A 3-Day Outdoor Cycling & Music Festival
The Best Weekend in Cycling
The Spring Tune-Up event is a perfect opportunity for bike enthusiasts to hit the road and enjoy a fun-filled weekend. During the event, riders will be allowed to travel along a predetermined route at their own pace. The route will include several rest stops, where riders can take a break, enjoy some refreshments, and take in the beautiful scenery.
One of the best things about the Spring Tune-Up event is the flexibility it offers. You can choose to ride as many or as few miles as you like, ranging from 20 to 100 miles. This means that you can customize your experience to your own fitness level and preferences.
The start and finish point of the event will remain the same throughout the weekend. This will make it easy for riders to plan their routes and ensure that they do not get lost. Moreover, after each day's ride, there will be an opportunity to relax and unwind. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks, take a hot shower, listen to live music, and play games.
Camping is included and hot showers are onsite, but some riders stay at nearby hotels.
THURSDAY
2:00 PM ARRIVAL
DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 2PM.
SHOWERS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL FRIDAY.
2:00 - 6:00 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN
7:00 PM
HAMBURGERS & HOT DOGS FOR SALE
FRIDAY
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN
8:00 AM
MASS START
11:30 AM - 8:30 PM
FOOD TRUCKS ON-SITE
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
BRAG BAR OPEN
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
LIVE MUSIC!
SATURDAY
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN
8:00 AM
MASS START
11:30 AM - 8:30 PM
FOOD TRUCKS ON-SITE
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
BRAG BAR OPEN
3:45 PM - 9:30 PM
LIVE MUSIC!
SUNDAY
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN
8:00 AM
MASS START
Times are subject to change. Please consult the RIDE GUIDE.
Daily Parking will be available in designated areas at Sunflower Farm. Participant vehicles are prohibited from entering the campsite area.
**There is no camping/parking available after 4pm on Sunday.
Don't feel like roughing it all weekend? Bring along your RV! Free RV Parking (no water/elec hookups) is available at Spring TuneUp on a first come basis. Plan to arrive early if you're bringing an RV!
- First-Come, First-Served: We're doing the "early bird gets the worm" thing. So, if you want a primo spot, roll in on Thursday afternoon/evening.
- Fillin' Up Fast: RV parking is getting more popular every year, and we're stoked about that, but just a heads up, it'll be packed by Saturday morning.
- Plan B: If our main becomes too packed, with either RVs or regular vehicles, we've got contingency parking on a paved lot about a mile away. Easy enough to cycle back-and-forth from.
All vehicles need to be off the premise by Sunday at 4PM.
Coming in from out-of-state?
You can use BikeFlights to ship your bicycle to Aztec Cycles for Spring TuneUp
Contact Aztec Cycles at least 2 weeks in advance to reserve a bicycle rental.
678-636-9043
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.
Plenty of Rest Stops!
Spring Tune-Up rest stops are be located about every 10 miles on the routes each day. Rest stops are indicated on the route maps in the RIDE GUIDE. Stops are well-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.
OUTDOOR CAMPING
On Spring Tune-Up, we stay at the Sunflower Farm in Rutledge, GA. Routes begin and end here each day. All you need to do is park, set up your tent, and campout with us! Hot showers are available plus we have food trucks, the BRAG bar, and live entertainment every evening.
Make your experience unforgettable by choosing Snooze Box - the premium mobile hotel trailer. No more camping and roughing it - SnoozeBox offers the comforts of a hotel room right in the middle of all the action. Say goodbye to worrying about the weather and hello to a cozy, cozy bed after a long day of riding. With SnoozeBox, you'll stay close to the action and enjoy a premium experience unlike any other.
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.
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.
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 designated areas in camp and at each rest stop!
The James Madison Inn
260 W Washington St
Madison, GA 30650
Built new as a hotel in 2007, the Inn was constructed on open space within the heart of historic, downtown Madison. It was designed with striking historical influences and includes genuine architectural elements such as reclaimed heart pine flooring, antique doors and windows, and a repurposed mantel from a local antebellum home. Step into The James Madison Inn and experience the grace and romance of a by-gone era combined with all the comforts of up-scale modern conveniences.
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.
https://www.facebook.com/Raindudes/
FOOD VENDORS ON-SITE
The great Georgia towns and cities in which we stop have amazing local restaurants. BRAG encourages you to sample the wide variety of Georgia tastes.
You may purchase food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from any of the on-site vendors. 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.
On-Site Massage
Charge up your phone, tablet, bike computer, or portable power supply!
SPRING TUNE-UP FAQs
For up-to-date registration prices, please see the registration page.
Change of Plans? Registrants have until March 1, 2019 to cancel and request a full refund. After this date, No refunds will be given, no exceptions. You can purchase insurance on your trip when you register to protect your registration fee in the event of an emergency.
Important Dates
September 21, 2018
2019 Registration Open
January 1, 2019
Early Bird Pricing Ends
March 1, 2019
2019 Rates Increased
March 21, 2019
Last Day to Request Refund
April 15, 2019
Last day to Register Online.
Last Day to Register for FREE T-Shirt
April 28, 2019
2019 Spring Tune-Up Begins!
On-Site Registration Available
On Spring Tune-Up, we camp outdoors at Sunflower Farm in Rutledge, GA. All camping is included in the fee and includes hot showers, restrooms and live entertainment. Some riders may make their own arrangements to stay at a local hotel (not included).
We have prepared a packing list for you prepared by veteran BRAG riders.
The weekly fee entitles you to maps, entrance to campsites (tent camping or gym 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.
During BRAG Spring Tune-Up, we do not move locations. Each day is a loop-ride, starting and ending from the Sunflower Farm.
Absolutely not! While a road bike certainly makes things a little easier, people have completed their ride on every type of bike you could think of, from mountain bikes, to recumbents, to unicycles.
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.
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. In fact, Spring Tune-Up is designed to get you back in cycling shape for Summer! Because we start and end at the same place each day, you may choose to ride as little or as much as you would like. There are a ton of rest stops stocked with snacks and beverages. There are also SAG wagons that can assist if you have serious trouble. After the ride, hit up one of the food trucks on-site and get a brew from the BRAG Bar (after all, it's only a short walk back to your tent). Then sit back and enjoy the live entertainment!
You may arrive to Spring Tune-Up as early as 2:00pm on Thursday. Riding begins the following day.
Drop us a line on our contact form or ask the BRAG community on Facebook.