Spring Tuneup Ride on the Roswell Riverwalk in memory of Jerry Colley

EVENT PLAN:   The weather this Wed afternoon is expected to be ideal  -  about 70 degrees with a cloudless blue sky.  If you have a bike, and are in the mood for enjoying the great outdoors on such a nice day, I hope you'll join us for a leisurely ~90-minute "spring tuneup ride" on the Roswell Riverwalk.  Its scenic boardwalks, bridges and "PATH-style" paved sections extend for about 7 miles along the north bank of the Chattahoochee River just south of downtown Roswell, GA.  We'll gather a few minutes before 1:00 PM in the free parking lot of Azalea Park and ride in both directions beside the gorgeous Bull Sluice Lake section of the river adjoining Azalea Drive & Willeo Road.  See detailed GPS Info and Directions below.  We expect to be back at the cars by 2:30 pm after our  adventure by the "Hooch."

We dedicate this ride to the memory of fellow AOC member Jerry Colley, who has been a beloved friend to many of us and indeed a very generous friend and benefactor to thousands of bicyclists!  For 25 years (1990-2015) he served as Director of the famous annual Bicycle Ride Across Georgia - "BRAG" - which he had co-founded with other cycling friends in the mid-80s.  Hundreds of riders of all ages and abilities complete the week-long trek each June and camp together nightly along the way.  Sadly Jerry passed away last Wednesday, Feb 17th after a tough battle with leukemia, and is survived by his wonderful wife, Gloria and their family.  He & Gloria became active AOCers in 2010, and have been key participants in a wide variety of our Club's bicycling trips, campouts, hikes, international trips, volunteer projects, socials, and more.  FYI, for Jerry's obituary, photo and visitation info in connection with his funeral mass this Thu AM in Cumming, GA, click here:   https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/roswell-ga/jerry-colley-10062891

During the ride we'll pause occasionally to enjoy the gorgeous riverfront scenery, observe birds & wildlife and perhaps share a few fond memories of Jerry.  As on all AOC events during the pandemic we intend to follow CDC guidelines regarding safe social distancing, etc.  Let's each either:
A) Wear a mask during the entire outing, or
B) At least keep one handy in case we need to be in close contact with one another or with other Riverwalk visitors.

GPS and Maps.Google.com USERS:  You can augment the verbal directions below by entering as your Destination Address either of the following:

- Street Address (approximate):   500 Azalea Drive, Roswell, GA 30075
- Concise Lat/Lon:   34.0021, -84.3634  (being sure to include comma & minus sign)

DIRECTIONS from GA-400 EXIT 6, "Northridge Rd" (This exit is about 5 miles N of the GA-400/ I-285 Interchange in N. metro Atlanta and about 3 miles south of downtown Roswell, GA.)

1. Get off GA-400 at Exit #6 ("Northridge Rd") and carefully follow the "Dunwoody Place" directional signs.
2. Just a few feet west of the GA-400 overpass bridge merge (toward your right & northward) onto Dunwoody Place.  (No need to pass directly through the traffic light here).
3.  Take Dunwoody Place about 1.3 miles to the traffic light at Roswell Rd (and get into one of the right-turn lanes).
4.  Turn Right onto Roswell Rd and go 0.6 mile toward the traffic light at Azalea Drive (just beyond the Chattahoochee River bridge, and merge into the left-turn lane).
5.  Turn Left onto Azalea Drive and go 0.8 mile to Azalea Park on your Left (just beyond the 2-story Rowing Club building on your right at 500 Azalea Dr).
6.  Turn Left into the Park's 1-way entrance, and look for other AOC cars & bikes in the parking lot near the paved street-side Riverwalk.

For a zoomable map/ satellite view of our gathering spot in Azalea Park click the square blue & green "Event Location" icon near the top of this article.

Free Event with Free Parking!