So I'm going for a ride in a couple weeks. Leaving early Saturday morning, plan to be back late Sunday afternoon. Following this route: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/204359. 100 miles out, 100 miles back. Camping at Lake Sinclair Beach Campground on the eastern edge of Oconee National Forest. It's supposed to be pretty. The ranger says campgrounds are first come, first served, but not to worry. Says they're not being used heavily and they'd find a space for me even if they're full up, given my circumstances.
This is kind of a test run for me and my touring bike. Planning to travel as light as I can while still comfortable. Probably not bringing cook gear at all. (Just dry food and a little scratch if I feel like stopping at a diner for a hot meal.) This ride covers a portion of the GDOT "Sherman's March to the Sea" suggested cycle route, which eventually ends in Savannah. This is kind of my training ride to scope the route and see if my bike and I are up to 300 miles from home to Savannah, which I'd like to do later. Then maybe I can do the whole thing out and back for spring break or something.
I will be going SLOW. This is NOT a race and no, if you're not carrying panniers or a ginormous bag on your back, I will NOT carry your gear for you in mine. However, if you want to share tent space, I've got an ultralight tent and I'd be willing to even out the load of any other shared resources, etc. I'm allocating about 10 hours of riding time (10mph for 10 hours= 100 miles.) each day. I imagine I'll be able to maintain a slightly better pace than that, but I want to leave myself some extra time. And breaks for photo ops and rest will be mandatory.
Anyway, in the spirit of FM: you're invited. I don't care if you're an internet pugilist or a triathletic troll. We love to ride bikes. Let's catch some fresh air and fall colors for a weekend. Or maybe people would be interested in riding out for a while and seeing me off. Or riding out and meeting me for the last leg of my return.
Lastly, somebody contact me if you've got better ideas on how to get to this place. Looks like I'll be doing a lot of going north just to come back south at the beginning of the ride. I'm tempted just to follow the recommended route anyway. Riding to/through Stone Mountain is cool by me.
