Dogwood Trails

March 27th, 2004

    McDonalds was closed and undergoing renovation. Not good news for those that got there early and had to use the bathroom. Only the drive through was working. Hopefully, it will be repaired soon and back into service
    I confirmed today something I have suspected for some time. Our meeting places are starting to be confusing. Every weekend, we meet somewhere different and this is usually decided based on our destination. We are working on simplifying our current system. Sorry to those of you that went to the wrong McDonalds.
    Now, about today's ride. Again, more new people. PD and Missy Randolph joined us at the urging of Bobby and Debbie Smith. Fairly new riders, they handled group riding just fine and they fit right in with our group just fine. Thanks for coming folks!
    I lead the first leg of the ride leaving McDonalds at Straw Plains and heading over to 11E. From there, we rode into Knoxville and did the Holston Hills Dogwood Trail. As predicted, it is too early for dogwoods but there were plenty of other colors. About 5 miles and 20 minutes of looping the narrow back streets brought us back to 11E. Down to Magnolia and through the Old City before stopping at Calhoun's on the River for lunch. Great food, as usual, and a wonderful view of the water from out table on the deck.
    Terry Elmy took over the lead and guided us over to Kingston Pike and into Sequoyah Hills. The trail there was much longer and required more concentration. There were a lot of joggers and bicycle riders which kept me occupied and distracted me from the flowers. On exit, we decided we had enough on the trails...yet it was only two o'clock...what to do, what to do.
    Somebody mentioned a covered bridge in Sevier County. I remembered seeing one featured on Channel 10 Heartland series. Turns out, it was the same bridge. Built in 1875, the bridge is short but well built. It was in service until this past November and is to be renovated soon at a cost of $550,000. One of the locals said he could use raw wood and a chainsaw to do the same thing at half the cost. <ha>
    We crossed over to Gatlinburg via Pittman Center and then rode through the National Park. By now, Bobby Smith was hungry so we stopped to eat....AGAIN!. Around 6:30 we all started home. The end to a warn, sunny wonderful day. Wish you were with us.

Dan Harvey