Mmmm, Burgers!

Everyone has a favorite food. Maybe it’s something you make yourself at home or maybe it’s what you order every single time you go to your favorite restaurant. For me, it’s basically something I order just about every time I see it on a menu. A good ol’ burger! Usually with cheese and often with a variety of other toppings as well. In fact, I had originally planned on trying a burger in every state and then ranking the states based on burger quality. That quickly went by the wayside when I missed Louisiana and then in Texas, my only choice was Whataburger. I hated them 30 years ago and I still do. So now, I’ve decided that I’m simply going to rate them whenever I have one. Three weeks in, and I officially have a leader in the clubhouse!

Today’s ride was an out and back trail ride on the Silver Comet Trail. The trailhead is in Smyrna, GA (suburban Atlanta) and heads west about 60 miles to the Alabama line. It’s another rails-to-trails route but had a bit more elevation gain than the Florida ride yesterday, although it was very gradual. There were a couple of small towns along the trail. One was around mile 15, which would just make for a 30-mile day. The next wasn’t until mile 37 in Rockmart, GA. I got off the trail in Rockmart and started scouting around for a diner. I found the The Rails Bar & Grill which even had a sign saying “Bikers Welcome” on the window. My go to order is burger, fries and a Coke (no Pepsi). I eat the fries first so they don’t go cold. When the waitress brought the food today. I knew I was in trouble. The burger was huge. I was forced to bypass the fries and go straight to the main course, trying to enjoy the food while simultaneously blocking out the young lady sitting at the bar, crying to her mama on the phone that she hasn’t been sober in 4 months. Sad story, but I couldn’t let it ruin my appetite. I had to give up on half the bun, but the rest of it was well worth it. I had to sit there for about 15 minutes after I was done before I could waddle out to my bike for the return ride.

None of the burgers I’d had before today were worthy of any mention at all, so beginning today, as a public service, I will start posting pictures of the burgers and the restaurants so if you ever find yourself in one of these far-flung places, you’ll know where to go.

BTW, more good music today. I won’t list out all the artists, but I went from Dynamite by Taio Cruz to Foolin by Def Leppard. I’m trying to figure out how to just link my playlist on here but I need my technical consultant to assist for that.

The Silver Comet Trail

Not me … yet.

Burger of the trip … so far. Note the blonde at the bar in the background.

Two of my hosts these last two nights: Peanut (4 1/2) on the couch and Boots (5 months) under the table. Not pictured are Bailey (8), Jim, Susan and Norah (humans that don’t wish to reveal their ages).