The 12th Annual Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride, presented by Athens Physical Therapy, returns Saturday, March 25, at 9 a.m. The non-competitive event will bring an estimated 250 cyclists to roads and towns from Athens to Union Point – or Union Point to Athens – to celebrate progress on the Firefly Trail and build momentum to connect segments that are already complete or under construction.

The ride will be held on paved roads and segments of trail on or close to the historic corridor of the Georgia Railroad Athens Branch. The route highlights completed stretches of the trail in Union Point, Maxeys, Winterville and Athens. Funds generated by Ticket to Ride are used by Firefly Trail Inc. to support its work assisting communities in building and maintaining the trail.

New this year will be the Athens starting point: Creature Comforts Brewing Co., on Hancock Avenue, with a free beer for registered riders, a food truck, and plenty of space for post-ride relaxation. A police escort will help riders navigate out of downtown Athens. Riders also will see progress on new segments of trail under construction in Maxeys, unincorporated Greene County, Woodville and Union Point, and a short detour will be available for riders who want to see progress on the nearly finished Firefly Trail Bridge over Trail Creek in Athens.

The Athens Physical Therapy Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride is unique among area cycling events because it features out-and-back options up to 85 miles. Riders can tailor their ride to fit their riding style by simply turning around. Riders are treated to beautiful countryside, friendly towns, and on-road vehicle support, with restrooms, snacks and beverages every 8-13 miles.

Another unique attribute of the ride is that it has three start/finish locations: Creature Comforts in Athens, the historic Depot in Winterville, and Union Point Theatre in Union Point. Riders can choose to start and finish at the location that suits them best. Union Point also plans to welcome cyclists with food and beverages for purchase.

When completed, the Firefly Trail will provide a safe, off-road, 39-mile path for walking, running, cycling and other non-motorized uses through three counties and seven towns and cities. As rail-trails have done all over the U.S., it will improve health, generate significant economic opportunities, promote equity and build a greater sense of community.

“We are passionate about the Firefly Trail because of the enormous health and economic benefits it will provide to our whole region,” said Dr. Chris Doerr, a physician and owner of Athens Physical Therapy. “My wife, Stephanie, and I love to ride rail-trails when we travel. We hope our involvement sparks even more support and helps speed construction of this trail to serve the communities we love and call home.”

Volunteers are vital to the event, and numerous opportunities are available. All volunteers receive a Firefly Trail cap as a token of appreciation. For information or to sign up, go to https://signup.com/go/yEHsmvT.

Pre-registration is now open on Active.com. Adults are $40 each, students are $30, and teams of 5-12 riders can pre-register as a group for $35 each. Ride-day registration will be $45 for adults and $30 for students. Riders can also pre-register in person at Georgia Cycle Sport and The Hub in Athens. Riders will receive a baseball-style cap while supplies last.

All proceeds support the work of Firefly Trail Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, to build support for the trail and help local communities attract and match grants for planning, design, construction and maintenance.

For full details, please visit www.fireflytrail.com.