BALDWIN COUNTY, Ga. — Hundreds of bikers across the state gathered in Baldwin County for "Match in Milledgeville," near Walter B. Williams park on Highway 22.
Leaders from around Baldwin County, alongside Bike Walk Baldwin and Georgia Cycling, unveiled a new five mile-long mountain bike and hike trail on Saturday. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held followed by several races that'll continue into Sunday.
The race itself offered food trucks, music, and spectator friendly areas to cheer on bikers as they pedal through their routes.
Tom Glover, president of Bike Walk Baldwin, said they're anticipating nearly 5,000 attendees over the weekend. He said, for the past six years, the event was held on Bartram Forest property.
"The first time that we raced we had 200 kids statewide," Glover said. "Now there are 1200 kids statewide, so the growth has been tremendous and just to see all the families out is awesome."
Parker Smith and Lucas Harper bike competitively with East Forsyth Broncos, and placed first in their division during Saturday's races. Smith said it feels good to be on a new route with those who share a similar passion for mountain biking.
"You're not the only one who likes to do something; you have a whole community on how with the people who love the same sport," Parker Smith said.
Harper agreed and loved the community that came out. Glover said that he hopes the trails will continue to serve that community going forward and help serve a greater purpose.
"Were hoping to get cross country teams out using it to practice; Our high schools just don't have a really good place to practice, so this is for that a well and just glad to have this resource available in our community," Glover said.
Henry Craig, commissioner for Baldwin County District 4, echoed Glover's sentiments. Craig said he wants to create an environment for kids to have fun and feel safe.
"It's about creating safe places for our children and this is a safe place. It's positive, it's athletic, it's a sportsman," Craig said. "This is the right kind of things that we should do for children all over the state."
Craig also says the county is planning to add an aquatic center, more pickle ball courts and stretch the new trail a little longer.
Glover, meanwhile, said they are still waiting to secure extra grant funding before making room for more trail mileage totaling to 25 miles, including Bartram Forest. He added that he hopes to have the project complete by next spring.
Harper said he and Smith had a great time and can't wait to race again.
"The new trail is kind of choppy but it was so much different than all the other races, that it had its own fun aspects to it," Harper said.