Atlanta (Georgia) woes and gripes

[ZuluTiger]

I live in a state that is woefully deficient in the appreciation of what a motorcycle can accomplish in terms of effective commuting. Our politics is similarly verkrampt. Lane-splitting is verboten, hence I am akin to an 18-wheeler when I encounter traffic. As this massive conurbation expands, now enveloping my little city of Suwanee, I have to ride at least 35 miles to break out of traffic and into the less travelled roads. Then, I hit the next city. I took off yesterday (a Saturday) with the intention of documenting Lake Lanier, some of the lower Appalachian hinterlands and regular local stuff. I encountered the burgeoning sprawl that Georgia calls 'growth' but which is really just 'relocation' as the Northerners soak up our cheap real estate and milder weather. Good for them, no blame, but it's all at a cost. The ride sucked, I never got off the bike, spent 3 hours looping around a previously pleasant ride route and stowed the Tiger with a promise to ship it to South Africa this year and finally enjoy it as it was intended. Georgia motorcyclists wave at each other, marque aside, but I did not see more than ten riders in 3 hours. Wow. My wife has been pointing out that I'm an anachronism, nobody buys bikes anymore, and that its time to develop an interest in a herb garden.

Before I rode out, I noticed that my Alpinestar S-MX 5 boots had a a crumbling rubber shift pad insert. What? Well-kept, cleaned and siliconed, yet perished. And only 10 years old! I spent more time peeling off the hardened rubber, stitching and adhesive, than riding. None of my SA kit has this problem.

Sorry for the rant, but is this the end of my American riding dream and is it indicative of the state of biking in general? I'm about to retire and my plan is to head back to South Africa. Why? A simpler life. Open roads. Risks, for sure, but then that's why I have Colt 1911 (highly modified) and a CZ 75 Pre B that is like a Mazda Rotary - smooth. And, the winning decision? Actual destinations. Great restaurants. No crowds. Beaches to die for. Just 12 months away..... :-)   

[OCDave]

While South Africa is one option, consider any part of the US west of the Mississippi River.  You'd be unlikely to find traffic of any sort in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, most of Colorado or Utah.  You'd also be treated to a landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. 

From Atlanta you can fly to Las Vegas for next to nothing.  Rent a bike in Vegas and tour the West.  From Vegas you could be in Zion NP in a bout 4 hours.  The Grand Canyon NP, Bryce NP, Capital Reef NP, Death Valley NP all within reach by rented motorcycle from Las Vegas. 

I am in Minneapolis myself.  I do not have the same issues with traffic as you but, the Vegas trip is in my back pocket just in case I need an escape.

[seangee]

Don't know too many bikers in the US. Not sure if my old school mate (from Durban) with a stable full of bikes in Utah counts, as he has the roads without the traffic.

I do know that a lot of the guys on the KTM forums have pretty much abandoned riding on tar and spend most of their time on the BDRs down your way. Some of the pics make me quite envious. Might be an option for the interim, possibly with different tyres. And if you do decide to stay on into retirement there is plenty of discovery to be done - but you may need another bike 

[ZuluTiger]

Originally Posted by OCDave

While South Africa is one option, consider any part of the US west of the Mississippi River.  You'd be unlikely to find traffic of any sort in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, most of Colorado or Utah.  You'd also be treated to a landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. 

From Atlanta you can fly to Las Vegas for next to nothing.  Rent a bike in Vegas and tour the West.  From Vegas you could be in Zion NP in a bout 4 hours.  The Grand Canyon NP, Bryce NP, Capital Reef NP, Death Valley NP all within reach by rented motorcycle from Las Vegas. 

I am in Minneapolis myself.  I do not have the same issues with traffic as you but, the Vegas trip is in my back pocket just in case I need an escape.

I've considered a westward move, and it might be an option. But, at my age I find sweltering summer heat a problem, especially when riding. Nevertheless, I have to make a decision. Thanks for the comments and insight!

[ZuluTiger]

Originally Posted by seangee

Don't know too many bikers in the US. Not sure if my old school mate (from Durban) with a stable full of bikes in Utah counts, as he has the roads without the traffic.

I do know that a lot of the guys on the KTM forums have pretty much abandoned riding on tar and spend most of their time on the BDRs down your way. Some of the pics make me quite envious. Might be an option for the interim, possibly with different tyres. And if you do decide to stay on into retirement there is plenty of discovery to be done - but you may need another bike 

There is a GS Adventure in the wings when I move back to SA. KTM were atrocious in terms of service, or I'd be on a 1290, for sure. We have a large family in SA, a growing gaggle of grandchildren, so it's the likely destination right now. The issues with power and water supplies are a biggie but we have a villa in a managed complex, so that helps. Thanks for chiming in, much appreciated!

[indytiger1050]

Hope we get together before you head SOUTH.   

[ZuluTiger]

Originally Posted by indytiger1050

Hope we get together before you head SOUTH.   

Likewise Mark. I'm planning a LONG all-state tour before I leave. If I last that long.... :-)

[Mike_B]

I went to Atlanta for a conference in 2019.  Had a great time, obviously didn't see too much of the place but I liked the bits I saw when we went out in the evenings.  I do remember the taxi drivers moaning endlessly about traffic but it's not really any different to London traffic so it didn't strike me as that bad.  I guess the difference is that in London, filtering/lane-splitting is entirely normal and thoroughly accepted by pretty much everyone, so it makes more sense to use bikes for commuting into the heart of the city.  Even the cops see you in their mirrors and nudge sideways to make it easy for you to squeeze through the gap between lanes. They'll also sit still for a couple of seconds after the lights go green, to let the bikes that congregated at the front of the queue take off and pull in front into the correct lanes.

A few of my colleagues in Houston have bikes, but they don't commute on them.  Same problem with not being allowed to slip between lanes of cars, and too damn hot (and it rains, hard, surprisingly often - I always thought of Texas as being pretty much desert, but the coast certainly isn't).

[406upser]

You're more than welcome to come to Montana and ride with me!!! Rode for 4 hours, and 2-1/2 of those was single lane tarmac in the forest. Only saw 4 cars the whole time...

[ZuluTiger]

That's just plain rubbing it in brother! Good for you having such a pleasant environment. I'm on the verge of loading my Tiger on the Kendon and heading west, young man. Work is very slow so it's tempting. I'm guessing your biggest concern is wildlife darting out, just like South Africa...