We have decided to postpone the race until next year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. All purchased tickets will honored for next year's race.
Q: Why are we canceling?
A: We want to do the responsible thing and based on the research we have done and the informed individuals we have spoken to, canceling the event is the right thing to do. The goal is not to stop the spread but to flatten the outbreak curve.
This means that all the social distancing measures now being deployed, aren’t so much about preventing illness, but rather, slowing down the rate at which people get sick.
“If more of us do that, we will slow the spread of the disease,” Emily Landon, an infectious disease specialist and hospital epidemiologist at the University of Chicago Medicine, told Vox. “That means my mom and your mom will have a hospital bed if they need it.”
Q: When is next year's race?
A: Saturday April 10th 2021. Race Starts at 10 am!
Q: Can I transfer my ticket to someone else if I can't make the race?
A: Yes can do this up to 1 month before the race by emailing beltgrind@gmail.com with:
- Your full name
- The full name of the person who will be taking your ticket
- Their t-shirt size and email
Q: Can I still ride the route?
A: Absolutely, here is a link to route. Such a great way to see the city! 2020 BeltGrind Route
Q: Georgia only has 22 cases. Why cancel it all?
A: We are deeply saddened as well. Two week ago today (March 11th) Italy had 347 cases which is now 10,100 and growing fast. The time to slow the spread of COVID-19 is now and enable our hospitals to be able to more aptly handle the number of serious cases this epidemic produces. As a planning team, we want to do the right thing and believe firmly that this is the right decision.
Q: Why isn't BeltGrind Refunding Tickets?
A: This is really hard for us and we have discussed several options. If you have ever met us you will know we just want to ride bikes, be goofy, and grow the Atlanta bike community. We have built a beautiful event around these concepts and want it to be a great experience for everyone. Due to the pandemic we have had to make some really hard decisions. These events take a huge amount of planning and there is a lot of infrastructure and costs that go into it upfront which sadly cannot be recouped. Many of them can however be used for a race in the future. We are willing to take a hit in order to honor tickets next year, but unfortunately will not be able to refund tickets. If you can't make it next year we understand this is frustrating and are exploring methods to make tickets easy to transfer and sell. Believe us this really tough decision and want to make it right.
Q: Can I buy BeltGrind Swag?
A: Yes things online will still be for sale and will ship in the next 2-3 weeks as they arrive and as the dust settles. You can find products here.
Q: If I ordered Swag (Belts, Posters, Limited Edition T-Shirts) Will I receive them?
A: Yes things will ship in the next 2-3 weeks as they arrive and as the dust settles.
Q: Why wait a year and not just host another one in the fall?
A: This was another hard choice. The driving factor was how much we ask of our volunteers who put in so much energy months before and weeks after the race. We decided we would rather do one with all of our energy than two in 5 months and risk burning out those who make it such a unique event. Plus there is less mud in October ;)
Q: It's just a group ride, We don't touch. Why the big fuss?
A: We still support getting out and riding your bikes, even with others. The CDC still recommends outdoor activities and so do we, but if you have ever been a BeltGrind it is much more than a group ride and we want it be. Keeping checkpoint interactions touch free, food & beverage distribution, the close quarters during the afterparty/awards, and the amount of irresistible high fives and hugs the BeltGrind generates are all risks we factored in to our decision. Please do go ride the route with friends and give "air" high-fives at the end! 2020 BeltGrind Route