About Me

Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through what is sure to be the most boring section of this site – my brief bio. My motorcycle saga kicked off at the young age of 7 in the colonial town of Zionsville, Indiana. Picture this: a young me, surrounded by vast, sprawling farm fields where neighbors were scattered miles apart from each other, at least that’s how it felt to a 7- or 8-year-old me. My very first experience in the world of two-wheeled adventures began with a trusty bicycle, like most kids.

Now, let’s talk about the ‘neighborly’ distances. My closest friend lived a ‘whopping’ 1.5 miles down the road. I know, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t sound like much, but remember, at that age, it felt like a journey! Lucky for me, my father was a die-hard motorcycle enthusiast. Convincing him to grant me my first motorized two-wheeler was a breeze. My first motorized anything was – the Sears mini-bike. It boasted a mighty 3-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine, complete with front and rear friction brakes, and 10-inch wheels and tires. That machine was the start of a lifelong pursuit to ride all types of motorcycles from dirt to street and everything in between.  It was the first light of interest, to come on in my life, and it has been burning brightly ever since.

Now, I have to admit, my minibike didn’t come equipped with an odometer. But let me assure you, without an ounce of exaggeration, I’m willing to bet that I covered at least 1000 miles on that thing within the confines of our 6-acre playground. Come rain or shine, as long as the sun was up and the skies weren’t pouring or snowing, you could bet your bottom dollar that my minibike was revving its engine and turning our field and yard into dusty paths of fun. The mini bike eventually led to more sophisticated motorcycles, including enduros, motocrossers, trials, and road bikes. I was always riding, either on the trails, track, or road, as noted previously, if I wasn’t working and it wasn’t raining or snowing, I was riding.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve had the privilege of owning a staggering 29 motorcycles. From the sleek Ninjas to the rugged KTM SX 450s, I’ve traversed nearly every category imaginable. While I still cherish my motocross and enduros, my interest has been firmly set on road bikes, particularly in the breathtaking terrain of North Georgia, for the past three exhilarating years.

For those of you fortunate enough to call the North Georgia foothills your motorcycle haven, consider yourselves truly spoiled. Growing up in Indiana and subsequently residing in various states, I can confidently attest that nowhere else in my geographic odyssey even comes close to the riding experience offered by North Georgia’s winding roads.

I distinctly recall my days riding in Indiana, where we were so starved for challenging curves that we’d gleefully traverse the highway clover leaf’s on all four corners, for the sheer thrill of it. Safety concerns aside, it was an absolute blast. Our next daring escapades led us to new housing developments before they started vertical construction. We’d conquer those nascent roads, brimming with elevation changes (mind you, in Indiana, ‘significant’ elevation change might amount to a mere 100 feet) and meticulously cambered inside and outside turns. It’s safe to say that the adage ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ rang true during those early riding years.

As I crisscrossed the United States, living in Texas, South Georgia, Kansas, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Wyoming, and finally returning to North Georgia, I encountered the diverse riding opportunities offered by each state. While they all had their merits, none could quite measure up to the sheer riding nirvana found in my beloved Georgia, especially in the northern regions. I’ll give an honorable mention to North Carolina and Tennessee – though I never called Tennessee home, they’re undoubtedly fantastic motorcycle states, trailing just behind Georgia in the rankings. Now, for those of you hailing from the western states, you’ve got your own bragging rights with diverse riding terrains and breathtaking scenery. But when it comes to my personal riding paradise, North Georgia reigns supreme. My ultimate goal is to ride all the notable riding states and experience the best that they have to offer. This may become another point of interest for this site, riding experiences from other regions narrated by those members making the pilgrimage.

There are several compelling reasons why I am eager to help someone who shares my interest in motorcycle riding in the North Georgia Mountains. Firstly, there’s an innate sense of camaraderie among fellow riders. When you meet someone who shares your passion for navigating the winding, picturesque roads of North Georgia on two wheels, you instantly connect on a profound level. The shared experiences, challenges, and excitement that come with motorcycle riding create a strong bond, making it a pleasure to offer assistance and support to a fellow enthusiast. Whether it’s sharing tips on the best routes, recommending motorcycle-friendly establishments, or just swapping stories from the road, helping a like-minded rider fosters a sense of community and mutual respect.

Secondly, safety is paramount in the world of motorcycle riding, especially in the challenging terrains of the North Georgia Mountains. Riding these roads can be both thrilling and demanding, and it’s vital that riders look out for each other. By extending a helping hand to someone who shares my interest, I’m not only ensuring their safety but also contributing to the overall safety of our riding community. Whether it’s offering guidance on navigating tricky turns, recommending appropriate safety gear, or simply riding together to provide mutual support, helping a fellow motorcycle enthusiast is a way to promote responsible and safe riding practices.

Lastly, the joy of introducing someone new to the beauty of North Georgia’s motorcycle routes is immensely rewarding. Sharing the stunning vistas, the exhilarating twists and turns, and the sense of freedom that comes with riding in these mountains can be a transformative experience. By helping others discover and appreciate the unique charm of this region, I’m not only fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport but also ensuring that future generations of riders can continue to enjoy these magnificent routes. It’s a way of paying forward the incredible experiences and adventures that motorcycle riding in the North Georgia Mountains has brought into my life, making it a pleasure to assist and guide fellow enthusiasts in their journey.

The primary goal of my website, North Georgia Motorcycle Routes, is to foster a sense of shared camaraderie among motorcycle enthusiasts who have a passion for riding through the scenic landscapes of North Georgia. We aim to create a vibrant online community where riders can come together, connect, and share their experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the region, our platform is designed to enhance your riding experience by providing valuable insights into the best routes, hidden gems, and biker-friendly establishments in North Georgia. We believe that by connecting riders and offering a platform for sharing knowledge and stories, we can collectively elevate the enjoyment of every journey on two wheels.

In addition to building a sense of community, North Georgia Motorcycle Routes strives to introduce new and exciting motorcycle riding products that may pique the interest of fellow riders. We understand the importance of quality gear and accessories when it comes to safety and comfort on the road. By featuring and reviewing relevant products, we aim to help riders make informed choices and enhance their overall riding experience. Through the exchange of riding stories, valuable tips, and mutual learning, our website becomes a hub for riders to connect, discover, and enrich their passion for motorcycle riding in North Georgia.

All the best,

Grant 
NorthGeorgiaMotorcycleRoutes.com