Rockdale Citizen

COVINGTON -- The Covington Century bike ride has been revamped and will take place this year on Saturday, Aug. 4.

This year, the event will begin at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, located at 8100 Bob Williams Parkway. Pre-registration runs through July 15.

The ride was previously the fundraiser for the now defunct Project Adventure, a non-profit focused on troubled and abused and neglected youth. The ride was canceled in 2010 when Project Adventure shut its doors and though it was resurrected in 2011, was not planned for this year until Southern Bicycle League agreed to take over hosting duties.

The group has opted to keep the ride as a fundraiser. Now, proceeds will benefit three charities: Newton Trails, a local non-profit that is working to develop a trail system in Newton County; Hometown Animal Rescue of Conyers, which will use funds to pay for low-cost shot clinics and save stray and neglected dogs; and Pound Puppies 'N Kittens, which helps get dogs and cats out of overcrowded shelters and into safe foster homes in counties east of east Atlanta.

"We're very excited to have the Covington Century back. It was sorely missed. When I found out they weren't having it in 2010, it was like a hole in my heart," said Charlotte Kuehn, ride director.

Riders can choose to pedal 13, 30, 62 or 100 miles, past pastureland and into the towns of Oxford, Rutledge, Newborn, Mansfield, Jersey and Good Hope. The ride starts at 7:30 a.m., but those who want to beat the heat can get a super early start at 6 a.m. There will be multiple rest stops and free goodies like ice cream along the way, as well as lunch and an after-ride dinner, included in the registration cost.

"We're really trying to target people who don't cycle that much; they can roam through the beautiful pastoral setting of Newton County," Kuehn said.

Those who register before July 15 can ride for $26 if they have a Southern Bike League membership and do not want a T-shirt; the cost is upped to $32 with the T-shirt. Non-members can ride for $32 without a T-shirt or $40 with a T-shirt.

The registration fee increases to $40 for members and $50 for non-members after the pre-registration deadline.

To register, visit http://covingtoncenturyride.com.

For more information on participating or volunteering, call Charlotte Kuehn at 404-441-3772 or email kuehn@bellsouth.net.