Motorists in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Habersham, Jackson, Lumpkin, Union and White counties should build extra time into their Sunday drives as hundreds of patriotic motorcyclists make their way through the area for a 9/11 memorial ride.
Ride to Remember, Northeast Georgia’s largest motorcycle memorial ceremony to honor the heroes and victims of 9/11, draws an estimated 750 to 1,000 motorcycles each year as it heads from Athens to Union County. On peak years, the ride has drawn 1,500 motorcycles.
“The 100-mile route from Athens to Blairsville sends a message that we must never forget the tragedy of 9/11 and also shows participants’ appreciation to all public safety and military members that have committed themselves to serve and protect our citizens and our great nation,” said organizer Mike Newell.
The route and estimated timeline for the ride follows, but these times are subject to change.
- 10 a.m. – Depart Cycle World of Athens, left turn onto Atlanta Highway toward Statham
- 10:15 a.m. – Enter City of Statham and make a right turn onto Jefferson Street
- 10:20 a.m. – Left turn onto Thurmond Road toward Ga. 82 North
- 10:25 a.m. – Cross over Ga. 82 and continue toward Arcade
- 10:35 a.m. – Left turn onto U.S. 129
- 10:40 a.m. – Right turn onto Ga. 11 toward Jefferson
- 10:50 a.m. – Bear right onto Ga. 15 toward Commerce
- 11 a.m. – Continue through Commerce on Ga. 15 toward U.S. 441
- 11:10 a.m. – Left turn onto U.S. 441 toward Banks County at Banks Crossing
- 11:30 a.m. – Arrive in Baldwin and continue on U.S. 441 toward Cornelia
- noon – Arrive at Ingles in Cornelia for fuel, water, pit stop
- 12:30 p.m. – Depart Ingles in Cornelia and turn onto Level Grove Road
- 12:35 p.m. – Right turn onto Duncan Bridge Road
- 12:40 p.m. – Left turn onto Ga. 115
- 1 p.m. – Enter Cleveland
- 1:05 p.m. – Bear right onto U.S. 129 North in Cleveland
- 1:20 p.m. – Enter Lumpkin County
- 1:30 p.m. – Enter Union County
- 1:35 p.m. – Left turn onto Owl Town Road
- 1:45 p.m. – Right turn onto Mulky Gap Road
- 1:50 p.m. – Left turn onto Old Blue Ridge Parkway
- 2 p.m. – Right turn onto Nottley Dam Road to arrive at Copperhead Lodge.
People are welcome to line the ride route and bring American flags to wave as the motorcyclists pass.
In most cases, intersections will be staffed by fire, EMS or law enforcement personnel, but ride organizers ask drivers to exercise extreme caution in the area of the ride.
Additionally, drivers are reminded it takes time for 750 to 1,000 or more motorcycles to pass, so organizers ask for patience and that drivers reflect on the reason for the memorial ride.
