Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc. announces a new chapter for the Athens to Savannah Ride. Beginning in 2026, a partnership between MTB Atlanta, East Point Track Club, and Independent Gravel will assume leadership of the beloved four-day, 285-mile gravel adventure, continuing as a fundraiser for the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. This transition marks an exciting new chapter in the event’s 26-year history, ensuring the ride continues to grow, innovate, and connect communities across Georgia.
To honor the event’s legacy, which began under the development and leadership of Wallace Salter, before transitioning to Ken Sherman and then the nonprofit Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Georgia Hi-Lo Trail Founder and Executive Director Mary Charles Howard will lead a small group of cyclists out of Athens on October 23rd. The scaled down ride to Savannah will celebrate the ride’s evolution — from its beginnings as a two-day road tour, to its transformation under Georgia Hi-Lo Trail into one of the southeast’s premier multi-day gravel events.
“The Athens to Savannah Ride has always been about connection — amongst the host destinations, the cyclists who come to experience this journey through rural Georgia on our amazing gravel roads, and all of the organizations throughout our communities that come together to make this event special,” said Mary Charles Howard, Executive Director of Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. “As we pass the baton to MTB Atlanta and partners, we’re excited about the opportunity for an enhanced rider experience and continued growth this partnership will bring, while the ride’s purpose as a fundraiser for the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail remains stronger than ever.”
Since 2019, Georgia Hi-Lo Trail has hosted the Athens to Savannah Ride as an annual fundraiser to support development of the 211-mile Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. The event has raised awareness and funding for the organization’s mission to build healthy, vibrant, and connected rural communities through outdoor recreation and trail development. Under MTB Atlanta, East Point Track Club and Independent Gravel’s direction, the Athens to Savannah Ride will continue to challenge and inspire cyclists from across the country while benefiting the ongoing efforts to complete the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. Riders, sponsors, and supporters can expect updates in early 2026 about registration and route enhancements for next year’s ride.
ABOUT GEORGIA HI-LO TRAIL, INC.
Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting and empowering rural Georgia through the development of the 211-mile Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. Beginning in Union Point and ending at Tybee Island, the trail will join communities across the eight-county area of Greene, Hancock, Washington, Johnson, Emanuel, Bulloch, Effingham, and Chatham Counties. When complete, the Hi-Lo will be part of the longest trail in the U.S. Learn more and see the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail Plan at GeorgiaHiLo.org. For media inquiries, contact Fonda Johnson, Communications for Georgia Hi-Lo Trail Inc. Email fjohnson@sportsstrategies.com or call 205-453-4544. For more information about Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, contact Mary Charles Howard, Founder and Executive Director of Georgia Hi-Lo Trail Inc. Email mc@georgiahilo.org or call 706-338-8054.
