The 41st Bicycle Ride Across Georgia
BIG BRAG 2021
June 5-12, 2021
COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT ON 3/3/21
The health and well-being of our riders, staff, volunteers, and partners is a priority for BRAG. We are committed to making decisions that align with this priority. We are committed to playing a constructive role to limit the spread of the virus. Based on information from the CDC, USA Cycling, and tlocal authorities, we have compiled a list of participant facing policies and requirements to mitigate the risk of spreading the disease during an event. Please comply with all policies to ensure we keep everyone as safe as we can.
Stay up-to-date with public health guidelines from cdc.gov.
More Than Just a Bike Ride!
WHAT IS BIG BRAG ALL ABOUT?
One of the most scenic, shortest, and most exciting BRAG's in memory! Are you ready to get Under the Covers with BRAG???
This year we are starting on top of beautiful Lookout Mountain on the border of Tennessee. From there we'll head way down the mountain and ride through the famous "cove" on our way to LaFayette. From LaFayette we'll head down US Bicycle Route 21 to Cave Spring. In Cave Spring, we'll sleep in beautiful Rolater Park and enjoy a giant natural spring-fed swimming pool. We'll cross over the Silver Comet trail on our way to Carrollton and you'll have a shot at a century if you dare.
We'll layover in Carrollton and enjoy a music festival, the most recent brewery, canoeing/kayaking and one of the world's longest ziplines. Departing Carrollton we'll take rolling hills into Senoia. Home of the Walking Dead, be sure to keep your head on a swivel in their beautiful downtown. Leaving Senoia, we hop over to LaGrange and enjoy their beautiful new path, the Thread. In LaGrange we'll enjoy the great restaurants and the brewery voted #1 best new brewery in the country. From LaGrange we'll pedal straight south into Columbus and ride in on the Riverwalk adjacent to the Chattahoochee River.
On Big BRAG, we'll have a different cover band each night coverint the 80's, the beatles, Neil young, the Allman Brothers, the Cars and much more! Join us Under the Covers in 2021!
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 features 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 town's 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
Days 3 & 4
Day 5
Day 6
End of the Road
Please read the updated refund policy.
Fair Shot Coffee OPEN
5:30-7:30 AM | 1:00-5:00 PM
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
6:15-7:30 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 with Eddie, LMT
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
$80
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
$20
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 6/5 Shuttle - This shuttle leaves Columbus at NOON on 6/5 and will proceed to Lookout Mountain. We will carry you, your bike, and 2 bags!
Saturday 6/12 Shuttle - This shuttle leaves Columbus by 2pm on 6/12 and will proceed to Lookout Mountain. We will carry you, your bike, and 2 bags.
BRAG LITE SHUTTLE
Tuesday 6/8 Shuttle - This shuttle leaves Carrollton by 3pm on 6/8 and will proceed to Lookout Mountain. We will carry you, your bike, and 2 bags!
Daily Parking will be available 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 6. 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 be 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.
Lookout Mnt
SATURDAY, JUNE 5 - LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN
LaFayette
SUNDAY, JUNE 6 - LAFAYETTE
Cave Spring
MONDAY, JUNE 7 - CAVE SPRING
Days Inn by Wyndham Downtown
840 Turner McCall Blvd., Rome, GA
706-295-0400
$89 plus tax – Call Hotel Directly
Carrollton
TUESDAY, JUNE 8 & WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 - CARROLLTON
Holiday Inn Express/Suites Carrollton West
Hampton Inn Carrollton
Senoia
THURSDAY, JUNE 10 - SENOIA
Crowne Plaza
201 Aberdeen Pkwy, Peachtree City
770.487.2666
Starting at $99.74 plus tax – Call Hotel Directly
GROUP NAME: Bicycle Ride Across Ga Room Block
GROUP CODE: BR5
LaGrange
FRIDAY, JUNE 11 - LAGRANGE
**PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL GROUP BLOCKS END ONE MONTH PRIOR TO 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! 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.
FIRST CLASS BRAG
BRAG FIRST CLASS is a truly top notch experience. Our quality rental tents are 63 square feet (8.5' X 7.5'). With duffels inside, we consider the tent a roomy two-man. You can share, or you can occupy it alone. Tent-renters simply pack up their bags in the morning, leave them inside the tent, and pedal away. Enjoy your ride, and in the next host town you'll find your chores are already done--tent up with bags inside--so you can catch your breath or head off to the shower immediately. We'll set up our rental tents on the same grid every day. Address cards will help you locate yours. We're happy to arrange the grid so that friends are next door to each other. There will also be refreshments and a tent for you to cool down under after each days ride as well as a charging station exclusively for first class BRAG use.
If you register online, First Class Brag 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.
Single Occupancy (Tent to Yourself) $350person
Double Occupancy (Share a Tent) $250/person
Just be sure to select the "FIRST CLASS BRAG" option when you register for the Big BRAG 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
2020 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 2020 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 surrounding the Sunflower Farm. 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:
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.
Friend must register for the full week on the 2018 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 2018.
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.
The weekly fee entitles you to maps, entrance to campsites (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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