The 25^th Annual British in the Blue Ridge Rally

 I have just returned from one of my favorite yearly events, the 25^th Annual British in the Blue Ridge motorcycle rally in beautiful Hiawassee , Georgia . Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Hiawassee boasts some of the most amazing back roads and breath taking scenery. The perfect venue for this is the Bald Mountain Camping Resort, www.baldmountainpark.com  which has hosted the BBR for over a dozen years. The rally attracted over 1000 participants riding a wide assortment of bikes. There were plenty of gorgeous vintage British cycles, Triumphs Norton, AJS, Matchless, Velocette, BSA, and of course, Vincent. The official rally shirt is always great, and this year was no exception. On the front was the Union Jack and club logo, and on the back was the infamous image of Rollie Free setting the land speed record on his stripped Black Lighting at Bonneville. The event is hosted by G.A.B.M.A., the Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association, www.gabma.us . You couldn’t ask for a more enthusiastic bunch.

The weekend included several well laid out rides through the surrounding countryside, a poker run, outdoor movies, a cookout, and bike show. I cannot tell you what a thrill it was to see all these great British bikes running around the surrounding countryside. It’s just like stepping back in time. The bike show is the highlight of the event and is held Saturday night. There were over 100 entrants covering bikes from the 30’s all the way to the present. Categories ranged from best sidecar rig, competition, and oldest bike.  Best of show was won by a gorgeous Arial Square Four. Another great tradition of the event is to give away a bike every rally, and this year’s bike was a 2005 T100 Bonneville.

This is one event every classic bike enthusiast should put on the calendar. The atmosphere is great. It’s very family oriented so you can bring the kids or grandkids and not worry. There are plenty of non-bike related activities on hand. There’s fishing and hiking, putt putt golf, and a great play ground. Nearby are plenty of delicious places to eat; barbecue, catfish, Mexican, and country style buffets. About 20 miles away is scenic Helen , Georgia , which is an Alpine Village themed town with plenty of great restaurants and tourist traps. If the weather is exceptionally warm you can brave tubing down the Chattahoochee right through town. There’s Richard Russell Scenic Byway, one of my all time favorite rides through some beautiful mountain sides with some great elevation changes, and plenty of curves. A little further down the road is Dahlonega, an old gold rush town with plenty to see and do. About 40 miles away you have T.W.O., the Two Wheels Only campground in Suches . In the lodge is some of the best food you’ll ever eat, try the GT Burger if you’re really hungry. All of these places are bike friendly and the locals are very welcoming to two wheels. The event is held every June so keep it in mind for next year!

Until next time, Maurice Turgeau