Pages
Stay In Touch
More
© 2010
Mild in the winter and cool in the summer, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway in northeast Georgia is a 40-mile cruise that winds through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in the Appalachian Mountains. Magnificent views, cool waterfalls, and majestic forests make this a trip not to be missed, and you’ll cross the Appalachian Trail on your journey.
The byway begins north at Robertstown and runs along SR 17/75, then goes southwest along SR 180, southeast along SR 348, and ends at SR 75 Alternate. Along the byway, you can visit several state parks, the Tray Mountain Wilderness, Raven Cliff and Anna Ruby Falls, and Brasstown Bald. Other areas to explore include High Shoals Creek Falls Scenic Area, Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation area, and Yonah Mountain.
With over 1200 acres, Unicoi and Vogel State Parks are two of Georgia’s most popular protected areas, with campsites and cozy cottages. Vogel also has trailer and RV sites. In these parks, you can hike, swim, play tennis, and go fishing while you take in the spectacular scenery. In the autumn, you’re treated to the changing colors in spectacular fashion.
Hiking trails abound in the Tray Mountain Wilderness, making it the perfect spot to watch wildlife. If you love waterfalls, the three Raven Cliff falls—one of which flows through a split in solid rock—will take your breath away. The Curtis and York creeks merge in dramatic fashion at Anna Ruby Falls, and you’ll enjoy picnic areas and a visitor center there.
One of the most spectacular views is on top of the 4,784-foot high Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain peak. You can hike the trail up the mountain, or you can take the tour bus. Its large observation deck gives you a 360-degree view of the mountains and timberland year-round. You’ll see the North Georgia Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Rich Mountains, and Lake Chatuge in the Enchanted Valley. As you descend Brasstown Bald, you’ll see Track Rock Gap with its 10,000-year-old petroglyphs.
As motorcycle lawyers who also ride, we’ve been on many of America’s byways, and the Russell-Brasstown is one of our favorites.
Click here to read more posts about great scenic routes for motorcycle trips.
As Goose Creek motorcycle accident lawyers who ride, we know that riding a bike is not only a lot of fun, but it also makes good financial sense. The cost of ownership of a motorcycle is typically much less than that of a car, as you’ll see below.
Great gas mileage.
Motorcycles are capable of 60 mpg or more in town—and even more on the highway—while non-hybrid cars average 25-30 mpg in town at best. The gas tank on a motorcycle is just a few gallons, so you benefit twice: fewer fill-ups for much less each time, putting more money in your pocket.
Few mechanical issues and lower cost of maintenance.
The simplicity of the motorcycle engine means you have fewer things that can go wrong, and those who are mechanically inclined can easily learn to fix most issues. Cars have become so complicated, with so many sensors and computers, that you need to take them to a competent mechanic or the dealership, which is expensive. Parts for bikes are also relatively cheaper than car parts.
With a motorcycle, you have fewer tires and less oil to buy, and routine maintenance on a motorcycle engine is simple and inexpensive.
Lower cost for insurance and license plates.
Bikes are cheaper to replace than cars, and they do much less damage to other vehicles, so liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage for motorcycle insurance is less than for auto insurance. However, motorcycle accidents tend to cause more bodily injury than car accidents, so some companies may have higher rates for that coverage. In addition, you may be required to add passenger coverage if you regularly ride with someone. As always, shop around.
In many places, license plate cost is based partially on the weight or the value of the vehicle, making motorcycle plates cheaper.
Less expensive to buy than a car.
If you buy a used motorcycle, you can get away with paying much less for a good bike than you can for a good car. Even if you splurge and buy a new motorcycle, you’ll probably pay much less than you will for a new car. Sales and use tax will also be less for a motorcycle.
Fun, inexpensive entertainment.
Taking a ride on your bike, even if you travel a long distance, is less expensive than a dinner and movie or a sporting event. And you’ll have just as much fun, if not more.
What’s your favorite part of saving money by riding your motorcycle?
