Juliette GA July 2007

Juliette GA is a tiny little town that had basically died. The filming of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Restaurant put it back on the map and it now attracts quite a few visitors. This has completely changed the town from a small country town to a bit of a tourist trap. The Whistlestop Cafe is still there and does server Fried Green Tomatoes, but they are not the best. The stores are open again, but as Antique Stores selling the usual stuff antique stores sell. However, the old Mil has been converted into a Motor Cycle Museum or, more strictly, a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Museum. It has a nice collection of Harley Davidsons from the early forties through the eighties and I can attest to the fact that most of them still run and sound great. We were fortunate to be there when the owner was turning them over and starting them to keep them oiled and in good condition. In true Harley style, each Harley that runs can be quickly identified by having a pan under the engine to collect the oil from the oil leaks.

We left Mountain Adventures in Conyers, GA as a group of just under 40 motorcycles. As usual, a very diverse crowd of people and motorcycles. Jody Works was the leader with Ryan Roark bringing up the rear. This was Jody and Ryan’s first shot at leading such a large group and after the first light the rear of the group were caught by the red light and got separated without anyone in the group knowing the route. After finally raising someone in the group ahead, we arranged to meet at the junction of 212 and 162. Altogether again we set off for Monticello.

In Monticello we arrived at the square (an obligatory requirement in all southern towns) to find a farmers market and festival in full swing. Add two traffic lights on the square, the first of which cut the group in half, with a right turn required at the second and we had a recipe for a mess. The rear half of the group arrived at the second light with the front half of the group nowhere in sight. Not knowing which way to go, they barreled straight through the intersection, traveling at speed to catch the front of the group, which of course had turned right. After several miles a four way stop finally brought the group to a halt, otherwise we would now be sipping Margaritas on the beach at Key West, at which point Ryan was able to inform everyone of the error.

We turned and headed back to Monticello and took the correct road. Ryan had a map to nowhere apparently, and we were soon completely lost arriving in Gray with instructions to turn onto a non-existent route 23. One of the group had a GPS, and punched in Juliette, took the lead, and we soon arrived to find all of the others already at the Museum.

This was an Abbot and Costello show at its best and I am sure that Ryan and Jody learned a lot. Both are great riders with quite a few miles under their belt, just not in leading a group. I am sure lessons learned will be applied to the next ride!

We all stopped for lunch at the Fresh Air Barbeque. This place is owned by David and George Barber. The sign says 24/7 363 Days since 1929, so, except for Easter and Christmas you can eat here anytime. Its pulled que, brunswick stew and cole slaw and a pretty good place to stop as the que is good and they are able to easily server a large group. Used to have a sawdust floor, but just like Two Brothers in Ballground GA (absolutely the best ribs anywhere) the health department has made them switch to concrete.

Juliette is located off GA Route 23 on Juliette Road. The town sits on the Ocmulgee River. It is a little remote, but that makes it a great ride as their are many back roads that wind through rural Georgia to get there. If you live in or are visiting the Atlanta area and a looking for a day ride, Juliette is a great destination.

To add spice, ride with us, but bring your own map!

Kelsey Kahle was the camera man on this trip, so thanks for the pics Kelsey.