April 18-21 is coming, and if you like bikes, Savannah is where you want to be.

The kickoff is Friday, April 18, with Dump the Pump sponsored by SDRA, Savannah Bicycle Campaign, PACE, CAT, and the City of Savannah. As we have noted here before, this event, where downtown workers are encouraged to leave their cars at home is intended

to raise awareness about the benefits of using alternative modes of transportation and to encourage people from throughout the community who travel to downtown (employees, residents, students, shoppers, and diners) to commute by walking, riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters, carpooling and public transportation.

Saturday, April 19 holds the first ever Savannah Wheelie, the social, family friendly bike ride put on by Savannah Bicycle Campaign to raise awareness about the need for improved bicycle facilities and safety education for motorists and cyclists. The ride, led by Mayor Otis Johnson and County Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis, will traverse the Historic Downtown Bikeway. Stick around for the party at Blowin’ Smoke to follow, with live music and good food, benefitting the Savannah Bicycle Campaign.

If that’s not enough, Tour de Georgia kicks off in Savannah for the first time in 5 years. The international pro cycling event kicks off with a party Saturday, April 19 at the Trade Center — the Toast de Tour — which will include introduction of the teams.

On Sunday, April 20, Tour de Georgia’s Ride for Research rolls from Tybee at 10am and will follow much of the stage I race route.
Monday, April 21 brings the first stage of the Tour de Georgia to life. Racers will leave Tybee Island at 10am and traverse 71 miles, passing twice through downtown Savannah before finishing at the Savannah Civic Center.

Posted on April 9th, 2008 by Drew Wade
Filed under: Latest News