Registration open for Athens cycling event to benefit Firefly Trail. Learn how to sign up.

An estimated 250 cyclists are expected in Athens on Saturday for the 12th annual Firefly Trail Ticket To Ride, a non-competitive event scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (271 W. Hancock Ave.), where a free beer and a "baseball-style cap" will be given out to registered riders.

Proceeds will go to support the efforts of Firefly Trail Inc. to assist communities in building and maintaining the trail.

“We are passionate about the Firefly Trail because of the enormous health and economic benefits it will provide to our whole region,” said Dr. Chris Doerr, a physician and owner of Athens Physical Therapy, which is presenting the event. “We hope our involvement sparks even more support and helps speed construction of this trail to serve the communities we love and call home.”

The ride will be held on paved roads and segments of trail on or close to the historic corridor of the Georgia Railroad Athens Branch, and will allow for cyclists to view completed stretches of the trail in Union Point, Maxeys, Winterville and Athens. There will be three start/finish locations for the ride: Creature Comforts in Athens, the historic Depot in Winterville, and Union Point Theatre in Union Point.

And there's no pressure to complete the trail, which features out-and-back options up to 85 miles. Cyclists can turn around at any time, and the ride features on-road vehicle support with restrooms, snacks and beverages every 8 to 13 miles.

Riders are welcome to start and finish at the location that suits them best. Those interested in participating may register at active.com/athens-ga/cycling/races/ticket-to-ride-2023 or sign up at any of the three starting points.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Non-competitive cycling event to benefit Firefly Trail in Athens