I returned home last night from a 4-day road trip with my dad & mom. This was the first time we brought mom along, and the 3 of us had a great time riding the roads of NE Alabama. I rode down Monday morning to their lake house, where we loaded up the bikes in their "toy-hauler" and headed west for Alabama. It took most of the day to finally arrive at Desoto State Park on Lookout Mtn. We set up camp, built a fire, and planned out the next day's ride.

Tuesday morning arrived cool and clear, but I awoke with an upset stomach, so we delayed our departure until about noon. I finally felt good enough to ride, so we pulled out and rode down to Desoto Falls. These falls are spectacular! A 3-tiered falls, that finally plunges over 100 ft into its own canyon, we stood in awe of the majesty of the roaring waters. Standing near the edge and looking over was almost dizzying- the roar of the waters, the depth of the gorge, the sheer cliffs carved out by the power of water- it was an amazing moment. We rode on over to Little River Falls and Canyon next. These falls were not as high as Desoto Falls, but still over 45 ft high, and wider. We were able to walk around near the edge, but careful not to step too close to the edges. Funny, we saw signs at both places saying, "Jumping Prohibited From The Falls." I'm sure there have been idiots to tried it anyway! The sound of rushing waters and the roar of the falls called to mind the verse in the Bible that describes the voice of God as that of "the sound of many waters." My mother could have stayed there all day, soaking in the sound of the falls. After riding some more beautiful mountain roads, we made our way back to the campsite for supper and sitting by the campfire, under a bright moon. Perfect ending to day 1.

Wednesday we saddled up and rode down into the valley to the town of Ft. Payne. This is the home of the legendary country super-group Alabama, and there are memorials to them everywhere. We visited the Ft Payne Train Depot & Museum, the Opera House, several noteworthy stores and cafe's, and took pictures with larger-than-life statues of the band at the Alabama Memorial in the middle of town. What a great little town! Lots of inspiration there for country music, for sure.

We then rode back up the mountain and hopped on the Lookout Mtn. Parkway, and rode it along the ridge all the way down to Gadsden. There we found the Noccalula Falls & Gorge. This waterfall drops 90 ft. into the Black Creek ravine, where water has carved out a fascinating deeply-rounded cavern underneath. We then visited the Gadsden-Etowah County War Memorial, with tributes to those who gave their lives from that region from WW I to Gulf War I. It was a small but fitting tribute. We saddled up and rode back up the Parkway to Desoto, and again enjoyed supper by a warm campfire under a rising bright moon. Ahh, soothes the soul.

Thursday brought a change of plans. We had planned to stay an extra day and ride Thursday over to Cloudland Canyon, and return home Friday, but something told me to examine my rear tire. A look revealed a shock- the tread had nearly worn completely down all along the center, and in one spot the tread had worn smooth. I couldn't believe it! I knew the tire was getting worn, but I thought I could make it through this trip before replacing it. That was not to be. Rather than risking another 100-200 miles on it in another state, we sadly broke camp and loaded everything up for the long trip home. It was a beautiful drive, heading SE out of the Alabama mountains & hill country, back into sunny GA. I kept thinking about how I'd love to be riding this home on my bike, rather than in my mom & dad's truck. They reminded me of what I really already knew- God is in control, and who knows but that He might have saved us from a situation that could have been anywhere from inconvenient to catastrophic.

I actually did get to finish the trip on my bike, however. We drove to Oxford GA, where we unloaded my bike for the ride home, and my parents turned south toward their lake house. I rode back home under a nearly full moon over my right shoulder, praising God for the great sights & memories of our trip together. There will be other trips, I am hopeful.

Tomorrow- a new tire!