DUBLIN, Ga. — The south's biggest tandem rally chose Laurens County as one of their destinations this year. Georgia Tandem Rally brought about 140 bikers to town on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Some people might spend their Memorial Day weekend relaxing. But not tandem biker Mark Gellman.
"It's something you can do together with your significant other. It's healthy. Exercise is medicine. I am a doctor of behavioral medicine so I truly believe this is what keeps us young and keeps us going," Gellman said.
He joined his partner and other bikers exploring all over the county- from Chester, Rentz, Dexter, and Dublin.
"Everyone has been very friendly. 'Where are you riding today? You know, be safe'. So everyone's been very nice. So it's been an enjoyable stay here," Gellman said.
He thinks the best way to travel through a new town isn't on four wheels.
"Out of car experiences. Smelling things, seeing things, versus being stuck in an air-conditioned car," Gellman said.
Bikers were greeted with a welcome party at Saltwater Fishery, Rosie’s Ice Cream and Market on Madison. To cool down from the exercise, bikers visited the county's newest watering hole- Crooked Finger Brewing.
"It was good, we were pretty well packed out," Crooked Finger Brewing partner Michael Bramblett said.
They opened their doors about two weeks ago, and have seven beers on tap, along with a food truck, outdoor patio, and family-friendly games.
"This is a you know, community building. You know, a kind of project where you know people of all walks of life, you know, all ages can come and enjoy themselves in a safe, fun environment," Bramblett said.
He said it took a while to bring their vision to life since the building was abandoned for decades. It was set to be demolished because of how run-down it became.
"We've done an incredible amount of work, ground up. We stripped the building. We took, we took everything out you know, and had to do a ton of structural work," Bramblett said.
Crooked Finger Brewing is open Wednesday through Sunday. For a list of hours, visit their Facebook page.
The last time Laurens County was chosen for the Georgia Tandem Rally was in 2012. The Dublin Visitor Center estimates between hotels, food, and other spending, bikers spent about $50,000 in Laurens County during Memorial Day weekend.