Southeast Victory Motorcycle Rally Under Way in Helen

HELEN, Ga. — Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the nation descended on this tiny little Alpine village in the north Georgia mountains Thursday to kick start the 11th annual Southeast Victory Motorcycle Rally.

The three-day event is held in conjunction with the 16th annual US Riders New Reunion Run. By days end, event organizer Michael Snyder, a Pennsylvania native, said he expected more than 500 registered guests. They will come from as far away as Washington State to join in the festivities.

Snyder and a friend, Stuart Avera, organized the first event in 2005. It was held in Perry, Ga. but only 80 people participated. The next year, it was moved to Helen and it has grown tremendously.

“Since then we have experienced a 15-20 percent growth consistently each year,” he said.

The original idea was just to bring Victory motorcycle owners together so they could get to know one another and share their experiences. “There weren’t many of us at the time and we were very spread out,” Snyder said.

Now, Snyder says the event is open to all brands of motorcycles. We have Harley riders and Yamaha and Suzuki riders who come together and enjoy the experience.

No organized runs are planned. “We used to ride to the Smith House in Dahlonega but when you get 30, 40 or 50 riders together around these curves, it can get dangerous so we just let the riders form their own groups and go off on their own. We provide maps and recommended routes.”

Thursday night, Whitehall Choppers sponsored a 70’s themed kickoff party.
On Friday from 5-7 p.m., Southern Motorworx will sponsor a Bike Show and from 6-10 p.m., Witchdoctor’s, an aftermarket Victory supplier, will host a luau party.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to charity.