Sorry, I couldn't wait til Socal trip and broke down. Warning: Lots of Pics!

sometimesido · March 19th, 2009, 06:50 PM

and decided to ride up to Helen, Georgia.

I barely got any sleep last night because I was up most of it reading this. This is over 100 pages long so...
Guy travels across America in a Honda Ruckus

Lack of sleep be damned, I'm going to Helen today! I shouted.
For those of you who do not know this place, here's a wiki: Helen wiki

Sorry, no before pics I just wanted to leave the house.

Part I: The Town ("Part II: The Ride" in the reply)

I got to the main strip and cruised for a bit til I found a parking space. $3 for all day long. Fair price.

As I was pulling in, this guy in the Harley asked me if I could share a parking space with him. Cool guy. He said he used to have a ninja back in the 80's til he got in an accident. I told him what my name was and he says that's his son's name. We have a short conversation while walking toward the shops and part our ways. I am sorry I cannot remember your name! Nice meeting you!

I'm walking down the strip and I don't know where I'm headed. This is not my first time, but everytime the feeling is different. This was one of the Inn and a restaurant that's right by the river. I thought it'd be nice to relax and eat there, but I'm on a budget and packed my lunch. Moving on.

I see this sign, and immediately thought, "why can't every town have this!?"

another Inn. Cool painting on the wall right next to the entrance. Wondered what kind of themes they had inside the rooms.

I didn't go in, but I wanted to. Also thought that car would be a cool restoration project.

So, I walk around a bit more. I stopped by this Candy store that makes their own! One sample of freshly made fudge and I broke down.

As I was heading back to the parking lot, I saw the beautiful horse up close and wanted to take a shot. As soon as I get ready to take one, these people started petting the horse. They saw me after a few seconds and apologized for being in the picture, but I like them in it.

I came back to the parking lot and ate my packed lunch. As I was finishing up, I noticed this sticker on the Harley guy's helmet. I like the sticker.

He also had another helmet on top of the tail bag with pinstriping on them. You can kinda see in the first pic. I took some photos of his Harley and left him a note with my flickr address as I was leaving.

sometimesido · March 19th, 2009, 06:52 PM

Part II: The ride

On we go for the twisties! I've looked at google map the night before and I wanted to venture out. I had two routes planned but only managed to do just one. I was getting tired from lack of sleep and wanted to be back home for dinner.

Hello Unicoi State Park! Excuse the difference in picture size. I packed my big camera by this time and was using a pocket sized camera. I didn't realize it had the lowest resolution setting on until I got home...

ATTENDANT NOT ON DUTY
Ok, I'll just pass myself.

Starting the route. It goes right, left, up, down, mixed, you name it, I loves it!

Here is the route I took: google map route

Wheeeeee! One side was quite steep, so I kept it safe. Still had fun though.

I pulled over at a rest stop to hydrate myself. Shade, picnic table, benches, grills and looking down the Unicoi Lake! All of the rest stops were like this! Oh, and you can see my rear tire here. New tire coming tomorrow...

Road split to two and I knew I'm supposed to go right. I got curious and went left. CLOSED! Ok then, maybe next time.

Coming back down from the gate, I saw this sign. ARggghhh... next time my friend. Anna Ruby Falls wiki

This might be the highest point of the route. Other side of the dam. It was calm and peaceful...but I had to go.

Came down to the lowest point of the route. The weather was perfect. 69° F and cool breeze.

The bridge where the dam is. Sorry, I didn't bring tripod.

and no "Famous Peanuts" this time either.

Goodbye Helen...til next time.

All in all, this is what I needed. Not going to bars, clubs, birthday parties. The whole time I was waving at other bikers, I was thinking about the article where the guy greets all bikers no matter what kind of bike, to share the mutual understanding of joy of open road.

P.S. I found out one of the clips on my backpack cut a slit on the seat.

I'm trying not to think about it and reflect on the ride.

rest of the pics: Flickr Album

TnNinjaGirl · March 19th, 2009, 06:53 PM

Beautiful, thanks for the ride!! Maybe when I'm legal I'll hit up Helena and enjoy the refreshments. Until then, take lots of pictures for me!! Hope you had fun, looks like you did.

BlueTyke · March 19th, 2009, 06:59 PM

Ooooh!! Looks great! You had a great time! Glad you got out!

bob706 · March 19th, 2009, 07:12 PM

Looks like beautiful country up there. Nice ride report and pics. I can't believe you met a harley guy that was nice, lol. Must have been the old ninja in his blood coming through.

BlueJeepYJ · March 19th, 2009, 07:12 PM

Awesome pics and ride report! I miss those north GA mountains!!

komohana · March 20th, 2009, 12:11 AM

that was excellent!

sometimesido · March 20th, 2009, 04:12 PM

thanks thanks. My friends and I are planning a trip to Suches soon.

Strider · March 20th, 2009, 05:57 PM

Looks like you had a great ride Chris!

Helen looks like a good place to head to, and I'll add it to my trip list for this summer (IF I can get away from the wife ... she doesn't ride ...yet) LOL
It's nice to meet HD riders that aren't jerks isn't it? I've known a few, but a few idiots too ...

Blue Monkey · March 22nd, 2009, 09:41 PM

Thanks for the ride report. I enjoyed the pictures and reading about your adventures.

sometimesido · March 23rd, 2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strider

Looks like you had a great ride Chris!

Helen looks like a good place to head to, and I'll add it to my trip list for this summer (IF I can get away from the wife ... she doesn't ride ...yet) LOL
It's nice to meet HD riders that aren't jerks isn't it? I've known a few, but a few idiots too ...

Yes I did! Wish I got there earlier though.
Yea, some riders don't care what bike you're on, some just scoffs at the "ricer"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Monkey

Thanks for the ride report. I enjoyed the pictures and reading about your adventures.

Thanks for reading, hopefully I can go up to Suches soon.
And to SoCal...

Here's a little route I found online by someone else:
http://www.sundaymorningrides.com/road/6381019/

py2e · March 25th, 2009, 10:57 AM

Looks like a good time!

sometimesido · March 25th, 2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by py2e

Looks like a good time!

It is!
Now show us NJ!

rceezy · March 27th, 2009, 07:14 PM

Wow, I am so jealous. Thanks for the great pics. I can't wait to take an entire week off to explore the world on 2 wheels!!

sometimesido · March 27th, 2009, 09:51 PM

Do eeeet!

sm0kediver · March 28th, 2009, 09:51 AM

Great report. I have spent a lot of time around Helen, Dahlonega, Suches, Blairsville, etc. Beautiful country and great roads. I am going to try and hit that area around April 18. I'll post a thread when it's for sure.

sometimesido · March 28th, 2009, 09:53 AM

If schedule permits, I'll ride with ya!
and to ask bazillion questions about the 08+

sm0kediver · March 28th, 2009, 09:58 AM

You're more than welcome to check it out. I like the new ones, but I liked the old ones too.

sometimesido · March 28th, 2009, 10:10 AM

haha, yea. I'm actually looking forward to doing the valve adjustment in few hundred miles. Only way for me to buy a new one is to add it as a second bike. Then again, that 250SF is looking mighty purty too....haha.

mike_sema · March 28th, 2009, 08:08 PM

man that looks like a cool ride

thanks

tiburonsita · April 22nd, 2009, 07:48 PM

What an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing... and YEY you do have a camera

(I posted in your other thread)

March 19th, 2009, 06:50 PM	#1
sometimesido ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Norcross, GA Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 250R Posts: 772 Blog Entries: 14	Sorry, I couldn't wait til Socal trip and broke down. Warning: Lots of Pics! and decided to ride up to Helen, Georgia. I barely got any sleep last night because I was up most of it reading this. This is over 100 pages long so... Guy travels across America in a Honda Ruckus Lack of sleep be damned, I'm going to Helen today! I shouted. For those of you who do not know this place, here's a wiki: Helen wiki Sorry, no before pics I just wanted to leave the house. Part I: The Town ("Part II: The Ride" in the reply) I got to the main strip and cruised for a bit til I found a parking space. $3 for all day long. Fair price. As I was pulling in, this guy in the Harley asked me if I could share a parking space with him. Cool guy. He said he used to have a ninja back in the 80's til he got in an accident. I told him what my name was and he says that's his son's name. We have a short conversation while walking toward the shops and part our ways. I am sorry I cannot remember your name! Nice meeting you! I'm walking down the strip and I don't know where I'm headed. This is not my first time, but everytime the feeling is different. This was one of the Inn and a restaurant that's right by the river. I thought it'd be nice to relax and eat there, but I'm on a budget and packed my lunch. Moving on. I see this sign, and immediately thought, "why can't every town have this!?" another Inn. Cool painting on the wall right next to the entrance. Wondered what kind of themes they had inside the rooms. I didn't go in, but I wanted to. Also thought that car would be a cool restoration project. So, I walk around a bit more. I stopped by this Candy store that makes their own! One sample of freshly made fudge and I broke down. As I was heading back to the parking lot, I saw the beautiful horse up close and wanted to take a shot. As soon as I get ready to take one, these people started petting the horse. They saw me after a few seconds and apologized for being in the picture, but I like them in it. I came back to the parking lot and ate my packed lunch. As I was finishing up, I noticed this sticker on the Harley guy's helmet. I like the sticker. He also had another helmet on top of the tail bag with pinstriping on them. You can kinda see in the first pic. I took some photos of his Harley and left him a note with my flickr address as I was leaving. __________________________________________________ my flickr™

March 19th, 2009, 06:52 PM	#2
sometimesido ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Norcross, GA Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 250R Posts: 772 Blog Entries: 14	Part II: The ride On we go for the twisties! I've looked at google map the night before and I wanted to venture out. I had two routes planned but only managed to do just one. I was getting tired from lack of sleep and wanted to be back home for dinner. Hello Unicoi State Park! Excuse the difference in picture size. I packed my big camera by this time and was using a pocket sized camera. I didn't realize it had the lowest resolution setting on until I got home... ATTENDANT NOT ON DUTY Ok, I'll just pass myself. Starting the route. It goes right, left, up, down, mixed, you name it, I loves it! Here is the route I took: google map route Wheeeeee! One side was quite steep, so I kept it safe. Still had fun though. I pulled over at a rest stop to hydrate myself. Shade, picnic table, benches, grills and looking down the Unicoi Lake! All of the rest stops were like this! Oh, and you can see my rear tire here. New tire coming tomorrow... Road split to two and I knew I'm supposed to go right. I got curious and went left. CLOSED! Ok then, maybe next time. Coming back down from the gate, I saw this sign. ARggghhh... next time my friend. Anna Ruby Falls wiki This might be the highest point of the route. Other side of the dam. It was calm and peaceful...but I had to go. Came down to the lowest point of the route. The weather was perfect. 69° F and cool breeze. The bridge where the dam is. Sorry, I didn't bring tripod. and no "Famous Peanuts" this time either. Goodbye Helen...til next time. All in all, this is what I needed. Not going to bars, clubs, birthday parties. The whole time I was waving at other bikers, I was thinking about the article where the guy greets all bikers no matter what kind of bike, to share the mutual understanding of joy of open road. P.S. I found out one of the clips on my backpack cut a slit on the seat. I'm trying not to think about it and reflect on the ride. rest of the pics: Flickr Album __________________________________________________ my flickr™

March 19th, 2009, 06:59 PM	#4
BlueTyke So slow I'm first! Name: Sunny Location: San Jose, CA Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 10	Ooooh!! Looks great! You had a great time! Glad you got out! __________________________________________________ Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn.

March 20th, 2009, 12:11 AM	#7
komohana ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Steve Location: Kekaha, Kauai HI Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 GSX-R 600 2003 EX250: Woodcraft Bars, Levers, Mirrors, Shim'd Mixture, Synthetic, '08 Rear Shock Posts: A lot.	that was excellent! __________________________________________________ Remember when sex was safe and motorcycles were dangerous?

March 20th, 2009, 04:12 PM	#8
sometimesido ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Norcross, GA Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 250R Posts: 772 Blog Entries: 14	thanks thanks. My friends and I are planning a trip to Suches soon. __________________________________________________ my flickr™

March 19th, 2009, 06:53 PM	#3
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	Beautiful, thanks for the ride!! Maybe when I'm legal I'll hit up Helena and enjoy the refreshments. Until then, take lots of pictures for me!! Hope you had fun, looks like you did.

March 19th, 2009, 07:12 PM	#5
bob706 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Mary Esther, FL Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 1998 HD Road King Posts: A lot.	Looks like beautiful country up there. Nice ride report and pics. I can't believe you met a harley guy that was nice, lol. Must have been the old ninja in his blood coming through.

March 19th, 2009, 07:12 PM	#6
BlueJeepYJ Lets go ride! Name: Jeff Location: Kennesaw, GA Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 650 Posts: 234	Awesome pics and ride report! I miss those north GA mountains!!

March 20th, 2009, 05:57 PM	#9
Strider Back on the Black! Name: Alan Location: Gastonia, North Carolina Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 (Black) Posts: 831	Looks like you had a great ride Chris! Helen looks like a good place to head to, and I'll add it to my trip list for this summer (IF I can get away from the wife ... she doesn't ride ...yet) LOL It's nice to meet HD riders that aren't jerks isn't it? I've known a few, but a few idiots too ...

March 22nd, 2009, 09:41 PM	#10
Blue Monkey ninjette.org member Name: Joel Location: Utah Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 ninja 250 Posts: 95	Thanks for the ride report. I enjoyed the pictures and reading about your adventures. __________________________________________________ Corbin seat, Area P carbon fiber quiet core full exhaust, rear fender modified, rear seat cowl, tank protector, Zero Gravity DB windscreen, kleen air system removed

March 25th, 2009, 10:57 AM	#12
py2e ninjette.org member Name: Pete Location: Clifton, NJ Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 BLACK Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 164	Looks like a good time! __________________________________________________

March 27th, 2009, 07:14 PM	#14
rceezy Lean Me Name: RC Location: America Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 Posts: 678 Blog Entries: 4	Wow, I am so jealous. Thanks for the great pics. I can't wait to take an entire week off to explore the world on 2 wheels!!

March 27th, 2009, 09:51 PM	#15
sometimesido ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Norcross, GA Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 250R Posts: 772 Blog Entries: 14	Do eeeet! __________________________________________________ my flickr™

March 28th, 2009, 09:51 AM	#16
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	Great report. I have spent a lot of time around Helen, Dahlonega, Suches, Blairsville, etc. Beautiful country and great roads. I am going to try and hit that area around April 18. I'll post a thread when it's for sure.

March 28th, 2009, 09:53 AM	#17
sometimesido ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Norcross, GA Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 250R Posts: 772 Blog Entries: 14	If schedule permits, I'll ride with ya! and to ask bazillion questions about the 08+ __________________________________________________ my flickr™

March 28th, 2009, 09:58 AM	#18
sm0kediver one disaster at a time Name: Jody Location: West Georgia Join Date: Aug 2008 Motorcycle(s): EX250J9 Posts: 411	You're more than welcome to check it out. I like the new ones, but I liked the old ones too.

March 28th, 2009, 10:10 AM	#19
sometimesido ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Norcross, GA Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 250R Posts: 772 Blog Entries: 14	haha, yea. I'm actually looking forward to doing the valve adjustment in few hundred miles. Only way for me to buy a new one is to add it as a second bike. Then again, that 250SF is looking mighty purty too....haha. __________________________________________________ my flickr™

March 28th, 2009, 08:08 PM	#20
mike_sema ninjette.org guru Name: mike Location: tucson az Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250r Posts: 371	man that looks like a cool ride thanks __________________________________________________ 08 250R: sportisi VR full exhaust, Dynojet, custom seat, kleen air rmvd, rim tape, grips, fender chop,zg db windscreen,k&n air filter,15t front sprocket,sportisi-usa clipons,solo seat cowl

April 22nd, 2009, 07:48 PM	#21
tiburonsita ninjette.org member Name: m Location: metro area Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 black Ninja 250R Posts: 177	What an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing... and YEY you do have a camera (I posted in your other thread)

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