Silver Comet Trail
04/06/2012 16:00:00 by Administrator
Floyd Rd, Austell GA westward
then returning eastward
48 miles
Silver Comet Trail
While visiting the Atlanta area, the Silver Comet Trail is a MUST ride for
any cyclist. The Silver Comet Trail is a converted Rails-to-trails ride.
We started at the Floyd Road parking lot about 4 miles from the start of
the trail in Syrma, Ga. The trail runs 61 miles, all the way to the
Alabama-Georgia State line. There it connects with the Chief Ladiga Trail.
This connection forms a trail which will go from Atlanta, GA, to Anniston,
AL, or a distance of about ninety (90) miles. This trail is in the Rails
to Trails hall of fame, and it belongs at the top, on our lists of
rails-to-trails.
We spent the night in the Walmart parking lot, about a half mile from the
trail. According to our iPhone app, your allowed to stay overnight at this
Walmart. But we like to check. So I went inside and tracked down the
assistant manager and asked permission. He informed me that I need to ask
the security officer who rides in a white small pickup truck, keeping
things in order in the parking lot. After flagging her down, I asked if it
was ok to park overnight in the parking lot. She said I was to ask the
manager inside of Walmart. I kept my mouth shut, feeling that my diligence
was complete, and all had a restful night.
It was an overcast day, with temperatures only reaching the upper 60s.
The trail was in GREAT shape, and well used. We rode westward for 24
miles, with Sammie in tow, before making a U-turn and heading back easterly
to the parking lot. There are many little admiral facilities as you ride,
until you get past the Rambo parking area . . . then things get a little
remote. The Silver Comet is mostly tree lined, but there are so many
spring flowering shrubs and trees, birds, bridges, and parks to hold you
interest. We did not see very many wild animals, a couple of bunnies was
all.
After our U-turn, and we think we were in the town of Dallas, we stopped
at Aubrey's restaurant. It is down a hill and across a major route. It
was, by far, one of the worst meals we have had cycling. Period.
Everything was either fried or taken directly out a tin can, and warmed up.
The soda dispenser didn't work correctly, the portions were small (thank
goodness for little favors). But the most interesting aspect of this
dining experience was that Aubrey's was very busy!
It is a sin not to be able to eat well on a long cycle ride, after all
food is why we ride! Again, come and enjoy the Silver Comet Trail?but find
a different place to eat!
