The city of LaFayette, in cooperation with Walker County, the city of Chickamauga and Rock City, will host the inaugural Honeybee Bicycle Ride on May 13.
Proceeds from the Honeybee Bicycle Ride will benefit the LaFayette Recreation Department.
Funds will be used to lower registration fees for all youth wanting to play baseball, soccer and other sports. "Our average cost of those programs is right at $78. We feel like that is a drain on some family budgets," said Jason Shattuck, LaFayette Parks & Recreation Director.
Scenic routes featuring 10, 34 and 63 miles will be available to ride through the hills and valleys of Walker County. All routes will begin and end at the LaFayette Recreation Department.
The 10-mile ride will trek through LaFayette, showcasing some of the city's iconic landmarks. LaFayette City Manager David Hamilton said, "We want to become a more bike friendly and walkable community. We also want to promote more robust and frequent events in town available for our local and surrounding communities."
The 34-mile ride offers a scenic tour through both LaFayette and Chickamauga. Highlights along the tour include the Chattooga Academy, Gordon Hall, Marsh House and Gordon Lee Mansion.
Those looking for a Metric-Century ride will be challenged by the "See Rock City Metric," which includes a stop at Rock City's Blowing Springs Farm.
Rock City will serve as the primary sponsor for the Honeybee Bicycle Ride. The first 200 cyclists who sign up for the event will receive a free admission to what National Geographic calls "one of America's Top 101 places to visit." Bill Chapin, CEO of Rock City, said "We're an outdoor attraction that encourages people to get outside and do things with their family. Cycling is one of those great, all age, athletic events that is something we can all do."
To register for any of the Honeybee Bicycle Ride routes, visit www.bikereg.com/honeybeemetric. Each route costs $40 and includes a meal voucher. The Honeybee Bicycle Ride serves as a lead-in to the Honeybee Festival in June, featuring country music artist Craig Morgan.