Lincoln County will once again roll out the red carpet for the thousands of cyclists returning to town on Saturday, June 13, with BRAG 2009 (Bicycle Ride Across Georgia).

The riders last passed through Lincolnton in the early 1990s.

Plans are for the riders to use the Lincolnton Clubhouse and Ernie and Renee Guthrie's shaded lawn across the street as a rest stop after they enter the city from Washington via Metasville Road.

The clubhouse will be staffed by volunteers with the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln County Development Authority. Local residents are urged to join them as they welcome the many cyclists, their family members, and the BRAG volunteers to town.

The rest stop will be open from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. or until all of the riders have passed through.

Special Olympics and BRAG will be providing water, PowerAde, juice, fresh Georgia peaches, bananas, and other snacks for the local volunteers to hand out to the 1,500 cyclists taking part in this year's ride.

In addition to refreshments, there will be activities sponsored by the Lincolnton Volunteer Fire Department and information on the community distributed by chamber members. Personnel with the Lincoln County EMS will also be on the premises.

BRAG riders will initially arrive in Lincolnton on Friday, June 5, to leave their vehicles at Elijah Clark State Park and hop on a bus to Hiawassee for the beginning of the ride, which is 381 miles long this year.

One of the buses will probably stop and pick up Betty and Billy York at their home on Highway 79. These two appear to be the only Lincoln Countians participating in the ride.

Cyclists pedal approximately 50 miles a day. Those who are not satisfied with the daily mileage of 50 to 60 miles can choose the "hammerhead" options that add miles and bonus bragging rights to each day's route.

In fact, the ride's motto is: "You Can't BRAG if You Don't Ride."

BRAG is an annual odyssey of discovery of gorgeous Georgia by bicycle. It is recreational, social, and in many ways, educational.

While a strenuous journey, the ride has been completed by people from all walks of life — college students and first-graders, judges, soldiers, teachers, doctors, grandparents, and many more. It is like a fun summer camp for the entire family.

For more information on volunteering to help with the 30th Annual BRAG, contact the chamber of commerce office at 706-359-7970.