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Atlanta Airport District Gears Up for “Spin the District” this Fall

Inaugural cycling experience will take over College Park, East Point, Hapeville and Union City

Atlanta Airport District

ATLANTA (Monday, August 13, 2018) – Atlanta Airport District – the official convention and visitors’ bureau for the cities of College Park, East Point, Hapeville and Union City, Ga. – is thrilled to welcome cycling enthusiasts and spectators alike to Spin the District, the area’s inaugural, multi-faceted experience that will transform the city streets into a premier cycling destination in Georgia and across the Southeast. Spin the District will offer cycling and entertainment for both spectators and cyclists during four separate events. Round one will take place over the course of a three-day weekend from Friday, September 21, to Sunday, September 23, with track cycling – one of the oldest and wildest forms of bike racing – and two criteriums in East Point, Hapeville and College Park, followed by a round two “Gran Fondo” in Union City on Sunday, October 21.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Spin the District to our community, visitors and cyclists this fall,” said Cookie Smoak, president of ATL Airport District. “This four-day cycling experience will not only celebrate the cities of College Park, East Point, Hapeville and Union City, but also shed light on the District as an emerging cycling destination and future home to one of the largest urban biking trails in the U.S.”

East Point Velodrome Race

Friday, September 21, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Spin the District will kick off at the Dick Lane Velodrome – Georgia’s only concrete cycling track located in Sumner Park. From 7 to 10 p.m., attendees are invited to gather and cheer on cyclists as they conquer the fast-paced, no-brakes East Point Velodrome RaceBeyond the high-speed race, guests can enjoy snacks from a variety of food trucks, local craft beer and wine and live entertainment courtesy of DJ Yvonne Monet. The grassy infield will play host to VIP guests, who can enjoy local beer, mingle with riders and enjoy a front show seat to the action. Various ticket options are available including $5 per person for spectator tickets, $15 per family pack, and $50 for a full VIP experience on the infield. For cyclists, four races in women’s and men’s fields with a 30-rider maximum are open for registration here.

East Point Velodrome Race

Hapeville Criterium

Saturday, September 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The following day, Spin the District will continue in downtown Hapeville with the Hapeville Criterium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Conveniently situated alongside Jess Lucas Park, the Hapeville course will give attendees nearby access to the 18th Annual LocalMotion Arts Festival during the race. Throughout the day, spectators can pull up a chair or lay out a blanket along the shaded, six-corner course and enjoy views of the start/finish line, in addition to live music, local art vendors, refreshments and food trucks. The event is free for spectators. Rider registration and details can be accessed here.

College Park Criterium

Sunday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Spin the District will roll onto the historic streets of downtown College Park on Sunday to close out the three-day weekend with the College Park CriteriumFrom 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy family- friendly fun including live music, food trucks mountain bike trial demonstrations, wheelie seminar and a bike expo. Admission is free for spectators. Rider registration and details can be found here.

Spin the District Criteriums

Union City Gran Fondo

Sunday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The cycling fun doesn’t stop after the three-day weekend in September! Spin the District will continue with a bonus Gran Fondo (Italian for “big ride”) on Sunday, October 21. Beginning at 9 a.m., the final event will start in Union City, traveling roads and optional gravel paths through scenic Chattahoochee Hills and Serenbe. The scenic ride through South Fulton will be reminiscent of the Gran Fondo’s Italian roots, celebrating the beginning of autumn with views of Georgia’s rolling hills. Participants can choose from 30- or 60-mile road options, or a 100-mile mixed gravel and road option for those willing to accept the challenge. The race will conclude back in Union City, with a barbecue celebration featuring live music, food trucks and a BMX stunt show. The Gran Fondo will honor Karen Tinsley, a beloved University of Georgia professor and avid cyclist who passed away in a bicycle-vehicle accident last April.

Each Spin the District trail is centrally located within the Atlanta Airport District and will in time, intersect as a part of MTB Atlanta’s Ride and Fly initiative, beginning with East Point and College Park. The goal is to create an extensive network of urban trails that will be seamlessly integrated in the heart of three populated downtown centers and 19 different schools throughout the Metro Atlanta area. As these trails expand and intersect, MTB Atlanta hopes to promote ecotourism, entertainment and community bonding within the Perimeter.

For more information on Atlanta Airport District and its inaugural Spin the District event, click here.

Union City Gran and Gravel Fondo

About ATL Airport District

ATL Airport District is the official convention & visitors’ bureau for the cities of College Park, East Point, Hapeville and Union City, Ga. The mission of ATL Airport District is to generate economic development for the cities of College Park, East Point, Hapeville, and Union City by effectively marketing the community as a preferred tourism, convention and meeting destination. For more information, please visit www.ATLdistrict.com.