Georgia Hi-Lo Trail Inc. and Sports Strategies announce the 2023 edition of the Athens to Savannah Ride, taking cyclists on their choice of a 4-day Gravel Ride or a 3-day Road Ride across rural Georgia. The ride starts from Athens on October 19th when gravel cyclists roll out from Downtown Athens. Road cyclists will start from the same location on October 20th, and everyone will finish in Historic Downtown Savannah on October 22, 2023.
“We take such pride in introducing our riders to the cities and towns along the route every year,” said Mary Charles Howard, Executive Director of Georgia Hi-Lo Inc. “We have met so many exceptional people, and they never fail to show their support and enthusiasm as they welcome us into their communities. Whether we stop for a few hours or overnight, the hospitality is amazing!”
“It really leaves an impression,” exclaimed Randy DuTeau, ATHSAV Operations Manager and Sports Strategies VP of Community Development. “A lot of our riders and event staff are from out of state and would never visit these destinations. Bringing everyone together to experience these unique communities leaves riders with a different perspective about the small towns and the people they meet. This event is close to home for me, and it has become a labor of love. It’s a pleasure to work where my favorite things come together – Georgia, cycling, and the outdoors.”
The fully supported ride from Athens to Savannah draws riders from across the U.S. and even Canada. Over 150 cyclists are expected on this year’s ride through the 8-county area served by the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail initiative. Stage 1 presented by Burgess Pigment Company will lead riders from Athens to Crawford, Union Point and Sparta. Stage 2 presented by Bulk Chemical Services will take riders to White Plains. Stage 3 presented by Imerys will route cyclists from Tennille through Sandersville, Wrightsville, Bartow, and Twin City. Stage 4 presented by Joe Steffen Jr, Bicycle Attorney will begin the final day in Statesboro and lead riders to Guyton and Meldrim before ending near the river in historic downtown Savannah.
About Athens to Savannah
The Athens to Savannah Ride is a nonprofit event that serves as an annual fundraiser to support the mission of the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. The 2023 edition will take place from October 19th through 22nd. In the 24th year, the ride now includes a gravel option and allows cyclists to choose between the 3-day road ride and 4-day gravel ride. Both options cover at least 285 miles of amazing riding through rural Georgia and include rest stops and overnight stays hosted in communities along the routes. Cyclists enjoy the uniqueness of each community as they are greeted by locals who come out to welcome them and wish them luck on their ride.
Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)3 with a mission to connect and empower rural Georgia through a 211-mile paved trail that will connect communities across an 8-county area. When complete, the 211-mile Hi-Lo Trail will join the 38-mile Firefly Trail and create the longest paved trail in the U.S. ATHSAV is a Georgia Hi-Lo Trail initiative, operated by Sports Strategies, a division of Tourism Strategies, LLC. For more information about the event, visit AthensToSavannah.com.