Golden Variations

We've been out to Stone Mountain Park on our bikes probably more than any other destination. There are lots of reasons to enjoy riding out to Stone Mountain:

• The destination is a park with trees, water, and this really big rock with a famous carving.
  
• There are a couple of loops around the mountain, one hillier and longer than the other.
  
• Riding out, around once or twice, and then back is a good 2-3 hour ride.
  
• The PATH Foundation has built some trails out to this recreational area so lots of other cyclists ride out there as well.
  

It came as a surprise to me, that after more than 25 years of riding out to the rock, that there was a popular route to get to the park that I had never ridden before. This morning, our ride was led by a few guys that live closer to the park than most of the riders and they brought us in using a low-traffic (but hillier) route (in Bikely) that we all enjoyed a lot.

But then, I shouldn't be too surprised. There are still lots of roads in Atlanta that I haven't ridden before. There are still hills I haven't climbed and hidden ponds I haven't coasted past.

As much as I enjoy a good familiar route -- knowing what gear to be in, being able to pace myself -- I find the variations really keep me coming back for more.