Nestled in Conyers, Georgia, the Georgia International Horse Park holds a unique distinction in American mountain biking history. It proudly hosts the only Olympic mountain Bike Course on U.S. soil, a legacy from the 1996 Atlanta Games. For local riders, this gem might be taken for granted, but its historical significance and challenging trails make it a must-ride destination. This course once hosted the grueling 24 Hours of Conyers race and witnessed Chris Eatough’s legendary ride in the documentary “24 Solo.”
Wooden TV camera platform on the Olympic mountain bike course at Georgia International Horse Park
In the years following the Olympics, the bike course faced neglect. Reports suggest that just a year later, sections were almost untraceable. Fortunately, the local SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association) chapter stepped in to revitalize and maintain these trails. While the course has evolved since 1996, echoes of its Olympic past remain. You can still spot the iconic wooden TV camera platforms strategically positioned at turns and remnants of the yellow course boundary markings painted onto the granite sections. Interestingly, parts of the original Olympic bike course now lie beneath a golf course, a testament to the changing landscape.
Original Olympic mountain bike course disappearing under golf course sand trap at Georgia International Horse Park
My recent ride started on the “Steeplechase Loop,” an accessible entry point near the main parking lot. Despite numerous previous rides, I humorously found myself heading the wrong way, briefly ignoring the “Wrong Way” signs. This section offers a pleasant, wooded experience with rolling terrain and occasional root challenges, making it forgiving and enjoyable for various skill levels. Encounters were minimal, just a friendly nod to another mountain biker and a trail runner, both seemingly unfazed by my momentary navigational mishap.
Transitioning from the Steeplechase Loop, the “Granite Loop” beckoned across the parkway. This road crossing is arguably the most hazardous part of the entire bike course. Abrupt, steep curbs, seemingly overlooked in the bike-friendly design, present four distinct obstacles. Adding to the challenge, overgrown evergreen trees in the median obstruct visibility, demanding extra caution when crossing. A strategic peek around the foliage and a sprint across the road were necessary to safely reach the Granite Loop trailhead.
Dangerous street crossing on the Granite Loop of the Georgia International Horse Park bike course
The Granite Loop dramatically contrasts with the Steeplechase section. Here, exposed, decomposing granite dominates, creating a unique riding surface. Prepare for quick, lung-burning climbs that the photos often fail to capture adequately. The granite is unlike the slickrock of Moab; it delivers a distinct vibration and demands attention, especially on a hardtail bike. After tackling several granite ascents and descents, the trail meanders back into wooded areas, revealing newly rerouted sections filled with tight, engaging twists and turns. While the scenery is undeniably appealing, one can imagine the 1996 Olympians were likely more focused on the competition than the picturesque views.
Exposed granite tread and challenging climbs on the Granite Loop of the Olympic mountain bike course
The final climb back to the granite section has always been a personal nemesis. While not exceptionally long or steep, and mostly smooth, conquering it in one go has eluded me. Whether fatigue from earlier climbs or losing traction on roots near the summit, it consistently presents a challenge. This ride was no different. Upon reaching the hilltop, my GPS indicated over 1,000 feet of elevation gain in just under 7 miles, highlighting the course’s demanding nature, averaging nearly 150 feet of climbing per mile. This is a significant elevation profile for a bike trail so close to Atlanta’s relatively flat eastern side.
Riding the Olympic bike course at Georgia International Horse Park is more than just a trail ride; it’s an experience steeped in mountain biking history. From the gentle wooded sections to the challenging granite climbs, this bike course offers a diverse and rewarding ride for mountain bikers of all levels. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the 1996 Olympics and the dedicated efforts of local organizations like SORBA in preserving and enhancing this unique trail system.
