Tour de Rogers

Bremen Ga. is a quiet small town about 40 miles west of Atlanta just off I20. Saturday 06/26/04 was the first time the Tour de Rogers was held. The day started off foggy and rainy, at first it didn't look like many were going to show up. As time grew closer to the 8:00 start quite a few riders did show. I guess we had about 80 riders for the ride. I was riding the 50 mile option.

We actually got started about 8:15, to the sound of cow bells, the rain had just about stopped. We left from the intersection of Bus 27 and Hwy78 where the Bremen Police had stopped traffic for our start. This was only the begining of the great support we received from the Bremen and Harrelson Countys' Police, Sheriff, and Fire/EMS Dept's. During the complete ride just about every intersection was shut down as the riders came through. This included a major 4 lane that we crossed twice. The little traffic we did encounter was very curtious and gave us plenty of room.

The terrain started off fairly level with good surface for about 6 miles. Then we had to go to work. The terrain started becoming more and more hilly. After the first rest stop the terrain became very hilly and after the the fourth rest stop there was a heartbreak hill. The course was very well marked and I didn't really need to use the que sheet. Even on long runs there was a marker to let you know you were still on course. All in all I would rate the course Strenuous.

There were 5 rest stops for the 50 milers. The rest stops were well stocked with fruit, snacks and ready homemade peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches, and of course cold water and a hydration drink. The volunteers who manned the rest stops were all very friendly and helpful.

I think the highlight for me on this ride was when I crossed the finish line to the sound of cow bells and a lot of cheers and applauses. I was also greeted with a cold bottle of water as I dismounted. After the ride Chic-fil-A provided chicken nuggets, biscuits, fruit salid and sandwiches and for desert there was homemade cookies :-). We also received a coupon for a free charbroiled chicken sandwich from Chic-Fil-A in Carrollton.

I would like to say a big thank you to the organizers, the city of Bremen Police/Fire and the Harralson county emergency services for the really great support during the entire ride.

I know I had a really good time and I think most everyone else did too! I hope they make this an annual event.

Region (Location)  Georgia

Added:  Monday, June 28, 2004
Reviewer:  Bill Semmendinger
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