I slept alongside the babbling brook although not restfully because of the heat and humidity and the fact that I was almost on the road and concerned about being told to leave. I put my bedroom away and went seeking a spot to fix bfast not on a stream side. I found a pull over on the main hwy. Then I drove into Ellijay. The instrument light remained off.
I parked in a downtown lot and walked the streets a bit. Classic case of old Ellijay on narrow downtown streets and the new town out on the highway. Made it a rest day.
Shane gave me gifts to deliver to Mulberry Inn that I needed to deliver before I moved on. The brake light remained off inspiring stopping confidence. I drove out and visited w/ Diane, one of the owners. Their establishment advertises a get away for mountain bikers to which they meet. They are riding distance to sections of the Pinhoti and Bear Creek trails. I chose not to camp for a fee. I drove further out the logging road and the light turner back on. Shit, steep gravel logging road and will I be able to stop? I found a camp spot up off the road. Forecast called for t-storms. Shortly after putting rock chocks under the wheels the rain fell. I had to shut the side door because rain fell inside the van and I closed the fan because rain was dripping thru the fan. It appears that I have finally sealed the roof / fan interface. Wet night. No cell service.
Yesterday I needed to address the brake issue. I drove into Ellijay to cell phone coverage. I used my Android to search for repair shops. None for Sprinters. I found a shop, Affordable car care, and gave them a call. he said bring it on over, he had the pads. No way; 1) he could work on it right away, and 2) how could he have the pads? I made the shop. He inspected the pads and determined indeed they were worn. He met first item. Second item, he made a phone call and before the wheels were removed a truck pulled in to deliver the correct pads. Badda bing, new pads on and the light didn’t turn back on.
Able to safely stop i drove to Cartecay Bike shop, owned by Mike and Terry. Actually I met them briefly yesterday, Today Mike had more time. He invited me to ride Fri. AM. Sat they have a trail work party that I will stay to help on. He told me of the Stanley Gap ride I would enjoy and drew me a map.
Northern GA is mountainous and tree covered. Rock creek rd started as pavement then gravel as it climbed higher to Stanley gap. I passed several old mule farms since abandoned. Gaps are low spots on a ridge.
I missed the parking lot which was right @ the gap dropping down the other side. I called Mike who corrected my error. Small graveled level parking lot. Cool, place to stay the night.
I geared up and pedaled up, The admissions fee was a 2.75 mile climb gaining almost 900′ on old hiking trail single track. Hard work.
I reached a high point and questioned my proceeding on this out and back loop. What ever I rode down I would have to climb back up. I passed the test and repressed the thinking part of my brain and dropped down. The trail reached a junction w/ Flat Creek loop. Imagine a creek named Flat flowing off the side of a mountain? The loop was mostly abandoned gravel logging road. The climb out was killer causing me to stop several times gasping for breath. The downhill back was a hoot. Drop the seat and juke and jive.
The solar shower was toasty @ 6:15 when i arrived back at van. I spent night @ 3100′. Low humidity and just above 60 degrees.
Today was laundry day. Again the smart phone. research revealed no laundromat in Ellijay listed in the us dex pages on line. One was listed in Blue ridge where Shane said i should visit. Blue Ridge is just a few miles S of NC. Nice laundromat. I played tourist and wandered the city streets. I visited @ Cycle South bike shop.
Forecast is for rain tonight and tomorrow. I am in the parking lot of Ingles grocery store. What a grocery store. Shortly I will drive back to Stanley Gap TH for the night.
I have a bike repair appointment in Asheville this Tues. I called this wonderful PT who has worked on m y body previously in Brevard and have an appointment for this Thurs. Pisgah is pulling me. My SI joint is acting up. The tendinitis in my right shoulder is exacerbated by typing.