GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Feb. 6, 2023) – The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) has announced the route for its 43rd Annual Big BRAG ride June 3-10 and the results are in: the City of Gainesville will play host to roughly 1,500 cyclists this summer as they bike across the state of Georgia.

Cyclists will embark on the 400-mile journey Sunday, June 3, in Clayton and finish Saturday, June 10, in downtown Augusta. According to BRAG’s website, brag.org, cyclists – coming from Clarkesville/Cornelia (June 4) – will arrive in Gainesville on day No. 2 or Monday, June 5, for an overnight stay and some well-deserved R&R.

Tourism Director Robyn Lynch said she’s looking forward to welcoming participants of the Lake & Libations-themed event to a thriving community that’s teeming with new growth, things and places to explore.

“City of Gainesville leadership has been hard at work to enhance visitors’ experience, whether they view Gainesville as home, a new or favorite destination to explore,” Lynch said. “We intend to do everything we can to ensure cyclists enjoy their stay by pointing them in the direction of Gainesville’s most popular restaurants, tasting rooms, retailers and attractions. We know Gainesville is just one of several host communities along their journey, but we want to be the one they come back to with their friends and family in tow.”

Mayor Sam Couvillon said he’s humbled by organizers’ decision to feature Gainesville along the 2023 Big BRAG ride.

“As an elected official, you’re always proud of the community you serve,” Couvillon said, “but to see others value it – and for the same reasons you value it – provides affirmation that the City’s best efforts to steer this community in the right direction are not only being realized, but noticed.”

Though not yet official, it appears part of the route will follow the Highlands to Islands (H2I) Trail, one of Couvillon’s favorite attractions that will soon connect Gainesville to Hall County, Oakwood, Flowery Branch, Buford, Braselton and Lake Lanier Islands.

“Once it’s completed, we’re going to have about 35 miles of trail available for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy,” Couvillon said, adding BRAG is a perfect example of what leaders of these communities envision the trail will be used for.

While in Gainesville, cyclists will spend the night at the Gainesville Civic Center, where Gainesville Parks and Recreation is headquartered.

“For Gainesville Parks and Recreation, Adventure Recreation is one of our passions,” said Parks and Rec Director Kate Mattison. “We are thrilled to host the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia at the Civic Center in June and excited for our community to witness this exciting sport.”

After departing Gainesville, cyclists will travel to Braselton (June 6-7), Madison (June 8), Thomson (June 9), then Augusta.

When available, the City will promote the Gainesville route so the public can show support and witness BRAG cyclists in action. Be sure to “Like” and follow @ExploreGainesvilleGA, @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment and @GainesvilleParksandRec on Facebook for the latest.

To learn more about BRAG and other overnight towns, visit https://brag.org/brag/.

To learn more about Gainesville, including where to stay, dine and shop, visit https://www.exploregainesville.org/.