Savannah plans to roll with the crowd when the 2008 Tour de Georgia bike race starts in nearby Tybee Island on Monday.
The historic old city is the site of bicycling events that aim to get Savannah residents out on two wheels this weekend.
Two bike rides — the Savannah Wheelie on Saturday and the Ride for Research on Sunday — are suited for recreational riders. The Saturday ride is free, and the next 100 to register for the Sunday ride also will get to ride free.
Saturday ride
The inaugural Savannah Wheelie begins at 3 p.m. at the south end of Forsyth Park (that park featured in the opening scenes of the film “Forrest Gump”). This casual ride follows a less-than four-mile route through the historic district and celebrates local Earth Day festivities.
The Wheelie is followed by a Post Wheelie Dealie involving barbecue at Blowin' Smoke after the ride. Future Savannah Wheelie rides are scheduled for the third Sunday of the month beginning at 3:30 p.m. Check for details at the Savannah Bicycle Campaign.
Sunday ride
The Ride for Research takes off from nearby Pooler at 10 a.m. and follows parts of the Stage 1 route for 27 or 42 miles. The event benefits the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the George Cancer Coalition.
It's open to recreational cyclists who have raised a minimum $250. However, an anonymous donor has offered to pay the way for 100 cyclists. Check the Active.com website for details on this special offer.
Former pro cyclists Kevin Livingston and Mari Holden are expected to join this ride.
Monday ride
Sorry. This is for pros only. The race starts at 10:30 a.m. Monday on Tybee Island and follows a 72 mile meandering route through Savannah out to Fort Argyle Road and back to Savannah for the finish.. Here's the map (.pdf).
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