As winter fades and warmer days return to Northeast Georgia, many people start looking for ways to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Spring is one of the best times of year to explore the region’s scenic roads, trails, and countryside — and for some Habersham residents, that means getting back on the bike.
For those looking for both exercise and a chance to meet new people, one option is the Currahee Pedalers, a local cycling group that welcomes riders of many skill levels and interests.
The club’s leader, Jeremy Walker, says the group began as a small gathering of coworkers who simply enjoyed riding together.
“It started as a small group of coworkers who would meet after work and ride bikes,” Walker explained. “We’d ride mountain bikes over at Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area or take road bikes around the surrounding area.”
At first, the group was small — about 15 riders who coordinated their outings through a simple text chain. As they rode around the region, they began meeting other cyclists and inviting them to join.
“Whenever we met people riding, we’d tell them when we were riding and invite them along,” Walker said.
Eventually the group created a Facebook page, and membership began to grow. Interest surged even more during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people took up cycling as a way to stay active outdoors.
Around that time, the original manager of the Facebook group stepped away from organizing rides, and Walker took over leadership of the club around 2020 or 2021.
Since then, Currahee Pedalers has continued to expand.
“Over the years I’ve met a lot of cyclists at events and races,” Walker said. “People ask if we ride with a group, and I tell them about Currahee Pedalers. They look us up on Facebook and join.”
Today, the group regularly attracts 20 to 40 riders for some of its weekly rides, and members participate in road cycling, gravel riding, and mountain biking throughout Northeast Georgia and nearby South Carolina.
Weekly Rides
One of the club’s most popular gatherings is the Tuesday evening ride, which begins at 6 p.m. at Habersham Central High School.
Riders can choose from three different route options depending on their fitness level and goals:
- 13 miles
- 20 miles
- 26 miles
Many cyclists also arrive early for a short warm-up ride.
“We usually show up about an hour or half an hour early and ride five to ten miles just to spin our legs before the main ride,” Walker said.
Another option for newcomers is the Monday Night Ride on River Road in Toccoa, which starts at 6 p.m. and is considered a more relaxed, beginner-friendly outing. The ride is organized by club member Stan Hotalen and is open to anyone who wants to come out and ride at an easier pace.
A Welcoming Community
Walker says the group always welcomes new riders, and people of all experience levels are encouraged to join.
“We’re always open to new members,” he said.
While the Tuesday rides can sometimes be more fitness-oriented, Walker emphasizes that beginners can still find a place in the community.
“I know there are a lot of novice riders who just want to come out and ride without the pressure of keeping up,” he said. “I always encourage people to communicate on the page and connect with others who want a similar pace.”
The Currahee Pedalers Facebook group also allows members to post their own rides, giving cyclists more opportunities to find riding partners for everything from casual fitness rides to longer weekend adventures.
How to Join
Those interested in riding with the group can join the Currahee Pedalers Facebook group, where rides and events are regularly posted. New riders can also reach out directly to one of the group’s administrators with questions before attending a ride.
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1854435748152914/
Walker says the club’s goal has always been simple: bring people together through cycling.
“We’ve met a lot of really great people over the years,” he said. “It’s a good way to stay active, meet friends, and explore new places on a bike.”
And with spring weather arriving across Habersham County, it may be the perfect time to start pedaling.
