Cyclists will take to the streets of Atlanta and Cobb County this Saturday to celebrate the completion of a significant segment of the Silver Comet Trail and to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS).
Originally planned as a modest ride to mark the completion of Cobb County’s Silver Comet Trail Connector, which links to the Atlanta Beltline, the event has gained momentum. As of Thursday, approximately 240 participants had signed up on Eventbrite, according to James Moulton of TeamNoodle, the event’s organizer.
TeamNoodle, established in 2001, focuses on raising funds and awareness for MS. The group is named after an individual afflicted by the disease, and it aims to attract sponsors to support relevant research and advocacy efforts. Moulton, who lives with MS, hopes the event will not only raise awareness but also recruit riders and sponsors for their annual fundraising ride scheduled for September 13.
The ride is also an opportunity to showcase northwest Atlanta as a viable cycling destination. “A lot of cyclists aren’t familiar with northwest Atlanta,” explains Moulton, a veteran rider who has collaborated with various cycling groups across the metro area. Despite the solid presence of cycling communities in other Atlanta regions, he believes northwest Atlanta needs more visibility.
Participants will convene at the pavilion at Westside Park, where they will navigate a combination of city streets and existing trails, ultimately reaching the Chattahoochee River. From there, they will pick up Cobb County’s completed portion of the Connector and ride to the Mavell Road trailhead, continuing to Floyd Road.
Moulton emphasized the event aims to inspire others to raise funds for MS research and support. “We’re looking to raise riders,” he stated. Although the Saturday ride is not a fundraising event, it seeks to bring awareness to the group’s upcoming annual fundraising ride.
Moulton has received support from friends and community organizations, including the Boy Scouts and Atlanta Public Schools, for various projects focused on trails and green spaces in Atlanta. Despite the work being voluntary, he remains passionate about the cause.
A separate group of 40 cyclists will start at the Floyd Road Trailhead in Mableton, taking a shorter route to join in the festivities.
Roberta Cook of Connect the Comet commends Moulton’s efforts, stating, “It was just going to be this fun little ride and then it kept getting bigger and bigger.” She praises him for identifying important areas that need improvement for cyclists along the route.
Along the way, half a dozen local restaurants will provide snacks and drinks for participants. Additionally, Cobb County Commissioners Erick Allen and Monique Sheffield are expected to address the riders, with Sheffield anticipated to speak at Floyd Road.
Moulton expressed excitement about the completion of Cobb’s portion of the Connector, noting the excellent quality of the work. He observed crews making enhancements and safety upgrades even earlier in the week.
The objective of Saturday’s ride is clear: to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for cyclists from various communities in Atlanta and Cobb County. Moulton articulated his hopes succinctly, saying, “A safe ride so that a lot of people in southeast and southwest Atlanta and all across Atlanta and Cobb County are enjoying this together.”
image source from：cobbcountycourier
