The 15th annual Athens Physical Therapy Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride cycling event will roll out of Athens, Winterville, and Union Point on March 28 to celebrate the 12 miles of trail already open and raise funds and support to complete the remaining 27 miles of the 39-mile rail-trail.
The cycling fun begins Saturday, March 28, with cyclists starting at 9 a.m. in Union Point and 10 a.m. in Athens and Winterville. Riders can choose a fully paved route using roads and portions of the Firefly Trail from any of the three starting locations, or pick trail and gravel options from Union Point. E-bikes are welcome.
The Athens Physical Therapy Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride is unique because the out-and-back route allows cyclists to tailor their ride to fit their fitness and goals, from riding a few miles on the trail to completing the full 82 miles on the trail and connecting roads. Riders can choose their distance by simply turning around at a designated rest stop or at any time.
Gravel riders can choose between a 27-mile loop from Union Point to Maxeys and back or a 66-mile loop to Crawford and back.
“We are passionate about the Firefly Trail because of the enormous health and economic benefits it will provide to our whole region,” said Dr. Chris Doerr, a physician and owner of Athens Physical Therapy. “My wife, Stephanie, and I love to ride rail-trails when we travel. We hope our involvement sparks even more support and helps speed construction of this trail to serve the communities we love and call home.”
New: Trailblazer 5K and Fun Run
New this year is the inaugural Trailblazer 5K and Fun Run, presented by Piedmont Athens Regional. The runs start and end at Dudley Park in Athens and take place entirely on the Firefly Trail before the bike ride begins. All ages and abilities are welcome, with the 5K starting at 8 a.m. and the Fun Run starting at 9 a.m. Entry is $30 for the 5K; the fun run is free for kids 12 and under and adults running with them. Day-of registration opens at 7 a.m.
The location and timing are ideal for runners, walkers, and families, as well as for athletes who would like to turn the ride into a duathlon. For information and registration, visit runsignup.com/Race/GA/Athens/TrailblazerRunWalk5K.
The certified 5K course is a Peachtree qualifier.
All run proceeds from the run benefit youth programs at Aaron Heard Park/East Athens Community Center.
Food trucks, discounts, and a free pour
In Athens, the Café Racer food truck will be at Dudley Park from before the Trailblazer 5K begins until after all cyclists have rolled out.
In addition, participants who show their wristbands or bib numbers at the new Café Racer location adjacent to the Firefly Trail at Oak Street and Inglewood Avenue will receive a discount on food and drinks. The new location opens on March 17.
Participants 21 and over can also show their wristband or bib number at Athentic Brewery at 108 Park Ave., Athens, for a free pour.
In Union Point, food trucks will be on-site downtown from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ride details
All riders in the non-competitive Ticket to Ride are treated to beautiful countryside, friendly towns, and fully paved roads and trails (unless they choose one of the gravel routes).
Rest stops with snacks, beverages, and restrooms will be available every 8-15 miles, with on-road vehicle support as well.
Day-of check-in and registration will open at 7 a.m. in Union Point and at 8 a.m. in Athens and Winterville. The course will remain open until 5 p.m., or the last rider finishes, whichever comes first.
In Athens, riders will start at the Trail Flowers art installation in Dudley Park, then cross the Firefly Bridge over Trail Creek. Free parking will be available in the Chicopee/Greenway parking area off East Broad Street.
In Winterville, riders will start on the trail at the historic Winterville Depot. Free parking will be available behind the Depot, in the nearby Pittard Park overflow lot, and at the Winterville Cultural Center.
In Union Point, road and gravel riders will roll out from the Union Pharmacy at 624 Sibley Ave. and will enjoy food trucks between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Free parking will be available downtown.
Pre-registration is now open at bikereg. com/firefly-trail-ticketto- ride. Entry is $55 for adults and $35 for students through 11 p.m. on March 20. After that, registration increases by $5. Team rates (5-12 members) are available. Day-of registration will open at 8 a.m. in Union Point, 9 a.m. in Athens, and Winterville.
Riders can also pre-register in person at Georgia Cycle Sport on Baxter Street in Athens. Riders will receive a 4-pack of ceramic coasters while supplies last.
All ride proceeds benefit the work of Firefly Trail Inc., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the completion of the flat, car-free, multipurpose Firefly Trail.
When complete, the trail will connect Greene, Oglethorpe, and Athens-Clarke counties as well as the towns of Athens, Winterville, Crawford, Stephens, Maxeys, Woodville, and Union Point. The trail will be built on or close to the historic route of the Georgia Railroad Athens Branch, with the exact route determined by local communities.
For full details, visit fireflytrail.com.