Cheaha Skyway

sm0kediver · June 13th, 2009, 08:02 AM

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.

ak_907_ak · June 13th, 2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sm0kediver

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.

i was going to do that to on my ride but it was a busy highway, and i got clipons, people would be like, wtf? Probably looks like a jockey on a horse.

CC Cowboy · June 13th, 2009, 03:31 PM

Looks like a great ride.

sm0kediver · June 13th, 2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ak_907_ak

i was going to do that to on my ride but it was a busy highway, and i got clipons, people would be like, wtf? Probably looks like a jockey on a horse.

Even without clip ons, I have no doubt I looked like a jockey, but I had no choice. I was dying...

Snake · June 14th, 2009, 08:19 AM

Looks leke it was a fun ride.

bluphobic · June 14th, 2009, 05:01 PM

Sounds fun, I wouldn't mind tagging along the next time ya'll go.

sm0kediver · June 14th, 2009, 05:12 PM

I'll message you next time we go out, but it's usually local rides on weeknights.

CANTFUNCTION · June 14th, 2009, 10:22 PM

Jody hit me up also

sm0kediver · June 15th, 2009, 07:39 PM

Will do

ARF07 · June 16th, 2009, 09:35 AM

Hey thanks for posting the pictures Jody..that seat really does suck, but it was still a lot of fun. We gotta take another long trip like that sometime.

June 13th, 2009, 03:31 PM	#3
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Looks like a great ride. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

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June 14th, 2009, 08:19 AM	#5
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Looks leke it was a fun ride.

June 14th, 2009, 05:01 PM	#6
bluphobic ninjette.org member Name: W Location: atlanta Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): None Posts: 46	Sounds fun, I wouldn't mind tagging along the next time ya'll go.

June 14th, 2009, 05:12 PM	#7
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	I'll message you next time we go out, but it's usually local rides on weeknights.

June 14th, 2009, 10:22 PM	#8
CANTFUNCTION ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Georgia Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 ninja 250(red) Posts: 193	Jody hit me up also

June 15th, 2009, 07:39 PM	#9
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	Will do

June 16th, 2009, 09:35 AM	#10
ARF07 ninjette.org member Name: Nathan Location: West Georgia Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): Yamaha R6 Posts: 145	Hey thanks for posting the pictures Jody..that seat really does suck, but it was still a lot of fun. We gotta take another long trip like that sometime.