Become a Sponsor
Whether you are a business owner, or are employed by a business, take a look at our sponsor benefits.  Complimentary ride registrations make great gifts for customers and employees while your business gets recognized as a supporter of safe and healthy lifestyles.  

The 2015 Ticket to Ride attracted 216 registered participants. Expected turnout for 2016 is 200-250. 

Friend - $100
Benefits: One event registration; recognition in Firefly Trail digital newsletter (over 700 subscribers), social media and website; small logo on flyer and event banner. One item welcome for rider bags.

Supporter - $200
Benefits: Two event registrations; tent/exhibit space at Jittery Joe’s Roaster; medium logo on event flyer and banner; your banner at Jittery Joe’s Roaster; recognition in Firefly Trail digital newsletter, social media and website; recognition in event press releases. One item welcome for rider bags.

Advocate - $500
Benefits: Five event registrations; prominent tent/exhibit space at Jittery Joe’s Roaster; large logo on event flyer and banner; your banner at Jittery Joe’s Roaster and one rest stop of your choice; recognition from stage before the ride starts; recognition in Firefly Trail digital newsletter, social media, website, and Ticket to Ride press releases. Up to two items welcome for rider bags.

Promoter - $1,000
Benefits: Up to 10 registrations. Category exclusivity. Major sponsor recognition on event banner and flyer; premium tent/exhibit space at Jittery Joe’s Roaster; your banner at prominent location near start line, plus other rest stops of your choosing; dedicated press release announcing your sponsorship, if desired; featured recognition in Firefly Trail digital newsletter, social media, website and press releases. Up to three items welcome for rider bags.
 
Champion - $5,000
​Benefits: Same as Promoter, and your name appears at the top of the event banner and is listed in all publicity as part of the event name, for example, “Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride, presented by ACME, Inc.” Category exclusivity.  Opportunity for you to be involved in event planning.  Right of first refusal for presenting sponsor of 2017 event.

...Keep in mind that the value of your raffle items will raise you to a higher sponsorship level.  Contact [email protected] ASAP for details.

Time to Register
Saturday, March 19th, 5th Ticket to Ride details:

• Start/end – 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Jittery Joe’s Roasting Co., 425 Barber St., Athens.
• Cost ­– $30. Includes one raffle ticket, one Terrapin Beer (21 and older; photo ID required), 2nd Edition Firefly Trail cycling socks, and items from our sponsors in your rider's bag.
• Rider support – Four fully stocked rest stops, plus vehicle support along the route.
• Distance options – Winterville (16 miles round-trip), Crawford (40 miles), Maxeys (60 miles), Union Point (85 miles) Click to view the route on MapMyRide.
• Registration – now live at Active.com or by completing the waiver and mailing your check.  Pre-registration/packet pick-up March 18, 5-7 p.m. at GA Cycle Sport Concepts. Day-of registration, 8-9 a.m. March 19 at the event.
• Post-party – starts at 12 noon at the finish line at Jittery Joe’s with Your Pie Pizza available for purchase.

Rain or shine, your $30 registration fee benefits the creation of the trail.  Please register today!

Want to help?  Click the VolunteerSpot link to see our variety of sign-up spots sure to fit your schedule.  Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.  It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password.

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Richelle C. Brown, a trail advocate with experience in trail-creation in her home state of Virginia, has become the newest member of the Board of Directors of Firefly Trail, Inc.
Brown’s special interest lies in communicating the benefits of the trail through electronic media and preserving recollections and memorabilia of the railroad, which ceased operations in 1984.

“I am naturally drawn to the Firefly Trail,” Brown said. “I love trails and the recreational, environmental and economic benefits they provide. Plus, I love the historic aspect of rail-trails. They are a great way to uncover and share an important part of our history. I’ve got some railroad heritage of my own: my great-grandfather supervised gandy dancers on the Southern Railroad.”

Among her extensive volunteer experience, Brown lists serving as community outreach committee chair for the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, visitor services and collections volunteer with Loudoun Museum, and oral history volunteer at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, all in Virginia.
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Firefly Trail Inc. is seeking additional volunteers and potential board members. For more information, please contact Mary Cook, treasurer and volunteer coordinator, at [email protected].

Mary Quinn, Firefly Trail, Inc. Secretary and newly-elected Winterville City Council member, has received the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council's Award for Local History Advocacy.
 
Mary was honored for her tireless dedication to promoting the history of Winterville, including her work with the Firefly Trail, Friends of the Winterville Library, Carter-Coile Country Doctor's Museum, and collaboration with photographer Emma Foley on the book "Winterville, Georgia – A Classic Railroad Town."

Click here for the full press release.