Best Bike Rides in Georgia

Georgia has quietly become one of the premier cycling destinations in the United States, offering everything from challenging mountain passes to scenic coastal flats, luxury hotel-based tours to rugged multi-day adventures. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for your next challenge or a casual rider seeking beautiful scenery and great company, the Best Bike Rides in Georgia deliver experiences that rival anything you’ll find across the country.

From the rolling hills of North Georgia to the Spanish moss-draped lowcountry, the Peach State provides a diverse landscape that keeps cyclists coming back year after year. What sets Georgia apart isn’t just the terrain—it’s the incredibly well-organized cycling events that showcase the state’s natural beauty while providing world-class support, safety, and community atmosphere.

This guide highlights the top cycling events and rides that make Georgia a must-visit destination for serious cyclists and casual riders alike. Each ride offers something unique, whether it’s the ultimate endurance challenge, luxury accommodations, or simply the best way to experience Georgia’s stunning backroads with hundreds of like-minded cyclists.

The Big BRAG – Georgia’s Premier Long-Distance Ride

The Big BRAG stands as the crown jewel of cycling events in Georgia and arguably one of the best multi-day cycling experiences in the entire United States. This week-long journey takes riders across Georgia from one corner of the state to another, covering approximately 400 miles over seven days of riding.

What makes the Big BRAG extraordinary isn’t just the distance—it’s the level of support and community that surrounds the event. With over 1,000 participants, full mechanical support, luggage transport, medical assistance, and a dedicated crew that handles every logistical detail, riders can focus entirely on enjoying the experience and pushing their personal limits.

The route changes each year, ensuring that even veteran participants discover new parts of Georgia. Past routes have traversed the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolled through antebellum towns, crossed river valleys, and wound along scenic coastlines. The variety keeps the week interesting and showcases Georgia’s incredible geographic diversity.

Beyond the cycling, the Big BRAG creates a true community experience. Evening social events, group meals, and the shared challenge of covering significant daily distances forge friendships that last long after the week ends. Many participants return year after year, making the Big BRAG as much about reconnecting with cycling friends as discovering new roads.

The event typically attracts intermediate to advanced cyclists comfortable with daily distances of 60 miles, though support options accommodate various fitness levels. The Big BRAG represents not just one of the best bike rides in Georgia, but one of the premier cycling events in the United States.

Six Gap Century – The Ultimate Test for Avid Cyclists

The Six Gap Century has earned its reputation as one of the most challenging single-day cycling events in the southeastern United States. Held annually in the North Georgia mountains, this 104-mile route tackles six major mountain passes, accumulating over 10,000 feet of climbing that tests even experienced cyclists.

What makes Six Gap special isn’t just the difficulty—it’s the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing one of cycling in Georgia’s most demanding challenges. The route winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering stunning mountain vistas, challenging climbs, and exhilarating descents that reward riders for their effort.

The event attracts serious cyclists from across the Southeast and beyond. Many participants train for months specifically for Six Gap, treating it as their signature cycling achievement of the year. The challenging terrain attracts competitive riders looking to test themselves, but the event welcomes anyone willing to tackle the climbs.

Support is comprehensive, with well-stocked rest stops, mechanical assistance, and sweep vehicles for riders who need help. The event typically takes place in late spring when mountain weather is most favorable and dogwood blooms add natural beauty to the already spectacular scenery.

For avid cyclists seeking their next major challenge, Six Gap represents the pinnacle of single-day riding in Georgia. It’s not for everyone, but those who complete it often describe it as one of their most memorable cycling experiences.

BRAG Winter Ride Lux – The Best Luxury Cycling Experience

For cyclists who prefer their adventures with a side of luxury, the BRAG Winter Ride Lux offers an upscale take on multi-day cycling that’s become legendary among riders who appreciate the finer things. This hotel-based tour typically runs over three days in late winter or early spring, covering some of Georgia’s most scenic routes while participants enjoy comfortable accommodations and gourmet meals.

The Winter Ride Lux distinguishes itself through attention to detail that rivals high-end European cycling tours. Instead of camping or basic accommodations, riders stay in quality hotels with full amenities. Meals feature local specialties and regional cuisine, often including wine tastings or visits to local breweries. Luggage transport ensures your bags are waiting in your room each evening.

Routes are carefully selected to highlight Georgia’s beauty during the cooler months when humidity is low and wildflowers are beginning to bloom. The pace is more relaxed than the Big BRAG, with shorter daily distances and more time to appreciate the scenery and local culture.

This event attracts cyclists who want to combine their passion for riding with comfortable accommodations and exceptional food. It’s perfect for couples looking for a cycling vacation that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, or for anyone who wants to experience Georgia bike rides in style. The smaller group size creates a more intimate atmosphere while maintaining the excellent support that defines all BRAG events.

Spring TuneUp – Best Ride for Beginners and Festival Atmosphere

The Spring TuneUp serves as Georgia’s perfect introduction to organized cycling events, offering multiple route options that accommodate everyone from families with children to experienced riders looking for an early-season workout. Typically held in March, this event kicks off Georgia’s cycling season with a festival atmosphere that emphasizes fun over competition.

Multiple route lengths—usually ranging from 15 to 65 miles—allow participants to choose their own adventure based on fitness level and goals. The shorter routes feature gentle terrain and scenic country roads perfect for newer cyclists, while longer options provide more challenging riding for those seeking a serious workout.

What sets Spring TuneUp apart is its welcoming, supportive environment. Experienced cyclists mentor newcomers, families ride together, and the overall atmosphere celebrates cycling participation rather than performance. Rest stops feature local volunteers who create a party-like atmosphere with music, encouragement, and plenty of food.

The event often includes vendor booths, bike maintenance clinics, and social activities that make it feel more like a cycling festival than a formal race. This makes it ideal for anyone curious about organized cycling events but intimidated by more competitive atmospheres.

Located in scenic Middle Georgia, the Spring TuneUp showcases beautiful rural landscapes without the mountain challenges of North Georgia events. It represents the perfect entry point into Georgia’s cycling community and often serves as a gateway that leads participants to tackle more ambitious rides throughout the year.

Beautiful Backroads Century – Best One-Day Ride in Georgia

The Beautiful Backroads Century has built a loyal following among cyclists who appreciate scenic routes, perfect organization, and the ideal timing of fall riding conditions. Held annually in October, this 100-mile ride (with shorter options available) takes advantage of Georgia’s most beautiful season to showcase rural landscapes at their peak.

The route typically winds through Middle Georgia’s gently rolling countryside, featuring quiet paved roads, historic towns, and the kind of scenery that makes cyclists remember why they fell in love with riding. Fall foliage, comfortable temperatures, and lower humidity create ideal conditions for spending a full day in the saddle.

What distinguishes Beautiful Backroads is its reputation for flawless execution. Rest stops are perfectly spaced and well-stocked, mechanical support is readily available, and the route is clearly marked and marshaled. The event has refined its operations over many years, resulting in an experience that feels effortless for participants.

The century distance attracts serious recreational cyclists, while shorter route options accommodate riders who want the Beautiful Backroads experience without the full century commitment. The fall timing makes it a popular choice for cyclists looking to cap off their riding season with a memorable event.

Many participants consider Beautiful Backroads their annual cycling tradition, returning year after year to enjoy the combination of perfect organization, scenic beauty, and ideal weather conditions. It represents organized cycling at its finest and consistently ranks among the Best Bike Rides in Georgia.

Tour de Tugaloo – Scenic Ride Along the Savannah River

The Tour de Tugaloo offers cyclists the chance to experience some of Georgia’s most pristine natural beauty while riding along the Savannah River in the northeastern part of the state. This event showcases a different side of Georgia cycling, featuring river views, forested roads, and terrain that ranges from gentle rollers to more challenging climbs.

Multiple route options accommodate various fitness levels, with distances typically ranging from 25 to 75 miles. The longer routes venture into more remote areas where cyclists can enjoy solitude and natural beauty that feels far removed from urban Georgia. Wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic river vistas provide natural rest stops along the way.

The Tour de Tugaloo attracts cyclists who appreciate natural beauty and don’t mind working for their views. While not as mountainous as Six Gap or as flat as coastal rides, the terrain offers enough variety to keep things interesting without being overwhelming for intermediate riders.

The event emphasizes the natural environment and outdoor experience, making it popular with cyclists who enjoy combining their riding with nature appreciation. The smaller scale creates a more intimate atmosphere than some of Georgia’s larger events, fostering connections between participants who share a love of both cycling and the outdoors.

Rest stops often feature local volunteers who provide insights into the area’s history and ecology, adding educational value to the cycling experience. The Tour de Tugaloo represents Georgia cycling at its most natural and unspoiled.

Three Rivers Ride in St. Marys – Best Flat Ride in Georgia

For cyclists who prefer scenic beauty without challenging climbs, the Three Rivers Ride in St. Marys offers the perfect solution. Located in coastal Southeast Georgia, this event features predominantly flat terrain that allows riders to maintain steady paces while enjoying views of rivers, marshlands, and Spanish moss-draped landscapes.

The ride typically offers multiple distance options, with routes exploring the area where three rivers converge near the Georgia-Florida border. The flat terrain makes this an excellent choice for cyclists recovering from injuries, those new to longer distances, or anyone who simply prefers to enjoy scenery without constantly battling elevation changes.

Despite the lack of climbing challenges, the Three Rivers Ride provides plenty of visual interest. Coastal Georgia’s unique ecosystem creates landscapes unlike anywhere else in the state, with expansive marshes, ancient live oaks, and occasional wildlife sightings that make the riding experience memorable.

The event attracts a diverse mix of participants, from families looking for a manageable cycling adventure to competitive cyclists using the flat terrain for speed work or high-mileage training. The coastal location often provides favorable weather conditions and interesting breezes that make even hot days more comfortable.

Support follows the same high standards as other major Georgia events, with well-placed rest stops, mechanical assistance, and thorough route marking. The Three Rivers Ride proves that Georgia bike rides don’t need mountains to be memorable or challenging.

Other Notable Georgia Rides

Athens to Savannah

This unique multi-day ride connects two of Georgia’s most historic cities via backroads that showcase the state’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Covering approximately 180 miles over two days, the Athens to Savannah ride combines the challenge of significant distance with the reward of experiencing Georgia’s geographic and cultural transitions. Although the future of this ride is unknown, if it continues, its a great ride.

Choosing the Right Georgia Cycling Experience for You

Best Georgia Bike Rides for Different Cyclist Types

For Beginning Cyclists: Start with the Spring TuneUp, which offers multiple distance options, a supportive atmosphere, and gentle terrain perfect for building confidence in group riding situations.

For Intermediate Cyclists: The Beautiful Backroads Century provides an excellent stepping stone to longer distances, while the Tour de Tugaloo offers scenic beauty with moderate terrain challenges.

For Advanced/Competitive Cyclists: The Six Gap Century delivers the ultimate single-day challenge, while the Big BRAG provides the premier multi-day experience for more casual and serious riders.

For Luxury-Seeking Cyclists: The BRAG Winter Ride Lux combines quality cycling with upscale accommodations and gourmet dining for the ultimate cycling vacation experience.

For Flat-Terrain Lovers: The Three Rivers Ride offers beautiful scenery without demanding climbs, perfect for maintaining steady paces or enjoying cycling without altitude challenges.

For Multi-Day Adventure Seekers: Both the Big BRAG and Athens to Savannah provide opportunities to experience Georgia’s diversity over multiple days while enjoying comprehensive support.

Each event attracts a dedicated following of participants who return annually, creating communities within the larger Georgia cycling family. First-time participants often discover not just great riding, but lasting friendships and a deeper connection to Georgia’s cycling culture.

Experience the Best Bike Rides in Georgia

Georgia’s cycling events represent more than just organized rides—they’re gateways to discovering the state’s natural beauty, connecting with like-minded cyclists, and challenging yourself in supportive environments. From the ultimate endurance test of Six Gap Century to the luxury experience of Winter Ride Lux, from the community atmosphere of Spring TuneUp to the scenic beauty of Tour de Tugaloo, Georgia offers cycling experiences that rank among the finest in the United States.

The Best Bike Rides in Georgia share common characteristics: exceptional organization, comprehensive support, scenic routes, and welcoming communities that make both first-time participants and annual returners feel at home. Whether you’re seeking your next personal challenge, planning a cycling vacation, or looking to connect with Georgia’s vibrant cycling community, these events provide experiences that will exceed your expectations.

The diversity of options ensures that every cyclist can find their perfect Georgia experience. Ready to discover what makes cycling in Georgia special? Choose an event that matches your interests and abilities, and prepare to understand why so many cyclists consider Georgia their favorite riding destination. Join the thousands of riders who have discovered that when it comes to organized cycling events, Georgia truly offers some of the best experiences in the country.