Day 1 (Thursday) Arrive in Atlanta (0 miles)
Guests arrive in Atlanta mid to late afternoon and check into Sugar Magnolia B&B in historic Inman Park, Atlanta’s first planned community established in 1890. This neighborhood is rich in history and many of the Victorian houses along the tree-lined streets were home to the early movers and shakers of Atlanta.
Sugar Magnolia, one of the most popular Inns in Atlanta, will be home base for the next 3 days. Kathryn, the Inn Keeper will get you settled into your room upon arrival. Guests can relax in the parlor, rock on the front porch, or enjoy a stroll through this beautiful neighborhood. There are bars, restaurants, boutique shopping and the Atlanta Beltline within walking distance of the Inn. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 (Friday): Civil War, Reconstruction and Civil Rights in Atlanta (25 miles)
After a delicious breakfast shared with fellow riders we set our for a 25-mile bike ride that rolls through beautiful neighborhoods and the 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. Sugar Magnolia is a scenic 1-mile ride from the King Historic District. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3 (Saturday): Civil Rights, The Lost Cause, Social Justice, and Immigration (35 miles)
This 35-mile journey will take us from Atlanta to Stone Mountain State Park. We will be pedaling on winding multi-use trails, through neighborhoods and quaint small towns.
While inside the Stone Mountain Park, guests will learn about the Confederate history of the mountain and learn about monuments and symbols throughout the park. 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. We will discuss the evolving conversations the park has to reframe its narrative and reveal its true history.
Next stop is Clarkston, Georgia. This small town of 13,500 citizens, is internationally recognized as the most diverse square mile in the USA and is the largest refugee resettlement community in the country. Guests will be treated to lunch from one of the local international restaurants while learning about Immigration in America and specifically the Resettlement process for the citizens of this community.
This stop promises to be one of the eye-opening and compelling experiences 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.
On our way back from Clarkston, we will stop to explore the Square of Decatur, located 7 miles outside Atlanta. This beautiful small town is home to unique shops, live music venues, popular restaurants, and bars. During this 1-hour break, guests can grab an appetizer, gourmet ice-cream, well-deserved craft beer or beautiful souvenir from one of the many boutique shops on the square.
We’ll leave Decatur in time to arrive at Sugar Magnolia for some R&R. Dinner is on your own.
Day 4 (Sunday) Optional Activities and Depart Atlanta
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, or a Brewery Tour.
You can also join Bicycle Tours of Atlanta's "Fall in Love With Atlanta Bicycle Tour," a 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.
Individual check-out and departure.
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