I am finding it difficult putting this week’s site visit in the proper words. But I will try, I just feel bad that there is no way I can express the emotions in the following words fully.

Blue Ridge Dam, while it is a TVA site and I did indeed visit it, and it truly is amazing in its own right, is the first site that was not a planned work site destination trip. It was, as Bob Ross would call it a “Happy Little accident” that put a bookmark on the weekend.

I feel I should back up a few days. The day was Monday June 30^th. For reasons, I decided to take a trip over the upcoming weekend to see a bunch of work sites. Over the next few days the plan was put in place. The sites chosen and rooms reserved. I was ready. And then I talked about it. People wanted to ride with, get updates, give advice. Rooms were switched, change fees applied, sites cut and plans changed. Until finally I threw my hands up and called off the ride. I was frustrated.

Thursday July 3^rd I called one of, if not the closest friend I have and said, “want to ride north Georgia mountains Saturday and Sunday?” It was a “Yes” before I could even finish! So the hotel was booked and plans were quickly thrown together. (Admittedly, a-lot of our rides were put together while actually on the road and it shows.) But more on that later, I haven’t even left the house yet! Let’s talk July 4^th!!!

The older boy and his squeeze came over to enjoy the.. Backup. They came over to force me to enjoy the holiday. My amazing neighbors threw a killer 4^th party. Corn-hole tournament, Water slide, food, fireworks, s’mores, kickball... the works. It was a very good time. I enjoyed myself greatly. I needed to.

The next morning consisted of the ride to the ride. (130 miles)

After a brief refreshing at the hotel it was time to set out on our first ride. So, the Idea was to ride around Carter’s Lake and back. What it ended up being was almost 2 complete times around the lake, up a road that had nothing to do with the ride and then back on course, maybe. Yes we hit a few roads twice, but the ride was great. Nice country.

The evening ride was a collaboration of the minds. The destination was Hwy 52 the road itself. Incredible road to ride on a bike. The ride was great, we got some nice shots at the overlook.

We got to see some kids goofing off around the same corner over and over and over getting pictures, and I’m sure video. A car who’s exhaust sounded like a gun nearly sending me into Vietnam War flashbacks and I was never there! But the worst and I mean bar none worst thing about that ride was 515 up to Ellijay. It’s concrete and it was close to 100 degrees and it expanded. We felt like we were riding a 16 mile woops section, it was awful but eventually we made it! <o:p></o:p>

Sunday’s ride was a complete surprise. The original thought was a quick ride to Amicalola state park, then across to Ellijay and down to the hotel then off to home.

This ride from the beginning had some of the most beautiful roads to ride. Hardwoods lining the road, we went through Kudzu valley, I mean it took over everything but it made for a wow look. Half way into the ride we extended it. It ended up being an additional hour and had a lunch thrown in for good measure. From Amicalola we set out for Blue Ridge not Ellijay as planned. Through some amazing roads. We made it to Morganton turned left, rode for a bit and leaned around a corner and Blue Ridge work site came into view.

There it was! I got to see a site in this trip! Blue Ridge Dam (Hey! Watch your mouth!) is on a river I and my oldest boy are very familiar with, the Toccoa River. Much like the Ocoee 3 this dam feeds a rather robust canoe, kayak and tubing industry.

For more on Blue Ridge Click [here,](https://www.tva.com/energy/our-power-system/hydroelectric/blue-ridge) [here,](https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/blue-ridge) or watch an interesting [video here!](https://youtu.be/oLE1l4kDGx4?si=tDBTmMQDyXYVcj1g)

Also, it was at this point, as I was excited to get a shot of both us and the bikes in front of the work sign I actually, factually, accidently tore my clear visor off my helmet. DOAH! Time for a new helmet!

The day ended with a ride back to the hotel, best of friends wishing each other safe rides back to reality. But after a weekend of friends, family and North Georgia Mountains. Reality didn’t look so bad for a moment. It's not the best, but here is a little video from the ride.

Here are some facts and figures.. I may be on the low side, but I didn't want to exaggerate.

A few random pictures from the weekend.

Cooling down This last picture was taken July 4th at the party. How majestic is that?