Sandersville, Ga. — Georgia Hi-Lo Trail Inc. and Sports Strategies have announced the 2023 edition of the Athens to Savannah (ATHSAV) Ride, which will take cyclists on their choice of a four-day gravel ride or a three-day road ride across rural Georgia. The ride starts on Oct. 19, when gravel cyclists roll out from Downtown Athens. Road cyclists will start from the same location on Oct. 20, and everyone will finish in Historic Downtown Savannah on Oct. 22.
“We take such pride in introducing our riders to the cities and towns along the route every year,” says 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,” says Randy DuTeau, ATHSAV operations manager and Sports Strategies vice-president 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 from Canada. More than 150 cyclists are expected on this year’s ride through the eight-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.
