Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival
Arrival in Atlanta at Hotel Clermont followed by welcome dinner at Wonderkid and relaxing under the stars at the Three Taverns Imaginarium. Guests can join a casual guided bike ride to the dinner event or choose a ride share option. Two guided bike rides are scheduled at 8:30 and 10:00 to return to the hotel. The route is a 2.7-mile leisurely pedal on multi-use paths or a 15-minute ride by car.
Day 2 (Friday): Civil War, Reconstruction and Civil Rights in Atlanta (25 miles)
We kick-off our morning with a 5-minute bike ride to our official breakfast spot Folkart. Our 25-mile bike ride rolls through beautiful neighborhoods and historic sites of Atlanta while exploring issues leading up to the Civil War, the vision and failures of Reconstruction and the impact of the Jim Crow era on our nation.
We will finish our ride in the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood and business district. This district considered the birthplace of the modern-day Civil Rights movement is home to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Ebenezer Baptist Church, childhood neighborhood and burial site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the national park at their leisure. A guided ride back to the hotel will leave at 4:30. After dinner on your own, you will be treated to one of the most coveted events in the city of Atlanta, guaranteed only to members of the Oakland Cemetery Foundation. "Capturing the Spirit of Oakland" is a sell-out event that bring to life some of the cemetery's most notable residents. A costumed docent guides you through the cemetery's beautifully lit Victorian Gardens where you will meet and hear from many citizens of historic Atlanta.
Day 2 (Saturday): Civil Rights, The Lost Cause, Social Justice, and Immigration (35 miles)
This 35-mile journey will take us from Atlanta to the Stone Mountain State Park. We will be pedaling on winding multi-use trails, through neighborhoods and quaint small towns.
On our way to the mountain, we will stop for lunch in Clarkston, Georgia. This small town just outside Atlanta is the country's largest refugee resettlement community and is internationally recognized as the most diverse square mile in the USA. While the locals share samplings of delicious dishes from around the world, residents will share their personal stories and what settling in Clarkston has meant to them. This experience promises to be one of the highlights offered as we examine issues of Social Justice in America. Partial proceeds will be donated to Refuge Coffee, our host site and non-profit organization hiring refugees in Clarkston, since 1986.
After our international experience, we'll head to Stone Mountain. While at the foot of the mountain, we will discuss The Lost Cause and view the largest bas-facing carving in the nation which features four Confederate Generals.
On our way back from Stone Mountain, we will stop to explore the Square of Decatur, located 5 miles outside Atlanta. This beautiful small town is home to unique boutique shops, popular restaurants, and live music venues. There are many options for an afternoon appetizer, gourmet ice-cream and well-deserved craft beer.
The bike caravan will be returning to the hotel at 5:30. Dinner is on your own with many walking and cycling options available.
Day 3 (Sunday)
You and your fellow travelers will enjoy breakfast together before heading to Ebenezer Baptist Church for a worship service. Georgia Senator, Reverend Raphael Warnock is the Senior Pastor and still ministers part-time. Ebenezer was the home church of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the late Congressman John Lewis.
The afternoon will be open to continue to discover Atlanta on your own or with new friends including options like the Botanical Gardens, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia Aquarium, a Walking Food Tour, or a Brewery Tour.
You can also join Bicycle Tours of Atlanta's "Fall in Love With Atlanta Bicycle Tour," a customized tour for guests wanting to see and learn about the exciting art and culture of this beautiful city. It's time to kick back and see why this is such an amazing city to call home. This customized tour will feature all the things you did not discover while learning about Atlanta's Journey for Civil Rights.
Individual check-out and departure.
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