Circle the Bald Ride

by Joanna Atkisson, 4-24-2004

The first Circle the Bald Bike Ride held in Towns County Georgia was a  great success. This event was coordinated by the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association (SABA), who are members from the North Georgia, Southwestern North Carolina and Southeastern Tennessee area. With just under 200 participants from all over the United States, it began as a mass start from the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Georgia. Several people did the 12 mile option, but the majority elected to do 
the 36-mile trek that followed the same route as the Stage 6 of the Tour de Georgia. Much positive feedback has been received, with riders stating they hope this will become an annual event. SABA states there was so much more participation than expected, that they ran out of t-shirts on registration day (they promise to have more next year) Proceeds from this ride will benefit the planning and development of the Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail, which will be located in Clay County, North Carolina, near the town of Hayesville. This is located on the North Carolina-Georgia border, off a peninsula of beautiful Lake Chatuge. Approximately 14-15 miles of trail are planned, with 7-8 of this being a perimeter trail along the lakeside, and an additional 6-7 
miles of connecting and ridge-line trails. Environmental studies are currently being conducted and anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2004. Trail construction will begin after this. This site has been selected for a trail care crew visit from the Subaru/IMBA team, which is scheduled for November 12-14th, 2004. SABA is working with a local organization, the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association, along with the USFS, in planning this trail. Fund raising efforts will be on-going, and the bike club is actually planning to coordinate a 5K run (yes, some of them do running also) at the Lies and Pies Festival in Hayesville, NC on Saturday, August 7, 2004. SABA also helps teach bicycle safety and mountain bike skills to Pathways, which is a after-school and summer program for middle school-age children. For more information about the trail, the IMBA trail visit, or the 5K run, visit www.sabacycling.com or e-mail Joanna Atkisson at joanna@webworkz.com.