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!”

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