Come join us for a thrilling weekend bikepacking adventure along the scenic Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga Trails! This event is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature, be moderately physically active, have plenty of time to stare at the trees, and make new friends. We’ll start our journey at the Free Nelson Mandela Memorial in Piedmont Park (right across from Tenth ST NE) and pedal our way through picturesque and mostly paved trails, enjoying the beauty of the forests, southeast, and surrounding landscapes. We will end in Anniston, AL on the third day where we will get picked up by a shuttle service and driven back to Piedmont Park in Atlanta. 

Whether you’re a seasoned bikepacker or new to the sport, this event is suitable for all skill levels. Pack your camping gear, snacks, and a sense of adventure as we embark on this unforgettable trip together. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the great outdoors! Tickets can be found here.

The Details

Tickets can be found here.

Date/Time:

March 28 2025 9:30 AM → March 30 2025 5:00 PM

Days/Nights:

3 days/2 nights

Start/End Location:

Free Nelson Mandela Sign in Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA → Anniston, AL (shuttle ride back to Piedmont Park, Atlanta GA)

Total Mileage:

110+ miles (Day 1: 46 miles; Day 2: 40 miles; Day 3: 35 miles)

Cost to Participate:

General Admission: $280

General Admission + Bike Keychain: $290

What your ticket includes: camping for day 1; a BEAUTIFUL Airbnb tucked away by a creek and with a hot tube; shuttle ride from Anniston to Atlanta on the last day of the trip; a fun, knowledgeable guide that brings together a warm and welcoming group of people; a bicycle chain keychain if you decide to get one, made by yours truly, me 🙂

Type of Adventure:

Unsupported, group bikepacking with one night of camping and another night in an Airbnb on a paved trail.

Terrain:

The beginning out of Atlanta will be city riding with a mix of single track to get off the busy roads. Once we get on trail, the rest of the way should be almost entirely paved and car free (albeit sharing with pedestrians and animals)

Difficulty:

Intermediate. While the terrain and elevation profile is largely easy to ride on (some technical skill required for the singletrack in the beginning), we will be biking for +/-5 hours each day on a well paved trail. Decent fitness is required for this trip- this is not a race, but with lunch, rest and refill stops planned along the way, a 10mph pace with all these stops included will result in about 7 hours of moving day.

Gear Required:

A full gear list and detailed itinerary will be emailed to all participants before the start of the event. You should expect to carry everything that you think you will need on your bike for this trip. That includes, but is not limited to, a fully functioning bike, a tent, biking clothes and camping clothes, food and water, spare bike parts and tools, etc.. 

If you would like to see everything I brought to New Zealand for a 3 month tour (different from bikepacking, but packing lists are similar) you can watch a full breakdown here https://youtu.be/g60vVx2L2i8?si=nXkYML5pjf_DU2Yz.

If you need a guide for what gear to buy, check out my list here https://livingbybike.org/bikepacking_gear_guide-2/

Tickets can be found here.

FAQ

What will our lodging be for this trip? Day 1 we will be camping at The Rock in Rockmart, GA. Day 2 we will be staying in an Airbnb with a hot tub! https://tinyurl.com/3spsxw6y

How Do I Know If My Bikepacking Rig Will Work? I will send out a Google Forms that must be completed to ensure that your bikepacking rig is well suited for this trip. I know some people will be new to bikepacking, so I want everyone to have a basic guideline of what is expected to be in your setup!

Can I Rent a Bike/Gear? Short answer- no. This trip is dependent on you packing/bringing your own bike and gear. I will send out a gear/equipment list before departure to all registrants. I do have a limited bike/gear supply closet, so if there is something you need, I might be able to offer a bit of help!

Who Is This Trip Targeted For? Anyone can join, but this route is specifically suitable for beginner/intermediate cyclists/bikepackers, or people who simply want a bit of a chiller bikepacking trip, one with more downtime to enjoy the surroundings, but still some hours of pedaling to get a sweat going.

What Happens If It Rains? Unless there is torrential downpour and a gigantic storm looming, this event is rain or shine, so pack accordingly!

How Do I Get To/From The Event? You can take the Amtrak or fly into Atlanta GA to arrive the night before. 

What is your refund policy? If you cancel your trip 5+ weeks before our departure date, then you will get a full refund. If you cancel between 3-5 weeks before our departure date, you will not get a refund (this is due to any registrations I must make for lodging, shuttles etc.). However, if you come on a different trip in the future, I will take the cost of what you paid for your cancelled trip off of the cost of the future trip. If you are a no show or cancel less than two weeks before departure date, you will not get a refund (unless special circumstances occur).