a camera this time, but focused on riding more than photography. The result is I have 3 marginal pics, but a day of good memories.