Summerfest Tribute Ride to Celebrate Life of Warren Bruno

Patch Staff Report

There’s no better way to celebrate the man and avid cyclist who made Virginia-Highland Summerfest happen than with a celebratory ride through Atlanta’s favorite intown neighborhoods.

And that’s just what the staff of Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar and Ormsby’s is doing.

To kick off Summerfest in fitting Warren Bruno style, the restaurants are hosting a bicycle ride starting at New Highland Park, at the corner of North Highland Ave. and St. Charles Ave. The course continues into Little Five Points, through Old Fourth Ward and onto the Beltline, into Piedmont Park and over to the Ansley Park Loop.

The ride ends, of course, “at home” in Virginia-Highland just in time to enjoy the annual summer arts and music festival. Riders are encouraged to take their choice of one, two or three loops, anywhere from 9.5 and 19 miles in total. And to make sure the course is fun (and just a bit challenging) for all skill levels, the ride starts in waves according to ability, with plenty of markings to follow as well as ride leaders to help along the way.

As an owner of the flagship Atkins Park restaurant and Ormsby’s, Warren Bruno was one of the founders of Virginia-Highland’s Summerfest. This annual tribute was created to honor and celebrate the man who never missed a chance to bring family, friends and community together – or the chance to enjoy the city by way of bike.

Bruno passed away in May 2012 after an eight-year battle with cancer.

To participate, riders must be registered with a number which can be completed online. Fees for riders are $5 for children and $20 for adults. Donations to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are welcomed in honor of Bruno, and go directly to the Georgia Chain Gang team fundraising efforts. Founded by Bruno, the Georgia Chain Gang team rides in his honor to raise awareness for blood cancer research.  

Riders are also encouraged to bring their own water bottles, as refills along with food will be provided along the route.

Number pick-up and sign-in for the ride begins at 6:45 a.m. and the ride starts at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 8. To register as a rider, visit the Warren Bruno Summerfest Celebration Ride website or visit the Facebook event page for more information. And, of course, get ready for the perfect celebration of Summerfest, community and the life of Warren Bruno!

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is located at 794 N. Highland Avenue Northeast. For more information, call 404-876-7249 or visit atkinspark.com.

Ormsby’s is located at 1170 Howell Mill Road. For more information, call 404-968-2033 or visit ormsbysatlanta.com.