Five locals take on the TransAmerica Trail

On Thursday, Sep. 29, early in the morning, five local motorbike enthusiasts took off on the TransAmerica Trail.

Branan Southerland, Sam Pierce, Patrick Smith, Jonathan Harrell and Roger Harris attacked their chosen leg of the bucket list trip over a five-day period.

Branan Southerland, Sam Pierce, Patrick Smith, Jonathan Harrell and Roger Harris.

The TransAmerica Trail is a scenic and unique path through America and was created by Sam Correro.

According to his website, in 1984 Correro’s adventurous spirit, “… set out with a goal to chart an epic off-pavement cross-country trail. After surveying and covering thousands of miles of ground, studying reams of maps, and detailing his travels every step of the way, Sam created what would later become the official TransAmerica Trail. The trail allowed Sam to pursue his passion for motorcycles, meeting new people, off-road exploration, and so much more. When Sam realized others were interested in sharing his passion, he made his unique trail available and countless adventure lovers have made the journey ever since. To this day, you can still find Sam out on his bike.”

They started off in Tybee Island, Georgia, just south of Hilton Head, and rode west. Southerland said, “10 or so years ago …(we)… talked about doing the continental divide ride. This morning we started the Transamerica Trail Instead. Day 1 in the books – about 330 miles from Tybee Island to Levonia, GA trying to outrun Ian.”

The next day they left from Lavonia and rode into South Carolina and then up to North Carolina and then back down to Dahlonega, Georgia. The scenic route.

It began on the East Coast at Tybee Island.

And that’s the whole idea; to see new places, eat at new places, and hang out with your friends while enjoying our beautiful country.

From there the group traveled some “…amazing back country roads” and stopped for the night in Tennessee. Day four crossed Tennessee to Savannah, Tennessee taking in some streams and overachieving the distance goals for the day. Two of the riders forged ahead and came back from the ride that day. The other 3 stayed the course for one more day.

On the last leg of the trip, the crew happened upon course creator, Sam Correro. He was just south of the Tennessee/Mississippi border and waved the riders down.

The riders with course founder, Sam Correro.

Southerland concluded, “Almost 1400 miles mostly on the Trans American Trail from Savannah, GA starting in a hurricane on 9/28 and back to the house on 10/4. A lot of great trails and backroads, good food, and great memories! Can’t wait to do the next leg of the TAT and whatever other adventures we find along the way!”