Springtime is slow to arrive at this elevation. When we rode through here in the fog last weekend, there were deep snowbanks along this stretch of the Poplar Gap Road that descends from the Max Patch area.

The license plate barn by the Max Patch road. The plates are from nearly every state in the union, along with a few from other countries.

Overlook above Spring Creek a few miles south of Hot Springs.

Happy Hops!

We decided to check out the Iron Horse Station's menu while in Hot Springs. It's been open for about 3 months and should do well once the summer crowd starts pouring in. It is located on a side street next to the railroad tracks - hence, the Iron Horse moniker.

A good upstairs table with a view of the bikes.

Before...

After! How was it? The food was great - some of the best hot wings that I've ever had. The bleu cheese dressing had big chunks of real bleu cheese in it too. I'd definitely try that again. The guy at the table behind us got a burger that looked like it could feed an army - might want to try one of those too. A restaurant that sits by the Appalachian Trail is wise to offer huge portions. Lessee... the hostess was friendly, the food was good, the restaurant was clean and had a good atmosphere. The beer wasn't real cold - bummer! The fries that came with Jonathan's dinner were swimming in grease, but his sandwich was good. I'd give the place an 8 out of ten. Add a really frosty mug to the mix and I'd give it a 9.

This is a limited view of the interior of the Iron Horse Station from our upstairs table. It doesn't do the place justice. The bar is downstairs. The Station has ample seating for the crowds that will probably pour in this summer and the design is excellent.

This little trail hound was wiped out. He was so tired that when I knelt to take his photo, he barely opened his eyes to acknowledge my presence before sighing and drifting back off to doggie dreamland.

Today was one of those perfect days for a ride in the mountains. Warm, sunny - dry!!! I got in just a little over 200 miles for the day, with about 30 of those being on dirt Forest Service roads. Today it is raining again, so my ride will be short. Maybe I'll clean and lube the chain and get ready for the next day in the mountains...