From Chisel:
2003 Airport Ride Rules and Regulations
The moment you have all been waiting for. The official start of the universally known Airport Loop Ride.
Start date: Sunday, November 2,2003, Duration: Every Sunday through March 28 ,2004,
Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, Official start location: Georgia Grille parking lot at Peachtree Battle/Nancy
Creek [Right side of Peachtree heading South]
Mission: To provide a safe, fun off season ride so that experienced cyclists and triathletes may build aerobic off season base fitness and to create a
safe, comfortable environment for novice/beginner cyclists and triathletes to develop the skills necessary to ride safely and effectively in a pack while building base fitness. If for whatever
reason, insecurity and uncontrolled testosterone being two of them ,you feel you cannot abide by these
rules, DO NOT show up for this ride. We do not want you or need you.
Liability: YOU assume all risks inherent with operating a bicycle on public
roads. This ride is sponsored or presented by NO ONE and NO ONE but YOU is
liable for any injury or damage to you, your bike or car [from parking in ANY lot] that may occur.
Below is the description of how the ride usually unfolds and the OFFICIAL RULES and REGULATIONS of the Airport Ride. If you do not follow them you will incur the monumental wrath of the peleton and forever be shamed and banished from participating in this adventure.
The ride begins promptly at the GA Grille lot at 10 AM. You assume all risks of towing or damage to your vehicle if you park
here. Check with the lot landlord if you are unsure of the regulations there. No one may leave the lot before 10
AM. The group meanders South along Peachtree and picks up pods of cyclists along the way as they wait with anticipation for the peleton after leaving their Midtown and Virginia Highlands
hamlets. The peleton must occupy one lane ONLY as the group will swell in numbers .It is advisable to obey ALL traffic signals for yours and the entire groups
safety. After passing by Underground the group will take a right onto Trinity.
Trinity becomes world famous Highway 29 as it angles left over the bridge. Many riders join the ride here. Arrival time is
appox. 10:25 AM at the Trinity Lofts area but err early if unsure. The ride follows 29 past the Airport. The cities of College Park and East Point have been very cordial to the group as it passes through their
boundaries. So let's keep it that way by using ONE LANE ONLY. This is difficult because of the size of the peleton. Usually, several experienced riders will keep the speed in the 22-25 mph range along this stretch in order to elongate the peleton and attempt to keep it in one lane. If you feel you are stronger than the folks up
front, make you way in front of them to set tempo but do not ride off the front.
Riders in the middle and back should not fear the speed at the front...you will never feel it and this is a flat route out to the LEFT turn across the railroad tracks at the Mannheim Auto Auction
property. Shortly, the group will take a right for the first NATURE BREAK. Be careful
here, as the group slows. Do not plow into riders in front of you. The stay here is 5 to 10 minutes. The ride heads out to the right and will eventually be nearing the railroad track split for the 50 and 70 mile
options. This is important. Although there are numerous city limit and county line signs along this ride...THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SPRINTING
ALLOWED, WHATSOEVER. Sprinting causes chaos as wankers chase the wankers in front of them up the road to perceived glory and cause the orderly procession of the peleton to
evaporate. As we near the left turn for the 70 mile option it is a good idea for those
familiar with this ride to begin yelling loudly...70 LEFT...50 STRAIGHT...as this is where folks want to plow into each
other. The 70 group goes left and the 50 straight. Historically here, the
insecure, testosterone laden riders who choose to go straight want to jack the pace. Do not do this. Let the splintered peleton form again and continue riding
tempo. The 50 group will eventually hit 29 and take a right onto it. At this point as the peleton now heads back North to Atlanta many riders will increase the pace. It is up to you whether or not you want to try and stay with them or hang back and continue riding tempo back
in. It is strongly suggested no one jack the pace here. If you are flying in
November, December, and January on this ride, you are guaranteed to not be flying and possibly injured when the racing begins early
spring. It's the law of the jungle and you are not above it. The 70 group will encounter beautiful country roads and also eventually end up taking a right on 29 heading North. Within a mile is the Chevron store stop at Palmetto. This stop is 10
minutes. If you choose to take your second NATURE BREAK behind the store, do so DEEP in the woods as the Palmetto Police will ticket you
otherwise. After leaving the store onto 29 several will want to mimic the faster pace described above. Same suggestions for not doing this apply
here. That's it, both options take you straight back into ATL."