_ The Ticket to Ride 2020:

Join us for our 9th incredible trip up and down the future route for the Firefly Rail Trail on Saturday, March 28, 2020. This year we are again featuring 3 starting locations with registration beginning at 8 AM. All proceeds benefit the work of Firefly Trail Inc. to promote the completion of the 39-mile multipurpose trail from Union Point to Athens.

 Choose to start from: 

• Dudley Park, 100 Dudley Park Rd in Athens
• Winterville Depot, corner of S Main & Parkview, Winterville
• Union Theatre, 101 Fluker St, Union Point

The full out-and-back course from Athens or Union Point is 83 miles, with on-route support and fully-stocked SAG stops (including restrooms) every 9-13 miles in Athens, Winterville, Crawford, Maxeys, and Union Point. This on-road ride features the lowest-traffic paved roads we could find close to the historic corridor of the Georgia Railroad Athens Branch. Riders who enjoy flatter terrain will especially enjoy the route from Union Point to Maxeys or from Winterville to Crawford. Options as short as 16 miles are available, making this a perfect ride for cyclists of all interests and abilities, and a great warm-up for events like BRAG Spring Tune-Up.

Details:

• Pre-registration is $40 through March 27*
• Students pay $30
• Day-of registration is $45
• Teams of 5 to 12 members are welcome to register for $35 each before the day of the ride. 

* online registration closes at midnight, March 26, but you can register in-person at Georgia Cycle Sport, 1029 Baxter St., Athens, through Friday, March 27. Final pre-registration and rider bag pick-up will be March 27 from 3-6 at Georgia Cycle Sport.

All participants will receive a special edition Firefly t-shirt (guaranteed to those who register before March 15; while supplies last thereafter), ride support, a great swag bag from our sponsors, and one free pour of beer at festivals in Athens or Union Point (Choose either Athens or Union Point for your free pour. Must be 21 or over with ID and rider wristband to receive free pour. Additional beer available for sale.).

Celebrate the ride with us at this year’s festivals. All riders and your friends and family members are invited. We WANT you to come and have fun!

• Athens: The 2nd Annual Firefly Funfest, presented by Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty, takes place at Dudley Park from 10 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy giant inflatables for adults and kids, live music, live remote from Bulldog 93.3 FM, interactive health experiences, food trucks and a beer garden serving brews from Southern Brewing Co. The centerpiece of the festival is the inaugural Classic City Duck Race. We will be racing rubber ducks down the North Oconee River through Dudley Park with a $1,000 grand prize for the winner! Ducks are only $5 each and all proceeds go directly to support the Firefly Trail and North Oconee River Greenway system. Sponsor as many ducks as you would like at https://rafflecreator.com/pages/34736/ticket-to-ride-the-inaugural-classic-city-duck-race. Special thanks to the river-loving volunteers who will ensure all ducks make it out of the Oconee safe and sound to repeat their journey next year!
• Union Point: The Union Point Firefly Festival will feature live music, storytelling, food, and beer from Oconee Brewing Co., poured by 44 Growler. There will also be raffles for adult and kids bikes in addition to a Kids Bike event.

Everyone who registers before March 22 and decides not to ride will still receive a Firefly t-shirt (while supplies last) and a rider goodie bag. From Monday, March 30, until Friday, April 3, bags will be available at Georgia Cycle Sport, 1029 Baxter St., Athens.

Volunteers make this event possible, and all volunteers receive a complimentary Firefly t-shirt as a token of appreciation for their time and assistance! Ask your friends and family to assist with the event while you're riding. Many time slots and locations are available. Sign up at https://signup.com/go/FcNyLCJ.

Event details and schedule

Ride Start Info, Important notes & Ride with GPS Route Links:

Athens

• 9 AM: Long distance mass start for riders heading to Maxeys, Union Point, or points between (58-83 miles round trip). Police escort to Spring Valley Road, but riders who fall back from the lead should be prepared to stop at red lights.
• 9:30 AM: Start time for riders going to Winterville, Crawford, or part-way to Maxeys (50 miles or less). Police may still be present at some intersections in Athens, but will not be escorting this group.

Winterville – 9 AM. No mass start planned; depart when ready after registering.

Union Point – 9 AM. Mass start for all riders who wish to participate.

Important notes

• All participants must wear a helmet and sign a waiver. A parent or guardian is required to sign for any minor under the age of 18.
• Be aware that this is an on-road ride and that you will be sharing the road with motor vehicle traffic. If you or a member of your family is not comfortable riding on the road, we recommend you choose the unsupported, off-road Greenway option in Athens.
• SAG drivers will patrol the course from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Cue sheets will include a number to call for assistance. Be aware that south of Crawford, cell service is spotty.
• SAG vehicles are for exhausted riders and riders with mechanical problems. If you wish to do a one-way ride, please make arrangements in advance with family or friends.
• SAG stops will close at 4 PM or after the last rider comes through, whichever comes first.
• The course will close and on-road support will end at 4:30 p.m. We cannot guarantee SAG support after this time.
• On the road, ride safely and defensively, but please be courteous to drivers trying to pass.
• If in a group, use good group etiquette, including pointing out hazards to other riders.
• We recommend not calling “Clear” to other riders at intersections as conditions can change quickly.
• We’re counting on you to obey the law. It’s your responsibility. It also helps us demonstrate to people who are skeptical about the trail that bicyclists are an asset to the communities the trail will serve.

2020 Ride with GPS Routes:

Athens-Winterville

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31665000

15.4 miles. 707 feet climbing

Athens-Crawford

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31665071

38.2 miles. 1,523 feet climbing

Athens-Maxeys

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31665150

57.6 miles. 2,146 feet climbing

Athens-Union Point

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31719859

83.1 miles. 2,790 feet climbing

Winterville-Crawford

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31742295

22.8 miles. 847 feet climbing

Union Point to Athens

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31755109

83.1 miles. 2,790 feet climbing

North Oconee River Greenway + Firefly Trail

Fully off-road (no SAG support but an option for those who don’t want to ride the roads)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31737668

11.5 miles. 483 feet climbing