BRAG N' Writes

April
2014
photo by Miles McClelland
marathon-bikes.jpg
In This Issue
35th Annual BRAG Ride
Spring Tune-Up Ride
WinterRide 2014
Sawnee - Burnt Mountain Century
Up the Creek Without a Pedal
Challenge of the Centuries
Senoia Century Pedal for Pets
BRAG Gone Social   
Facebook


Visit BRAG on the above social networks to join in on the conversation. If the Facebook link does not work for you, please log onto Facebook and search for "Bicycle Ride Across Georgia."
You Can't BRAG if You Don't Ride.
35th Annual BRAG Ride
June 8 - 14, 2014
Washington to Darien

BRAG 2014 will begin in Washington, GA, with overnight stops in Thomson, Waynesboro (layover day), Metter, Jesup, and end in Darien, GA. Each of the overnight towns is planning special events for the BRAG riders. If you haven't already registered, do so by May 1st. After May 1st, the late fee will begin. Your registration needs to be postmarked by May 1st. You can also fax your registration along with your credit card information to 770-498-4214. Don't delay.  Register here.

If you are already pre-registered and would like to reserve a bus seat, order a jersey or a t-shirt, download the registration form and put your name and the word 'PRE-REGISTERED' on the front page only. Mark what you want to purchase and send to BRAG, P.O. Box 871111, Stone Mtn., GA 30087, along with your check or credit card information. You do not need to send the release form again. Your request will be matched with your original registration.
You will want to arrive early in Washington, GA, on Sunday, June 8, to participate in the BRAG Kickoff Celebration hosted by the town. The events will be held from 2 - 9 pm. Washington-Wilkes is honored and excited to kickoff BRAG 2014. The kickoff party will be for BRAG riders and their families and the Washington-Wilkes community.  

The downtown Washington stores and restaurants will be open on Sunday for shopping and dining. Washington's WLOV radio station will provide music throughout the day. The Washington Historical Museum will be open Sunday, June 8, from 2 - 5 pm. It is a short two block walk from the downtown square. The museum boasts a large collection featuring Civil War relics, Indian artifacts, and a recreation of 19th century home life. It is Washington's oldest museum and features over 200 years of Georgia and Wilkes County History. Be sure to stop by and see the Kettle Creek room with artifacts from Wilkes County's historic Revolutionary War battle with a special exhibit of the Georgia Sacred Soils, on display especially for BRAG. Admission will be $5.00. Monday's BRAG Route will go by the Kettle Creek Battlefield. There will be volunteers from 7 - 10 am to shuttle riders on the dirt road to the Battlefield site.
 
The Robert Toombs House will be open Sunday, June 8, 2 - 5 pm. You will not want to miss The Living History Program which will have Site Interpreters to present the history of the Robert Toombs House and the significance of each owner's contribution to State and National History. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with General Toombs as he greets them in his home. Admission will be $4.50.

To close out the evening in Washington, the Blind Driver Band will perform on the town square beginning at 6 pm.  

The city of Thomson is planning to have the Daniel Johnson Band in downtown on Monday evening at the Thomson Depot on Railroad Street. Happy Hour will be at Hogie Joe's next door.

On Wednesday evening in Waynesboro, BRAG participants will be treated to a downtown street dance and concert with a live band. There will be food and drink vendors, games, and contests. The downtown restaurants and businesses will be open for BRAG folks to shop and dine. It's going to be quite a party!

BRAG is Better in Metter! Metter is popularly known as the Capital of BRAG. We are excited to offer the 2014 BRAG attendees a night of fantastic food, adult beverages, and by popular demand, live music by the pond! BRAG riders will enjoy relaxing at the Pondhouse and dancing under the stars to the classic tunes of Sam's Drive-In Band. Of course the day will start with delicious offerings from the Bevrick's Snack Shack, Papa Buck's BBQ and the Metter High School Booster Club. Once you come to Metter, you'll also know why Everything's Better in Metter...especially BRAG!
Spring Tune-Up Ride 2014
Thanks to everyone who came and rode with us during the Spring Tune-Up Ride in Madison, GA. We had over 800 riders join us during the weekend. Mark your calendars now to ride with us again in 2015. The dates are April 17-19, 2015. You don't have an excuse not to ride because this is after Easter, the Masters, and taxes!

If you would like to view your 2014 Spring Tune-Up photos, please visit www.biketourphoto.com.
WinterRide 2014

BRAG's sixth annual WinterRide will start in beautiful St. Marys, Georgia. The dates are Tuesday, February 17, 2015, through Sunday, February 22, 2015. The average high temperature that week in St. Marys is 65ºF. St. Marys is 350 miles from Atlanta and takes about 6 hours to drive. Mark your calendar now to attend and take a breather from the cold weather.
Sawnee - Burnt Mountain Century Challenge

The 9th Annual Sawnee - Burnt Mountain Century Challenge will be held Saturday, May 3, 2014 in Cumming, GA. The Cumming Kiwanis Club invites all cyclists to this exciting charity event benefiting the club's Sponsored Youth Programs. This ride has 25, 46, 75 & 100 mile options. The 75 & 100 mile options climb Sawnee & Burnt Mountains and are designed for experienced cyclists only. This is a great BRAG training ride. Online registration through www.active.com. Registration form and additional information at www.cummingkiwanis.org.
Up the Creek Without a Pedal

The Coosa Valley Cycling Association is the proud sponsor of Up the Creek Without A Pedal Ride, May 10, 2014, in Rome, GA. This ride has the reputation of one of the best rides in Georgia. Year after year, cyclists from around the southeast comment on the beautiful scenery, helpful staff and great support.

The ride offers 28, 50, 68, 101 & 105 mile route options, all on scenic rural roads with very little traffic. All routes, except the 28 mile, will take riders through the "Pocket area" on one of the "best cycling roads in Georgia."

If you would like to register, visit http://www.cvca.org/up-the-creek-without-a-pedal/. Up the Creek Without a Pedal is an official BRAG training ride. CVCA is a "Proud BRAG Partner."

Challenge of the Centuries

This 24th annual ride is presented by the Kiwanis Club of Hartwell and will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 - 25, 2014. We offer two days of well-marked routes through beautiful countryside with very little traffic with three different routes to choose from each day. There's camping indoors or out at the Bell YMCA just outside of downtown Hartwell. Enjoy nearby restaurants and hotels, and head downtown on Saturday for the Cars & Guitars street festival. Your entry fee will benefit local charitable organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and Hart Partners.

Mix and match your routes to tailor a 2-day training weekend right before the 2014 Bicycle Ride Across Georgia - this is an Official BRAG Training Ride. Or come for just one day and challenge yourself: Is it time for your first century ride? Is a 35 mile ride going to be your longest bike ride ever? Either way, we're prepared to make this a fun weekend for your personal cycling challenge.

Register early to save $5 and receive a free t-shirt. Join us on Facebook to share your photos from the ride. Start off your summer this Memorial Day Weekend with a memorable and challenging fun bike ride or two!

The Senoia Century Pedal for Pets

Join the riders and volunteers of SouthSide Cycling Club for a relaxing bicycle ride through beautiful central Georgia on Saturday, July 12, 2014! Various mileage options are available and the ride is fully sagged. For more information and registration, visit http://www.southsidecycling.com/p4p/signup.php.