Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Rides, Rallies, & Events Georgia Rally '09 "Official" thread

Here is direct link to the Andersonville photos

I can finally post as me;-) I know everyone is looking forward the my pictures. They cannot compare to Moe's (awesome) but I think everyone will get a good chuckle. Can you spell Triumph? Thanks!

Well hi there JMYER.. welcome to the boards!.. So happy you decided to join us.. but I suppose it was the next most logical step since you are now "officially" a Biker Chick. Yeah for you!.. had a blast kiddo, glad ya made it and we're hoping you make it a habit.

And yes I want to see how you spelled Triumph.. I've been waiting ..impatiently...

As usual it takes me awhile to get back into my daily grind after a long week of enjoying some of the finer things in life and to sort through the feelings that come with these gatherings.
Of course the pendulum swings both ways... the elation of being able spend some time with people special to you and the sorrow of watching them return to their lives knowing it will likely be at least a year before seeing them again. Some old friends missed and thought of frequently during the course of the rally and the new friends made.

On many occasions I've thought to end our yearly gatherings. The stress and worries involved in the planning and execution, the fear of someone getting hurt and the constant concern that everyone is having a good time can sometimes turn a supposed week of fun, friends and riding into a mentally and physically exhausting roller coaster.

This was to be the last year for me... for the GAR... after 5 years.. and four crashes that weight of responsibility had become more of a burden than I wanted to bear. I thought it was an ideal whose time had passed especially after a number of regulars decided not to attend this year so I was to announce my decision at our Saturday get together... then another bike down this year made me feel it was indeed time to draw this chapter to a close.

Then somewhere along the line, with the help of some trusted friends, I managed to step back and look at the bigger picture.

I sat back and watched peoples faces and began to see the joy they feel from just being together.. the laughter and good times, the exchange of stories and the desire to be part of this process that keeps people coming from the far ends of the continent just to hang out and ride with us made me realize that there is something at work here much bigger.. and brighter than I was allowing myself to see. Or maybe I had just forgotten to look..

The caliber of the people who frequent this site is a source of constant amazement.. every year we meet new people with different backgrounds and ideals.. all genuine examples of why we are the social beings we are. Eager and willing to share time and lend a helping hand to people they've only just met and to form bonds based off of the simple premise of a common interest. Musicians and poets abound here.. dreamers, actors and teachers... deep thinkers and philosophers, professionals and working class alike. The introduction of these types of people into our lives is the very reason we should continue..

So with that thought in mind we begin the planning for GAR 2010..
That'll be May 6th 7th and 8th 2010.. mark it on your calendar, put it in your date book.. start making plans.


Now to the gist of the post...

Where to begin?
First and foremost, thanks to all of you who took time from your family and lives to make the rally. It is you all who make it possible.. and worthwhile.

Thanks so much to Brent and Jessica of New Bonneville/ New Speedmaster dot com for so generously sponsoring the T's again this year.. you have my undying gratitude for your continuing support of the GAR gatherings through the years.

To Larry and Kathy Sheppard..(Larryshep and the Mrs) for supplying us with your time and the very yummy sweets and the device to prepare the main course for the Saturday dinner.

To Moe and Di for their combined effort in preparing the turkeys and ham and all the people behind the scenes.. the volunteers that got us all fed in a quite delicious and timely manner and helped clean up the mess after the fact.

To the folks at MOTO 400... who extended the warmest of greetings with food, discounts and giveaways. Your interest and support of our rally is greatly appreciated.

And especially to the people, who I won't name for fear of leaving someone out, my co-conspirators who are there and eager to do whatever is needed to make it all work. Your help in planning and managing the rides is indispensable.. all of this truly would not be possible without you.. thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping bring order to chaos.

We have some rally pics posted here for viewing with more to be added later.

Hope to see y'all next year!

So..... till next time..
Chy

Chy, even though i only seem to get to spend a couple of hours at these last two rallys, i'd be terribly disappointed not to get to do it again. It is a special kind of gathering. Much more "real" than other motorcycle "events". Thanks again for what y'all do!

Chy and Di, thank you for all you have done to make these rallies a reality. I know it can't be easy. But speaking for myself, every year, I look forward to this, my one real vacation. This year, though smaller , was no exception. The rally allows me to forget my troubles for a week and recharge my batteries to face the world. So thank you for allowing us to continue to come to your neck of the woods and enjoy true friendship and some great twisties.... besides, even if you cancelled it.... we would still show up .... I love you guys... ride safe... Gordon

Awesome, awesome pics, and vids, Moe.

This whole thing wouldn't be the same without you.

Everything is real good on this end, and I can't wait until next year!

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you, for the pics and vids.

Hi Keith!

How about this pic?...uh huh.. we see how you are...

As I said to you our last night there Chy. You may cancel the rally but we'll still be showing up the same time every year.

glad you decied to keep a good thing going. I would have shown up next year too.

I just saw that!

I still haven't dumped my camera yet....

As a newbie this year, there is no question I could sense the concern and felt your "air of responsibility" for the event and everyone's well-being. I thought about that a lot over the course of the week, and really can say I appreciate, maybe more than some, but I know we all do, all that you and Di do, and everybody else that contributes behind the scenes. It takes a team to pull something like the GAR off, especially to do it over and over again.

I only hope that it really can be a time you enjoy, like the rest of us, and not a time that you feel you have to be burdened with so much responsibility that you wish it would end, or have thoughts about stopping it. I think I can speak for the lot of us - let us help, let us do whatever we can to lighten your load, but we definitely want to come back!

If funds or other hurdles become obstacles, let us know so we can work it out!

For being my first time there, it seemed like a "family affair" from the moment I rode up your drive, and I think that feeling is obvious to a lot of us - we even talked about it a little. You don't get that at a RAT Rally, I'll bet. That's what makes the GAR so special.

I hope I wasn't too much trouble, and I'm mighty obliged for the quick help, concern, and expertise demonstrated at the time. I hate being a statistic.

If I find I have any pics that are worthy of posting, I'll try to figure out how to get them posted. I even shot a vid or two that I did not know I had.

My calendar is marked for next year!

Love you all,

In years past I have literally written volumes on the GA rally...I don't feel that I could add much to the rally story this year that has not been said before...This year the support of others made this rally unforgettable. Chy after running the NH rally for the last 3 years I can fully understand the intense burden and feelings of responsibility you assume each year, I would fully understand and empathise with the difficult decision to call and "end to an era" (although I would likely be joining others in "Crashing" your place the same time next year regardless) But understand your efforts this year for my family personally, made it possible for me to not only make it this year, but to give Brad a chance to see and ride some of the best roads ever laid by man for two wheels. Although you may not have seen it as a "big deal" to us it was truly the difference of whether we would see those who have come to mean so much to us over the years, or perhaps have to wait yet one more year to see those same people again. Further, your generosity made it possible for me to spend some true "quality time" with my Son, and as he ages and grows those moments are fewer and farther between. In the rain, silently, alone yet together he and I rode Blood, and Wolf Pen...and although words between us were few and far between during the ride, we got to enjoy our time together and in Brads words do something that was "way COOL!" and establish memories that will last a life time...for that I again thank you!
What was "no problem" to you, has given a father and son a moment together that they will remember forever (or until the Alzheimer's kicks in) So be sure to understand that as burdensome as it can be your efforts have given people the chance to make memories and friends that will last a lifetime...when it seems darkest, be sure to remember that you have given people a priceless gift!

To the rest of you who were patient beyond the call of duty with a 14 Y.O. boy who DESPERATLY wants to 'be an adult' and join in...yet is still, after all a 14 Y.O. boy and often finds it difficult to 'be part of the gang' and still respect the boundaries of Adult vs. kid...you were Great and I again thank you...Pete NH 2013 is closer than you think...but remember he'll be 4 years better and unfortunately you and I will be 4 years worse...

As always Rallies are too short...time with long missed friends...is over to fast...and conversations with all you want for as long as you want just isn't possible...to those we've met before...great to see you all again and truly wish we had more time to spend with you...

to those we just met...or even didn't get to meet...again sorry we didn't get to spend more time with you either...

As always the last night there was filled with deep emotions and the ever present understanding that it's all over again, and it may be year(s) before you see some of these people, whom you have come to love, again, make it bitter sweet...still not something I am willing to give up..

Thank you ALL again, and our best wishes to you for a safe journey until our paths again cross

I am just thankful that Chy and Di opted for the tank instead of the spaghetti strap look this year.

I'm going to try to figure out how to post pictures to the site. For someone that does this all day long you'd think I could figure it out. I think the pictures turned out pretty good considering most were taken as we road through that beautiful country. Thanks again for planning these beautiful rides - can't wait to come back next year. I've already talked to the mother-in-law and we are putting it on her calendar! (There will be many reminders:-)) Check out my photos: Kodak Gallery

I had to think of a name fast and "Wolf Gang Puck Mountain" was too long

What happened to the creative way of spelling triumph?

Kodak. The only way I can save/post the photos is to capture, paste, edit, save, then post to photobucket then publish. no way hosa for 125 photos!

Quote:

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I had to think of a name fast and "Wolf Gang Puck Mountain" was too long

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Now that's funny..

Thanks for the memories JMEYER aka "Wolf Gang Puck Mountain"
Mike

thanks for the pics. now i know how bad my hair loss really is.

Ok...for you guys Wolf Gang Puck Mtn. it is or we could just shorten it toooo Wolf Master....ha ha! Yes the famous spelling of Triumph...you'll just have to wait and see. I guess I can create a photo buck account and add all the pictures - Moe you are way to advanced for me Kodak is all this mother knows:-) Will check to see if Ryan already has one and go from there.

Photobucket's registration page. Real simple. You can have albums and sub-albums. Lock those you don't want others to have access to and away you go! Each uploaded photo has a listing that appears as you hover over the photo. clicking on the last one (clicking places the link in your clipboard) affords a direct pasting into a bonnevilleamerica.com post. Choose the largest upload size too.

photobucket is by no means the only offsite storage area for photos.

Kodak did this for a reason.

Thanks for the update - uploading the photos now to photo bucket and it is pretty easy:-) I'm adding a few more fun photos! Will post the link shortly.

yee-haw

Ok - ALL the photos are now on photo bucket and here's the link. You have seen some of the photos but others are making their first appearance:-) Enjoy! GA Rally '09

now that's some great photography - how did they manage to get folks to spell triumph:-) All the fun we had. Just wait to see what I have planned for the next rally...

only my wife could get drunk bikers to spell out "Triumph".

I think you've got the word Drunk in front of the wrong noun ...


For those who cant see thru the clutter....

Look at your guys having fun with the "Drunk Wife's" photos. I love it!!!

and we love you!...in any condition!

I regret that I couldn't make the GA rally again this year.
But, the pics ease the pain. Thanks for them.
Uncle Charlie