01/06/08 - Guntersville Lodge

Today was the first day for my new bike, a 2004 VStar 1100 Classic. I had a VStar before and it was rock solid so I went back to that model. I have ridden the bike around town some but the weather has kept me out of the saddle for the most part. On this day the weather Gods gave us a 70 degree day and the Southern Cruisers posted a Sunday afternoon ride to the lodge at Guntersville State Park. Chapter 412 made the lodge one of its first rides four years ago and we always wanted to go back, but shortly after that ride the lodge was closed. It was supposed to be for a 12 month renovation, but being a "government job" 12 months turned into 4 years. But finally, the lodge reopened. The lodge was basically updated and fixed up from the early 70's look and feel it had before. Around Alabama the state parks had been known for their outstanding food and decent prices. However in the last two to three years they have gone downhill dramatically. Once prime destinations like Desoto and Mt Cheaha have been stricken from the "biker food" A list. I'm happy to say the lodge at Guntersville did NOT follow suit. The food was outstanding, it was less than cheap, but the food and atmosphere was top quality and today if you can find good quality food even at a premium price its worth noting. We circled Through Onteonta on the way home and finished up with a 160 mile round trip. The shakdown ride for the VStar went well with only a glitch in my brake light that I will need to address.