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Geoff

4/9/2016 2:23 PM

Welcome! if you're a new member, please take a moment to introduce yourself in this thread. Tell us a few things about yourself including your name, the make , year and model of your bike, the general area where you live, and the sort of riding you like to do (street vs dual sport) and any other info you'd like to share.

You can also post a picture of yourself and your bike by simply selecting the little picture icon above (its the one that looks like mountains and sun with a plus-sign in the upper left) and add a photo.

We look forward to getting to know you. Also check our calendar since we have monthly coffee socials where new members get to meet with fellow members in a very relaxed setting. Some people go out for impromptu rides after the socials. Plus we have regular monthly group rides or a ride to eat where you just show up at a restaurant at a given time.

Just reply to this thread to be part of the New Member Introduction thread.

__________________
Geoff
President, BMW MC of Georgia
email: president@bmwmcoga.org

2004 K1200GT

Rudy Bristow

10/2/2016 8:54 AM

Hello MOAGA, I actually joined MOAGA in 2013 but life's circumstances kept me outside the loop. I just renewed my membership. 10-01-16, my wife - Cathy - and I just purchased a new 2016 R1200RTW from BMW-Atlanta. I posted a photo of the new ride in another thread of this Forum. After I get the bike broken-in, we look forward to meeting the group and participating in events. Cathy and I reside in Cobb County, about half way between Lassiter and Kell High schools. Look forward to meeting everyone.

Keep The Faith!

Cathy and Rudy Bristow

Marietta, GA.

Geoff

11/4/2016 2:41 PM

Welcome Rudy:

Our club annual meeting and general elections are Nov 12th at Greater Good BBQ in Tucker. We hope to see you there. It's a good way to meet other members and show off that new bike!

__________________
Geoff
President, BMW MC of Georgia
mailto: president@bmwmcoga.org

2009 R1200GSA
2004 K1200GT

10/27/2016 9:38 PM

Hi Everyone,

My name is Clay, and I'm a new rider looking to (finally) purchase my first bike. I guess something about turning 50 this year caused a dormant, childhood fascination with motorcycles to finally re-emerge. Better late than never! In May 2016 I took the basic motorcycle safety course and have my M endorsement.

I'm something of Germanophile and find the BMW history and legacy of engineering innovations, particularly in motorcycles, to be fascinating. I am interested in meeting folks in this local community and learning from you.

I'm a tall rider (6' 7") and am interested in dual-sport bikes, both for the ergonomics and because I hope to get on trails / forest service roads someday, once my skills are up to it.

From what I've read/ heard/ seen, the BMW F650 GS Dakar sounds like it could be a perfect all-around bike for me in terms of function, reliability and ergonomics*. Of course I've had no luck in finding a Dakar locally (preferably 2005-07). I wonder if there are any tall-ish club members here in Greater Atlanta that own a F650 Dakar that would be willing to share a bit about their ergonomic experience (good or bad). I might consider buying an out-of-state F650 Dakar but would really welcome a chance to sit on one locally before entertaining such an option. (* The Tall Guy ergos for F650 or KLR650 thread on advrider.com say that the KLR650 is a good ergo fit for tall riders, so I need to explore that option as well).

The F800 GS has also been suggested to me. I sat on one (but haven't yet ridden) and it was a good fit. Aside from the extra expense, I have concerns that this might be too much bike for a beginner. My neighbor, a veteran rider of 25 years, said this is not necessarily true, so long as I get used to and respect the power. I'm interested to hear any advice or suggestions this community might have.

Many thanks and cheers,

Clay Johnson

Geoff

11/4/2016 3:00 PM

Welcome Clay:

6'7" isn't tall-ish. That's tall!

Your best bet for ergo matching is to go to a dealer and sit on the bikes there. BMW bike dealers aren't pushy like their automotive brethren so you can actually walk in and sit on the bikes without fear of being pressured to buy. Even two guys at the same height might have very different inseams and arm lengths and so the comfort factor is based on many things. Even down to where your butt rests on the seat.

I wouldn't worry about the F800GS being too much bike for a beginner. You'd like outgrow the 650 single very fast and wish you had upgraded. The F800GS has all the power you'd need and the long fork travel you want for dual sport. You can also add bar risers and adjust foot pegs to customize to your height.

We've got a club annual meeting and elections coming up Nov 12th. There will be a wide variety of BMW bikes there and different height riders. You might find a taller rider with experience (or a current owner) of the bikes you are considering who can share his or her tips.

Rest assured it will be easy to find a BMW owner that will be happy to talk about how they customized their bike to suit them. The tough part is trying to get them to stop talking about their bikes

__________________
Geoff
President, BMW MC of Georgia
mailto: president@bmwmcoga.org

2009 R1200GSA
2004 K1200GT

Billy

12/30/2016 1:25 PM

Hello, everyone. My name is Billy Way and I just joined this club. I'm 38 years old and have a wife and 4 daughters (yes, 4!) who range in age from 2 to 9. I own a 2004 BMW R1150RT (my dream bike for years) which I recently purchased. This is the 3rd bike I've owned, but I had not ridden in about 10 years prior to me purchasing this bike. I live in the Woodstock, GA area but work in Alpharetta. We just recently moved to this area from Columbia, MO, but I'm originally from the Jacksonville, FL area. I don't have any dual sport riding experience (aside from some dirt bike riding on a friend's farm a few times). I generally like to stick to road rides. I'm excited about connecting with fellow BMW owners in the area. I've been a BMW motorcycle fan for years and am so glad I finally own one. I'm also interested in learning more about how to perform maintenance on my bike. I've always depended on dealerships for maintenance but I'd like to be more self sufficient. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and enjoying the thrill of the ride together!

Susan Benson

12/30/2016 5:24 PM

Welcome Billy! I hope to meet you at the mid-January social meeting. Details are on the club calendar.

Susan Benson

BMWMCOG Director at Large
2014 F800GT
1990 K75S

Billy

1/3/2017 10:11 AM

I definitely plan on attending club events, but I won't be able to make the January social as we'll be traveling back to Missouri for a visit.

Mophoto

1/2/2017 2:35 PM

Billy,

Welcome to the club. Your biggest problem will not be finding roads for the RT (used to have an 1100RT), it will be difficult finding time from work and 4 girls to explore all those roads.

I moved from MA nearly 3 years ago and my wife is from St Louis. We live in Acworth.

Maurice
2012 F650GS
2001 R1100S
1995 Ducati 900SS SP
BMWMCOGA Secretary

Geoff

1/4/2017 12:26 PM

Welcome to the Club, Billy. You'll love the RT. I had the same model year as yours but in a Piedmont Red. Smooth bike and very comfortable for longer rides as well as curvy mountain roads. In fact, the biggest surprise for me was how well the bike handled the Georgia mountain twisties. You might also like to watch the RT in action in the movie "The Italian Job" where it is used as a chase bike in a number of scenes.

See you at the February meeting.

__________________
Geoff
President, BMW MC of Georgia
mailto: president@bmwmcoga.org

2009 R1200GSA
2004 K1200GT

Barry Davis

1/30/2017 5:46 PM

Hello,

Have lived in East Cobb for 30 years, began riding since early 70's on old Honda's. Riding weekdays when whether permits, idealy 60-85 deg days on 2002 K12RS I've had since new. Day trips to N. GA avoiding slab and traffic when able. Contact if available for weekday 150-200 mile day rides. Don't usually start too early until the summer heat arrives. Barry

Susan Benson

1/31/2017 9:40 AM

Hello Barry, and welcome! I live in Roswell and often ride during the week. We'd be happy to have you join us. Let me know when you feel like a ride!

Susan
BMWMCOGA Director at Large

2014 F800GT
1990 K75S

Mark Sanford

2/18/2017 5:31 PM

Just joined the club looking for people to ride street and/or dirt up in North Georgia. I'm in Dawsonville right next to GA400. I'd be willing to meet up with any group headed up to the mountains for a ride. I've been riding up in the forest service roads for years, mostly by myself. It's getting boring going by myself.

I typically ride early in the morning before the crowd when alone. But that is difficult to do with a group of people that don't live up in this area. Once the traffic gets bad on blood mountain, i typically head for the dirt where the only thing to compete with are the occasional mountain bikers or a few horses and/or their horse trailer and truck combo.

I'm open to any kind of ride up in the mountains at any difficulty level. Been down more times than i can count in the dirt between my KLR650 (sold) and the R1200gs.

If you want someone to ride with, I can meet you at one of the many gas stations past the GA400 outlet malls.

Lets ride!

Mark Sanford
2013 BMW R1200GS

Geoff

2/21/2017 7:33 PM

Welcome to the club Mark!

You're in a great location for meet-ups as many of us head up past the outlet mall on the way to Suches and other areas north of Atlanta. I'll keep you in mind next time I am headed up that way on the GS. I'm pretty busy for the next few weekends but I do plan on some "mountain road therapy" once I'm caught up on work projects.

Another really good way to connect with new riding buddies is to get involved with the Georgia Mountain Rally. You get to meet other members, explore street and dirt trails during the rally and have a blast. Our volunteer coordinator, Michelle Quillin can match you up with a volunteer slot if you're so inclined. I met a lot of members by helping out with the rally when I joined the club a few years back.

__________________
Geoff
President, BMW MC of Georgia
mailto: president@bmwmcoga.org

2009 R1200GSA
2004 K1200GT

Jorge Perez

5/23/2017 2:59 PM

Hello every one,

my name is Jorge Perez and I live in the Duluth/Suwannee area. I ride a 2013 BMW K1600GTL. I have been riding for about 28 years. I enjoy short and long distance road riding, but I'm seriously thinking on getting a dual sport as well. I'm married and the father of four great kids and two female Rottweilers. I'm looking to make some good and lasting friendships with likeminded individuals and put a ton of miles on the saddle.

looking forward to meeting all of you.

Jorge Perez

Susan Benson

5/25/2017 9:03 AM

Welcome Jorge!

We have a good number of members in your area... and all of us are mobile. (That's one of the great things about riding a BMW - a few miles are nothing)!

I hope you'll make plans to join us for our 2nd Sunday social in June. We'll be meeting at Two Wheels of Suches for lunch, and there are sure to be folks willing to ride almost any route from there since those roads are so wonderful. Please feel free to call or text me if you have any questions or if you'd like to meet up along the way, 678-576-6376.

Again, welcome to the club. I look forward to meeting you,

Susan Benson
BMWMCOGA Director at Large

2014 F800GT
1990 K75S

Mark Alexander

5/24/2017 3:40 PM

Greetings from Douglasville Georgia! I'm Mark, and was practically "given" a 1976 R90/6. I also own a 2005 Triumph Bonneville "America" that I bought new in March of 2006. Me and that bike have some interesting Stories to tell, but that's for campfires and Sippin'. I love to ride on my own little adventures and like to "live off the land" when I go. It's very difficult to find folks at my age that like to sleep in a tent, and fish for trout in waste deep water!
My main interest is vintage European bikes. I've brought 4 vintage Triumph's back to life, and now the 76 BMW. Looking forward to meeting up with you guys and getting in some get-togethers and riding.

Susan Benson

5/25/2017 9:16 AM

Hello Mark!

What a gift!! You are a lucky man. There are several members who ride vintage BMW's in the club. You must meet Tommy Pilgrim who rides an absolutely beautiful bike that his father bought new waaay back in the 70's, (and rides it mighty well)!

Please plan to join us for our 2nd Sunday social in June at Two Wheels of Suches for lunch at 11:30. Lots of folks will be riding up the 400 corridor so if you'd like to meet up with some please let me know and I'll help "hook you up". Call or text me at 678-576-6376.

As far as tent camping goes, you've come to the right place. Many of our members do it on a regular basis, and I'm sure you'll find congenial company around the campfire.

I'm looking forward to meeting you,

Susan Benson
BMWMCOGA Director at Large

2014 F800GT
1990 K75S

Alan Adams

7/7/2017 9:26 PM

Hi,
My name is Alan Adams. I ride a '17 GSA. Other bike is a Ducati. Others will come and go (I have bike ADD). I have been street riding (with occasional gravel) for about 25yrs. My wife and I are new to ATL, having just moved here from West TN. She does ride with me on occasion, likely to be more often as we will be empty nesters in Aug. I live and breathe motorcycling. Day trips to some major touring. Looking to start venturing off road more. We are in the Duluth Suwanee area. Loving ATL as the good roads are now so close. I am going to try to do lunch tomorrow. Looking forward to meeting some new friends.

Alan and Lori Adams

Susan Benson

7/8/2017 7:49 AM

Welcome Adam and Lori! We look forward to meeting you.

Susan Benson
BMWMCOGA Director at Large
2014 F800GT
1990 K75S

Charles Henagan

8/7/2017 7:48 AM

Good morning everyone, my name is Charles Henagan, I ride a BMW R1200GS and ride dual but with a current fixation on off road. I spent this past weekend up just north of Dawsonville (in the area of Hwy 52, 136 and 9) with a good portion of Sunday getting out of the mud hole that I got myself into. I live in Atlanta and try to ride at least one day every weekend. Looking forward to the club events coming up.

Charles Henagan

8/7/2017 7:52 AM

This is a result of not moving three more feet to the left on the trail coming in!

John Pendleton

3/3/2018 7:56 PM

My name is John Pendleton. I live in Berkeley Lake, which is a little "town" surrounding a little lake...near Duluth and Norcross. Don't feel bad if you've never heard of it...we kinda like it that way!

I bought a new R1200RS last year, trading in a 2009 R1200RT. My kids are grown up so I have free time now and I like to ride quite a bit more than I like playing golf 👍

My riding partner just moved to Colorado so I joined this club to meet some new folks who like to ride and like good machines. I lived in Germany for a few years and I took up the Teutonic preference in cars and bikes. I like to ride swiftly but not dangerously. And I never hurry on the bike because I want to savor every moment.

I look forward to meeting everyone. If you want to reach me directly, my email is jhpend@gmail.com

John Pendleton
2016 R1200RS

Alex Nutt

4/2/2018 2:34 PM

Anyone in the Woodstock/Canton/Sixes area that likes to do Sunday road rides? K1600GTLE; we ride 2up. Very limited free time, enjoy a day trip up to NGA once a month or so. Anyone local?

Billy

4/3/2018 9:31 AM

Hello, Alex. I live in Canton, just off GA 20 (in between Canton and Cumming). I enjoy road rides whenever possible, but like you I have very limited free time. Hit me up when you want a riding buddy and I'll go if I can spare the time.

Billy Way

2004 BMW R1150RT

Susan Benson

4/4/2018 12:00 PM

Hello!

I'm in the Roswell/Woodstock area and often ride on Sunday. Feel free to call or text me at 678-576-6376.

Susan Benson
BMWMCOGA Director at Large

2014 F800GT
1990 K75S

Juan Rodriguez

5/19/2018 7:06 AM

Hello my name is Juan Rodriguez. Bought a 2016 R1200GS about 2 months ago. Come from Harley’s and will not look back.
Joined the club to meet up with folks and do some day rides and every now and then weekend rides.

Text or call 678-431-8610

Juan Rodriguez

5/19/2018 7:07 AM

Btw, live in the Alpharetta area

Billy

5/25/2018 12:55 PM

Welcome, Juan!

I live in the Canton area but I work in Alpharetta. On good weather days I'll often ride to work (though there have been few of those so far this year). There are a couple club events coming up in June. Hope to see you there!

Billy Way

2004 BMW R1150RT

Michel Gross

6/8/2019 10:56 PM

Hey everyone,

My name is Mike Gross. I bought a 2018 R1200RT recently, I just came over from Indian. I have been checking out BMW’s for a while. I finally decided the technology and the low weight were to close to pass up. I also have a Ducati Supersport. I do ride often with my girlfriend, Jan, as a passenger. We live near the Marietta Square and hope to ride more and meet more people. We are going to the national rally.

Joe Baker

6/9/2019 11:16 AM

Hello Michael. Welcome to the club. And welcome to the Marietta area.

Hope to see you at the National. Please join us for dinner on Friday night at the Rally.

Travman

6/11/2019 10:05 PM

Welcome, Mike. I also live near the Square off Cole. Not heading to the rally but look forwarded to meeting.

-----------------------------------
Tom

"Not all who wander are lost"

2018 R1200GS White
2018 Vespa 300 GT

Jose RT-GSA

6/19/2019 11:23 AM

Hello, I guess I missed this thread when I signed up a few weeks back.

I'm Jose RT-GSA, I met a few of you at the dinner and at the campground during the MOA Rally last weekend. I was at the table with Darcy his wife, Scott and Eric. It was great meeting all of you and looking forward to future rides and gatherings. I'm on the north east side of town (Dacula - Hamilton Mill - Lawrenceville area).

I've been riding exclusively on two wheels since 99. Sport bikes, dirt bikes, then got into sport touring back in 2004 (R1150RT followed by R1200RT), and recently started riding adventure bike (GS adventure).

My current bikes are KX 125 motocross, 2005 R1200RT, and 2013 R1200GS 90th anniversary edition adventure.

I enjoy the outdoors and consider myself a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I have a wife and two teen aged kids who enjoy trips to the mountains, camping, going to the beech, and sharing my other passion (4 wheeling- rock crawling - adventure riding in the jeep)

I'm excited to have joined and looking forward to rides and meeting more of you.

Thanks

Jose

Paul Hollis

8/19/2019 6:08 PM

Greetings!

New member here... My name is Paul Hollis, I have been riding for nearly 30 years and currently have a 2008 GS 1200. I am looking forward to the fall weather, and maybe getting a chance to meet and ride with some of you. I reside in the Kennesaw area, and travel extensively for work.. I am trying to change that this fall!

Regards,

Paul
psilloh1@gmail.com
404-719-2784

Susan Benson

9/4/2019 10:04 AM

Welcome Paul!

Hope you can join us at an event soon. Please check the event schedule and see what works for you. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have, and I hope to meet you soon.

Susan Benson

BMWMCOGA President

2014 F800GT

1990 K75S

Robert Scarbrough

8/29/2019 3:38 PM

Hey everyone,

My name is Mike Scarbrough and I live in the Brookhaven area. I ride a 2019 BMW R1250 GSA and have owned several other BMW's as well as many other brands. I have been riding since I was 8 years old and raced motocross for several years. My wife and I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren and love the outdoors. We have an RV and just got back from a 4 week trip out west. I would like to meet some other riders that live in the greater Atlanta area. Looking forward to the next social meeting/ride to meet some of the members.

Susan Benson

9/5/2019 12:03 PM

Welcome Robert! We're delighted that you've joined and look forward to meeting you soon. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have, and I hope to see you soon.

Susan Benson

BMWMCOGA President

2014 F800GT

1990 K75S

Robert Sprague

1/9/2020 4:50 PM

Oops, looks like I started a new thread for my intro post! Well here it is again in the proper area.....

Hi all, Rob and Debbie Sprague here from southern NJ. Just wanted to introduce ourselves and say hello. I have a 2006 BMW K1200LT with a 2012 Hannigan trike conversion along with a 2009 R1200RT and a 2004 K1200GT. We both prefer mostly long distance riding on the trike and some shorter forays on the RT. I haven’t used the KGT at all in the last 2 years as my style of riding has changed. Since my wife and I are retired, we’ve wanted to exit NJ for quite some time and relocate south. My oldest brother did make the move to Mt. Airy, GA a few months back and he loves it but it’s difficult to leave other family still living here. Except for a stint in the military, I’ve resided in NJ all my life. We’ll see what 2020 has in store for us as far as relocating. I also plan to attend the May rally in Hiawassee for some relaxation and to do some visiting. Thanks……..

2006 BMW K1200LT 2012 Hannigan trike conversion Magnesium Black
2009 BMW R1200RT Metallic Black
2004 BMW K1200GT Orient Blue

Don Flowers

2/2/2020 1:18 PM

Hi, Rob!
Chiming in late, but with a WELCOME comment nonetheless. Yes, you should go ahead a register for the May 1-3 Georgia Mountain Rally (GMR) as it will be a great way to meet other members. My wife and I elect to stay in a Hiwassee motel rather than tent camp....

I frequently ride in the Clarkesville, Helen, Toccoa, and Highlands NC areas and would be glad to point out a few good roads which you'll need to know about.

There's another new member in the Athens area (Loren Hunt) whom I haven't met so maybe there will be another connection as well.

Don Flowers
Athens, GA
donflow337@aol.com
2007 R1200RT

Robert Sprague

2/11/2020 3:28 PM

Thank you Don, I registered for the GMR today so we are all set in that area. We'll also be arriving 1 day early to the Fairgrounds and have made arrangements with them as such. I'll be hauling our Aspen camper as I've had it since 2012 and only used it maybe half a dozen times. Might as well get some use of it! Afterward we'll head down to Mt. Airy to visit family. See you then.......

John Rose

3/1/2020 8:46 PM

Hello,

name is John rose.

Ride a 2014 r1200 gsa

looking to meet other riders interested in taking some bdr rides

looking forward to the gmr in May.

Randall Allen

8/23/2020 9:52 AM

Hello all - I am a new member. Have not been a regular rider for a long time. Recently retired and purchased a 2016 RS in March and have been riding mostly solo. Looking forward to joining some group rides. Look forward to meeting you. Many thanks.

JOHN LANGEVIN

9/9/2020 8:49 PM

Greetings!

New member here from south of Atlanta. Purchased a 2009 R1200RT (Sand Beige - my 1st BMW) back in March as the plan is to eventually do some touring. The other bike is a Honda VFR.

Hoping to get to a gathering or two if the stars align. In the mean time, I will continue to envy those of you on the north side of Atlanta.

Ride safe!
John Langevin

Don Flowers

9/11/2020 8:42 PM

Hi, Randall!
Good plan..., that thing about purchasing a motorcycle. My 1st bike (pre-owned 2007 1200RT) was a key element of my pre-retirement planning in 2007. Enjoyed that one so much that at around 85K miles I traded for a new 2017 RT. It just clicked over 36K.

You are joining a great group of people. Attend some meetings, rides and food events. Meet a few people and ride. Perfect time of year!

Don Flowers
Athens, GA
donflow337@aol.com
2017 R1200RT

Cliff Ruschmeyer

10/5/2020 12:07 PM

Hey my name is Cliff and I am a new member and just got a K1600 GTL on the road . Very excited to get riding. I live in the Augusta area. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for any ride ideas.

Brandon Bartlett

5/29/2021 10:46 AM

Greetings,

Just joined the club yesterday. My name is Brandon Bartlett, and I live in McDonough, just south of Atlanta. I purchased a 2019 BMW K1600B last year, but I've been riding off and on for 30+ years. I prefer street and long distance rides. I almost have the bike broke in, and look forward to meeting folks here. Have a great day, and a great ride!

Best regards,

Brandon

Travman

5/30/2021 8:57 AM

Well not necessarily a new member but after a 2 year hiatus, a retuning member.

-----------------------------------

Tom

"Not all who wander are lost"

Jim Finger

11/29/2021 8:42 AM

Howdy,

New member here. We just moved about 10 miles north of Madison near the big city of Bostwick.

I’m looking forward to exploring backroads all over and meeting up with folks interested in cruising the countryside.

Jim Finger

jimefinger@gmail.com

Joe Baker

11/29/2021 3:08 PM

That is a nice bike (that is hiding behind your cheese head)!

I hope you can join us for the Christmas Toy Run on 12/18.

Don Flowers

12/10/2021 8:34 AM

Welcome, Jim. Just realized Bostwick is not too far from Athens. I like your RT. Mine is a '17 model that is not accumulating as many miles this year as over the past several. Health issues keep me sidelined. What direction(s) do you ride when you head out?

I am retired, but have an intermittent weekday on-call job with Hertz RentACar in Athens. Is your PDK job good cross-training for your RT? Bet so, just closer to the ground....

Take care.

Don Flowers

Athens, GA

2017 R1200RT LC

email: donflow337@aol.com

cell/text: (706) 973-7439

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