Introduction:

This isn't the 10 year anniversary of the very first ATL (that was in 1997), nor is this the 10 year anniversary of the first ATL trip that was opened up to the public, which was 2001. This is however the tenth big ATL trip, which coincidentally coincides with the year 2010...hence the new logo and the 10 theme for this year.

In 2001, we had 29 people go on ATL, and 21 of those people had never gone on ATL before. This was truly a breakthrough ATL trip, and it started a wave of riding and friendships that endures today. We have so many memories of that trip. Aside from the "land-hurricane" circling above us, ask anyone on that trip and they're sure to mention Chris L. pouring water out of his boot, Eric's rain-suit disintegrating on him as he rode along route 31, Kurt trying to wheelie the Vulcan in the parking lot across from the Wakefield police station, or any number of other memories that ATLers are alwals willing to share. It seems like yesterday...

In 2010, let's re-energize the ATL trip if we can. Although the current economic climate might make this difficult, we all have friends or acquaintances who ride but who have never done a trip like ATL before. ATL has grown over the years by inviting those who would otherwise find an activity like this to be "crazy" and helping them to see that the fact that is it out of the ordinary is exactly what makes it great. In addition, let's convince those who haven't done ATL in a couple years to saddle up and join us again.

If anyone should have any questions, please post them to the aroundthelakes@yahoogroups.com mailing list, or feel free to email me directly.  I look forward to seeing you on ATL 2009.

Tad

Sprite on the "dirty" ATL2009...

If you find yourself in this situation, just remember one thing. GAS GAS GAS!!!

Photo By Tad Gralewski