The sixth Tour de Georgia begins Monday with the first of seven stages that will showcase the geographical diversity from the sea to the mountains to the city. If you go, here's what to expect:

Monday

Stage 1, Tybee Island to Savannah (70.4 miles)

Start/finish times: 10:30 a.m./1-1:45 p.m.

Course description: The Tour's first trip to the beach begins on Strand Avenue on Tybee and winds through the coastal lowcountry of Chatham County to downtown Savannah.

For spectators: The Atlantic Ocean is the backdrop for the start on the island. Have breakfast, wait until the roads are opened and head to Savannah for the finish. It can be done.

Tuesday

Stage 2, Statesboro to Augusta (116.9 miles)

Start/finish times: 11 a.m./3:15-4:24 p.m.

Course description: Long, mostly flat stage with significant sprints and the first King of the Mountain climb (Augusta).

For spectators: The sprints through Millen (Jenkins County) and Sardis (Burke County) are easy gets. Before the start, check out the Georgia Southern cycling sculptures in downtown Statesboro.

Wednesday

Stage 3, Washington to Gainesville (108.2 miles)

Start/finish times: 11 a.m./2:54-3:59 p.m.

Course description: Rolling terrain in the Georgia Piedmont runs to Tour venue veteran Gainesville, which is hosting for the third time.

For spectators: With three circuits in downtown Gainesville to end the stage, there will be plenty to see and do there.

Thursday

Stage 4, Road Atlanta (10 miles)

Start/finish times: 1 p.m./4 p.m.

Course description: The Tour's first team time trial is on a hilly motorsport racetrack. Teams, racing together against the clock, will circle the 2.54-mile, 12-turn track 10 times.

For spectators: The track is built for fans, so you'll have no problem finding a good place to watch. Here are three — pit lane overlooking the front straightaway, along the fence lines on turns 6-7 and 3-4, and near the bridge which overlooks the climb at turn 12.

Friday

Stage 5, Suwanee to Dahlonega (133.4 miles)

Start/finish times: 10 a.m./2:52-4:12 p.m.

Course description: This is where the real race begins as competitors ride the first mountain course, with three epic climbs (Burnt Mountain, Woody Gap, Crown Mountain).

For spectators: Suwanee's Town Center Park is a good place to hang out, with race-day activities beginning at 8 a.m. (shuttles are free). Two of the climbs (Woody Gap and Crown Mountain) are off Ga. 60 north of Dahlonega.

Saturday

Stage 6, Blairsville to Brasstown Bald (88.4 miles)

Start/finish times: 11 a.m./2:17-3:10 p.m.

Course description: The Tour's signature stage through the Georgia Appalachians has three major climbs, including the final climb to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. The National Forest Service expects 25,000 spectators to watch the final 3 miles up the mountain.

For spectators: The final climb is the big draw, so expect a slow go. The Tour suggests those wanting to see the race on the mountain should park along the shoulder of Ga. 180 (all wheels must be off the pavement) and take a shuttle to the top ($5 round trip). Shuttles start running at 9 a.m.

Sunday

Stage 7, Atlanta (62.7 miles)

Start/finish times: 1 p.m./

3:14-3:36 p.m.

Course description: The Tour's third visit to the state capital will be a 10-lap circuit race beginning and ending at Centennial Olympic Park. The course runs past Woodruff and Bedford Place parks and Georgia Tech.

For spectators: There should be great viewing all along the route, especially in the three parks. Events at Centennial Olympic Park begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude with the awards presentation after the conclusion of the stage. Travel in the area will be restricted during the race. MARTA is a good option.

MORE OPTIONS

Here are some other ways to enjoy the Tour de Georgia.

• Be a tourist: Every start and finish venue has activities planned, so there's more than just the racing. There is a Health and Wellness Expo near each finish line that will have interactive displays and a big-screen TV to watch the race.

• Be there early: Expect slow and redirected traffic at the venues, so get wherever you want to be well in advance, especially at the popular climb up Brasstown Bald.

• Be a planner: Check out the maps and logsheets for each stage at tourdegeorgia.com for specific information and any last-minute changes. Know what to expect before you leave the house.

• Be wired in: Live Webcasts of the race will be available at tourdegeorgia.com. SportsSouth will air a 30-minute recap show every night at 10:30 p.m., starting Monday. For those with scanners, Race Radio will be at 450.6250 mhz.

• Be a fan: Arrive at least 90 minutes before the start of a stage if you want an autograph. The only place to do that is in Autograph Alley.