BREAKING NEWS:
Motels have been added in Douglas and Shuttles to Motels in Baxley, Alma and Douglas for Thursday in Hazlehurst. A motel and shuttle in Ludowici has also been added for Friday in Jesup.
EARLY BIRD OR VIP REGISTRANTS
If you would like to add an item (buses, jersey, t-shirts, etc.) to your current BRAG 2008 registration, please download a registration form from the website. 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.
BRAG 2008
WHEN: June 7-14, 2008
CONFIRMED ROUTE: Oxford to St. Simons
BRAG Registration Form: Click here
BRAG Online Registration: Click here to register online through Active.com
2008 Registration List (Updated 5/9/08 ): Click here
Motel List: Click here
BUS Update (as of 5/9/08): Click here
BRAG 2007 Photos by Miles McClelland: Click here...
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Make this year’s vacation a true adventure...
Celebrate 29 Years of Discovering Georgia by Bicycle
The BICYCLE RIDE ACROSS GEORGIA is an annual odyssey of
discovery of gorgeous Georgia by bicycle. BRAG is a family-
oriented tour. It is not a race. It is recreational, social,
and, in many ways, educational. While a strenuous journey, BRAG
has been completed by all types of people – college students and
first graders, judges and soldiers, teachers and grandparents.
It’s like a fun summer camp for the whole family.
On BRAG 2008 you will see Georgia in a way few others see
it...at the quiet, slower pace of a bicycle ride. You’ll
discover things about Georgia, and about yourself, that you
never even imagined. You will meet people from all over the
world. Many riders come back year after year to make BRAG a
favorite part of their vacation.
Riders travel at their own pace along a set route. At the end
of each day’s ride, we tent camp at a local high school or
college. Limited indoor camping will be available at all
overnight sites, usually in the gym. Some riders will choose to
stay at local motels. During the afternoon and evening, there
will be activities and entertainment. The towns we’ll be
visiting are going all out to make sure we have a great time.
BRAG 2008 will take us over the lightly traveled back roads of
Georgia, through small towns and rural countryside. As much as
possible, the route will follow scenic roads with minimal auto
traffic. In places where we have no alternative, we must travel
on high traffic roads, usually for short distances. Roads are
not closed to automobiles. Riders travel at their own risk.
During June, a typical weather forecast calls for temperatures
in the 90s during the day, dropping to the 70s at night.
Sometimes afternoon thundershowers pop up, so be prepared for
rain.
BRAG 2008 is conducted by the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia, Inc.,
a not-for-profit corporation, in cooperation with volunteer
cyclists throughout Georgia and the nation. |
Quick Links
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BRAG 2008: DAY BY DAY
SOME EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AS WE CONTINUE TO PREPARE THE BEST POSSIBLE BRAG RIDE.
WE ARE TRYING TO ARRANGE SHUTTLE BUSES IN ALL OVERNIGHT TOWNS.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND UPDATES WILL BE IN THE MAY CONFIRMATION LETTER, AND, AS THEY OCCUR, ON THE BRAG WEB SITE - www.brag.org |
DATE |
Town |
Overnight Site |
Saturday, June 7 |
Oxford |
Oxford College |
Sunday, June 8 |
Griffin |
Spalding High School |
Monday, June 9 |
Macon |
First Presbyterian Day School |
Tuesday, June 10 |
Dublin |
Dublin High School |
Wednesday, June 11 |
Dublin |
Dublin High School |
Thursday, June 12 |
Hazlehurst |
Jeff Davis County High School |
Friday, June 13 |
Jesup |
Wayne County High School |
Saturday, June 14 |
St. Simons Island |
Gascoigne Bluf |
THE 2008 RIDE
The BRAG 2008 route goes West to East through Central and South Georgia from Oxford to St. Simons Island and the coast. The first 2 - 3 days of BRAG 2008 will be rolling hills and then will flatten out as you head toward the coast. The daily distance will average 62 miles. The total distance will be 433 miles. BRAG 2008 is a strenuous ride. There will be an optional Century Ride (100 miles) on Wednesday, with a free BRAG 2008 Century Ride Bandanna to the first 200 finishers. There will be an optional Purist Ride on Saturday, June 7 in Oxford. There will be optional
Hammerhead Options most days of the tour.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7 (& FRIDAY, JUNE 6)- Oxford
kimcarter@cityofcovington.org
www.cityofcovington.org
REGISTRATION AND CAMPING in Oxford, Georgia at Oxford College of
Emory University. You may sleep indoors in the air-conditioned
gym. Dorm rooms are available. Email Joan Baille at JGBaill@emory.edu for dorm room reservations and cost.
Optional
buses from St. Simons Island to Oxford on Saturday. Unguarded parking for the week at the college. Dorm rooms are available for rental Friday night. No indoor gym camping or tent camping permitted Friday night. On-site registration will be Saturday from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 pm. (Late arrivals can register Sunday morning at BRAG HQ from 6:30am – 7:30am.) Optional Purist Ride. For a self-guided walking or driving tour of Oxford, GA, visit http://www.cityofoxfordga.com/brochure.html for more information.
There will be an Introduction to BRAG (First-Timers) Meeting at 5pm, and a Children's Safety Meeting at 5:30 pm. BRAG has stayed overnight in Oxford in 1987, 1993, 1996, and 1998. Oxford College
is located at 100 Hamill St., Oxford, GA 30054.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8 - 55 miles - Griffin
Today's Noah’s Ark Ride is 55 miles to Griffin, the Pimento Center of the World. Along the way we will visit Covington, Salem Camp Ground, the Monastery, Locust Grove, and Noah’s Ark. Our overnight site is Spalding High School, the Home of the Jaguars. Special Olympics Rest Stops are every 10 - 15 miles all week. Hammerhead Option for additional mileage. In camp, the annual Special Olympics Ice Cream Social, movies. Shuttle vans to downtown, restaurants, and motels. Non-denominational worship service. Griffin has hosted BRAG in 1986 and 1998. This is BRAG’s first visit to Spalding High School. Spalding High School is located at 433 Wilson Rd., Griffin, GA 30224.
MONDAY, JUNE 9 - 66 miles - Macon
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The Buggy Works Ride goes to Macon, the city called the Heart of Georgia. Along the way we will visit Orchard Hill, Johnstonville,
Barnesville Buggy Works, Yatesville, and Lake Tobesofkee. Our host for the evening will be First Presbyterian Day School, the Home of the Vikings. Hammerhead Option. Movies. Karaoke. A/C gym. BRAG stayed overnight in Macon in 1986 and 1987. This is BRAG’s first visit to First Presbyterian Day School. First Presbyterian Day School is located at 5671 Calvin Dr., Macon, GA 31210.
www.maconga.org
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TUESDAY, JUNE 10 - 75 miles - Dublin
Today’s Indian Mounds Ride will travel to Dublin, one of BRAG’s favorite stops. Dublin is Georgia’s Emerald City. Along the way, we will visit the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, Ocmulgee National Monument, Twiggs County (Georgia’s Geographical Center), Jeffersonville, and Cookstown. Hammerhead Option. Our host for the next two nights will be Dublin High School, the Home of the Fighting Irish. We have stayed in Dublin in 1980, 1986, 1991, 1999, 2001, and 2005. Entertainment, movies and laundry nearby. Indescribable Moonbase Planetarium. Shuttle buses. A/C gym. Dublin High School is located at 1951 Hillcrest Pkwy., Dublin, GA 31040.
www.dublin-georgia.com |
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 – 60 (or 100, 30, or 0 miles) - Dublin
Wednesday is our layover day in Dublin. You can ride 60 miles, 30
miles or the Fighting Irish Century Ride, or take the day off, relax and take in a movie, or do laundry nearby. The Century Ride, and shorter options, are still being developed. Century Ride Bandannas to the first 200 finishers. Non-denominational worship service on campus. Entertainment, movies. Shuttle buses. A/C gym.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 – 64 miles - Hazlehurst
http://www.hazlehurst-jeffdavis.com/
The Oconee Altamaha Ride will take us to Hazlehurst, the Jewel of the Altamaha, and Hazlehurst’s Jeff Davis High School, the Home of the Yellow Jackets. Along the way, visit East Dublin, Mt. Vernon, and cross the Oconee and Altamaha Rivers. Hammerhead Option. Annual BRAG Talent Show. Classic Comics Film Festival. Movies. BRAG visited Jeff Davis County in 2000. This is BRAG’s first overnight stay in Hazlehurst. Shuttles to and from Hazlehurst and Baxley hotels. Jeff Davis County High School is located at 156 Collins St., Hazlehurst, GA 31539.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 – 58 miles - Jesup
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Today’s Yellow Jacket Ride will take us to Jesup and Wayne County High School, the Home of the Yellow Jackets. Along the way, visit the Altamaha, Ten Mile, and Crossroads communities. Hammerhead Option. BRAG has stayed in Jesup in 1983, 1988, 1994, 2001, and 2005. Movies. Entertainment and music. Shuttle buses. Wayne County High School is located at 1 Jacket Dr., Jesup, GA 31545.
(For mapquest purposes: 655 Durrence Rd.)
haha@waynechamber.com
www.waynechamber.com |
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 - 55 miles - St. Simons Island
The End of the Road Ride is 55 miles to the fabulous End of the Road Party at Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island. Along the way, we will ride through Gardi, Mt. Pleasant, Everett and Brunswick. It’s flat now. The bridge over the Mackay River is the Hill de Jour. The E-O-R Lunch is included in your weekly registration fee, optional for others. "Gold" Medals to children 15 and under. Shower truck available until 3:00 p.m. Unguarded free parking for the week. We will have optional buses back to Oxford and Dublin (for BRAG Lite riders) on Saturday afternoon. BRAG has ended at St. Simons Island in 1994 and 2001. No camping arrangements have been made on St. Simons Island. If you are planning to stay for the weekend, you may enjoy a tour of the salt marsh. Visit http://www.gacoast.com/marshtours for more information.
visitorsbureau@bgicvb.com
Www.ComeCoastAwhile.com |
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29th ANNUAL CELEBRATION - WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FEE?
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Maps and Route Descriptions
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Camping facilities for up to eight nights (weekly fee)
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Fabulous Special Olympics Georgia Rest Stops
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Hot shower each night (at shower trailer)
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Shuttle buses to most host town restaurants and motels.
(There may be a small fee.)
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Daily baggage transportation to camp
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Fully Supported Century Ride
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FREE Century Bandannas to first 200 Century Ride finishers
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Porta-potties at all rest stops
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Afternoon and evening movies
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Children’s activities and movies, football, frisbee
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Fabulous End-Of-The-Road Party
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End-Of-The-Road Meal at St. Simons Island (free to weekly riders)
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“Gold” Medals to children 15 and under
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Discounts for Starving College Students, Seniors, Children, Non-Riders - See registration form
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BRAG’N WRITES (an email update newsletter for future events)
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Great Pride in Accomplishment (BRAG’N RIGHTS!)
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Souvenir T-shirts, Tanks, Jerseys, Hats are optional
Register early, at least by May 1. Why?
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You save the $30 late fee.
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You get a bus before they fill up.
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You get the Confirmation Letter in time to prepare for the ride
and order meals.
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You get psyched up about the ride.
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And you help us plan.
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LUNCH AND REST STOPS
BRAG is proud to again welcome Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)
as our recipient charity for 2008. Special Olympics Georgia
will coordinate BRAG’s official free rest stops along the route.
SOGA / BRAG Official Rest Stops will be every ten to fifteen
miles along the route and are free to all registered riders. If
a rider just picks up some cookies, a peach or banana, and a
PowerAde drink at each of 6 rest stops each day, that’s more
than $12 worth of free munchies per rider per day. You may
sponsor a Special Olympics athlete on BRAG and become a member of
TEAM SOGA for a donation of $100. There is a line on the BRAG
2008 Registration Form for donations to Special Olympics Georgia.
Please help enrich the lives of Special Olympics cyclists with
intellectual disabilities by donating to Special Olympics Georgia.
Call 1-800-866-4400, ext. 120, for more information or to
volunteer to help staff the rest stops. |
BRAG is proud to support Special Olympics Georgia
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MEALS
Each rider is responsible for his or her own meals. The local
schools where we will be staying will offer suppers and
breakfasts on site. These meals should be purchased in advance.
Café Campesino will also have gourmet coffee and muffins in camp
each morning. Mama Ralphael will be providing lunch each day
along the route. You will receive a Confirmation Letter in May
with details about meals and how to order them. There are also
restaurants in the towns where we are staying.
BAGGAGE
BRAG will provide daily transportation for your camping and personal gear. Lawn chairs, trunks, mattresses, coolers, cots, flammable fuels, stoves, and extra bikes are not permitted and will not be allowed on the trucks. Do not tie bags together.
Each rider must load his or her gear into the baggage trucks
before 8:00 a.m. each morning. If you can’t lift it to load it, don’t bring it! BRAG is not responsible for luggage not loaded
on the baggage truck. Baggage must be loaded as far to the front
of the trailer as possible, and from floor to ceiling. The first
riders into camp each afternoon will help unload the trucks.
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PARKING AND BUS SERVICE
Unguarded parking for the week will be provided at Oxford College
of Emory University, on St. Simons Island, and at Dublin High
School in Dublin. Parking at all three lots is at your own risk.
You do not need to register your vehicle with BRAG in order to
park your car for the week at any of the lots. You will, however,
have to sign a liability waiver.
Optional motor coaches are available on Saturday, June 7, from
St. Simons Island to Oxford. Optional buses are also available on
Saturday, June 14, from St. Simons Island to Oxford and to Dublin
(for BRAG Lite riders). Please check the website for availability
of the buses before reserving a seat. The cost of transporting
your bike and gear is included in the bus fee. Bikes will be
separated by cardboard and transported by truck. You may box your
bike if you like, but we cannot guarantee the safety of your bike
box all week. The truck may not get to the destination as fast as
the bus. If you order a bus seat, you will receive a separate bus
confirmation letter in May with more details. There are no BRAG bus refunds. |
Flying in to Atlanta? You may send your bike by UPS or FedEX to
Cycleworks and retrieve it at Oxford. You may also make
arrangements with them to ship your bike home from St. Simons
Island after the ride. Email Mark@Cycleworksinc.com or call 770-
476-4949 for details and cost. Register early because the buses
and bike shipping services will fill up quickly. MARTA rail
service and a taxi will get you from the airport to the beginning
of the ride in Oxford. See the May bus confirmation letter for
details.
PRIVATE VEHICLES
Private vehicle drivers - please stay off our bicycle route.
Private vehicles on our route defeat the purpose of BRAG,
endanger the safety of our riders, and are therefore forbidden
on the route. BRAG will have alternate routes and maps for
private vehicle drivers. These routes will intersect the bike
route at frequent intervals so that drivers can meet with their
cyclists. Private vehicle permits are $30.
BRAG is planned so that you do not need a vehicle other than your bike. Shuttle buses to town will be available most
afternoons and evenings. Your car is not needed or wanted. Be
a source of the solution, not a part of the problem. Leave your
car at home! Unauthorized private vehicles along the BRAG route
are strictly forbidden. Violators will be ejected from the ride
and camping privileges will be terminated. All BRAG riders are
asked to enforce this rule.
Each private vehicle on the tour must be registered and must
display its BRAG Parking Permit on the right rear of the
vehicle. Persons who need a route permit for medical reasons
must make a written request in advance to the ride director.
MOTELS
You are on your own for making any motel reservations. Most
overnight host cities will provide shuttle buses to and from
selected motels for riders. You may also ride your bike to and
from motels. Click here to access our motel list.
We recommend Jameson Inn, the Official Hotel of BRAG, where you’ll have “A Perfect Stay...Every Time,” guaranteed.
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Luggage: Larry Black and Brother John are again offering luggage
transport service to motels and B&B inns. E-mail Larry at BroJohnSAG@earthlink.net, or call him at 770-314-2400, or click here to visit
his Web site at . He prefers
e-mail.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ): Click here to access a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) relating to BRAG.
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BRAG: Click here
HISTORY OF BRAG: Click here to visit the history of The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia since 1980.
BRAG SAFETY PLEDGE: Click here to access BRAG Safety Pledge
BRAG DREAM TEAM
The BRAG Dream Team will mark its 15th anniversary in 2008 and the celebration has already begun with the announcement that REI will sponsor the Dream Team this year with an unprecedented level of support. In addition to the bicycles, helmets and other accessories provided by past sponsors, REI will also provide camping gear (tents, sleeping bags) and three staff members (mentoring/outreach/technical assistance)!
In 2007, a Dream Team member from Columbus, Aaron Rogers, assumed a leadership role and inspired a local donor, Julie Collins, to support Dream Team members from the Columbus area so the team will have some regional representation.
After participating in the BRAG Spring Tune-Up Ride, April 19-20, Dream Team members will have the opportunity to ride the following weekend on the final day (April 27) of the Tour de Georgia ahead of the professional cyclists!
When BRAG 2008 kicks off from the Emory at Oxford campus, it will include a 15th anniversary commemoration featuring the original founders of the BRAG Dream Team and 15 Dream Team alumni. |
HIGHLIGHTS THIS YEAR!
New this year: Reduced Non-rider fees for those individuals who are attending BRAG but not riding their bicycles
New this year: Safety Pledge update: I will not wear
headphones while riding my bike.
New this year: BRAG is Going Green! BRAG will help the
environment by not only cycling from town to town but also by
recycling glass, plastic and aluminum.
All your BRAG favorites will be back: Café Campesino gourmet
coffees, Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers, Cycleworks, Free-Flite
Bicycles, Miles the Photographer, and Rosi the Towel Lady.
Once a week, we will update the BRAG and Spring Tune-Up Ride
registration lists on the BRAG web site, www.brag.org. Confirm
your registration at a glance by logging on.
Bring your bicycle into any Cycleworks, Free-Flite Bicycles, or
REI bicycle store for a free safety and preparedness inspection.
Your BRAG adventure will be much more enjoyable if your equipment
is in top condition. As BRAG grows closer, the stores will be
busy, so act early and enjoy your BRAG training on a bicycle
that’s safe and efficient. If you have questions about whether
you have the right bicycle for your BRAG adventure, or what
clothing and accessories you may need to make BRAG the event of a
lifetime, stop by one of the official BRAG stores and let them be
your equipment advisors, www.cycleworksinc.com,
www.freeflitebicycles.com, www.REI.com.
The annual BRAG TALENT SHOW will be held in Hazlehurst. Come
by BRAG HQ on the tour to sign up. Remember, this is a family
show.
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BRAG MERCHANDISE
You may order the BRAG 2008 t-shirt and tank top, the female BRAG
2008 t-shirt, the Spring Tune-Up Ride t-shirt, the BRAG 2008
Jersey, and the female BRAG jersey on the registration forms.
These shirts and jerseys may be picked up at on-site registration.
The BRAG 2008 jersey design is shown here. The Revi jersey will
use American sizing and have a full zipper. Generally, order the
same size jersey as you would order for a t-shirt. If in doubt
about snugness, order a size larger.
Join TEAM SOGA!
Sponsor a Special Olympics Athlete on BRAG!
BRAG riders have been proud supporters of Special Olympics Georgia for several years. Your support allows Special Olympics cyclists to participate in BRAG at no cost to them or their families.
The mission of Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons with intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to provide our athletes with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, develop self-confidence and experience success. When Special Olympians succeed, attitudes change, communities develop, health and self-esteem are built, and the eyes of the world are focused on all that is good, hopeful and positive.
You can help Special Olympics Georgia achieve its mission by sponsoring a SOGA athlete on BRAG. The cost to sponsor an athlete is just $100. A contribution of this amount or more entitles you to membership in TEAM SOGA, a special t-shirt, and a private reception to meet the Special Olympics athletes who are participating in BRAG.
To help one of more than 160 Special Olympics cyclists around the state develop their skills and experience success that lasts far beyond a single sporting event, enclose your donation to SOGA along with your BRAG registration form.
Riders wanting to support SOGA through pledges can also do so in 2008! Look for the SOGA pledge form in your confirmation letter in May. If you have any questions about SOGA, please contact Leslie Anderson at 770-414-9390 ext. 120 or 800-866-4400 ext. 120 or via email at leslie.anderson@specialolympicsga.org.
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BRAG 2008 Poster (Click Image to Download PDF) |
STU 2008 Poster (Click Image to Download PDF) |
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Georgia State Patrol and all police and sheriffs’
departments along our route have been notified of our ride and
route. All hospitals and EMS and EMA agencies have also been
notified. Their phone numbers will be included with your daily
maps. Bring your cell phone for emergencies.
BRAG is going GREEN! This year’s BRAG will help the
environment by not only cycling from town to town but also by re-
cycling glass, plastic and aluminum. That’s right: BRAGGING and
BRAG-GREEN. Each overnight site will have a variety of containers
set out near BRAG HQ and the camping area. We ask that you please
empty your glass, plastic, and/or aluminum before depositing it in
a container which will be labeled specifically for a certain type
of recyclable. Would you like to be part of Team Green? If so,
contact Roz Moore at roz@brag.org and be a part of the
solution to pollution! CYCLING AND RE-CYCLING... Some things just
go together.
Rain or Shine. The ride will be held regardless of weather
conditions. No refunds will be given due to inclement weather.
No rain dates will be scheduled.
“Rosie The Towel Lady” (aka Donna) will be on BRAG to provide
towels, chairs, and cell phone charging service. For pricing and
rental information, visit www.RosieTheTowelLady.com or email KampingKomforts@yahoo.com. Rosi is a proud sponsor of Special Olympics Georgia.
BRAG LITE. Ride any three consecutive days at reduced rates.
See the registration form for details.
A daily rate is available for those who cannot ride all week.
The daily rate will admit you to the previous day’s campsite, the
paid-for day’s route and rest stops, and the paid-for day’s
campsite.
The BRAG LITE and daily rates include the End-Of-The-
Road Party, but DO NOT include the meal. You may order the meal
separately when you receive your Confirmation Letter and Meal
Order Form.
There is a discounted registration fee for non-riders
(anyone accompanying a rider in a motor vehicle). Non-riders will
receive the same maps, use of facilities, etc. as the riders. All
BRAG campsites, rest stops, and entertainment events are limited
to paid registrants only.
Unregistered participants are not tolerated and are not allowed
in BRAG rest stops, campsites, and entertainment events. The
Security Team, BRAG Staff, and local police will eject
unregistered riders. Your wristband is your ticket. Please wear
it on your wrist at all times. It is not an ankle bracelet.
In-Line Skaters are welcomed. All BRAG rules and the BRAG
SAFETY PLEDGE apply.
Helmets are Mandatory. All riders must wear a U. S. Cycling
federation-approved helmet - this includes while riding in camp or
cruising in town. BRAG will eject any rider, and the parent of
any minor, riding without a helmet.
Riders under the age of 16 must have immediate adult
supervision while riding.
Get in shape! BRAG is a wonderful experience for those who are
physically prepared. Ride as often as you can before the event.
Plan to make at least two 60-mile rides on consecutive days to
test yourself and your bike. the Challenge of the Centuries, May 24 - 25, in Hartwell,
GA.
Training Program. If you are looking for a training program to
get you ready to ride BRAG, there are several available on the
internet. Here are two samples: Cycle Wyoming:
http://www.cyclewyoming.org/training.htm; and The League of Michigan Bicyclists:
http://www.lmb.org/pages/Resources/edu_adv/mdchtrain.pdf
The American Heart Association recommends a treadmill test for
anyone over 40 who exercises strenuously. BRAG also recommends
that you get a physical exam from your doctor before the ride.
The American Heart Association says that an inactive lifestyle
is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. Regular,
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and
blood vessel disease. The more activity, the greater the
benefits.
We recommend a multi-speed bicycle for the trip.
You will receive a Confirmation Letter in May, including a list
of what to bring and what to leave at home. This information will
also be on the BRAG Web site.
Meals are not included in the registration fee, except that the
End-Of-The-Road Party meal is included in the weekly fee.
Breakfast, lunch, and supper meals will be available at extra
cost. You will receive more information on available meals with
your May Confirmation Letter.
T-shirts are not included in the ride fee, but may be ordered
separately. Tank tops and cycling jerseys are also available.
The ride will end with our fabulous End-Of-The-Road Party and
Meal at Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island, on Saturday, June
14. BRAG HQ will close at 3:00 p.m. All unclaimed baggage will
be transported to the BRAG office in Stone Mountain, GA. No
camping arrangements have been made on St. Simons Island.
REST STOPS. BRAG and Special Olympics Georgia will provide
free rest stops every 10 to 15 miles. Water, PowerAde, fresh
Georgia Peaches, bananas, and other fruit, cookies, and
refreshments will be available. Sag wagon support to a rest stop
will cease and the route will close to that point as each rest
stop closes per the times listed in the route descriptions which
you will receive at on-site registration. The last rest stop will
close at 4:00 p.m. (or earlier on short mileage days).
Limited first-aid supplies will be available at all Special
Olympics / BRAG Rest Stops and in all Sag Wagons. Find a Medical
Team member (red badge) or come to BRAG HQ in camp if you need
first aid services.
Support vehicles (Sag Wagons) will travel the route with water,
bike pump, and limited first-aid supplies to assist riders with
problems. Sag Wagons are not taxi cabs, and will not carry tired
riders to camp. Sagging riders will be transported to the next
rest stop and put to work. Private vehicles must stay off the
cycling route.
MDs, RNs, and other medical professionals on the ride are asked
to volunteer for the BRAG Medical Team. Police Officers are
asked to volunteer for the BRAG Security Team. HAM Radio Operators are asked to join the BRAG Communications Team.
Bicycle repair service will be available at reasonable cost on
the route and in camp each afternoon. This service is provided by
CYCLEWORKS and FREE-FLITE BICYCLES bike stores. Come prepared
to change your own flat tire.
BRAG is disability-friendly. If you have special medical or
access needs, please email the BRAG office at info@brag.org.
The BRAG DREAM TEAM will again be a reality for 10 deserving
youths this year. If you would like to be a one-on-one mentor to
a BRAG DREAM TEAM member, please email Atiba Mbiwan at
Atiba@mindspring.com stating your qualifications. The deadline is
May 1.
Need camping gear? See REI for camping gear rentals.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2008 SPONSORS
BRAG 2008 VENDORS
Directions to Start
BRAG 2008 will begin in Oxford, Georgia, at Oxford College of Emory University. Oxford is located 1 mile off of I-20, 35 miles east of downtown Atlanta. Exit I-20 at Exit #90/US 278 East/Covington, Oxford Exit. At the end of the exit ramp, turn east towards Covington. If coming from Atlanta, this will be a Right turn towards Covington.
Go to the third traffic light and make a Left on Emory St. (GA 81N). . Go 1.2 mile and turn Left on Pierce St. Pierce St. is one block past the Oxford College sign. Go .2 mile to the campus of Oxford College and follow the BRAG signage for day parking or week-long parking.
The Mapquest address for Oxford College is 100 Hamill Street, Oxford, GA, 30054.
Directions to Finish
St. Simons Island is about 350 miles from Atlanta, using the interstate system. From I-95 South, exit at Exit 38 Brunswick/N. Golden Isles Pkwy. to US 17/GA 25 Spur. Turn left and proceed Eastbound on GA 25 Spur. Follow the signs to Brunswick/St. Simons Island. At US 17, turn right onto US 17 South. At the F. J. Torras Causeway, turn left toward St. Simons Island and Sea Island. Once on the island, continue straight on Demere Rd. about 3/10 mile, then turn left on Sea Island Rd. at a traffic light. After 1/10 mile, turn left on Hamilton Rd. Go 3/10 mile to the T intersection and Gascoigne Bluff is on your left.
The Mapquest search address is 258 Arthur J. Moore Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.
Testimonials
Testimonials from BRAG 2007 riders:
- This was my first BRAG. It was one of my best experiences I’ve ever had and a life changing event.
- I enjoyed the bike community created by BRAG and the organization around providing a ride, route support and structure to enable one to enjoy their vacation.
- It was an excellent experience. I really like the overall organization of the event. Everything was very, very, well run.
- BRAG is the most relaxing vacation I’ve ever had.
- The road is a great place to be. I love both the challenge and the people.
- Experiencing a part of Georgia that you would never see from a car.
- I like the way everyone works together to build such a great ride.
- It was a taste of heaven; kindred souls on the same journey.
- I had a wonderful time! I really enjoyed the whole feel of BRAG.
- Riding in rural Georgia is always great!
- I “really liked” the entire experience: the staff, the riders, the towns, camping.
- I enjoyed reading the history of each area and also learning the geography.
- I loved meeting other bicycle riders. I had so much fun…I can’t wait until next year.
- The challenge of the ride and, best of all, the new friends you make along the way.
- Made me feel like a kid again. No worries about production, payroll and management.
- Feeling of accomplishment!
- I started the ride alone and had many friends by the end of the ride.
- Loved meeting all the people. A great experience for children!
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Other Ride Information
The 15th Annual Spring Tune-Up Ride will be in Madison, GA, April
18 -20, 2008. Come enjoy Madison’s small town hospitality. Ride
for a day or for the entire weekend. Join us for the fun, the
food, the fellowship, and the festival at BRAG Spring Tune-Up
2008! Click here for more info...
Join BRAG for a Southern Hilly Hundred miles in beautiful Jasper,
GA, for the 2nd Annual SummerRide, August 9 – 10, 2008. Jasper is
Georgia’s First Mountain City, located in the Marble Capital of
Georgia. Celebrate the finish with a free lunch each day,
included in your registration fee. Click here for more info...
BRAG and the Atlanta Daily World are co-directing the 8th Annual
BIKE ATLANTA ride September 13, 2008, in Atlanta. The
route is 13 miles through downtown Atlanta, including world-famous
Peachtree St. We will close the streets to automobile
traffic with a rolling close. There will be an optional 32-mile
round trip to Stone Mountain along the PATH trail. Come support
the BRAG Dream Team by riding in the Bike Atlanta ride.
All BRAG and Spring Tune-Up riders will receive a postcard
announcing BIKE ATLANTA. Click here for more info...
The 17th Annual Georgia BikeFest will be held October 10 - 12,
2008, in LaGrange, GA. Rural terrain, routes that include shorter
options, and an optional fully-supported Century Ride, make this a
great weekend of fall riding that you will not want to miss.
Tentative activities include a downtown street dance, an ice cream
social, movies, and lots of good food. Come back and have a BRAG
fall reunion ride with all your cycling friends. All registered
BRAG and Spring Tune-Up participants will receive an informational
postcard in August. Click here for more info...
BRAG is a proud member of the National Bicycle Tour
Directors Assn.
Log on www.nbtda.org for the best bike rides in
the nation.
Questions? Comments? Email info@brag.org or log on
www.brag.org for all the latest updates.
You Can’t BRAG if You Don’t Ride!
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