We normally shy away from biker gatherings. Just too many people and bikes and what not. But this gathering was going to have a Sheriff's Motorcycle Rodeo!! We arrived at start time to avoid the larger crowds in the day and were able to witness the Sheriff's during the rodeo practice.
Essentials: 6 Sheriff's from Hall County, 4 from Atlanta and 3 from Forsyth County. This appeared to be timed trials for motorcycle certifications. And the poor guys had to run these every half hour for 6 hours in sweltering heat of 95 degrees and glaring sun and full dress. I give them their cudos.
This four part course was generally run at 5 mph and involved basic circles and 90 degree turns. The photo above is typical for what one saw that day. And this guy is not about to drop the bike. He has to ride between two near cones and double back to ride between the two far cones. This required very tight low speed turns and excellent balance and control. The turns were so tight that the foot boards generally were scrapping the ground around each turn. There is one section of the course where there was an imperfection in the paving and would catch most of the floorboards...dropping the bike instantly.
Our favorite part was during practice in the morning when two officers entered the course together. The second bike was generally only a couple feet behind the first. Even in the descending circles!! Very tight and synchronized. I can see how this skill is a must when navigating congested areas. This was amazing to watch.
