Start: Johns Creek, GA (from home driveway)
Finish: Piedmont, AL
Bike Mileage: 103.2 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 394.4 miles
Awoke at 5:30am refreshed after taking care of errands the night before, Judy's delicious home cooked dinner, and sound sleep at home. Abigail was home to enjoy time together as well as our sweet dog, Violet, who also needed some loving. It was great to route the bike trip through home! Energizing and balancing.
Finished some necessary work items by about 6:00am, did some repacking for the long haul ahead, hugs and kisses, and then we were off again from my driveway for the day's adventure as if on a usual training ride through hometown territory.
Cooler weather with overcast skies and threat of rain were a welcome reprieve from the last three days of scorching heat by afternoon.
We followed our usual hometown route down Scott Rd past Centennial HS, then Eves Rd, along Riverside Dr enjoying the coolness of the morning Chattahoochee River. Continued past Riverside Park, Chattahoochee Nature Center, climbed Timber Ridge and Little Willeo Paper Mill. A right at Paper Mill began our diversion to Terrell Mill Rd and on through Cobb County and over west to the 0.0 start point of the Silver Comet Trail (SCT) (see photo). The SCT is a converted rails-to-trails cement greenway trail that runs just over 60mi to the GA-AL border then continues in AL as the Chief Ladiga Trail.
About 3 mi west along the SCT we met up with Blaze Sports officials, employees, volunteers, and adaptive athletes - our inspiration for this ride. A nice photo session was followed immediately by a deluge of thunderstorms and lightning. We were a little chilled standing in the rain. My wife Judy arrived as well, a pleasant surprise since I thought we had said our goodbyes earlier at home - last chance to see her for the next month ahead.
We pushed off into the rains, heading for some cover along the Silver Comet Trail in the woods. Colin, a Blaze athlete riding a recumbent bike due to leg paralysis as well as a few military vets in their own hand-cranked adaptive cycles (can't imagine the work involved using your upper body only!-just amazing!) joined us in the rain.
I chatted with Colin (12yo if I recall) on his adaptive hand-cranked bike, leg paralysis from a car accident many years earlier. He's been cycling for over 6yrs and I urged him to be proud and strong and continue...
We parted with the Blaze cyclists after some miles together. Two Cambridge HS teachers (Adam Stone-Special Ed and Blaze volunteer track coach) and Brad (History teacher) joined Mike and me for the next 35-40 mi on the SCT. Pouring rain, light rain, occasional dry patches but the forest on each side was beautiful. Peaceful, energizing riding or walking in the rain! Always have loved a rain walk in the woods. All your senses are engaged! And my body, especially my behind loving my new better padded bike shorts, cooled perfectly, steadily cadenced through mile after mile of mesmerizing woods, across elevated wooded bridges, through tunnels, road underpasses, and periodic road crossings and train tracks. Mike and I, with Adam and Brad, stopped at Rockmart, GA (mile 37 of SCT, 64 mi from home start) for lunch at Hometown Pizza, enjoyed a relaxing lunch of two grande Supreme Pizzas, dried off, changed into a new bike outfit, and then Mike and I headed off westward on the SCT while Patrick (driver) kindly drove Adam and Brad back to their cars.
We were blissfully riding through mist and periodic heavier rain again, until an unexpected sudden downhill series of quick right and left switchbacks on the slick cement trail pavement. Mike happened to be in front of me at that moment. As I braked I sensed the danger with a slight skid but then unfortunately Mike's brakes locked on the second turn; his bike skid and then he took a hard smashing fall onto the cement onto his right side going about 20 mph. I was fortunate to not wipe out as well. Dr's inspection report revealed some nasty road rash abrasions to R forearm and flank area, and R lower leg as well as whiplash soreness. Thank goodness no shoulder/clavicle/hand/leg fracture-he must be well padded?! His bike was another matter. The rear tire was no longer "true" (not in alignment) and rear derailleur (controlling the cassette gear shifting) was bent and unable to shift gears properly. Called Noland and Vik for advice but not much could be done in the field. We limped slowly as Mike was able to ride at low speed to get to the next town-Cedartown (mi75). Met up with Patrick, switched out Mike's bike for Vik's (we had loaded up Vik's bike from home the night before to bring out to Colorado for him and have with us just in case as a back-up...). Little did we know we'd need to rely on it the very first stage from home. Higher-end cycling bikes are usually expertly fitted to the body dimensions of a rider; Vik weighs about 140 lb maybe (after eating a huge buffet) and can be folded into a suitcase since he's as skinny as my fold-away toothbrush). Mike isn't quite that svelte; he's more of a Neanderthalish mesomorph like me but with less hair, thicker fingers, and rougher speech. Italian-Irish mutt; no one wants to mess with that combination!
Hence, not a good bike fit match. We rode on regardless and Mike, aches and pains and all, still could enjoy finishing the last 14 mi of the SCT as we raced across the gateway arch entrance into Alabama at mi89 for the day (see photo). Continued onto adjoining Chief Ladiga Trail in AL another 14mi to end the day in Piedmont, Al. Finished our first state! 13 to go! Another century ride done (3 out of the past 4 stages). Met Patrick and drove a few miles to the town of Gadsden, AL; nice Hampton Inn and great (and I mean great comparing it to NYC Little Italy) Italian restaurant for dinner at Tre Ragazzi's in downtown Gadsden.
Nice town on the Coosa River, scenic bridge lighted beautifully at night (see Patrick's bridge photo).
Once in a while, and usually from extended exertion, I have a blissful Zen-like meditative moment. It has happened to me a few times on the Appalachian Trail where all my senses - visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and taste - are fully engaged. It is a real moment of being within an energy flow I would liken to riding on a magic carpet effortlessly. After more than eighty miles of riding today I entered this state of flow and it was pure joy. Wish I could bottle such moments or elicit them at will but will look forward to the next one whenever it occurs, hopefully, ahead on the journey.
Additional Bikeoo for Stage 4:
Weather: (9.5)
Cool weather and steady rain was amazing after 3 hot days behind us!
Terrain: (9.5)
Basically flat or minimal grades up or down; could pedal forever today
Scenic: (9.9)
If you like to bike or take a walk then go and enjoy the SCT in comfortable weather (or even better, in the rain!). You won't regret it!
Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-deer, beaver, profundity of wild hairs, squirrels, turtles, hawks, more Turkey Vultures (still following us).
R-squirrel, opossum
Endurance: (10.0)
Oh yeah! Cruise control today, full throttle whenever I asked the thighs for some turbo drive.
Bike report:
Patrick will take Mike's bike to a bike shop either in Gadsden or to Birmingham, AL for repairs. Hopefully will be quick and have back this afternoon. In the mean time he'll ride on with Vik's.
Injury Report:
D-butts nearly all better, minimal soreness otherwise; hope it stays that way
M-abrasions are scabbing well, head/neck/back good: we ride on even with a little blood spilled for the cause
Still Having Fun: (10.0)
Turkey Vultures be damned.
Beautiful ride yesterday!
Finished some necessary work items by about 6:00am, did some repacking for the long haul ahead, hugs and kisses, and then we were off again from my driveway for the day's adventure as if on a usual training ride through hometown territory.
Cooler weather with overcast skies and threat of rain were a welcome reprieve from the last three days of scorching heat by afternoon.
We followed our usual hometown route down Scott Rd past Centennial HS, then Eves Rd, along Riverside Dr enjoying the coolness of the morning Chattahoochee River. Continued past Riverside Park, Chattahoochee Nature Center, climbed Timber Ridge and Little Willeo Paper Mill. A right at Paper Mill began our diversion to Terrell Mill Rd and on through Cobb County and over west to the 0.0 start point of the Silver Comet Trail (SCT) (see photo). The SCT is a converted rails-to-trails cement greenway trail that runs just over 60mi to the GA-AL border then continues in AL as the Chief Ladiga Trail.
 |
| Meeting Blaze athletes and officials on the SCT |
About 3 mi west along the SCT we met up with Blaze Sports officials, employees, volunteers, and adaptive athletes - our inspiration for this ride. A nice photo session was followed immediately by a deluge of thunderstorms and lightning. We were a little chilled standing in the rain. My wife Judy arrived as well, a pleasant surprise since I thought we had said our goodbyes earlier at home - last chance to see her for the next month ahead.
Video of Blaze Team and Michael giving speech
We pushed off into the rains, heading for some cover along the Silver Comet Trail in the woods. Colin, a Blaze athlete riding a recumbent bike due to leg paralysis as well as a few military vets in their own hand-cranked adaptive cycles (can't imagine the work involved using your upper body only!-just amazing!) joined us in the rain.
I chatted with Colin (12yo if I recall) on his adaptive hand-cranked bike, leg paralysis from a car accident many years earlier. He's been cycling for over 6yrs and I urged him to be proud and strong and continue...
We parted with the Blaze cyclists after some miles together. Two Cambridge HS teachers (Adam Stone-Special Ed and Blaze volunteer track coach) and Brad (History teacher) joined Mike and me for the next 35-40 mi on the SCT. Pouring rain, light rain, occasional dry patches but the forest on each side was beautiful. Peaceful, energizing riding or walking in the rain! Always have loved a rain walk in the woods. All your senses are engaged! And my body, especially my behind loving my new better padded bike shorts, cooled perfectly, steadily cadenced through mile after mile of mesmerizing woods, across elevated wooded bridges, through tunnels, road underpasses, and periodic road crossings and train tracks. Mike and I, with Adam and Brad, stopped at Rockmart, GA (mile 37 of SCT, 64 mi from home start) for lunch at Hometown Pizza, enjoyed a relaxing lunch of two grande Supreme Pizzas, dried off, changed into a new bike outfit, and then Mike and I headed off westward on the SCT while Patrick (driver) kindly drove Adam and Brad back to their cars.
We were blissfully riding through mist and periodic heavier rain again, until an unexpected sudden downhill series of quick right and left switchbacks on the slick cement trail pavement. Mike happened to be in front of me at that moment. As I braked I sensed the danger with a slight skid but then unfortunately Mike's brakes locked on the second turn; his bike skid and then he took a hard smashing fall onto the cement onto his right side going about 20 mph. I was fortunate to not wipe out as well. Dr's inspection report revealed some nasty road rash abrasions to R forearm and flank area, and R lower leg as well as whiplash soreness. Thank goodness no shoulder/clavicle/hand/leg fracture-he must be well padded?! His bike was another matter. The rear tire was no longer "true" (not in alignment) and rear derailleur (controlling the cassette gear shifting) was bent and unable to shift gears properly. Called Noland and Vik for advice but not much could be done in the field. We limped slowly as Mike was able to ride at low speed to get to the next town-Cedartown (mi75). Met up with Patrick, switched out Mike's bike for Vik's (we had loaded up Vik's bike from home the night before to bring out to Colorado for him and have with us just in case as a back-up...). Little did we know we'd need to rely on it the very first stage from home. Higher-end cycling bikes are usually expertly fitted to the body dimensions of a rider; Vik weighs about 140 lb maybe (after eating a huge buffet) and can be folded into a suitcase since he's as skinny as my fold-away toothbrush). Mike isn't quite that svelte; he's more of a Neanderthalish mesomorph like me but with less hair, thicker fingers, and rougher speech. Italian-Irish mutt; no one wants to mess with that combination!
Hence, not a good bike fit match. We rode on regardless and Mike, aches and pains and all, still could enjoy finishing the last 14 mi of the SCT as we raced across the gateway arch entrance into Alabama at mi89 for the day (see photo). Continued onto adjoining Chief Ladiga Trail in AL another 14mi to end the day in Piedmont, Al. Finished our first state! 13 to go! Another century ride done (3 out of the past 4 stages). Met Patrick and drove a few miles to the town of Gadsden, AL; nice Hampton Inn and great (and I mean great comparing it to NYC Little Italy) Italian restaurant for dinner at Tre Ragazzi's in downtown Gadsden.
Nice town on the Coosa River, scenic bridge lighted beautifully at night (see Patrick's bridge photo).
Once in a while, and usually from extended exertion, I have a blissful Zen-like meditative moment. It has happened to me a few times on the Appalachian Trail where all my senses - visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and taste - are fully engaged. It is a real moment of being within an energy flow I would liken to riding on a magic carpet effortlessly. After more than eighty miles of riding today I entered this state of flow and it was pure joy. Wish I could bottle such moments or elicit them at will but will look forward to the next one whenever it occurs, hopefully, ahead on the journey.
Stage 4: Bikeoo
Special Ode to my dear Squirrel who was simply trying to cross the road:
Dear Squirrel, please forgive me
Return a Cyclist, with boundless
Love, Dreams, Adventure
Additional Bikeoo for Stage 4:
Endure the traveled path
Choose your way, find Happiness
Senses and Soul in rapture
Stage 4 Indexes:
Weather: (9.5)
Cool weather and steady rain was amazing after 3 hot days behind us!
Terrain: (9.5)
Basically flat or minimal grades up or down; could pedal forever today
Scenic: (9.9)
If you like to bike or take a walk then go and enjoy the SCT in comfortable weather (or even better, in the rain!). You won't regret it!
Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-deer, beaver, profundity of wild hairs, squirrels, turtles, hawks, more Turkey Vultures (still following us).
R-squirrel, opossum
Endurance: (10.0)
Oh yeah! Cruise control today, full throttle whenever I asked the thighs for some turbo drive.
Bike report:
Patrick will take Mike's bike to a bike shop either in Gadsden or to Birmingham, AL for repairs. Hopefully will be quick and have back this afternoon. In the mean time he'll ride on with Vik's.
Injury Report:
D-butts nearly all better, minimal soreness otherwise; hope it stays that way
M-abrasions are scabbing well, head/neck/back good: we ride on even with a little blood spilled for the cause
Still Having Fun: (10.0)
Turkey Vultures be damned.
Beautiful ride yesterday!
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| Close to home-never know what you may encounter... |
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| Start of SCT, mi 0.0 of Trail |
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| Tunnel on SCT |
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| Crime scene at wipeout slick switchback! |
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| Trying to fix rear wheel |
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| Field wound triage. I carry a small medical kit at all times. |
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| A lot of lowland swampy woods! Pretty. Beautiful old oak tree-probably <100yo |
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| GA-AL State Line; SCT Trail End, start of Chief Ladiga Trail in AL |
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| Farm house pooches. Country breeds. A little rough greeting-thought they'd be friendlier |
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| More road obstruction. |
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| Swamps, rivers, farms, country... Blissful! |
Video at start of SCT
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