9-19-2018 Six Gap Crit Six Gap Criterium September 29, 2018 starting at 10:30am The Six Gap Criterium is a longtime favorite of the Six Gap community. The Criterium provides a one-kilometer, closed circuit for bicycle racers in the heart of downtown Dahlonega. This spectator-friendly event will have you on your feet and cheering as cyclists speed by at top speeds of 40 miles per hour. The start/finish line will be located directly in front of the famous Historic Holly Theatre. Start 2 Finish is teaming up with the Chamber to produce this exciting two-wheel event. While waiting for a race to start, be sure to work your way to the Six Gap Century Expo where you can find a variety of cycling attire, equipment, and nutrition from leading industry companies. All Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the day at the Expo.

Big Creek Fall Family Festival and Take a Kid MTB Day From RAMBO: Big Creek Fall Family Festival and Take a Kid MTB Day Sat., Oct. 6 10 am-2 pm. Join RAMBO as we host our annual Fall Family Festival at Big Creek Park in Roswell. We’ll have lots of cycling-themed games, rides, and a few timed races to make it a fantastic day in the park with kids and family. This year, we added a new hiking scavenger hunt and bouncy house, plus RAMBO will be serving lunch. All festivities will center around the lower parking lot by the Greenway. There is no cost to attend, so come meet your neighbors, learn a few new skills, and enjoy the day with us.

Silver Comet Expanding This article from the Marietta Daily Journal gives more information about the time frame for getting the Comet across the Chattahoochee and connecting it to the Beltline. ”The Silver Comet Trail could soon be getting a little longer, inching toward a connection with Atlanta and the Beltline there. The two trail systems are presently separated by about six miles, according to Eric Meyer, planning division manager for the Cobb Department of Transportation. There are several options under review about how best to bridge those miles, but part of the gap may soon close. On Sept. 4, rail company CSX agreed to convey to the state 2.3 miles of unused rail to be used to extend the 61.5-mile Silver Comet trail for $10. The portion of the unused rail line that will become part of the trail runs from the Silver Comet’s intersection with the East-West Connector to Plant Atkinson Road near Atlanta Road, is overgrown and unrecognizable as a rail in some spots. But once it is spruced up, it will be a step toward connecting Cobb with Atlanta for bikers and pedestrians. That’s big news, Meyer said. “Today, you’ve got thousands of folks who enjoy both the Silver Comet and the Beltline,” he said. “On any given weekend, you go to a trailhead at the Silver Comet and you’ll see Fulton County tags. We know folks from Fulton are going to Silver Comet. We know folks from Cobb are going to the Beltline. Connect the two and you’ll connect the two most popular trails in metro Atlanta.” “He said the goal at the moment is to have the trail go down to the Chattahoochee River by 2021. Atlanta and the Path foundation, a group that seeks to promote trails in metro Atlanta, will work on getting a path from the Chattahoochee to Centennial Olympic Park and the Beltline. The first step will be turning the newly acquired rail into a walkable trail, a project for which there is not yet a concrete timeline.”

9-18-2018 Blanket’s Creek 3 and 6 Hour Race Make plans to join us for the Blankets Creek 3 and 6 Hour Race presented by Van Michael Salons on October 6th. We have LOTS of good changes happening for this year’s event! First and foremost, we have a NEW COURSE! The race course will be approximately 6.5 miles and include a portion of the Dwelling Trail, including the new Flow Trail as well as a portion of the Van Michael Trail (VMT Race Cut, minus the 420 Climb). The course will run CLOCKWISE on both trails Solo, 2 and 3 person team categories are available in the 6 Hour Race and we have added additional categories for our Junior NICA racers!

Next we have moved the race to October to bring you all (hopefully) cooler temperatures as well as so we could join the Chainbuster Racing Southeastern Endurance Cup Series. The Blankets Creek Event is Race #6 of the SEC Series. Finally, we have a 3 Hour Option with a TON of categories, for those who would like to tackle a longer solo *All riders receive a super comfy and lightweight cotton/poly/rayon blend tee, perfect for those hot summer days! *First 200 to register will also receive a commemorative beverage glass! *Cash payout to 3/6 Hour Solo Expert Classes and 6 Hour 2 Person Expert Classes *Medals and Sponsor prizes 3 deep in all 6 Hour Categories, Medals 3 deep for all 3 Hour Categories. *Podium shirts for all 1st place finishers in 6 Hour event! *Instant lap times and standings viewable on your smartphone – You don’t even need to leave your pit to check results!

9-17-2018 I hope everyone stayed safe over the weekend in NC and SC! We didn’t see much from Hurricane Florence other than some breezes and light showers here in metro Atlanta. If I find out any information about trails, events, etc. in the Carolinas being affected I’ll post them as I can.

If you are in the path of Hurricane Florence please stay safe! I have only heard of the two event cancellations below, and there did not seem to be many this weekend. Events in GA and TN should be good to go for Sat. as Florence isn’t expected to make her appearance there until late Sunday and into Monday.

9-14-2018 The Tour De Cashiers is ON! From the Promoter: Join us for the annual Tour de Cashiers Mountain Cycling Experience across scenic mountain byways of western North Carolina. We continue to monitor the weather. After meeting with the local authorities and discussing the event, we plan to move forward with all rides and the 5k run at this time. We understand conditions can change and will keep you informed. The current weather forecast looks promising. Please check out Facebook page for the most up to date information.

Charlotte CX Cancelled From the Promoter Unfortunately, we have to cancel the 9/16 race due to the hurricane. USAC will be issuing refunds to all those who pre-registered online. We’re exploring a reschedule the weekend of 10/7 and I’ll share more information when we get it.

ATL Airport District Gears Up for First Round of “Spin the District” – ATL Airport District is counting down the days until welcoming cycling enthusiasts and spectators alike to Spin the District, the area’s first multi-faceted cycling experience that will transform the city streets into a premier cycling destination in Georgia and across the Southeast. Spin the District will offer entertainment for both spectators and cyclists during two separate events. Round one will take place over the course of a three-day weekend from Friday, September 21, to Sunday, September 23. ATL Airport District is also excited to announce its inaugural HandleBar Crawl, a celebration of the District’s culinary talent and community, throughout Spin the District.

East Point Velodrome Race | Friday, September 21, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Spin the District will kick off at the Dick Lane Velodrome – Georgia’s only concrete cycling track located in Sumner Park. From 7 to 10 p.m., attendees are invited to gather and cheer on cyclists as they conquer the fast-paced, no-brakes East Point Velodrome Race. Beyond the high-speed race, guests will enjoy exciting festivities, such as live entertainment courtesy of DJ Yvonne Monet, a variety of food options from the food truck court and plenty of local craft beer. For cyclists, four races in women’s and men’s pro fields with a 30-rider maximum. (Trish’s Note: USAC Cat. 1/2/3 track racers only. This is not an open category race. Contact Barman if you have questions.)

Hapeville Criterium | Saturday, September 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The following day, Spin the District will continue in downtown Hapeville with the Hapeville Criterium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Conveniently situated alongside Jess Lucas Park, the Hapeville course will give attendees nearby access to the 18th Annual LocalMotion Arts Festival during the race. Throughout the day, spectators can pull up a chair or lay out a blanket along the shaded, six-corner course and enjoy views of the start/finish line, while enjoying live music all day, local art vendors, refreshments and food trucks. The event is free for spectators.

College Park Criterium | Sunday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Spin the District will roll onto the historic streets of downtown College Park on Sunday to close out the three-day weekend with the College Park Criterium. From 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy family-friendly fun including live music, food trucks, mountain bike stunt show, wheelie seminar and a bike expo. Admission is free for spectators. Rider registration and details can be found here.

Union City Gran Fondo | Sunday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The cycling fun doesn’t stop after the three-day weekend in September! Spin the District will continue with a bonus Gran Fondo on Sunday, October 21. Beginning at 9 a.m., the final event will start in Union City, traveling roads and optional gravel paths through scenic Chattahoochee Hills and Serenbe. Costs to ride the event range from $20 to $40, with the option to choose from 10, 30, 60 or 100-mile road options, or a 60 or 100-mile mixed gravel and road option for those up to the challenge. The race will conclude back in Union City, with a barbecue celebration featuring live music, food trucks and a bicycling stunt show. The music, food and activities will begin at 11 a.m. The Gran Fondo will honor Karen Tinsley, a beloved University of Georgia professor and avid cyclist who passed away in a bicycle-vehicle accident last April.

9-13-2018 Perry Rotary Ride to End Polio From the Promoter Ride to End Polio will start at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, GA at 9am on November 3, 2018. Check in from 8am-8:45am. $35 Registration fee. All money raised goes to Rotary’s Polio Plus to eradicate Polio in the world and is matched dollar for dollar by the Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation.

Lake Normal 3 & 6 Hour Race Postponed From the promoter “Hey everyone. Well we knew it would happen and it did. We are postponing the race Sunday at Lake Norman because of old Florence. The park is actually completely shutting down on Friday. We have a make-up date set for Sunday, October 14. See everyone then.

9-11-2018 Tour De Cashiers Registration is still open!! There is still time to join the Tour de Cashiers Mountain Cycling Experience on September 15th. Join us for 25, 62 or 100 miles of fun and see what Western Carolina has to offer. Register here: https://tourdecashiers.com

US Elite Road World’s Team USA Cycling named the rosters for the women’s and men’s teams for the Road World Championship on Monday. From a press release: “In the men’s races, there are several stand-out names including Tejay Van Garderen (Aspen, Colo.; BMC Racing Team), who won the Time Trial at the 2018 Amgen Tour of California, back-to-back Time Trial National Champion Joey Rosskopf (Decatur, Ga.; BMC Racing Team), Sepp Kuss (Durango, Colo.; Team LottoNL – Jumbo) the 2018 Tour of Utah champion who has made waves in his inaugural World Tour season, and Ben King(Richmond Va.; Team Dimension Data) who has recently won two stages of La Vuelta a España.” Named to the roster for the road race were southeastern residents Brent Bookwalter (Asheville, N.C.; BMC Racing Team) and Reserve: Nate Brown (Nashville, Tenn.; EF Education First).  Joey will ride the Time Trial. Junior Men Time Trial: Michael Garrison (Decatur, Ga.; Holowesko/Citadel pb Hincapie Racing), U23 Road Race: Jonathan Brown (Knoxville, Tenn; Hagens Berman Axeon)

2018 Hellhole Gravel Grind Stage Race – POSTPONED From the Promoter: After much consideration, the desire to host a quality race, and the need to keep our participants out of trouble resulting from Hurricane Florence, we are postponing 2018 Hellhole Gravel Grind. At 2:30 PM today, the entire South Carolina coast was placed under mandatory evacuation orders with highway lane reversals beginning tomorrow, forcing our decision to postpone the race. We will be working with the National Forest Service to reschedule the event and will communicate the new date and details once they are known (a lot of this will depend on the outcome of the storm, among other things). We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and we share in your disappointment, however, we hope that you will understand that this situation is beyond our control. In the meantime, you may (1) retain your registration pending for the rescheduled date -OR- (2) obtain a full redund -OR- (3) wait and see. Should you want a refund, simply shoot us a DM or e-mail (to racedirector at mtpleasantvelo.org). Thanks in advance for your understanding. Please stay tuned to social media and/or our registration page for updates on the updated race date.

9-10-2018 Silver Comet to be Completed! It’s official–Cobb County–We are going to the Beltline! The State of Georgia has reached an agreement with CSX to abandon 2 miles of rail that the Silver Comet needs to be complete! There is still a mile or so that the State hopes to get access to, but the Comet can be detoured across existing roads and bridges. More details as they become available.

9-8-2018 Dick Lane Veldrome Cup Photos Photos from the Dick Lane Velodrome Pro Race – The Velodrome Cup are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. It was a really fun night of racing and one of the biggest Pro races of the last few years.

9-4-2018 Marietta Crit Time Change Time Change for the Marietta Crit: NOTICE THE NEW START TIME. 6:15 start for the remainder of the season. We’ll still do one hour plus 5 laps, but make adjustments as the days get shorter. $5 donation requested. Check in with Officer Dave at turn 1. (Trish’s Note: The $5 helps to pay for the police officer the business park require at the stop sign for safety reasons. Feel free to donate more!)

9-3-2018 2018 Brownwood Bike Rally Press Release Get your bikes in gear for the East Atlanta Kids Club’s 14th-annual Brownwood Bike Rally on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Brownwood Park in East Atlanta. The event features bike races for kids and adults. Two adult Crit-CX races cover both street and grassy terrain, and are open to beginner and advanced cyclists. This year’s festival also includes a bike safety rodeo for kids, a health fair, a food court and a festival area featuring family-friendly activities. Cash prizes are awarded for all adult races, and kids vie for ribbons, medals and trophies. Proceeds benefit the East Atlanta Kids Club, a nonprofit after-school tutoring and mentoring program for promising youth. Register and learn more about the course and race details.

When: Saturday, September 15, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Brownwood Park, 602 Brownwood Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (and surrounding streets in East Atlanta)
Time: Registration begins at 8:00 am; bike races and bike rodeo begin at 9:30 am and end at 2:00 pm.
Cost: Event admission is free for all. Races are free for children, $10-$20 for adults.

9-2-2018 Dick Lane Veldrome Cup Photos Photos from the Dick Lane Velodrome Pro Race – The Velodrome Cup are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. It was a really fun night of racing and one of the biggest Pro races of the last few years.

Willem Kaiser (SCAD) concentrates at the front of the Men’s DLV Cup A Race.

Heather Riniker (EPTC) moves up in the Women’s field at the DVL Velodrome Cup.

8-31-2018 It’s fall, and that means lots of trail work parties!

Six Gap News From the Promoter:  Six Gap Century Don’t miss out on the most epic ride of the Southeast! Fun, friends, and food will be waiting for you on September 30th, 2018! Registration Includes: Food & Drink at Rest Stops, Custom Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride T-Shirt, Post-ride Spaghetti Dinner (11:00 am – 6:00 pm), SAG, Tech Support and On-Course Communication, Official Participant Numbers, Hot Showers after the Ride, The Criterium is back for 2018! Don’t miss this spectacular event on Saturday, September 29th (along with our annual Six Gap Expo)! The roads by Woody Gap have been repaved, and are now as smooth as butter! We’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year!

Chicopee Work Party From SORBA Chicopee Work Party, 9 am-1 pm, Sat., Sept. 30. Join us September 30 as we welcome CST Tires to Chicopee! CST is sponsoring this workparty and our friends at Amici Pizza-Gainesville will provide lunch to those that RSVP before Sept 27. We will have a raffle for some CST tires. We will work from 9-1, then lunch. Tools are provided and everyone is welcome! Please RSVP to negasorba@gmail.com. We will meet at the tool shed in the upper parking lot at 9 a.m. for sign-in and a safety briefing. Please wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Bring water, snacks, and gloves. Safety glasses and bike helmet are recommended. Volunteer hours count toward a free annual Chicopee parking pass (16 hrs earn a pass). Any changes to the workparty due to weather will be posted here. For more info email negasorba@gmail.com.

Cochran Mill Work Party From MTB Atlanta Cochran Mill Work Party, Sat., Sept. 8, 9 am-noon Join us for our monthly work party at Cochran Mill Park. Meet at the main parking lot at 9 AM. Please wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring a helmet, gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We will see you there!

Sope Creek Work Party From MTB Atlanta, Sunday, Sept. 16, 9 am-noon, Join us for our monthly Work Party at Sope Creek and give back to the trails that you love to ride. We meet at the Columns Drive parking lot at 9 AM at the gate by the Fitness loop. Wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We will see you there.

8-29-2018 Big Creek Work Party From RAMBO Big Creek Trail Work Day Sat., Sept. 8 9 am-1 pm Big Creek is getting a little shaggy and could use some TLC. Come on out and help us trim back the summer growth, We will supply the tools, but if you have a pair of loppers or pruners bring em with. Bring gloves, closed toe shoes, water and a smile. RAMBO will provide lunch.

Allatoona Work Party From SORBA West Georgia Allatoona Work Party Sat., Sept. 15 9 am, Hey Toona Riders and Hikers, we could use some help! Come out this Saturday for the next work party. This is a great way to get involved in the Biking/hiking community and meet the local SORBA folks.

Clinton Work Party From SORBA West Georgia Clinton Work Party Sat., Sept. 8 at 8 am. It’s been awhile so let’s go show the trails some love. Let’s get the trails weed whacked and all the face slappers cut back. I know if we can get a good turn out we can make a huge impact in a short time. Please wear long pants and closed toe shoes. If you have a weed eater and some clippers that would help. Bring water, snacks and bug spray. We will provide lunch afterwards. Hope to see you there.

Charleston Park Work Day From RAMBO Charleston Park Work Day Sat., Sept. 8 9 am-1 pm, General trail maintenance day of trimming and clearing summer growth. RAMBO will supply tools but you can bring loppers or pruners if you have them. Bring gloves, closed toe shoes, water and a smile. RAMBO will provide lunch.

8-23-2018 Dick Lane Velodrome Velodrome Cup Races From the DLV: Are you ready for the Velodrome Cup? We are! Plan on finishing your action packed day off with some fast paced bike racing after you have enjoying the Dragon Con Parade or ridden the One Love Century. The Velodrome Cup will be closely related to the the “International Omnium” event held during the Olympic Games. The most consistent riders throughout the days racing will be rewarded with the overall victory. It’s a speed the whole family will enjoy, eat from our great concession stand and enjoy the home of track cycling in Atlanta and all of Georgia. It’s only time where cycling with NO BRAKES is considered fun! The DLV is a quick 10 miles from downtown Atlanta and is easy to get to via bike, car or MARTA.  Racing begins at 3 p.m. Saturday September 1st! Gates open at 2 p.m. and racing kicks off at 3 p.m. with the main events starting at 6 p.m. We’ll again have riders from around the country, women’s races and Youth Cycling League races. $5 entry or $10 for family of 5 We’ll be grilling hamburgers as well as other standard concession fare like potato and macaroni salad, chips, hot dogs and desserts from CakeHag. Don’t forget about the Need for Speed Sprints p/b Oz Pizza on Friday Night August 31st starting at 7 p.m. Friday night entry is free!

We will again be live-streaming our Friday and Saturday events on youtube.com/c/Dicklanevelodromelive. As always our Youth Cycling League racers will be out at the Pro Races showing off their skills learned during the Monday and Thursday sessions.

Brownwood Bike Rally Press Release Get your bikes in gear for the East Atlanta Kids Club’s 13th-annual Brownwood Bike Rally on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Brownwood Park in East Atlanta. The event features bike races for kids and adults. The two adult “crit-cross” races cover both street and dirt track terrain, and are open to beginner and advanced cyclists. This year’s festival also includes a bike safety rodeo for kids, a health fair, a food court and a festival area featuring family-friendly activities. Cash prizes are awarded for all adult races, and kids vie for ribbons, medals and trophies. Proceeds will benefit the East Atlanta Kids Club, a nonprofit after-school tutoring and mentoring program for promising youth. Register and learn more about the course and race details.

When: Saturday, September 15, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Brownwood Park, 602 Brownwood Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (and surrounding streets in East Atlanta)
Time: Registration begins at 8:00 am; bike races and bike rodeo begin at 9:30 am and end at 2:00 pm.
Cost: Event admission is free for all. Races are free for children, $10-$20 for adults.