Georgia on my mind

[SpeedSouth]

Hello everyone!

As you can see, I'm new around here. I posted a couple of times in another thread, but thought it best to post here for an "official" hello...to keep it out of the other threads.

I am just south of Atlanta, but I enjoy camping (and plan to ride) in the mountains of N.C. just north of the state line...in the Blue Valley/Highlands area.

A little background on myself - I started riding, like most, as a kid. I had a Honda CT 90 until I destroyed the engine trying to do things I shouldn't. I didn't ride again until my early 20's when I picked up another small Honda (185) for the street. I quickly moved up to a Kawasaki EL 250 (my avatar), and then on to a Suzuki GS500E.

During this time I started working at a local shop where I learned a wealth of information about scooters of all sizes. We had a nice inventory of used bkes for sale, a massive "bone yard" in the back with bikes in various stages of disrepair, and a service shop run by "Rapid Rob", who was also building drag bikes for various riders trying to beat those of Star Racing.

I mostly worked in the warehouse sorting used parts for resale, but I did get to ride just about everything we sold...from 50cc scooters to a full dresser Gold Wing (w/ reverse!)...and before I left I had begun to work on an empty lift in the service shop, stripping the bikes that weren't going to be repaired. The parts were stored in the warehouse and the frame moved to bone yard.

Eventually, I moved on to other things. I bore easily. My Suzuki started having problems...one thing led to another and I was driving a car once again. Life throws a few more curve balls my way, and before I know it, 12 years have passed and I am determined to ride again. But what?

I love sport bikes, but the riding positions for me just don't cut the mustard. I've been on many..from 250's to 1100's, and with only a few exceptions, was too uncomfortable. So I was leaning heavily towards a cruiser.

When I was riding before a good friend had purchased a new Honda A.C.E. and I fell in love with the bike. I forget if it was the 750 or the 1100, but it was really comfortable, so this was the target of my renewed quest to ride again.

That is, until I found this: http://www.transamtrail.com/

When I found that link it just clicked instantly. I have to do that. I have to have a Dual Sport motorcycle!

I know what you're thinking. There is no way the GY 5 will make that trip, and I agree. I wouldn't even try it unless we could assemble a large group of riders and a few chase vehicles to make sure nobody got stuck or stranded or lost. Although, in all honesty, so long as a person doesn't expect too much from the machine, and the trails themselves aren't too demanding, I don't see why a GY couldn't make the trip, given enough time and effort.

Anyways, to get back on track somewhat, like most people, in my search for a reasonable, used DS, I discovered the China bike scene. I have a GY5 ordered, and my sole intention with the bike is to get familiar with them again. Get back in the saddle, so to speak...while I continue to save up for KLR650 (since these seem to be the favorite choice of many) to ride the TAT with confidence. I also have my eye on that new LF400. It's no ACE, but for the price...it just might work.

Now that you know a bit about my experience with motorcycles, and you know my plans for the future, I welcome any advice, information, tips, ridicule or whatever you may have to offer.

I am especially interested in talking with anyone who has done the TAT, or perhpas plans to ride the TAT. All, or any portion thereof. I would also like to meet other riders in the Atlanta area who might be interested in hooking up to log a few miles together.

Currently, my plans are to ride (roughly) the eastern half of the TAT starting in the summer of 09, and then finish the following summer. But, all things are subject to change at this point. I have one friend who is planning to make the trip with me, but we welcome anyone else who might like to join in the fun.


And finally, I want to take a minute to thank those who make this forum availalble and keep it running smoothly. I have found many forums for riders of all types, and I debated on where to create an account. I hate needing usernames and passwords for 1000's of places all over the web, so I have selected this forum and will be posting here exclusively, as this seems to be the most popular, and most of the users elsewhere are posting here too.


Sorry for the long post. If you read it all, give yourself a treat! :P