The Silver Comet Trail

When I first moved to Atlanta one of the first things I noticed was all the road bikes, in Alaska everyone has mountain bikes. I dreamt of a roadie as I watched the tour de france each year in Alaska on tv. I immediately went out and purchased my beautiful Trek 1000 and discovered the Silver Comet Trail. Luckily the trail was near my house, it became an integral part of me living in Atlanta. I visited nearly everyday, exploring the areas along the path and learning about the natural environment-the animals, trees, flowers.

My dear friend Gary lived with me here in Atlanta for several months, he bought a super comfortable blue and grey Trek 7500 and he loved the trail. We rode everyday, it became an addiction. I amazed myself at how fast I could go and how I could keep up with the more experienced riders. I moved away from the trail last November and hadn't visited since. Matt purchased his gorgeous machine in May before he went to Texas for the summer. We took the bikes out on the Silver Comet this last Saturday. It was cool and sunny at 70* and very little humidity. The trees are just starting to change and the crisp air was nice as we pedaled along.

I love riding with Matt, he is a good riding partner, however I enjoy my time alone out there too. I turned around at mile 17.5 and Matt went on to mile 25 and turned around. I meandered along the trail alone, stopping often to admire the sights and people (ok- bike watch), and take some pictures.

The trail is an old rail train route, service was stopped in 1968 because passengers weren't showing up in the numbers that were expected. The trail now begins at the intersection of South Cobb Drive and the East-West Connector in Smyrna, Georgia and runs all the way to the Alabama border. There it meets the Chief Ladiga trail in Alabama.

In 1989 the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) purchased the right-of-way as a potential commuter rail corridor and agreed to interim use as a trail. The Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama is within eight miles of the Georgia state line. When all connections are made, a 101-mile-long continuous trail will connect Atlanta to Anniston, Alabama.