Silver Comet Day Four

The final day covered ~38 miles from Cedartown to Smyrna. We had a misqueue start when locals directed us to a great breakfast spot that was closed on Sunday. Then we followed iPhone and google maps to a coffee shop downtown which was more permanently closed. Breakfast became granola bars on the way out of town. Don't bother looking for cafe breakfast in Cedartown, go with McDonald's, BoJangles, the bakery across the street, or Subway. On a positive note Frankie's was open as we rolled by. We rode the trail through downtown again which is beautiful, so much that I forgot to take pictures.

Well outside Cedartown we found this amazing tunnel. The people help give perspective, this thing is huge and long.

This is the rock face just outside the tunnel to the east.




And in sharp contrast to the tunnel is the next bridge. The roadbed was planks. We enjoyed quite a show watching cars drive over.









This sign sums up my impression of the trail. Several towns and businesses use the trail as a primary source of income. I've seen very few DOT's advertise for road repair. This is amazing focus on the active community. Great job Georgia.




All this brings a smile to my face.




Found the first to match the last.

And finally mile 0. I had the same level of apprehension leaving and arriving.

Further up "Silver Comet Connector" downtown Atlanta is on the horizon.

The trip is over for now. I am definitely up for more bike touring.

For next trip I would really consider staying in Rockmart and doing a two day trip: one to Jacksonville or Anniston and back for some scenery and big miles and a second day to Atlanta and back for tunnels, bridges, and scenery.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and ride.

Silver Comet Day Three

Saturday started rolling a bit earlier. Breakfast and coffee in the hotel were great. It was also great to change a flat in the room. With another week of riding we could really perfect a routine. Chief Ladiga trail east from Jacksonville is beautiful in the daylight.




Piedmont welcome center was open this time around. Water fountains, bathrooms, and bike racks for all. The inside of the house is clearly from a different time, well everything except the 7940 Cisco IP Phone.




There were many people from all backgrounds out on the trail. We saw a double amputee rolling down the trail enjoying life.




There are dated but well kept houses on the other side of trail. Waylon posited that some of them likely cost less to build than the price of some of the nicer bikes on the trail today. I'd say that's accurate and astounding.

Soon after we passed this section where mountain was cut out for the original tracks. This is just one of many rock faces.

The last 10 miles from AL to GA include some long slow elevation. It was easy but slowed our pace a bit. Today we stopped for the state line.

There are a few nice hills from the line to Cedartown.




There was an organized night ride leaving from the depot but unfortunately heading the opposite direction. Strong showing by trail rangers and GRITS.




Another great welcome to Cedartown. They put up a great effort but I'm sold on Rockmart.




Enroute to Rockmart we found the last foot of trail completed. This is in a particularly hilly section.

And eventually we found flatland again with nice pastures and horses.

A random bench in a cutaway with very peaceful stream view.



Props to Waylon for noticing the ornaments on fence posts: arc, then a house, and finally an outhouse.







Good sign doubles as jungle gym equipment. Maybe he needed to peddle up more hills today?

Coming into Rockmart with a beautiful sunset. The sky was ablaze with orange and blue. I think the neon jackets washed out the picture.




We finished up with delicious dinner at Frankie's. I highly recommend the tortellini with chicken and spinach. Frankie is quite a character. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a meal this much. Chitan set us up with a great room at Garden Inn & Suites.

We found a great way to level the playing field with a stretch cord between the bikes. The stronger rider pulls in the front, weaker rider contributes what they can. Stretch cord contracts to keep slack out of wheels. It's also a great way to tow a disabled bike.

Silver Comet Day Two

Sleeping in was great after staying up too late writing the last blog post. Sleeping in also avoided some of the cold. The mercury was still depressed to low 40's when I hopped on the bike around 9 for grocery shopping. Ingles had a pretty limited selection of trail food but it was well organized and people were both friendly and helpful. Good thing selection was limited as I still walked out with a $50 bill and fully loaded backpack. Trail mix with extra bags of M&M's and peanut butter morsels to "spice it up". Waylon successfully out ate me on day one so I prepared for another day of eating. Looking back I realize I was hopeful of a big mileage day and stocking accordingly.

I surveyed the shops and breakfast options before heading back to the hotel. Once there I mixed up new trail mix and repacked bags. If bike handling is any indication then I succeeded in getting all "heavy stuff" into the panniers. The bike is decidedly rear heavy. This occasionally causes the front tire to bounce along. I now see the allure of front mounted panniers.

After topping off at Bojangles we set off for the day. In the daylight we made our way back to the trailhead from Thursday night.

During the ride back I realized one reason I had such a hard time remembering the name if the town - it wasn't on any of the signs. "Rockmart" appeared on only one sign - and that one was clearly a temporary. The town was nearly anonymous from our eastern approach but treated us quite well. I highly recommend stopping into Frankie's, Dairy Queen, The Garden Inn, Ingles, or Bojangles.

We completely missed this sign and associated story in the darkness of the previous night.




Shortly down the trail we went through downtown Rockmart. There is a great picnic area along side a beautiful little stream. The water was almost unnaturally clear.




There is a bit of navigating in this area with forks and junctions. The signage was adequate to keep us on track with nominal pause. The post in the background caught my eye. I was tempted to stop for the red indicator. I was grasping for direction and missing the antique charm.




Boardwalks became very popular in this section of trail. They were well maintained and quite disarming. This would make a great walk or ride.




Then we found some appreciable hills and the unwelcome sound of traffic. For several miles we rode rolling hills on a dedicated trail but still unfortunately close to a busy highway.




There are some good hills in this area. Eventually we found the beloved and secluded rail to trail and rolled our way to Cedartown. The depot is a welcome and very cool sight.




Ladies inside directed us to Pirkle's Deli for a good meal. Unfortunately Pirkle was closing up when we arrived. We ended up at generic Subway with bees. Eventually we escaped town. Cedartown may be ok but it just didn't live up to our Rockmart experience. We did find this great sign on the way out of town.




I skipped photo op of Alabama line because sun blacked it out. I welcomed the Chief Ladiga trail as it brought back more o the natural beauty we'd been enjoying. We paused on an amazing bridge to watch this combine work for a bit.














I wanted a picture of the surrounding mountains while Waylon stretched his legs.





Dugger Mountain to the south completing the valley effect.




We paused in Piedmont for water, bathroom, snacks, and layers of clothing. Darkness set in as we rolled out if town. Most if the ride to Jacksonville was in complete darkness and cold. We caught 3 major breaks with smooth fresh paved trail, an eventual warm pocket, and flat to downhill easy rolling. 56 miles on the day and scored the last room at the Hampton Inn.

Again I made new acquaintances in random conversation about schools and triathlon. Today's Carolinian hailed from Asheville and just completed their first year of triathlon. They were considering a half Ironman for next year. Glad to hear the triathlon bug striking again. I recommended the Beach2Battleship half. I could see the wheels turning and planning happening.

First day of Silver Comet bike tour

After a late start my second big fall adventure is under way. The delay was finishing up some geekery with my brother. We both learned some things and in the end got the project done.

First day on the trail has been amazing. Scenery is gorgeous.

At one point I described it as "the blue ridge parkway but for bicycles". There are rolling hills all around while the rail trail remains basically flat. The largest grades on the path are for the numerous bridges and tunnels.



"Grade" is still relative as it feels flat compared to rolling hills of NC. Waylon makes a great inclinometer relaying the changes.



The trail is also well supported and well maintained. Every few miles there are bathrooms and water fountains. The trail is full of cyclists even on a weekday afternoon shortened by the coming fall. The stops are very cyclist friendly with picnic tables and bike racks. This particular bike rack was handy for repacking. In an absent minded moment I packed heavy items in the backpack and light items in the panniers. I was beginning to question my own ability for 50 miles a day until I figured out this logistical flaw.



The facilities are little stepford-wife consistent in design but the amenities, especially running water, are welcome.



My favorite feature may be posts, perfect for relaxing in the waning sun.



The fountains hold great potential. For now they are great stonework.



Shortly after this we even got a chance to try out our jackets and lights (thank you Rebecca!). One by one we added vests, sleeves, bike front lights, head lamps, and finally tail lights for visibility on roads enroute to the hotel. All worked really well. I was really happy that part of contingency plans worked out well. We could see in front of bikes, in any direction we turned our heads, and were very visible to passing cars in the darkness.


The trail alone makes a great trip but the people have thus far been an unexpected surprise. My inner introvert must also be on vacation. I had no less than a half dozen conversations with complete strangers today. We picked up great tips about the trail, restaurants, supplies, gear, and hotels; all quite accidentally. Special thanks to Soli for the great dinner, hotel recommendation, and breakfast pointers. Good luck to your sun with MIT! The blizzards were great too.



I hoped for 50 miles of trail today but I'm delighted with 30 something and many great experiences.

Only things forgotten so far are full fingered gloves and heart rate monitor strap. All can be done without.

First day of bike touring is nearly complete success. Good gear, good contingency, a little light on miles covered, but safely and comfortably from point a to b, fed, and tucked into comfy lodging.

Here's hoping for a good tomorrow.

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