Small Town USA: Exploring Blackshear, Georgia & Beyond – Farmland, Velcro Roads & More!

blackshear georgia cycling
Velcro mud conditions for some of this ride!

Blackshear, Georgia

“Blackshear was founded in 1858 to serve as the seat of the newly formed Pierce County. The city was named after General David Blackshear, who authorized the construction of roads, bridges, and 11 forts for defense. He was a patriot in the American Revolution, fighting in the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge and the Battle of Buford’s Bridge. He served as a general during the War of 1812. He also served in the Georgia state legislature as Senator of Laurens County.” – Wikipedia.org

blackshear georgia cycling

“The primary crop of this south Georgia community was once tobacco, and is where the first brick tobacco warehouse in Georgia was built, known as the Brantley Brick.”

blackshear georgia cycling

Ride Experience Video – Blackshear, Georgia & Beyond

This ride and video was the first cycling adventure of 2021 for JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew. It was also the first legit ride aboard the then fresh, Ridley Kanzo Fast with Campagnolo’s brilliant Ekar 1×13-speed mechanical drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes. The ride traversed boggy farm roads and quiet pavement and visited the towns of Blackshear, Alma, and Bristol.

blackshear georgia cycling
The old Blackshear jail (gaol)

Many adventures were had along the way including several u-turns, re-routes, and potentially dodgy roads that may have been private? Consequently, the route for public consumption needs a little re-work but will be available soon on the Gravel Cyclist Routes Page (see towards the bottom of this article).

blackshear georgia cycling

Continued from above:

Alma, Georgia

“Alma was founded in 1900 as a stop on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. It was incorporated as a city in 1906 and designated seat of the newly formed Bacon County in 1914. There are two theories about the origin of the name of the town. The first is that it was named for the wife of a traveling salesman, Alma Sheridan; the other is that it was named for the initial letter of the four-state capitals Georgia has had: Augusta, Louisville, Milledgeville, and Atlanta.”

alma georgia cycling
Welcome to Alma, Georgia!

Alma is known as Georgia’s blueberry capital and hosts a Blueberry Festival each June.

alma georgia cycling
Tough workout for a local to Alma
alma georgia cycling
The former Alma Hotel

Bristol, Georgia

“Bristol is an unincorporated community in Pierce County, Georgia, United States. Bristol is located at the intersection of the concurrent Georgia State Route 15 and Georgia State Route 121, which runs north-south through Bristol, and Georgia State Route 32, which runs east-west. Bristol is 10 miles (16 km) north of Blackshear. Bristol is also known as Lightsey.”

Additional Photos

blackshear georgia cycling
Cotton is grown & harvested in this area

blackshear georgia cycling

blackshear georgia cycling

blackshear georgia cycling

blackshear georgia cycling
Friendly dogs out for a jog
blackshear georgia cycling
Thorough testing of the Ridley Kanzo Fast / Campagnolo Ekar

blackshear georgia cycling

alma georgia cycling
Bush bashing – This route needs some tweaks 🙂

blackshear georgia cycling

blackshear georgia cycling

blackshear georgia cycling

blackshear georgia cycling

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1 Comment

  1. Avatar Ron Titus

    Hi JOM. My wife grew up on a farm near Bristol. I’ve ridden many of these roads…always alone. Never once saw another cyclist. Lots of dogs though, some were even friendly!

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