More Than Just a Bike Ride!
WHAT IS BIG BRAG ALL ABOUT?
Big BRAG is an exciting event that offers an unforgettable cycling experience. Cyclists embark on a week-long journey, averaging about 55 miles per day, with a rest day in the middle. Changing each year, routes are designed to offer stunning views of Georgia's picturesque countryside and take riders through some of the most welcoming and hospitable towns in the state.
To make the journey more comfortable, BRAG provides SAG (Support And Gear) support and well-stocked rest stops every 12-18 miles. These rest stops offer a chance for riders to refuel with their favorite snacks and drinks, engage in fun activities, and take in the breathtaking views.
In addition to the cycling itself, BRAG offers a variety of activities for riders to enjoy. After the day's ride, riders can unwind at the BRAG Bar and enjoy their favorite drinks. There are also activities such as bike trivia, one-legged bike races, educational classes, yoga, massages, and more to keep riders entertained and engaged.
To make the experience even more memorable, BRAG features evening events in the towns where riders stay. These events include concerts, DJs, and festivals, providing a fun and festive atmosphere for all participants.
Join us for the BRAG cycling event and discover what makes Georgia such a special place to explore by bike.
May 31
June 1
Route subject to change per local authorities.
June 2
Route subject to change per local authorities.
June 3 & 4
Route subject to change per local authorities.
June 5
Route subject to change per local authorities.
June 6
Route subject to change per local authorities.
June 7
Route subject to change per local authorities.
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
$105
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
$105
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
$50
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
$30
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!
HARTWELL to ROME
Saturday, May 31 Shuttle
Shuttles pick up in HARTELL at 11am. Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes early to load luggage and bike.
LONG TERM PARKING IN HARTWELL
Hart County High School
59 5th St, Hartwell, GA 30643
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rhkD4jBHjT2GPyH8A
------------
Saturday, June 7 Shuttle
Shuttles pick up at Hart County High School, at 3:30 PM and will proceed to
LONG TERM PARKING in ROME
Barron Stadium & Rome Tennis Center
300/301 W 3rd St, Rome, GA 30165
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jfuhzMVNHTggEEJZ6
Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes early to load luggage and bike
BRAG LITE SHUTTLES
LONG TERM PARKING in ROME.
Barron Stadium & Rome Tennis Center
300/301 W 3rd St, Rome, GA 30165
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jfuhzMVNHTggEEJZ6
Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes early to load luggage and bike.
Saturday, June 7:
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, 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 8. Feel free to make your own arrangements at an area facility.
Please contact Aztec Cycles for bicycle shipping information: 678.636.9043
Please contact Aztec Cycles for bicycle rental information
The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is approx 1.5 hours drive to Rome and approx 2.5 hours drive from Hartswell
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.
Snooze Box provides unique and convenient accommodations for overnight events. Our hotel trailer features 5 spacious 8 x 10' rooms, each equipped with 3 beds, a couch, and an optional trundle for extra sleeping space. With the ability to sleep up to 5 people in each room, our trailer is perfect for friends, couples, or families. Whether you're attending BRAG, RAGBRAI, a festival, or any other special event, Snooze Box has you covered. Our trailer is furnished and equipped with the amenities you need to feel comfortable. Contact us today to book your stay with Snooze Box and experience the comfort and convenience of our mobile hotel trailer.
BRAG Now Provides Hotel Luggage Transportation!
you can register for this service on the BRAG registration page. Simply scroll down to merchandise and select the number of bags you will need. Then click register. The system will ask you for all of your hotel reservation locations from a drop-down menu. Before the ride you will be given a phone number to the Hotel Baggage Coordinator who will be in charge of your bags all week.
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
Padre's Cycle Inn is back in 2024! Padre's will be providing the tent and porter service to BRAG riders.
Padre's Cycle Inn provides full-service camping and has supported cyclists since 2007. Why trust anyone else? Just Cycle Inn, and we'll do the rest! Padre’s provides the following services:
Camping and Baggage Service includes:
- Reserved camping at a site reserved specifically for Padre’s, with camping Saturday night through the second Saturday morning
- Baggage transport directly to and from your tent each day, keeping your gear out of the weather
- High quality tents, provided and set up and taken down for you daily
- A 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
- 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, e-bikes, or other devices charged up (e-bike charging requires a removable battery or guest-provided 25' extension cord)
- 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
- 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!
Registration is available on the Padre's website after January 1, 2024
How to Add Hotel Bookings to Your Exisiting Registration:
Log onto the Registration Page
- Under Categories, Select "ADD ON ITEM"
2. Fill in your personal information
3. Make the following selections
4. Choose your hotels and check out.
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
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, Cafe Campesino will be on hand with their 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.
YES! EBikes are permitted on any Georgia Ride, so long as they comply with Georgia DOT laws. You can read more about those laws here.
You are responsible for making sure you have enough juice to make it to wherever you're going.
BRAG provides a good number of power outlets at the Power Station on the big red Registration Trailer! Those who register for INDOOR CAMPING also have access to outlet inside the provided facility.
Please follow these directions to add a shuttle to your registration:
1. open a new registration form at https://brag.org/brag/register/ - Do Not login!
2. Under Categories, opt for "NA - Merch/Shuttle/Indoor/Hotel Luggage Only"
3. Resubmit your registration form along with the required payment.
We will then reconcile all of your registration options on our end!
On Big BRAG you have the option of staying indoors or camping outdoors in each overnight location. Outdoor camping is included in the fee.
On-site indoor camping is limited. Please visit the registration page for more info.
While shuttles to designated hotels are available, hotels are not included in the fee and you must book them on your own.
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 electronic maps, BRAG Ride Guide, access 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 on the route, daily baggage transportation to the next overnight campsites, access to medical team, security team, End-Of-The-Road Meal/party, medals for kids 15 and under/seniors 65 and older.
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.
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 ebikes, mountain bikes, to recumbents, tandems, and unicycles... even roller blades!
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.