Frankie's Ride.....

Today was one of those days that is so nearly perfect that it just makes you glad you're alive. At least that's how it was for me today.

Katydid and I joined a group riding on the Silver Comet Trail today. We rode to Rockmart, Georgia to Frankie's Restaurant. The original plan for this occasion was for a group to gather AT Frankie's and ride west to the Alabama border, returning to Frankie's for beer and pizza. Our group, though, decided we would ride TO Frankie's and partake of the pizza and fellowship (and beer for a few) and then return.

There are several trailheads on the Silver Comet that are easily accessed from almost anywhere in the Atlanta area. We chose one that is about 11.7 miles from the beginning of the trail, because the first part tends to be crowded, and it also has numerous road crossings that are aggravating and slow us down. That location also gave us a round-trip ride of approximately 52 miles, a decent length ride without being a killer.

The weather was magnificent, with perfect temperatures and beautiful skies (once the cloud cover burned off). I love riding on the trail because there is no traffic to worry about, and  you can really make the ride any length you want to. There's no law that says you HAVE to ride all the way to Frankie's, but that is usually our destination.

This is how the view typically looks on the Silver Comet Trail. I have no idea who that person is in front of me. The trail is very well maintained, and patrolled in some areas by law enforcement on golf carts.

This sign always spooks me a little bit. And they're not kidding about the remote part. You know what they really need? A sign that says: "Hey dummy, you might want to refill your water bottles at Frankie's, before you RETURN through this remote area." I'm just sayin'.

The view of a neighborhood from high above. I took this one while I was riding.

The view of Katydid from behind. She's sure to love this picture.

Just a few of the many, many bikes that were parked at Frankie's.

This is Lisa, one of the massage therapists who attend most of the BRAG events. She has her precious boy, Victor, in the trailer behind her. And I'm sorry, but I don't know her husband's name. He'll have to be known as Lisa's Husband.

I knew the trail was also designated for use by equestrians, but I don't think I had ever seen any on the trail before today. Unless I have and I just forgot it, which would still be just about the same thing, wouldn't it?

Every time I ride through this tunnel, I'm almost at the end of it when my GPS goes, "Hey...who turned out the lights? Where did the satellites go?" It's probably the longest of several tunnels on the trail, and I'm glad there are lights in them.

Another neighborhood shot, this time when I was OFF the bicycle.

Jezebel, patiently waiting for us to get going again.

People have put many birdhouses along the trail. I circled back to take a picture of these, made out of hard hats.

It was an all-around good day, and even the 2-hour drive home couldn't take the glow off. If I had won that hugo lottery last night, I would have bought me a trail just like this one, only closer to home.

Here's a riddle for you, and Katydid is NOT eligible to play:

Katydid and I left at the same time, rode to the same place, and returned at the same time. She rode 53 miles and I rode 60. How is that?