My oh my how time flies.. here it is once again nearly time for the annual gathering of the Triumphs in Georgia otherwise known as... Ga Rally '07!
Last year was a great success and we had a record turn out, we got to hang with with some really nice people and get in some great rides. We rode down to Newnan to meet with the Triumph folks and even managed to take in some great scenery and have some fun riding thru the North Ga twisties. Oh yeah.. as a bonus we got to watch Yota do a burnout in the restaurant parking lot.
This year we're going to be spending more time in the mountains.. well actually all of it...that's right.. screw the slab, we're heading north. I've also planned a ride for thursday this year so plan to arrive early.
This is the plan as it stands....

Wednesday May2nd will be the first official day.. I'll be cutting grass and cleaning up generally getting ready for the event. Should any of you come into town early Wednesday, just come on by.. I will be here all day.. well unless I decide to go for a cool off ride or sumpin' and those of you who are here can ride up town with us to grab some local cuisine that night if you'd like.

Thursday May 3rd, we will be leaving Dahlonega at Approx. 0900 headed for the Cherohala Skyway. I was debating the Dragon /Cherohala issue for awhile then decided the Cherohala would be a better ride as it is a lot more laid back than the Dragon.. big sweepers.. breathtaking views and it shouldn't be too crowded on a thursday. Maybe even hook up with some you folks coming from up north on the way. Mike showed me the waterfalls on our last run so we'll include that as a stop as well. Kinda cool.. nothing humongus but worth the 30 minute detour to check it out and ride along the road by the river. I'll have a better idea of times and comfort stops when I can get up there this spring to do some recon riding (these things I do for you guys). Thursday night is pizza night so we'll ordering in and dining in the pole barn.. you lucky people you.

Friday we'll roll north at 0900 headed up hwy60 through Wolf Pen Gap to 19 then on to Richard Russell scenic parkway much as we did last year eventually arriving at Anna Ruby Falls rec center just outside Helen Ga. Once there, those of you who want can hang out at the visitor center and/or make the trek up the falls for some great photo ops or head down to Helen to soak up some Bavarian ambience. The falls are beautiful and well worth the semi-serious hump up the trail to the top and Helen holds many distractions for those of you two wheeled tourists. There is a great leather shop in town by the way so don't forget to check it out while you're in the area. We'll gather at the falls at 1400 - 1500 and make our way home for "Tech Time with Pat Whitbeck!" a favorite of our members. Pat will be doing his traditional laying on of hands with only a minimal surcharge. We will likely dine enmass in town that night.

Saturdays ride will carry us out through some 2 lane country roads to Clarkesville Ga where we'll connect with hwy 197. Hwy 197 winds it way up around the scenic Lake Burton area and on to hwy 76 and Hiawassee. We'll visit Daniels Steakhouse for some fine southern dining before returning to Dahlonega for the farewell festivities. Larryshep has once again volunteered to cook up his famous smoked ham/turkey combo so that night we'll feast and celebrate the days and maybe even try to convince some of our musically inclined members to endulge us some tunes.

Maps of both the area and the planned rides will be provided as well as any assistance that might be needed to make your visit more pleasureable. Local hotels fill up fast so make your reservations early but there are 4 hotels in town as well as dozens of B&B's and cabins so finding lodging shouldn't be a problem. We have ample room on the property for those campers amongst you so feel free to pitch your tent anywhere.. well except for the area on the hill behind the pole barn, that is Mount Bentamara and it kinda belongs to Ben and Tam... squatters rights and the such. Be sure to make enough time to see the local landmarks and the surrounding area, lot's o' stuff to do and see.



Things to bring:
Rain gear... never leave home without it.
Sun block... especially those with that pasty white yankee skin..
Insect repellant... yep.. we got skeeters here too.
Your motorcycle.. kinda goes without saying but I thought I'd throw it in anyway... or a truck.. that'd be cool too.
Warm clothing.. can get kinda brisk in the early mornings so be prepared.
Money.. lots and lots of money...

If you 've never been to a BA.com rally.. you owe to yourself to give it a try.. if you have been then you know you need to come back for another visit. Great scenery, great roads.. great people.

There is also the big RAT get together up in Bryson City NC the weekend before (April 27,28,29) so those of you who can take the extra time off might come down early for a twofer and take in some of the festivities up there as well.


Sound good? can't wait? great.. drop me an e-mail at chy@bonnevilleamerica.com and I'll get you on my mailing list.. see ya in May!

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