WE’RE OUTTA HERE

a weekend destinationkeeping you on the backroads

Two Wheels of Suches

1915 HWY 60, Suches, GA 706-973-1671 twowheelsofsuches.com

It is always a good thing when you are happily and heartily welcomed as a motorcycle rider entering an inn, lodge, or hotel. Even these days we have heard of riders summarily turned away by innkeepers who would rather have a room vacant than to rent it to a “marauding biker.”

We all know the stereotype is just that; but there are places - some in phenomenal regions – that prefer the two-wheel adventurer. A few months back we got a chance to experience this hospitality first hand.

Welcome to Two Wheels of Suches.

We had visited here many years back with our friends Jim and Marty who had us as guests in northern Georgia and wanted to show off their backyard. TWO at Suches was one of the first places they brought us.

A few years later we sadly heard the place was closing but it has had a breathtaking rebirth. Thanks to motorcycle enthusiast and resident of Suches, Bill Johnston, who has been riding the North Georgia mountain roads since the early 1990s, purchasing the property, along with additional land in order to expand the campground and attract larger rallies.

For many years he was a frequent camper and diner back when the founders, Frank and Jeannie Cheek, ran the campground.

Bill knew how important TWO was and tends to do things solidly and impressively.

Today Two Wheels of Suches, a truly historic motorcycle landmark, is open for business and provides meals, lodging and camping to riders, as well as to the general Suches and North Georgia community.

The gravel lot is now paved and eight comfortable and cozy cabins with two double beds each line the back of the property. Camping spots abound and the bathroom and shower facilities are the best we have ever seen in any campground.

Other additions that Bill has made have been to expand the campgrounds, add in very neat TWO fire rings, camp grills, free Wi-Fi, a motorcycle loading and unloading ramp, and ample and comfortable seating on the porch for watching the riders coming and going.

The lodge is the true centerpiece of TWO, and there are a few rooms here as well. The din-

ing/common area is large and inviting, with meals served Friday night, all day Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.

Sundays, and especially race days, will find Bill hosting viewing of MotoGP and World Superbike for local riders who know TWO is the place. Yes, indeed, TWO is awesome in every way, but as we know… location, location, location.

Two Wheels at Suches is found, arguably (ha!), in the greatest motorcycle riding area in the USA. Yes, Colorado and California – that is the truth.

Deal with it!

In every direction, there are hundreds and hundreds of miles of superb roads ranging from pleasant sweepers to hard technical twisties. And if pavement doesn’t float your boat, the off-road riding in the area is superb as well. There is plenty of room to leave the trailer while exploring the trails.

Whatever your pleasure is riding-wise you will find it here. Leading into TWO is State Route 180. It is called Wolf Pen Gap Road and it might be one of the most demanding roads you will ever find. Deals Gap, Route 129 and the Cherohala Skyway are nearby as well.

Our thought is to bring your group down here and make this your base camp. The lodge can feed you, but when we were there for the night, we followed Bill to the town of Dahlonega. Here there were several restaurants, great shops (classic guitar shop that was closed, dammit!) and the Dahlonega Gold Museum – very well worth the visit.

While waiting for Bill to arrive, we spent a good long hour with soda pops on the benches watching all sorts of riders pulling and out of TWO. What better past time and a great way to meet new riders as well as get suggestions by locals.

It is a Mecca of sorts for so many… and with good reason.

If you are in the region of north Georgia or planning a journey that way, make plans to visit Bill Johnston and company – you will not be disappointed. Tell Bill we said hello! ,