This is the Willow Springs Bridge, Dallas, Georgia, built in the 1930's. It was in service to automobile traffic until about five years ago when the modern bridge in the background was built. You can see the Silver Comet Trail below.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0r3ix5ykys...03.sm.jpg?dl=1


https://www.dropbox.com/s/82l5oq1kmw...04.sm.jpg?dl=1


https://www.dropbox.com/s/vja2xq0jcm...09.sm.jpg?dl=1


https://www.dropbox.com/s/4vij00ih3s...10.sm.JPG?dl=1


-Tim-

wow, scary to think that bridge could support a car.

The concrete posts were the base of an old steam water tank, still present til about 5 yrs ago when it was removed.
Similar to one of these: https://www.google.com/search?q=stea...KTZvHtZHUvM%3A IIRC these are about 10 miles east of Jacksonville.

Pix of the state line gate show some vandalism, the Ladiga side used to have a side view of an "indian chief" with full feather bonnet, and
there was some more to the Silver Comet sign than is now seen, but can't recall precisely what is missing. I do see the pix of the dogs,
as there are at least one female, which I was told had pups late in the summer. She was pretty skinny even before that. Lots of food
dishes, a dog house in the woods and dried dog food left by visitors.

Hi,


I have been lurking on this site since last August and just registered today. I ride the silver comet trail quite often and usually start at the Hiram trailhead and occasionally the Drummond trailhead. thought I would do my Introduction here instead of elsewhere. I mostly will read and learn rather than contribute. I have learned a lot about fitting and over 50 physical issues. I have been riding since 1989 and stopped citizens racing in 1995. ever since I have been riding as fast as I can given the amount of time I have to devote to riding. moved to GA in 2011 and love it. I have 1 bike and don't t care for another. My bike is a performance brand (2004) and my gear is whatever I can get on sale. I got a Garmin Vivoactive smart watch this year and will get the HR add-on this spring. I am actually going to try and stay fit this winter by riding my indoor trainer and on the roads if the weather is warm enough. I have ridden from coots lake to Alabama line and back twice since I have been here (in 2012 and this year). 30 miles is a big ride now especially in the heat but I hope to do some 40 &50 milers on a more regular basis as I have ramped up my interest level. I ride exclusively by myself and probably would like to keep it that way since it is easier to ride my ride that way. on occasion I will wave but generally don't understand the waving behavior.
that's enough info I believe. Cheers.

Thanks for posting. I grew up Atlanta, but moved away long before the Silver Comet was built. I need to put this ride on my bucket list. How long is the entire trail from end-to-end? It might make a good destination for a short loaded tour. Should be a good route for the spring or fall when the weather is not too hot.

The Silver Comet Trail is 61.5 miles. It becomes the Chief Ladiga Trail at the Alabama border and goes another 33 miles for a total of 94 miles.

It is the longest paved trail in the US.

Silver Comet Trail Georgia - Welcome :)

If my memory is correct it is 61 miles from the start to the Alabama line and it continues in Alabama as the Chief Ladiga trail for 30 miles. I have only gone about 6 miles into Alabama and at some point after crossing in, the trail shrinks to about 5 feet wide. it is a nice trail and is very wide in GA (10 or 12 feet I think). after Rockmart there is a decent climb that could be a challenge if loaded down. check out youtube video of "Mt. Trashmore"

Oops, I am slow and TimH beat me to it.

Yes, quite the climb on a loaded tourer!

Somewhere on the trail between nowhere and the middle of nowhere.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ivesdrps3f...02.sm.jpg?dl=1

Rock cut, Dallas, Georgia. There are Civil War earthworks all around the top of these rocks.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nxfovfsv05...02.sm.jpg?dl=1


Willow Springs Bridge

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vlmviiyybd...04.sm.jpg?dl=1

Was out that way today. Rode from the Hiram trailhead to a bit past the old bridge and back. 21.5 miles in total. Got done about 4 PM.

I may have passed you westbound as I was on my way back eastbound but don't see a Doug on the Strava flyby.

I left Florence trailhead about 10:00 AM and got back around 3:00 PM. Did about 60 miles including Paris Mountain.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19110510

According to my garmin app, I left at 2:41 so you were probably past the Hiram trailhead before I left. I am not on strava and my garmin activity is private. Can't wait until next week when it is even warmer.

Yep, Daffodils are blooming and even the trees are starting to bloom. Come May the whole state will be perfumed with Honeysuckle and Legustrum.

Then we have to start cutting the Bermuda grass. :(

:twitchy: wow, scary indeed. I don't have much of a head for heights :lol:

my 1st ride on SCT. I only went in 30 to see how I'd fare. I did 30 in 2 hours, so 15mph. It took about the same to return.

I do want to return and do the whole trip. Looking for a buddy, anyone game? I only do ~15mph average (so far).

There are many gorgeous routes just off the trail too - warm up for a few miles, spin on some local roads or do some climbing and then return and cool down via the trail.

Here is an example - it can be shortened by starting closer to Rockmart or only doing one of the loops.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21290956

Why do you carry a backpack?


-Tim-

backpack contains my lifeline: extra water bag, pump, spares, food, tools, patch kit and lock. not to mention keys, wallet, phone. the distance is too far to risk not taking it. are those trails paved?

Most of the route in that link are roads and not trails.

May I offer the following tips?

I ask because you stated in the other thread that you are a beginner. Most road riders don't carry that much stuff and hardly anyone carries a backpack.

This is just my experience...

• Planning rides around store stops means not having to carry too much extra water and food. Mapping websites such as Ride with GPS is great for this.
• One tube, patch kit and two or three Co2 canisters are generally enough although some carry a pump.
• A full set of keys is best left in the glove box and the car key alone can be carried.
• No need to carry a wallet - just a heath insurance card, license, credit/debit card and a few dollars in a ziplock bag will do. I like jerseys with a zippered pocket for this.
• Not sure what kind of tools you are carrying but a multi tool, tire levers and maybe a chain tool are all that's really needed.
• Also not sure what spares you carry but one tube is typically enough.

The more confidence you have in being able to change tires and tubes and perform basic repairs, the less you will feel the need to carry. The same can be said of maintenance - a well maintained bike which has had parts changed proactively before they wear out is far less likely to break down.

The backpack seems overkill to me but whatever works for you is best.


-Tim-

it's all good. I accept / take into account any / all advice and criticisms. I wish I could carry less but just don't feel comfortable on this trail since the farther you go, the farther out you will be. I don't know too many stores around / close to this trail so prefer to be over prepared than under. I know I take a hit w/weight and aerodynamics.

I say from Marietta to Rambo Trail Head, it is alot of people, esp. on the weekends. I ride from Marietta to Paudling Chamber of Commere and stop at Chick-Fil-A or Zaxby for lunch.

Go to Google map and click on Bicycling option to see the trail and places to eat around it.

Storms pushed through and then it was a real nice evening.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/vgcnoyjzpp...01.sm.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/j1q72s9wr9...02.sm.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zna2iykude...03.sm.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/em5733uhey...04.sm.jpg?dl=1


-Tim-

not true anymore. http://www.bicycling.com/rides/desti...ails-in-the-us Paul Bunyan is now paved for 120 miles.