We ride up towards Vogel State Park, gaining significant altitude over the next several miles. This 4-lane mountain road offers delightful sweepers of varying radii.

Carol sets a brisk pace, the type that allows us to lean the bike over and feel it carve through the turn . . . very nice. Roll off, turn in, roll on. Roll off, turn in, roll on. Lather, rinse, repeat. On and on. Great fun!

As we come down the other side, Carol and Cindy are ready for some sustenance and plan to stop for lunch. After the last few days of heavy rain, I'm hungry for sustenance of a different kind. I have an appetite to keep exploring and experiencing this wonderful part of the country. In fact, when I tour like this, I can mostly live out of my tankbag. This small Ali Baba's cave contains drinks, energy bars, fruit, muffins. Everything I might need to see me through the day!

As I leave the girls behind, I focus my attention on a slight surge that I feel at approx. 3k rpm. I first noticed it this morning and it was barely perceptible. As the day wears on it becomes more present, or maybe I notice it more. By the end of the day, it has slightly transformed into a loppy type of surge.

It's faint and only present under light and constant throttle load, but still noticeable to me. I wonder if it has anything to do with my chain. Could it be a tight or loose spot on my chain that is severe enough to cause a cyclical yanking? If so, this might resemble a loppy surge under light load. Hmmm… I'll check that out tonight.

Meanwhile the roads are great. Damp in spots, slightly muddy in others, but quite pleasant. Though light rain occasionally threatens, the weather holds out till early evening.

By 7pm, I stop by in town to pick up some items at Ingles. Same dinner routine: chicken breast and some delicious black-eyed pea salad.

Standing at the entrance under cover, I eat my dinner as I watch the light rain come down over the parking lot. First the chicken, then the pea salad. Again I take in one of life's simple pleasures.

As I turn around, I notice an elderly man sitting at one of the benches. He's been calmly watching this with a smile, amid customers scurrying in out of the rain.

I volunteer, "Lunch on the run. That way I have less to carry!"

He nods emphatically and chuckles.

By the time I get back to camp, it's relatively late and dark. As I expected, the bike shed is full. By now everyone has parked for the night. I decide that there is enough room for me behind a striking white K-11. Knowing that I'll be up early in the morning, I know that I won't obstruct anyone.

As I walk into the main building to check the weather forecast, I find Carol and friends having a spaghetti dinner. It looks and smells delicious but unfortunately, I've already had dinner. I briefly share some words and mention my interest in riding the Cherohala Skyway and Deals Gap tomorrow. :)

Carol and Cindy are both up for it. Breakfast is served from 8am and we agree to an 8:30 departure.

Back in the tent, I make sure everything is in plastic bags and knock off early. I need to get a restful night's sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a good day!

Bruno
Montreal, Canada