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For the second year in a row, the Tour de Georgia will make its way through the Walker County community during its 667-mile route throughout Georgia and Tennessee. On Thursday, April 19, 120 cyclists – starting out in Chickamauga -- will compete in a race against the clock during the fourth stage of this year’s race, the Individual Time Trials.

Wednesday, April 18: “Party Time at the Starting Line”


The Tour de Georgia stop in Chickamauga will kick off the night before with a special downtown party on Wednesday. The event begins at 5 p.m. in the front lawn of Crystal Springs Bleachery with a special Kids Zone area. Snow cones, cotton candy and several inflatables will be available for the kids to enjoy. At 6:30 p.m. the Beaters will take the downtown stage, performing a wide range of rock ‘n roll hits. High-energy country artist Chad Yates will follow and play well into the night. The event is free to the public.

Thursday, April 19: Starting line activities


The Individual Time Trial will begin at 11 a.m. in front of Gordon Lee High School. The excitement will carry throughout the afternoon, as one rider leaves the start line each minute until all 120 cyclists have started the climb up Lookout Mountain.

Thursday, April 19: Finish line activities


Rock City Gardens will be part of the Tour de Georgia for the second year in a row, and this year is the official finish line for Stage 4. Join The McCallie Tornado Winds Pep Band for an old-fashioned pep rally, complete with cheerleaders, a stilt-walker and unicyclist, balloons and free pompoms for everyone. Enjoy festival snacks and the Seven States BBQ menu complete with kid-friendly activities for the whole family, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Suck Creek Cycle Bike Shop will also provide hands-on bike experience for guests, with bike demonstrations and photo opportunities with the bikes, including a nostalgic time trial bike. The McCallie Tornado Winds Pep Band from Chattanooga is made up of students from all over the U.S. and Korea. This ensemble has a strong tradition of fraternity, leadership and excellence, with three consecutive years of superior ratings at the ETSBOA Concert Festival. The band has participated in Walt Disney World’s Magic Music Days in Orlando, Florida, in addition to many other venues.

For more details, visit:


Course maps


www.tourdegeorgia.com.


www.cityofchickamaugageorgia.org.


www.seerockcity.com.


www.walkercochamber.com (or call the Chamber at 706. 375.7702).