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March 2010
IN THIS ISSUE
Georgia Rides to the Capitol
BRAG 2010
Spring Tune-Up
BRAG 2010
Spring Tune-Up
BRAG Centurion
BRAG Goes to Italy
Team GSU
Safe Passing Legislation
Wheels O'Fire
April Fools Ride
Pedal Llama
Justice 4 Children
Pine Tree Breeze
First Saturday Cycle Tour
Connect With BRAG
QUICK LINKS
MERCHANDISE
Join Our Mailing List
BRAG 'N Writes
Ride It. Love It. BRAG About It.

Georgia Rides to the Capitol

BRAG will be leading a group of riders from the Liberty Bell in downtown Stone Mountain to Decatur for the Georgia Rides to the Capitol, on Tuesday, March 23, 2010.  Meet in the parking lot at the Liberty Bell at 9:00am.  We will follow the PATH to Decatur to meet up with the group for the ride downtown.  Email info@brag.org and let us know if you will be joining us. For more information about Georgia Rides to the Capitol, log on:
http://www.georgiaridestothecapitol.org/


GA Capitol



Bicycle Social

BRAG riders and their guests have been invited to join with the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign at a social gathering Wednesday, April 7, 2010, from 5 pm till 9 pm.  The place is Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, 848 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, 30308.  This is a great chance to meet friends, old and new, off the bicycle, and talk about all the rides you are planning this Spring and Summer.  What a great way to celebrate cycling in the Springtime!  Southern Bicycle League members and guests are also invited.  ABC will have a short program to discuss the Atlanta Streets Alive Ride (http://www.atlantabike.org/atlantastreetsalive), scheduled for Sunday May 23, from 1 pm to 5 pm. 

BREAKING NEWS- SUMMERRIDE 2010

We just got approval from Dalton State College to have the BRAG SummerRide there, July 23 - 25, 2010.  New this year:  a century ride going through The Pocket, the most beautiful cycling road in Georgia.  Also air-conditioned indoor camping and the indoor swimming pool for after your ride.  More details later, but mark your calendar now.

Spring Tune-Up Ride 2010

James Madison Inn
The 17th Annual BRAG Spring Tune-Up Ride will again be in Madison, GA, April 16 - 18, 2010, at Heritage Park.  The James Madison Inn in Madison has joined BRAG as a sponsor of the Spring Tune-Up Ride and will award one lucky rider with a free night's stay at the Inn.  A registration will be chosen at random from all the Spring Tune-Up registrations received by March 31, 2010.  This free night's lodging may be used during Spring Tune-Up, subject to hotel availability.  Register now for the Spring Tune-Up Ride at www.brag.org and get your name in the drawing.  Register by March 31 to avoid a price increase.  If you cannot attend the Spring Tune-Up Ride and would like to get in on the drawing, please send a 3 x 5 inch card with your name, address, phone number, and email address to BRAG, PO BOX 871111, Stone Mountain, GA 30087, so as to reach us before March 31, 2010.  Write on the top of the card the words, "STU DRAWING."  For more information on The James Madison Inn, please visit http://www.jamesmadisoninn.com/  This room is a $234 value. 
 
The James Madison Inn is offering a 20% discount to BRAG riders who stay with them during the Spring Tune-Up Ride.  Be sure to mention you are a BRAG rider when making reservations.
Also the James Madison Inn has a full service Aveda Concept day spa which riders can enjoy after a long day on the bicycle.
 
There will be a party downtown at the Conference Center Friday evening with a DJ and free Terrapin beer.
Terrapin Beer Co
Madison will host a classic car "Cruise In" Friday night on the courthouse square.  Check out the "Welcome to Madison" video to see what Madison has planned for the riders at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBLYsqhsplo
 
Also in Madison, the new Madison Aquatics Center is now open near BRAG HQ.  The Chamber of Commerce has arranged for all Spring Tune-Up registered riders to use the pool for free during the ride.  Your wrist band will be your admission. 
 
Mama Ralphael will be at HQ for an optional breakfast, lunch, and dinner all weekend.  Mama will also host the ice cream social Saturday afternoon.  Café Campesino will kick start your mornings with an optional cup of BRAG Brew coffee, and iced mochas in the afternoon.
 
The MicroCar Museum in Madison will open just for BRAG riders Saturday afternoon until 4 pm. 
 
Tri Your Best
Tri Your Best, a bicycle store located in Stone Mountain, will be providing technical support for the weekend.
 
Friday's ride is the Rock Eagle Ride, with options of 69, 63, 39, 21, and 15 miles. 
 
Saturday features the Eagle Tavern Century Ride, with a free bandanna to the first 100 finishers.  You may also ride the Blue Willow Ride with mileage options of 69, 57, 45, 32, and 10 miles.
 
Sunday's ride is the Oreo Cow Ride, featuring options of 72, 56, 35, and 11 miles, and free beer and Oreos at an unofficial rest stop.
Oreo Rest Stop

 
Each day will feature homemade pimento cheese sandwiches at one rest stop.   


BRAG 2010

BRAG 2010 will be held June 5-12, 2010.  We will begin and end in Fayetteville, with overnight stops in Griffin, Thomaston, Columbus, (layover day), LaGrange and Newnan.  This may be the year for you to ride BRAG because the travel logistics are simple.  Park your car for the week in Fayetteville and it will be waiting for you when you finish the ride.  You don't have to take a bus to get back to your car unless you are riding BRAG Lite.     
 
Sat.     June 5       Our Lady of Mercy Catholic H/S, Fayetteville
Sun.    June 6       Spalding High School, Griffin
Mon.   June 7        Thomaston-Upson Civic Center, Thomaston
Tues.   June 8       Columbus State University/The Corn Center for  the Visual Arts, Columbus
Wed.    June 9       Layover day in Columbus
Thurs.  June 10     West Side Magnet Middle School, LaGrange
Fri.       June 11     Newnan High School, Newnan
Sat.      June 12     Our Lady of Mercy Catholic H/S, Fayetteville
 
All the towns are planning for our arrival and will be rolling out the red carpet to make all the riders feel welcome.   
 
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School is very excited to be the host for the beginning and ending of BRAG 2010.  Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUjz3_P9cbl for the principal's welcome to their school.
 
Griffin is planning a Wild West Fest for the BRAG riders on Sunday, June 6, in downtown Griffin.  Shuttle buses will be available.  They will have a shoot-out, Wild West photo opportunities, cowboy grub and music by The Ron Kimble Band and The Buckeye Band!  Griffin's own Jeff Stanley, a gold record artist, will add his fabulous fiddle playing and The Buckeye Band will have Chris Hicks, most recently with the Marshall Tucker Band, sit in with them.  You never know who may show up...it's gonna be a PARTY!  Stay tuned for more details!
 
BRAG Centurion Hat
Here is the BRAG 2010 bumper sticker.  If you want a couple, send us a self-addressed, stamped envelope.  We'll send you 2 of them by return mail.  Need more?  Just ask.
 
The BRAG 2010 jersey is available on the registration form.  You will pick up the jersey on-site in Fayetteville at the beginning of the ride.  Female jerseys are also available in the same design, but sleeveless.  Order one now to make sure we have your size. 
BRAG Centurion Hat

 
The registration form is available on the web site.  You may download a registration form and mail it in or register through Active.com  Detailed ride information will be available on the web site shortly.

BRAG 2010 Early Bird Registrants

If you would like to add an item (bus, jersey, t-shirts, etc.) to your current BRAG 2010 registration, please download a registration form from the website (www.brag.org). Simply write your name, address, and the word "PRE-REGISTERED" on the form.  Check the items you would like to add, enclose a check, and mail to BRAG, P.O. Box 871111, Stone Mountain, GA 30087.
Again in 2010- The BRAG Centurion Club

BRAG Centurion Hat
In 2010, BRAG will offer 4 fully-supported Century Rides.  We will be adding a 4th fully-supported Century Ride during the SummerRide in August.  Each ride features an all-cotton bandanna to the finishers.  For 2010, we will again give away the BRAG Centurion Club Hat to those riders who complete three  of the four BRAG century rides in 2010.  You will wear your BRAG Centurion Club Hat with pride all next year.  Plan to ride your first BRAG century by riding the Spring Tune-Up Century Ride in Madison, Saturday, April 17, 2010.


Team GSU

Georgia State University is returning to BRAG for 2010.  If you are a GSU student, faculty or staff, or alumnus, you are eligible to join Team GSU on BRAG.  Team GSU will have a van and trailer to assist you and carry your gear each day.  You will receive transportation, daily gear hauling, team camping and social, and a Team GSU t-shirt.  GSU alumni and friends are welcomed to visit Team GSU on BRAG and join in the social.  For more information, cost, availability, etc., contact Carson Tortorige at GSU Touch the Earth program, ctort@gsu.edu, 404-413-1773.
3 Foot Safe Passing Legislation

Georgia is now one of 7 additional states with a proposed 3 foot passing law.  HB 988 was introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives by Wendell Willard of Roswell, and we need you to contact your State Representative to make sure it becomes law!  Follow this link to find your State Representative and write a letter encouraging him/her to vote for the bill. http://www.congress.org/congressorg/state/main/?state=GA&view=myofficials#0
Wheels O'Fire Bicycle Ride

Tour beautiful Harris County by bicycle during the Wheels O'Fire Bicycle Ride, Saturday, March 27, 2010.  Various mileage options include a century ride.  Registration includes Saturday breakfast and spaghetti lunch, t-shirt, twelve well-stocked rest stops hosted by volunteer firefighters and civic club volunteers.  SAG support.  Visit www.cycletour@harriscountychamber.org or call 706-628-0010.
April Fools Ride

The 4th annual April Fools Bicycle Ride in Milledgeville, GA, will be held April 10, 2010.  There are various mileage options of 8, 35, 48, 64, and 103 miles.  Rides are fully supported.  The routes will take in the Spring beauty of downtown Milledgeville and many of our favorite rural roads.  For more information please visit www.mvillebikes.com/aprilfools/index.html or email Benny Watson at aprilfools@mvillebikes.com

Pedal Llama 3 Spring Ride

Cycling Logistics will be hosting the Pedal Llama 3 Spring Ride April 18 - 25, 2010.  On Sunday, April 18, registration  will begin at 4 pm.  This is a week of leisurely riding through Middle Georgia.  Lodging for the week will be Camp John Hope, eight miles from Perry, Georgia.  For more information, visit www.cyclinglogistics.com and browse to the Pedal Llama page.  Plan to join us after you finish riding the BRAG Spring Tune-Up Ride in Madison, GA. 
Justice 4 Children Foundation

The Ju
Kids Foundationstice 4 Children Foundation will hold its annual FREE safety helmet give away starting at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 24, 2010, in Savannah.  The foundation since its founding 10 years ago has given away 1000s of helmets to local children.  To learn more about the foundation and the April Fling, please visit www.justice4children.org and www.aprilfling.com


Pine Tree Breeze Bicycle Ride

Come join the fun on Saturday, April 24, 2010, and ride the Pine Tree Breeze Ride in Swainsboro, Ga.  The ride is sponsored by the East Georgia College Circle K Club and benefits the Herrington Homestead for Girls and Boys.  There will be various mileage options including a century ride.  Registration begins at 7:30am, rain or shine.  For more information, visit www.ega.edu/clubs/circlek or www.pinetreefestival.org or email Carolyn Thomas as cthomas@ega.edu.
First Saturday Cycle Tour

The First Saturday Cycle Tour will be held Saturday, May 1, 2010, in Warrenton, GA.  Proceeds from the event go to Hometown Warrenton, Inc., a non-profit that supports the local Mentoring Program, the Early-Read Program, and family events downtown.  Various mileage options of 12, 26, 50 or 100 miles. 

Rest stops available along the route.  For more information, visit events@warrencountyga.com, email wcchamberevents@bellsouth.net or call Cindy Rivers at 706-465-9604.

Connect With BRAG

BRAG riders now have two new ways to keep up with all the BRAG activities.  Yes.  That's right!  BRAG has a Facebook page and a BRAG Blog. Get in on the action now.  Join other cycling enthusiasts and veteran BRAG riders as they discuss the upcoming BRAG events.  See what you have been missing by not riding BRAG. 

Blog
Check out the new BRAG Blog!


Facebook
Click here to go to THE BRAG Page on Facebook.
Questions? Please contact us at news@brag.org or 770-498-5153