The Greater Atlanta Norton Owners Association was formed in 1980 as a chapter of the United States Norton Owners Association. Our first meeting was held on March 20, at Manual's Tavern on Highland Ave. in Atlanta. Twenty of the Norton Faithful, most of whom had never belonged to a motorcycle club, gathered to attempt to plan motorcycle events, help each other keep our Norton's running, design tee shirts, drink beer, and bring order out of the chaos.

I'll let someone else decide how successful we were in those endeavors, but just point out that we're in our twentieth year. We've hosted two National Rallies, and hosted the Nortona Picnic in Daytona since 1982. Along with the North Florida chapter, we put on the Turn Six Party at the Daytona International Speedway Vintage Days and, with Ian and Lorna Kennedy of Georgia Cycle Depot, we organize two swap meets each year.

We are always well represented at the National rallies, with many of our members riding and driving thousands of miles to attend.

Along the way we've forged many lasting friendships, helped keep a lot of Norton's running, and had a lot of fun.

The Turn Six party and Nortona are the two events the Atlanta chapter are best known for. They both occur during Daytona Bike Week, always held in the first full week of March.

Turn Six started when Maggie offered some of the Atlanta members a sandwich during the Vintage Races. Little did she know she was starting a tradition that would last for years. No good deed should go unpunished.

We always hold the Turn Six Party on Monday at Turn Six of the Speedway, appropriately enough. The Atlanta Chapter supplies refreshments, the North Florida Chapter supplies the food, and Maggie Elmore puts it all together. We don't charge admission for the party, but it is for INOA members ONLY. If your membership has expired or you would like to join, there is always someone to sign you up.

Nortona is a low-key picnic, away from the craziness of Daytona Bike Week. We've been doing this for fifteen plus years and the only way we can continue doing it is to keep a low profile. Once held at a private residence in the Flagler Beach area we now hold Nortona at the Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve, Flagler Beach, FL. this year 2009 March 4th 12:00 Noon

The price is $20 per person for food, drink, and a rally pin. The unique tee shirts are sometimes sold out so shop early.