More Than Just a Bike Ride!
WHAT IS BIG BRAG ALL ABOUT?
On Big BRAG, cyclists will average about 55 miles per day for a week with a day off in the middle. It sounds like a lot, but we offer SAG and provide well-stocked rest stops every 12 - 18 miles with your favorite snacks and drinks, fun activities, and great views! BRAG routes take bike riders through some of the most friendly and welcoming towns and feature some of the best food Georgia has to offer.
When you pull into camp after your ride, you'll have access to the BRAG Bar where you can grab your favorite drink. Each day after the ride there are BRAG-tivities like bike trivia, one-legged bike races, educational classes, yoga, massages, etc. Every night features tomfoolery in the towns where we stay, like concerts, DJs, and festivals.
Plan to ride your bike with us for BRAG and see what there is to BRAG about.
Start
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Dublin Lay Over Day
You'll find lots to do during our extended stay in Dublin!
On the layover day, you can bike around Dublin and visit a local farm, or take a much-deserved day off! You can visit the Southern Pines water park, take the Downtown walking tour, visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Park, or visit one of the many wildlife management areas. We'll also have a special itineray lined up for you while you're in town.
Day 5
Day 6
End of the Road
Please read the updated refund policy.
Café Campesino Coffee OPEN
5:30-7:30 AM
On-Site Food AVAILABLE
5:30-7:30 AM | 12:00-8:00 PM
Aztec Cycle Tech Support
6:00-7:30 AM | 2:00-6:00 PM
First Timers' Meeting (by request)
6:30 AM
HQ/Registration Desk OPEN
6:30-7:30 AM | 12:00-5:00 PM
Mass Start
7:00 AM
Baggage Truck Deadline
8:00 AM
Shower Truck OPEN
11:00 AM-10:00 PM
Local Shuttle Service
Varies Daily - See RIDE GUIDE
Massages
by appointment
Yoga
2:00 PM
BRAG Bar OPEN
Varies Daily - See RIDE GUIDE
Educational Bicycle Class
4:00 PM
Live Music & Entertainment
Varies Daily - See RIDE GUIDE
Times are subject to change and will be different on Saturdays. Please consult the RIDE GUIDE.
FULL-WEEK SHUTTLES
$90
Are you riding a full week on BRAG? Need help getting back to your car at the end of the week? Want to drop your car off at the ending town and catch a ride to the beginning of the ride? We've got you covered!
Just pick the Full-Week Shuttle of your choice when you register for BRAG.
These spots will fill-up quickly!
BRAG LITE SHUTTLES
$80
Are you riding 3 Days on BRAG LITE? Need help getting back to your car after you're finished riding? We've got you covered!
Just pick the BRAG LITE Shuttle of your choice when you register for BRAG.
These spots will fill-up quickly!
DAILY SHUTTLES BACK
$40
Planning on riding just 1 day on BRAG? Need help getting back to your car after you're finished riding? We've got you covered!
To assure your spot, just pick the DAILY Shuttle when you register for BRAG.
Seating Limited!
SKIP-DAY SHUTTLES
$25
If you wake up one morning on Big BRAG and just aren't feelin' it, don't fret! You may elect to ride the Skip-Day Shuttle to the next location.
Sign-up on-site at the registration tent, day of or on the night before.
Seating Limited!
FULL WEEK SHUTTLES
Saturday June 4 Shuttle
Shuttles pick up at Gateway Park (here), at Noon. Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes early to load luggage and bike.
Saturday June 11 Shuttle
Shuttles pick up in Veterans Memorial Park (here), at 3:00 PM and will proceed to Columbus River Center Parking Garage. We will carry you, your bike, and 2 bags.
Daily Parking will be available at each overnight camping location for a nominal fee. Please register your vehicle with us at the Registration Desk when you arrive.
If you've opted to use a Full-Week Shuttle, free parking is available for the entire week at either the START or the END.
**There is no camping available on the last evening of riding. Feel free to make your own arrangements at an area facility.
Don't feel like roughing it all week? Bring along your RV! We will have designated RV Parking at each overnight location for a nominal fee.
Please register for a Private vehicle permit for your RV when at the registration desk when you check-in or register for Big BRAG. No hook-ups will be available and loud generators are prohibited after 10pm.
There will be no official BRAG camping or RV parking available on the evening of Saturday, June 12. Feel free to make your own arrangements at an area facility.
Please contact Aztec Cycles for bicycle rental information: 678.636.9043
Please contact Aztec Cycles for bicycle rental information
There are 4 ways to find your way while riding BRAG:
1. RIDE GUIDE
The BRAG Ride Guide is the answer to most of your questions! Route maps and turn-by-turn cue sheets are available for each day in the Ride Guide. Take it with you on your bike!
2. SIGNS
There will be BRAG arrows at every turn to tell you which way to turn. If there is no arrow it, means go straight. Please exercise caution here (and look for ROAD MARKINGS) as sometimes people like to collect our signs.
3. ROAD MARKINGS
We have marked routes for BRAG riders. You will find BRAG's trademark circle with a hash mark in the direction of travel before, at, and after each turn. This will assure your decisions along the way! Roads are not marked in downtown areas or in areas where it is prohibited (like on bike trails).
4. RIDE WITH GPS
All BRAG Routes are available for free on Ride With GPS. Download the smart phone app and load the respective day routes. Use it. Love it.
Rest Stops!
BRAG rest stops are located every 15-20 miles on the routes each day. Rest stops are indicated on the route maps in the RIDE GUIDE. Stops are stocked with hydration, nutritious snacks, first-aid kits, and porta-potties.
Be on the lookout for a fun stop along the way!
Support and Gear (SAG)
Along the route there will be SAG support vehicles. They can be identified by the yellow BRAG flags they will be flying from the windows. Use SAG if you need mechanical help, have a non-emergency medical issue, or you cannot complete your ride for the day
To stop a SAG vehicle, simply tap your palm on the top of your helmet. If you are waiting for a SAG vehicle, please place your bike upside down perpendicular to the road.
The phone number for SAG is 404.382.7747 (also on y our wrist band) for immediate assistance. Call 911 in the case of an emergency.
On-Site Bike Mechanics
Aztec Cycles will be on hand each day to keep your bicycle finely tuned!
SAFETY FIRST!
BRAG events take place on public right of ways. We ask motor vehicles to share the road, so we must extend the same courtesy. As much as possible we travel on low traffic roads, however we will need to travel on roads with higher traffic volume from time to time. Please review the BRAG Safety Pledge you were required to sign to participate in this BRAG event. Please consult the rider handbook provided by Georgia Bikes for more safety information.
YOU MUST STOP AT ALL STOP SIGNS AND RED LIGHTS!! Obey all traffic control devices and exercise caution crossing rail road tracks and road crossings!
- You are responsible for your own safety - BRAG assists as much as possible in ensuring a safe ride, however you are in control of your ride and safety. Please read carefully the cue sheets and take note of hazards outlined. Also be on the look out for BRAG signs on the roadway warning of hazards. Hazards are always being created and note we can not warn participants of every potential or existing hazard. Cycling can be a dangerous sport - take safety seriously!
- You must obey all traffic laws and traffic control devices.
- Wear a helmet and ensure your gear is properly functioning.
- Communicate with other cyclists to keep each other safe - please yell, when appropriate, "car back", "car up", "rider on", "rider off", etc. Communicate about hazards such as RR tracks, pot holes, rumbles, debris in the road, cracks, animals, etc. Do not yell "CLEAR" as what is clear for you may not be for others.
- Visibility - See and be seen, wear bright clothes, reflective clothing and use lights.
- Bicycle lanes and shoulders - please use them when possible and safe to do so.
- Report dangerous motorists and cyclists.
- In the event of rain, the road and road tires can be slick and brakes can slip. Normal conditions may become more hazardous, especially rail road tracks.
- In the event of lightning, take appropriate action and exercise caution.
This is a ride, not a race. We encourage you to stop and smell the roses and get a true taste for the vibrant fiber and culture of Georgia.
SATURDAY, JUNE 4 - COLUMBUS
SUNDAY, JUNE 5 - THOMASTON
MONDAY, JUNE 6 - PERRY
Avid Hotel
TUESDAY, JUNE 7 & WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 - DUBLIN
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dublin
THURSDAY, JUNE 9 - HAZLEHURST
FRIDAY, JUNE 10 - JESUP
**PLEASE NOTE... ASK FOR BRAG RATES IF AVAILABLE (SOME HOTELS HAVE REFUSED TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL RATE). ALL GROUP BLOCKS END ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE ARRIVAL DATE IN EACH TOWN.
OUTDOOR CAMPING
After each day's ride, grab your bags from the luggage truck and set up your tent in the ideal space! Camping with your own gear is included in registration. Please refer to the RIDE GUIDE and location signage for designated camping areas.
INDOOR CAMPING
OR if you'd rather leave your tent at home, take your bags to the gym inside! Please do not wear your bike shoes inside and refer to the RIDE GUIDE for designated indoor sleeping areas. Note that for 2021, you are required to pre-register for an indoor camping arm band.
Tent and Porter Service by Padre's Cycle Inn
In 2022 Padre's Cycle Inn will be providing the tent and porter service to BRAG riders. Padre's Cycle Inn provides full-service camping and has been supporting cyclists since 2007. Why trust anyone else? Just Cycle Inn, and we'll do the rest! Padre’s provides the following services:
- High-quality tents, provided and set up and taken down for you daily
- Twin-size mattresses inflated for each camper, measuring 75? x 39? x 8.75? (please bring your own sheet/blanket/pillow)
- Comfortable chairs to relax
- Padre’s Zone, a shaded area to relax, with cooling fans, snacks, and cold beverages
- Baggage transport directly to and from your tent each day, keeping your gear out of the weather
- In-camp concierge center with a host available to help with information about events, shuttles, food, entertainment, and directions
- Electronic device charging stations to keep phones, computers, lights or other devices charged up daily
- Hot coffee, fresh ice water, and sports drink each morning
- Bicycle tire pumps
- Bicycle maintenance stand and tools available, in case you need to clean or adjust your bike
- Convenient location near restrooms and hot showers
- Bicycle racks so that you don’t have to lay your bike on the ground or lean them
- Clean, environmentally friendly, disposable bath towels daily, which can double as your bike rag or door mat
- A friendly, helpful staff at your service!
If you register online, Tent and Porter Service will be an option to select before you check out. Simply choose single or double occupancy (if you choose double occupancy it will give you an option to list your partner) and then check out.
Regular Tent Single (88"L x 75"W x 49"H) SOLD OUT!
Large Tent Single (120"L x 96"W x 72"H) $650
Large Tent Double Occupancy (Share a Tent) $490/person
Just be sure to select the "Tent and Porter Option" option when you register for the Big BRAG ride! Please note this is an add on service and you must also register for the ride.
BAGGAGE TRUCKS
Depending on where you want to sleep that night, you'll want to make sure that your bags go on the proper truck!
THE SHOWER TRUCK
Cool down after every ride (and have an easier time making new friends) with a nice shower! Hot showers will be available for you each day at the outdoor shower truck! Some of the gyms we use will also have indoor showers, but it is not guaranteed.
RESTROOMS
When nature calls, Porta-Potties are there, conveniently located in camp and at each rest stop on the route! Permanent restroom facilities are also available available inside at the overnight locations.
Non-riding guests are welcome to join us for all the BRAG fun! Just sign-up on the same registration page. The fee includes camping, restrooms, showers, and entertainment.
BRAG-TIVITIES
UNDER THE COVERS WITH BRAG
2021 features cover bands every night! Rock out and jam to favorite tunes from 70's & 80's from your favorite artists like the Allman Brothers and more!
PAST MUSICAL ACTS
We will announce 2021 Bands closer to the ride date. Below are some past Big BRAG acts!
Hughes Taylor
Blackbird Revival
AJ Ghent
Daily Bike Classes at 4PM Every Day
Stretch it Out!
SERVICES
FOOD VENDORS ON-SITE
You are encouraged to stop at one of the many cozy cafes or tasty restaurants along our routes and surrounding the overnight venues. You also have the option to purchase food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from any of the on-site food trucks. As always, Fair Shot Coffee will be on hand with Cafe Campesino's famous BRAG roast coffee!
BRAG BAR
Stop by the BRAG Bar to grab your favorite post-ride beverage! Open daily. Operating times vary day-to-day. Please refer to the RIDE GUIDE.
Charge up your phone, tablet, bike computer, or portable power supply!
On-Site Massage
Say, "CHEESE"!
BRAG Lite
No time to ride a whole week? BRAG Lite lets you ride any three consecutive days. Some riders will ride the first three days, and some the last three days. Other riders will choose to do three days based out of the layover town. This way riders will start and end at their cars (super convenient), while also riding three days on BRAG.
BETTER WITH FRIENDS!
BRAG TEAMS
Teams are a great way to promote your cause, biking business, or just a group of friends. Free Custom Jerseys for Teams of 10 or More Riders!
Free Team Jerseys!
To start a team, just email franklin@brag.org and we'll get your team added to the list. When you register, list your team name under "Team Name" to become associated with your team. Once you get all 10 or more of your team members signed-up, we will put you in contact with the designer to start designing your custom jerseys! It's that simple. All team members must be signed up by March 1st in order to qualify for the free jersey
*Only Adult full-week Big BRAG registrations are eligible for the Jersey promotion.
**You must be registered by March 1st in order to receive the promotion.
REFER-A-FRIEND
Do you have a BRAG-curious friend who has never cycled with us?
Refer them and get a limited edition BRAG cycling jersey for yourself!
GET A FREE JERSEY!
Rules and restrictions apply:
Your friend must be a first-time BRAG rider, new to all BRAG rides including Spring TuneUp, Georgia BikeFest USBR 21, previous BRAG rides, and Winter Ride.
Your friend must register for the full week on the 2022 Bicycle Ride Across Georgia.
Friend must list your email when registering online under, "Did anyone refer you?"
Referral Jersey will be delivered post ride, by August 30th, 2022.
Children referred under the age of 18 are not eligible for the referral credit
Limit one Jersey per person, if you refer 2 people you only receive 1 jersey.
QUESTIONS? Should you have any questions about the Referral Program, please call 404.382.7747.
BIG BRAG FAQs
For up-to-date registration prices, please see the registration page.
Change of Plans? Read the complete refund policy here.
On Big BRAG you have the option of staying indoors or camping outdoors in each overnight location. Outdoor camping is included in the fee.
Due to COVID precautions, we are limiting on-site indoor camping in 2021. Please visit the registration page for more info. Hotels are not included in the fee.
We have prepared a packing list for you prepared by veteran BRAG riders. You are allowed two bags of no more than 50lbs each. We recommend putting your clothes in gallon ziplock bags
The weekly fee entitles you to maps, entrance to outdoor camping, nightly entertainment/live bands, hot showers, extra porta-potties at overnight sites, rest stops every 15 - 20 miles (with hydration, nutrition, porta-potties), SAG wagon support, baggage transportation to the overnight campsites, access to medical team, security team, End-Of-The-Road Meal/party, medals for kids 15 and under/seniors 65 and older, and lots more.
On Big Brag, we move every day except our layover day in the middle. We will carry your bags from location-to-location so that you don't need to worry about hauling any gear on your bike. If you would like, we also offer First Class BRAG where we setup a BRAG provided tent and air mattress for you, and place your bags in your tent.
Absolutely not! While a road bike certainly makes things a little easier, people have completed ride on every type of bike you could think of, from mountain bikes, to recumbents, to unicycles.
The best thing about BRAG is the community of riders. Many come alone and leave with riding buddies for life. You will never ride alone on BRAG. There will always be someone riding at or near your pace. If you are the least bit outgoing, you will meet lots of new friends on BRAG - on the road, at the rest stops and in the shower line, listening to bands, etc.
The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia is a ride, not a race. However, good training is important to ensuring you have an enjoyable experience. Plan on riding several hundred training miles as you get ready for the week. The route will always present physical challenges, so the more you put into training the more you will get out of the ride. The daily mileage ranges from 50 to 70 miles per day. Terrain can vary from flat to steep hills. A major cause of injuries is poor conditioning. There are also SAG wagons that can assist if you have serious trouble.
You may arrive to Big BRAG as early as 2:00pm on the listed start day (typically Saturday). Riding begins the following day (typically Sunday).
Drop us a line on our contact form or ask the BRAG community on Facebook.
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