George Long, an award-winning Blount County cyclist known for his can-do attitude and spunky spirit, died from complications related to COVID-19 on Dec. 5.
Long, more commonly addressed by his nickname âRat,â was well known in Blount County, being familiar to anyone who was into street rods and dragsters. For years, he owned Ratâs Glass, where he built collectible car bodies that were shipped all over the world.
Longâs love for unique cars was matched by another hobby: cycling, which he started in 2002 at the age of 62.
Tim Patterson was with him on his first bike ride.
âIt was really funny because Iâm 6â4â and my wife is 6 foot tall, ⦠and Rat was so small, and he was behind us and drafting on us and I didnât even know he was there. I couldnât see him,â Patterson said. âHe was literally like an inch off our back heels, and I couldnât even see him, but he stayed with us all the way down River Road.â