May 12-15, 2025: Athens, GA
Athens is our favorite city to hold a tandem rally. GTR has visited five times. It’s become too popular for us to hold weekend events there, but since our Pre-Tour is during the week and the University of Georgia is out, the tandems can take over the town. Our hotel is walking distance to dozens of restaurants and entertainment venues (bars) in downtown Athens. Park your car and forget it. We’ve got a brewery and a new rooftop lounge to investigate. And we’ve got three days of riding planned through northeast Georgia’s rolling hills.
The GTR Pre-Tour is an affordable way to extend your GTR experience to six days. After the Pre-Tour, it is an easy 50-mile drive to Covington.
GTR PRE-TOUR DAY BY DAY
Monday, May 12: We’ll gather on Monday night in our hotel bar for Pre-Tour packet pickup. Have your favorite adult beverage while you meet your fellow participants.
Tuesday, May 13: The first ride of GTR Week gets underway on Tuesday morning. We will have two options of 33 or 43 miles as we head north of the city. Tuesday afternoon will feature a “tandem takeover” at Creature Comforts brewery. Then we’ll turn you loose on Athens to you get into as much trouble as you wish to cause.
Wednesday, May 14: Today’s ride goes east of Athens on quiet country roads, with options of 34 or 42 miles. Wednesday afternoon’s tandem takeover is at a new rooftop bar. You’ll enjoy great views of Athens as we recall today’s adventures. Then, if you still have any energy, you have one more night to enjoy restaurants and nightlife.
Thursday, May 15: We’ve got time for one more 24-mile ride before we pack up and head to Covington. Part of the ride is on Athens’ newest bike route, the Firefly Trail.
GTR PRE-TOUR MILEAGE AND ALTITUDE CHARTS
Athens is at the highest point of Clarke County, which means there’s always an uphill at the end of the ride! We’ve got some good downhills, and there are even a few flat sections. Our pre-tour offers the best of all worlds!
| Day/Option | Climbing (Source: Ride with GPS) |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 33 | 2000 feet |
| Tuesday 43 | 2600 feet |
| Wednesday 34 | 1900 feet |
| Wednesday 42 | 2300 feet |
| Thursday 24 | 1300 feet |
THE PRE-TOUR IS LIMITED TO 30 TEAMS.
GTR PRE-TOUR REGISTRATION
On February 10, 2025 you will register for both GTR and the pre-tour at the same time. The pre-tour is a hot ticket and usually sells out each year. If you are coming, register early. Due to the popularity of the pre-tour, you must register for GTR 2025 to do the pre-tour. There are no “pre-tour only” registrations.
GTR PRE-TOUR COSTS
The cost of the pre-tour, still being calculated, is around $150 per team. The cost includes rider’s insurance, maps, cue sheets, GPS files, hopefully some SWAG, and a really fun time. The cost does not include your hotel room. Hotel information will be provided after you register for the ride.
