Memorial Day Ride Report

I noticed that there wasn't a description of last Monday's ride. So, got to thinking and took (figuratively speaking) pen in hand. This is the tale of the Tennessee River Canyon Ride, a beautiful 70 mile run with low traffic, little commercial development, residential homes, and large undeveloped tracts .

The Fossils gathered and after a group picture or two, the 9 of us, 50 to 650 ccs, left Scenic City Scooters around 9:15. Making sure that all scooters could keep up, the pace was set by the mighty Honda Metropolitan the smallest scooter. Riding in front of 8 larger machines, I, at times felt like I was being chased down or was the leader of the pack.


After a full throttle cruise (for me) through Chattanooga and we reached the canyon road. Which turned out to be a 30 mile, twisting river level road with great views, having an average safe speed of about 25 mph. Needless to say perfect for scootering. My Metro was in its element.






After about an hour we stopped for a break to stretch and ease stiff backsides.












Getting back on and continuing, I turned down an intriguing lane called Bernnitt's Lake Road. Well it turned into gravel and led to a quarry. Stopping and looking about, trying to figure, without adult guidance to help me, “What should we do?”. Several riders were experiencing angst and talking mutiny, when Maxine did something that I as a male could not do, she asked a quarry worker where the gravel ended. Luckily about in another ½ mile it turned to paved road. Maxine saved the day.




We made our way to Jasper, had cokes, talked to a Harley rider about scooters, and then headed back.








Our rest stop on the way back was at the Tennessee River Gorge Conservatory where we enjoyed the walkway around their meeting grounds. We arrived back in Chattanooga about 1:00pm.







A good ride with good folks. Ready for the next one.