ATLANTA (Monday, August 6, 2018) – Atlanta Airport District – the official convention & 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 Race. Beyond the high-speed race, guests can enjoy a variety of food options from our food truck court, drink local craft beer and watch live entertainment courtesy of DJ Yvonne Monet. There will be a VIP area where attendees can enjoy complimentary craft beer (up to 3 beverages) and some light snacks. VIP guests will receive a commemorative Spin the District t-shirt, be able to mingle with riders and enjoy a prime seat to see all the action. The event will be free for spectators, with a $50 VIP experience option available. For cyclists, four races in women’s and men’s pro fields with a 30-rider maximum are open for registration here.

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 Criterium. From 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy family friendly fun including live music, food trucks, mountain bike stunt show, wheelie seminar and a bike expo. Admission is free for spectators. Rider registration and details can be found here.

Union City Gran Fondo | Sunday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 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. Costs to ride the event range from $20 - $40, with the option to choose from 10, 30, 60 or 100-mile road options, or a 60 or 100-mile mixed gravel and road option for those up to the challenge. The race will conclude back in Union City, with a barbecue celebration featuring live music, food trucks and a bicycling stunt show. The music, food and activities will begin at 11 a.m. 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 event is centrally located within the Atlanta Airport District and will in time, intersect with a series of hiking and biking natural surface trails as a part of MTB Atlanta’s Ride and Fly initiative, beginning with East Point and College Park. Along with a series of paved bicycle paths, the goal is to create an extensive network of 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.

 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.

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 MEDIA CONTACTS:
Caroline Haye / Georgia Lyman
Phase 3 Marketing and Communications
Caroline.Haye@phase3mc.com / Georgia.Lyman@phase3mc.com
404.367.9898 x603 / 404.367.9898 x613