More than a Ride

By Courtney Thompson

*This article is from the May 2019 edition of Georgia Magazine.

The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with the Big BRAG ride. The Big BRAG will start in Ellijay on June 1 and make its way through Gainesville, Covington, Milledgeville, Swainsboro and Hinesville before ending in Darien on June 8.

Riders can bike for as long as they want ⁠— for one day or the entire week. Cyclists who bike the entire ride log approximately 55 miles each day, with rest stops every 12 to 18 miles. Participants range from beginners to avid cyclists, and riders can bike at their own pace; the event is not a race.

“It’s a matter of the community and the riders that make it so special. There are a lot of great people and families who participate in this event,” says Franklin Johnson, executive director of BRAG.

Although the bicycle ride is the main attraction, the weeklong event also will feature fun activities such as bike trivia, massages, yoga and live entertainment.

“You get to stop at small, unique towns that are rich in Georgia history. Frequent stops make it enjoyable for both young and older riders,” Johnson says.

About 1,200 riders are expected to participate in this year’s Big BRAG.

For more information about the Big BRAG 2019, visit brag.org or call (404) 382-7747.