The District Team Breaks Down All You Need to Know for This Year’s Fifth Annual Cycling Event Series
Spin the District, our annual cycling event taking place right here on the Southside, is just around the corner, and with it comes some of the world's top cyclists racing through the streets of Union City, Hapeville and College Park at record-breaking speeds. While we celebrate the participating pro cyclists, all levels are invited to register, including children. In our fifth year, the 2023 line-up of events is quite possibly the best yet with the first-ever Union City Criterium and community disco party followed by a weekend full of racing, local food and art, craft beer and family-friendly fun in Hapeville and College Park. There’s something for cyclists and non-cyclists alike, and we welcome everyone to attend the festivities. Did we mention that this is all happening during USA Crits Speed Week? It’s kind of a big deal!
Planning to attend for the first time? Consider this your ultimate one-stop guide with everything you need to know before attending Spin the District. Dive in for some helpful tips and tricks on what to do, where to stay, what to bring and more!
Monday, April 24
Outback Bikes Social Ride & Brews at Arches
Kick off the festivities with an evening spin around the District and continue the celebration at Arches Brewing to enjoy the signature ‘Spin All Day’ Lager and other delectable treats. If cycling isn’t your speed, skip the ride and head straight to Arches to get a head start on the party!
Tuesday, April 25
Union City Twilight Crit
Be part of history in the making with USA Crit Speed Week’s first-ever visit to beautiful Union City for the new twilight criterium. Starting at 4 p.m. under the streetlights, the Union City Crit features a fast-paced course with a crazy tight corner. While the cyclists put the pedal to the metal, switch gears and head to the family-friendly disco-themed street festival for music, food trucks, beverages and activities!
Thursday, April 27
MACC Thursday Tango Ride & Post Ride Drinks at Manchester Arms Pub
Cyclists who don’t know how to take a rest day are invited to enjoy a social ride with our good friends at the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club. Starting just a few miles from the District in East Point, the approximately 20-mile jaunt will conclude with brews, appetizers and story-swapping at Manchester Arms Pub in College Park.
Friday, April 28
ARC Circling’s Social Ride & Beer Girl Handlebar Crawl
Roll into the weekend with another social ride opportunity around the airport, then put down the kickstand and join everyone for the Handlebar Crawl at Beer Girl, Growlers & Bottleshop in Hapeville. Whether you are a cyclist or a hop-timist, work on your six-pack with a num-beer of drinks to choose from!
Saturday, April 29
The Hapeville Crit & Block Party 
The cycling revolution continues with the Hapeville Crit, the fastest cycling adventure for participants with a 1.4-kilometer route, seven-corner, pancake-flat course through the heart of the city and a 150-meter straight finish. The day will include racing for all ages and levels, starting at 9 a.m. with junior races and ending with some of the country's best cyclists during the pro men and women races. At approximately 3 p.m., children on two wheels can head to the line for the One-Lap Blast, and those on trikes, training wheels and balance bikes will line up for the Straightaway Sprint. From noon until 6 p.m., enjoy an artist market, food trucks and other festivities at the free neighborhood block party, all while cheering on the cyclists.
Sunday, April 30
College Park Crit & Bayou Block Party
It’s a race to the finish line – USA Crits Speed Week Finals take place at the College Park Crit, a five-corner course with tight turns, a screaming fast back straight and an uphill finish. The action-packed day begins at 9 a.m. with junior races. The competition will include some of the nation's fastest cyclists racing for the crown through the historic streets of downtown College Park, as well as two kid races, the Hill Sprint and the Straightaway Sprint. When the clock strikes noon, head to the Bayou Block Party to indulge in the crawfish boil or local food trucks alongside family-friendly games, music and more.
First-Timer Tips:
- BYO fold-up chairs, tents, and blankets.
- Spectators are welcome to ride their own bikes to the event! There will be free bike valet service available all weekend.
- Wear comfortable clothing and be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!
To maximize your experience and minimize your spending, the District has teamed up with Hotel Indigo, located less than three blocks from the College Park Crit, to offer a discounted rate for Speed Weekend. Stay close to the action with our special event rate of $124/night plus tax when booking now through April 14, 2023, through this link. For more information on lodging or to book your hotel, visit SpinTheDistrict.com/lodging.
Spectator attendance is free for all three criteriums. For more information on how to be a part of this experience as a participant, volunteer or artist visit SpinTheDistrict.com and follow @spinthedistrict on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
