Next in the

racing schedule is the Wal-Mart Individual Time Trial starting at 3 p.m.

at the intersection of Ga. Highway 92 and South Fulton Parkway. On June

23, the Bicycles Unlimited Road Race, an endurance road race, will leave

from the historic Union City Square in front of City Hall at 9 a.m.

Regarding the

race, event organizer Mark Anderson of Bicycles Unlimited in Peachtree

City said, "This is a spectator friendly event. It's great for those

who regularly enjoy races and for those who have never been. It's more

fun than NASCAR." Anderson's wife, Holly, will be racing.

A free children's

Bicycle Safety Rodeo, sponsored by Shannon Mall and Radio Disney, will

be held June 22 from noon to 3 p.m. for children 14 and under.

The first 100

children ages 12 and under attending the Rodeo will be given a free helmet.

The Rodeo includes a bicycle safety "class" and mechanics will

be on-hand to inspect bikes and helmet fittings.

Children will

have an obstacle course to navigate through in order to "graduate"

from the class and be able to race in the Kids Fun Lap to be held on the

same course as the Pro race. To participate in the Rodeo children must

bring their bicycle.

Buffalo's Café,

located behind Shannon Mall, will be offering a special buffet dinner

with pasta dinners and Buffalo wings Saturday evening. There will be entertainment,

plus prizes will be given away throughout the evening.

The race, being

held in the Shannon Mall area, has attracted the interest and support

of numerous local businesses. Many will be showcasing their products in

the vendor area near the course. Supporting sponsors include Wal-Mart,

Bicycles Unlimited of Peachtree City, Heritage Volkswagen, Southside Medical,

Comfort Inn Hotel, Shannon Mall, Gene Evans Ford, Barton's Chrysler, Buffalo's

Café, Taste Bud's Restaurant, and Rich's.

Organizers

have high expectations for the first Hank Aaron BMW Mayor's Bike Race

in Union City.

"The day

of the Hank Aaron BMW Mayor's Bike race in Union City will do several

things," said Mayor Ralph Moore. "First, it will bring awareness

to people about the sport of cycling. Second, the bike race will serve

as another catalyst for bringing community together. Third, the business

community will have an opportunity to benefit from the hundreds of visitors

to our city. Lastly, the biking event will enable Union City to continue

its leadership role in showcasing south Fulton County as the premiere

destination place for the metro area. I am looking forward to an event

that may reshape south Fulton County."

Meeting on

a monthly basis, many in the Union City area and nearby Fayette County

have worked to make the race a reality. Bobby Fronebarger, director of

the Union City Department of Public Safety, Fire and Police, has been

working closely with organizers to ensure that cyclists and attendees

are safe during the event, and to promote the event.

"I have

enjoyed working with a number of people throughout this project,"

he said. "Our business community, city employees, and citizens have

put forth a great effort to meet the goals defined by Mayor Moore and

Council. We are looking forward to the event on June 22 and 23. We invite

everyone to come out and enjoy the races."

Union City

Council members, Ken Bartholomew, volunteers from Southwest Hospice, Sam

King and others have all given countless hours to make the race a success.

The event is

part of the 2002 LAJORS.

All proceeds

from the event will be donated to Southwest Christian Hospice, Children's

Home at Christian City and the Bicycles Unlimited Juniors/Masters Cycling

Team. For more information visit the official Web site at www.BicyclesUnl.com .

Registration forms area also available at Shannon Mall and Bicycles Unlimited

in Peachtree City.