Arabia Mtn - Panola Mtn - South Rockdale Park (Paved Trail)

Join us for a 24 miles ride on the beautiful paved trails winding through the Arabia Mountain Path Foundation multiuse, paved trail. This trail winds it's way through the beautiful mount area of Arabia Mountain, past streams and lakes near Panola Mountain, and eventually all the way to Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. While the whole trail is about 25 miles one direction (Litonia to Conyers), We will ride a 12 mile section out and back for a total of 24 miles (Arabia Nature Center to South Rockdale Park). See the interactive trail map link below for specific details.

We'll gather with our bikes at 8:00 AM at the kiosk by the Nature Center building (See detailed directions below - the ramp off I20 is very, very tricky. Please review an online map before you drive). After introductions we'll start at the nature center (mile 3), stop at Alexander Lake (mile 11), and ride onto the south Rockdale Community Park (mile 15). After this 12 mile ride out, we'll ride back the same route for a total of 24 miles. We'll stop occasionally to regroup,  snack and hydrate as needed. NOTE: Please complete your pre-ride maintenance (e.g. inflate tires, lube chain, etc.) a day or two prior to the event. This will allow us to leave on time and complete the event on schedule.

Similar to the Silver Comet Trail (NW of Atlanta), the Arabia Mountain Trail is a hillier and winding multi-use paved scenic trail. There are hills that will test your physical stamina but the rest is manageable. It's built and maintained by the PATH Foundation. The route is one of the most scenic multiuse paved trails in the Atlanta area. Along the ride we'll see granite mountains (Arabia & Panola), ride across creeks and the south river, cross a covered bridge, see a historic farm house, and ride through the middle of Alexander Lake. Check the following link for a detailed, interactive map - https://pathfoundation.org/trails/arabia-mountain/

Pace - Since there are many hills, the pace is variable. We will target a flat surface pace of 14-15 mph and make sure to take breaks along the way. The total ride time is 3 hours but we are including time for several breaks along the way.

Ability Level - The hills on this route make for a challenging ride. The large hills will test some riders strength. It's recommended that riders be in good physical shape and use a light weight bike. Road bikes are excellent and most hybrid bikes will be good.

**PLEASE NOTE** A bike helmet is required for this event. If you don't have a helmut, you'll be asked not to ride with the group.

Directions:

ARABIA MOUNTAIN is in the SE corner of DeKalb County (east of Atlanta near Lithonia, GA and I-20).  Once you exit from I20, navigating the roads to the meeting location at Arabia Mountian Nature Center is very, very tricky. Please review a map before you drive and follow the directions below very carefully.

A) From Atlanta or I-285 proceed eastbound on I-20 to exit #74 (Evans Mill Rd/Lithonia).

B) Veer right onto the ramp leading to Evans Mill Rd. Continue on this ramp (yes, it remains a ramp) for about 1 mile through one traffic light (intersection for Lithonia Industrial Blvd).

C) After these intersections, the ramp will fork and a secondary ramp that veers to the right will appear. DO NOT take this right turn! Stay straight on the ramp and continue to the large intersection next to the highway overpass (on the left) at the ramps end.

D) At the traffic light turn right onto Evans Mills road. You will immediately see another traffic light in front of you. At the traffic light, go straight through and onto Woodrow Road. DO NOT turn and follow Evans Mill. Yes, it's one of those Atlanta roads where the name of the road turns at an intersection.

E) Continue on Woodrow Road about 1 mile to a stop sign at Klondike Road. Turn right onto Klondike Road and travel approximately 1 mile. You will cross Rockland Road as you circle through a roundabout. Exit the roundabout on the opposite side as if you drove straigt acros Rockland.

F) Continue 1 more mile to the Arabia Mountain Nature Center on the right. Once you enter, you'll see the center to the left, parking on the left and right. The lot to the right is very large and has plenty of parking.

We'll gather in next to the Kiosk in front of the Nature Center.