05/31/10

OK, you now have your kawisusiyamihon sportbike. Now where are these Twisties and mountains that people speak of in hushed voices. Where do the cognoscenti go?

What and where is the LOOP?

For some of the best riding, Dahlonega is the portal to heaven. Head up 400 North bound for 44.5 miles after passing 285.  After passing Burnt Stand road, the speed limit will drop to 55.

This is a favorite spot for a little traffic enforcement by Lumpkin county, be forewarned.

As you come down the hill to the end of 400 on your right will be The Shell station, one of the first gathering places for riders. On the Left is the Park and ride lot, a good place to leave your truck or trailer.

From the intersection of 19 and 60, the first stop light if you go left will take you through Dahlonega via 19. A much better route is to continue straight on Long Branch Road. Next stoplight presents another choice;  Left on 52 is a nice warm up run that rejoins 19 right out side of town. Only problem is this part of 19 has lots of local and slow moving tourists.

If you choose 19 it will split at Stonepile Gap. Hwy 60 heads north to Suches, 19 heads East to Turners corner where it Joins 129 for one of the favorite runs. There is a straight section on 19 about 2.3 miles east of Stonepile gap where Lumpkin county likes to do enforcement. As you top a crest. they will be parked on the left behind a small building. At the top of 129 is another gathering spot to bench race, check local LEO activity, get some food or drink.

There are also a few back roads to ease you around Dahlonega. Hook up with someone familiar with these roads to show you the way around.

60 North

This Hwy is 3 distinct parts. Part 1 is North from Stonepile gap to the overlook/Appalachian trail. This is a great but unforgiving run, if you go down it is guardrail or rocks and trees. after the first mile it is National Forest, and no driveways or crossroads to contend with.

Part 2 from the Trail to the intersection of 180/60 TWO resort and restaurant is on the left. On a good day there will be a good size gathering of cruisers and sport bikers there.

Part 3 From the intersection of 180/60 is a 33 mile run to Morganton, a combination of tight and technical to high speed sweepers. great pavement and minimal enforcement. Downside is lots of crossroads and driveways from local residents. Keep your eyes open.

180 East From 60

Wolf Pen Gap road, you will either hate it or love it. It starts out running through a beautiful valley, lots of homes and crossroads. Once you pass Lake Winfield Scott Road, it starts getting good, National forest, no driveways or roads. As you start the climb to Wolf Pen Gap, the turns tighten, the drop offs are major, hell this is fun! After cresting the gap the backside is just as technical with 90 degree turns and decreasing radius 180's. It drops you out at 129 near Vogel State Park. Right is the way to Neels gap and the 129 Fun Run. Left takes you to 180 eastbound and Richard Russell Highway

A good day always has to include the loop

There has been some increased levels of enforcement this year on the loop, be sure to have all your paperwork, have your tag displayed correctly, and make a sighting run before getting frisky.

This page is just a start to some of North Georgia's better motorcycle roads, Come on out be safe and have some fun. Check out the maps page for some more places to ride.