"F" It

[D-Eagle]

I un-alived him because he didn’t understand boundaries.

Pure Gold.....

[Bugnatr]

Excellent report Josh however I can assure you it wasn't a Recluse but rather it was a Big Booty Betty spider. Know for their love of sleeping bags and cuddling with big brawny men on Honda's.

[Cav47]

Deer on the walking trail = benefits
Deer on the riding trail = assholes

Looks like a score on that bakery.

The bakery was a really good score. Ann told me that last year there was a huge group of about a hundred riders that went by. The ones in the front flew past but the ones near the end stopped by and bought some item. Her description coincided with the release of the BDRX tracks.

[gixxerjasen]

With all the motorcyclists coming by, she needs a bigger sign then!

[Cav47]

Sorry for the delay. Work got busy. Back to the report with switchbacks in the woods.

Day 2 of riding continues date camping between Dillard and Clayton at Black Rock Mountain.




I forgot to mention that the unpaved parts were completely desolate. I did not meet a single car coming towards me. Only one vehicle had a driver on day one which was a Friday. Today there was only one.


The forest was both quiet and alive with the sound of dormant trees subtly cutting the light wind.



Gradient lines dictate the contour of the road more than any named direction ever could around here.


Dropping down the mountain always means an interaction with a waterway.

Here it means a little bigger water.


Later in the year, I would guarantee this would be a prime swimming hole. Today with temps only in the upper 50s, I will pass. If I can get Pants back here this summer and there is water running, I guarantee we are getting in!

I saw none here, but the area had plenty of of trout fishermen in other areas.


As I pulled up, my two KTM friends from back at Suches were just finishing up doing some drone footage and talking to a friend we all know.

Here is a photo of who we nickname OFace.

Mike has ridden this area plenty therefore has plenty of local knowledge. I asked him and his BIL Rich if I could tag along to a couple extra places not on the route. I knew some deeper water crisis by were coming and would rather not ride them solo.


One of the bigger water crossings involved the Tallulah River.

Rich is a newer of dual rider and Mike told us to watch his path to stay out of the deep stuff.

Hopefully he will send me the video. Here is Mike going first.



This is from the other side. We encountered a few more trucks full of bear hunting dogs.


The water crossing was nothing like the slime algae of Arkansas and deep holes of Kentucky.



As we finished the sheriff rolled up in his unique patrol vehicle.

Nice guy that chatted us up and gave us some trail info.


Mike blasted his next water crossing a little too hard and got water in his boots.



More a little later tonight. Gotta go out to dinner with the wife at a staff gathering.


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[Cav47]

We took a little side trip up to Bell Knob observation deck. I have to say it was the steepest paved road I have ever been on. The front wheel got light after each switchback.

The FJR would be a little bit of a handful all loaded up for camping.


There is a nice reward at the top.


The mountain has a stairway to climb to the very top.


Rich climbs up after me while Mike gets his drone going for some shots.


The wind was whipping the flag. I was surprised a drone could fly here.


It is worth the side trip if you are ever near Hiawassee


Find the drone l!





The trails are fast and dry.


Many places to stop and enjoy.


Mike and I rode a brisk pace and wait for Rich at random spots.


Rich has a 390 while Mike is on a 500. Both of them have GS at home if I recall correctly.


We may have gone around a gate down at the bottom of this track. There was plenty of room and we were not the first that day for sure. The track looked nice and we didn’t want to miss it.


I stopped to lose some fluid and let Rich catch back up.



We took another side trip over to Brasstown Bald.


Mike was doing some filming for his YouTube channel and hung right behind Rich. I lagged back to give them some space.


That gave me a chance to wick it up some. Apparently Mike videoed me catching some air. Screen grab from a few videos he sent me.








I got him on one of the deep sections.

Check the last GPS shot. You drop out of the woods and right there is this great BBQ place. I was highly impressed. The smoked Gouda cheese grits and the beans were even better than the brisket. First time ever trying pickled onions and I am immediately a fan.


This is on a paved road and I will be back. Plenty of bikes hanging around.




More in a bit.


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[raYzerman]

Dayum, last spring I was coming up 19 and took a right on 180 east..... I was within spittin' distance of Jim's Que. Next time.

[wheatonFJR]

Yeah, Bell mountain is pretty steep. I learned about it from Jason and Lumberg. Later, those two idiots invited Duane and I on a Frosty Balls ride. That was one of the places we ended up visiting. You really don't want to stop for opposing cars on the steep portion of the lane and a half wide road.

[Cav47]

We rode the rest of the way to Elijay. Mike and Rich were headed off to a hotel nearby. We talked about trying to hook up for dinner depending on where I landed. We had each others text so we bid farewell. I tasked myself to finding a campground. Most were closed or were too far away. I knew it was going to be cold tonight so I was not trying to be exposed. I rode through town after striking out at a couple of places. I saw a county sheriff at a gas station. I asked him for some advice on where to camp. He struck out a few places before sending me out to Diamond Lure. I had called there earlier but they didn’t answer.

I rolled up and the office was closed. I contemplated just finding a spot and paying in the morning. Around the corner in a side by side the owner comes riding up. We go back to the office and get paid. I even bought some firewood. She drove the bundles to the site. I asked for a spot out of the wind if possible and she obliged and put me in the trees.

I got a text from Mike and Rich and they decided to skip dinner since we at a huge late lunch. Good thing cause I wasn’t riding anywhere. They were going to get an early start since Rich had to get home tomorrow after riding back to Suches.

It took me too long in town finding a campground and I didn’t get a chance to find a grocery store. Dinner was going to sparse tonight. Hot tea and some beef jerky was all I had with me. I need to change that.


There was no need to hang out too long outside the tent. It was gonna get downright cold tonight so I bundled up and went to bed.

I didn’t have the temp for my location but nearby it was going to drop to 24.

In the morning I needed to stay out until it got warm enough. After it broke freezing, I made myself some oatmeal. Some Quaker maple and brown sugar with Earl Grey tea is a fine choice after no dinner the night before.


It was very cold last night. My campsite had a water spigot and power post. Maybe that’s why it cost 30 bucks. Anyway, when I went to get my water out of the spigot, I got nothing. It worked last night. I guess the cold was serious enough to freeze it up. I tended the fire for a few minutes with the tap open and it started to drip and eventually it flowed.


In the dark last night I I put my Fire Maple pot on with the koozie and pot scrubber still stowed in the recess in the bottom. Essentially I melted them together. I guess I need another one.


I walked up to the bathhouse and snapped a pic of the site as I walked back. The campers that were there did not have occupants that I could see. I lingered around the fire longer than normal. Party to absorb the warmth and partly to avoid the cold I knew was out there.


Overall, it was a good site and campground. I prefer more private and remote spots that are often associated with state or Corps of Engineering ran venues, but in a pinch, this place would do. It had everyone it needed including table, fire ring, level tent pad, water, power, and a good bathhouse. I guess 30 bucks is still a good deal.


I got going and stopped to plug the jacket in. It’s actually 9:54. I don’t allow the GPS to swap time zones since home is only 7 miles from EST and I always get confused.

It was only about 90 miles to Suches. I was hoping for more off road to keep the wind chill down. I used the jacket sparingly and watched the voltmeter. It would fluctuate between 14.4 and 13 before I shut it down. The bikes electrical system is just not robust enough to run a 90 watt jacket on full blast unless you are revving the engine at highway speeds. And there is the problem heat or wind chill. I only had to monitor it for 25 min before getting back onto some dirt.

I didn’t get a text from the guys so I figured they slept in or were heading back on pavement.


I made it to the much heralded Old Bucktown Road. It was mentioned many times during the BDR movie. Zoom in to the sign for the warning about regular cars.


I wasn’t particularly worried because this was not an optional hard section. But no other roads had any warnings.


The road climbs steadily into the national forest.


The track surface was perfect


Tacky red dirt with no leaves on the trail made for a fast track and provided good sight lines to keep a rapid pace.


A few spots the road was washed out but nothing the 450 couldn’t handle. I had a Michelin Starcross that was built 04-07. Yeah you read that right. I bought it for 20 bucks #1 because I am cheap and #2 to test the theory hat old tires will kill you. My rear is a Tusk D Sport. If you wonder why I buy that tire, see #1 above. It just works.


It progressively got worse.


It also got progressively cold the higher I climbed.


The 450 just ate everything up. Even with 31 lbs in the GL coyote bag and another 10lbs combined in the tank panniers and tail bag, it never stumbled. I crossed over 5K miles on the trip. It has been retuning almost 50mpg over that time in mixed running. It has a vortex ECU and full exhaust system.


The leafless trees afforded great benefits to see the surrounding landscape.


I searched the road for obstacles but also was getting some signs of other bikes on the trail. I wondered if Mike and Rich were ahead somewhere.


I got to do something I didn’t think I would do. Breaking through a puddle with ice was not on my bingo card. Bit today was my lucky day.


Old Bucktown road was great and did not disappoint.


Just hard enough but still rideable without wearing me out. I have ridden plenty of more treacherous roads on the KAT, Arizona. or in the Black Hills but none of those times did I have 41 lbs on the bike.


The crash site for Richard Schoolbred was nearby and a few people were hiking in the area.


This seems to be the apex of the mountain as most of the next miles seemed all downhill.


I didn’t see where this couple parked their car, so maybe they spent the night on the mountain.


Still some frozen seeps along the track.


Conclusion tomorrow, it’s late, time for bed.

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[Toter]

That intersection at the top of the trail where you saw the hikers is where the approach trail to the southern terminus of the AT crosses. A couple of years ago, a buddy and I road all that. I was on my 14 GS, and he was on a 1290 KTM. We came in at Nimblewill Church. Nimblewill Gap rd. ws very rough and rocky, as well as Old Bucktown rd. in some areas. When we got done, we were spent throwing those big bikes around. Although, I give them credit, they handled that rough, rocky stuff very well. I would not do that on a GS these days. That's DRZ stuff for me now.

[Toter]

Looked like you had an epic ride. Tip of the hat for camping on some cold nights and mornings. When it's miserable and too hot to ride, you can head up on those trails and it's shaded and cooler for a little break. Problem is getting there, and riding back in the heat . It's about 35-40 miles for me depending where I go in. That's a fairly good trek on the DRZ, and you're ready for a break when you get there, even with a Seat Concepts seat.

[wheatonFJR]

I've camped in overnight frozen weather. I'm getting flashbacks and the chills just reading your tome -as Beemerdons would describe it. I know your tale is not quite told, but WELL done. SALUTE.

[Mudslide Miller]

Very much enjoying your RR Josh and appreciating the amount of time & thought it takes to put this together for all your half(assed)-brothers & sisters to enjoy (and wish we were doing it ourselves). Good stuff!!

[SkooterG]

I guess there is a reason you are still in Illinois and I am now in Arizona......

Because F*** THAT CAMPING IN COLD SHIT!!!!

[bigjohnsd]

I guess there is a reason you are still in Illinois and I am now in Arizona......

Because F*** THAT CAMPING SHIT!!!!

Fixed it for you Skoot

[Mudslide Miller]

I guess there is a reason you are still in Illinois and I am now in Arizona......

Because F*** THAT CAMPING SHIT!!!!

Fixed it for you Skoot

Exactly John; cold has nothing to do with it!!

[Cav47]

I guess there is a reason you are still in Illinois and I am now in Arizona......

Because F*** THAT CAMPING SHIT!!!!

Fixed it for you Skoot

Exactly John; cold has nothing to do with it!!

Pussies, the whole lot of you! lol. I Understand where you are coming from in light of your advanced age……. I mean sophistication.

As our friend Marty says, there are no such things as bad conditions, just bad gear that doesn’t mitigate bad conditions.

[bigjohnsd]

Pussies, the whole lot of you! lol. I Understand where you are coming from in light of your advanced age……. I mean sophistication.

As our friend Marty says, there are no such things as bad conditions, just bad gear that doesn’t mitigate bad conditions.

Bull Pucky - a queen-sized bed in a modest motel beats any campsite bed - JSNS

[wheatonFJR]

Pussies, the whole lot of you! lol. I Understand where you are coming from in light of your advanced age……. I mean sophistication.

As our friend Marty says, there are no such things as bad conditions, just bad gear that doesn’t mitigate bad conditions.

Bull Pucky - a queen-sized bed in a modest motel beats any campsite bed - JSNS

You just aren't paying attention to the report then. My advanced sophistication and broken bones prevents me from taking advantage, but Mr. Cav is not an old fkr like many here.

[Cav47]

Wrap up.

As I stated before, this thought Mike and Rich might be ahead of me, so it brood this opportunity to let the Honda loose. I rode her quick.



The track was clean and I saw almost no one. I made sure to hang right on the inside of curves to make sure I didn’t take a head on.


The sun was warming up the backside of the mountain a little.


Don’t be fooled, it was still in the 40s. But the terrain was giving me enough of a workout to make my own heat. I was getting a little hungry after the meager breakfast.


As I hopped out of the forest I could use some grub. The GPS said there was one and I thought I would see what they have.


Behold Mike and Rich were already there. Mike came out to great me as they sat at the window seat.


You know you’re in the south with signs like this.


The owner of this place was featured on the BDRX movie.


Turns out I left about 90 after Mike and Rich but they covered the distance at a more leisurely pace.


I grabbed their specialty burger without the bun. Van Zandt’s was the name of the burger. Had a fried egg on it too. They also had Earl Grey tea. Between the two, it really hit the spot.


We ride the rest of the way into TWO together. We only stopped a few times as Rich was planning on heading back theme ro N Carolina today.


We saw one other ADV group here on the mountain. Mostly medium adv bikes.


Mike had a GLoop fuel bag and I was getting close to being out. I’m had my fuel bottle but he dropped the last of his bag in mine.


We got to the gas station and I had used 3.1 and I only have a 3 gallon tank.


I went 147 miles with a full load and riding hard. Almost 50mpg with all that I ask of her sits just fine with me.


We rolled into TWO around 2:30. My original plan was to camp one more night and just head back in the morning. I didn’t see the need to linger around when we no ups be home by midnight.


I quickly loaded up the bike at their ramp. I bid my farewell to Mike and Rich, they are good people and I have made two more friends. I am looking forward to seeing the video from Mikes YouTube channel. I had already subscribed to his channel before.

Here is his channel.

https://youtube.com/@theehwaz?si=_wLAzjqIay1SwfWN






I went in and paid for leaving my truck there a few days. I don’t know what they charge but I did camp on Thursday night and put my money in the box that night. I just told them I owed them and left it with the lady at the kitchen counter. She was busy and I was in a little hurry to get on the road.


Checked to see if my pin was still there from the last time. Seemed like it still was there right below Danville.


Not many from Illinois get down there.


On the way out I snapped my last pic. Very appropriate as I was about to head back into a different world.


This trip was exactly what I needed. It was both a proving ground for my future BDR plans and more importantly it gave me a fresh perspective for the rest of the school year. The winter here is long and the Dog days in a school are even tougher than the winters.

I am lucky to be able to get out and ride, that is not lost on me. I will use these memories to get me through to the next adventure.

All in all it was just over 400 miles with the side trips and extra distance to food and campgrounds. I would ride it again if anyone wants to invite me.

Thanks for coming along. Hope you can get out there and enjoy whatever type of riding you like.


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