| Last September, Brian Jackson and the
crew headed to Galena , Illinois , for the Sixth Annual RAT
Raid on Galena . And just what is a RAT Raid, you may ask?
Well, we know this much--RAT stands for "Riders Association
of Triumph!" However, for a better perspective on the entire
affair, Brian talked to Dave Foster and his daughter Jessica
who told us a bit more. Dave told Brian that these meetings
are held throughout the country for Triumph enthusiasts and
that they always offer a weekend of beautiful scenery and
great roads for riding! Dave went on to talk about this special
make of motorcycle by saying that Triumphs are made for the
rider, not to impress the neighbors. Jessica added that these
events are a place to build strong relationships with other
Triumph enthusiasts and that there is a feeling of family
among the riders. She also added there are some great opportunities
for riding. Dave finally added that he and Jessica are about
to embark on one extreme ride of their own-1,200 miles in
24 hours! Now that's some serious riding!
Next, Brian spoke with Jim Callahan who is the North American
Coordinator for the Riders Association of Triumph. Jim told
Brian that the RAT series is the only factory run bike club
in the world and that this company sponsored event gives
riders the chance to experience these motorcycles first-hand.
In fact, there were 18 new models of Triumph motorcycles
that were available for demo rides that weekend! And since
it is a company sponsored event, Triumph itself is directly
in the loop to receive feedback from all members of the "Rat
Pack." In addition, Jim mentioned some of the other family
activities that take place such as a pig roast and putt-putt
golf.
Brian also spoke with some other rally participants such
as Jim Cuttig who even gave our cameraman a ride in his sidecar-so
that's what the world looks like from that angle! Jim also
told us that the Galena Rally is one of the best event that
RAT offers and that it draws the largest number of riders.
Riders from the four-state area of Wisconsin , Illinois ,
Iowa , and Minnesota come to Galena in droves for some the
greatest scenery and best roads in the region. Toni Haggard,
a Triumph rider for just a few months, mentioned how impressed
she was by Triumph motorcycles and the folks who ride them.
Her main point concerning the "RAT Pack" was that all of
them love motorcycling on their Triumphs!
From vintage bikes to the newest in technology there were
all sorts of Triumphs at this rally-in fact, it was two-wheel
Triumph heaven! If you would like more information on the
Galena Rat Raid, or if you would like to know about upcoming
Triumph events you can visit them on the web at www.triumphrat.net .
So, until our next ride remember, "Keep the shiny side up
and Ride On!"
Back to Episode
CRN8014
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