7-31-2014 Attack on the Silver Comet  A pedestrian was attacked Tuesday on the Silver Comet in Paulding County. The attack was near the Tara Drummond Trailhead and Academy Rd. If you saw anything suspicious yesterday afternoon, call the Paulding County Sheriff’s office at 770-443-3015.

7-29-2014 Southeast Regional Series Cycling Event Heads to Knoxville Press Release:  Greenville, S.C. (July 28, 2014) – Amateur and elite cyclists have their sights set on Knoxville, Tenn. for the weekend of August 9-10. This will be the fourth stop of the five-state competition for the Southeast Regional Series presented by Stan’s NoTubes (SRS). More than 450 cyclists, including members from local team KnoxVelo-Harper Auto, are expected to participate in the Knoxville Criterium and Road Race, a two-day event that offers prize money and points competitions. Currently, Dustin Antrican of Knoxvelo-Harper Auto leads the sprint competition in the Men’s Cat 5 division after three months of racing. The Knoxville Criterium begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, featuring a one-mile circuit through downtown Knoxville. There are 11 categorized races, from two junior events to races for Masters and professional men and women riders.

Sunday features nine categorized events among the beautiful terrain of Corryton, Tenn. for the Knoxville Road Race. Racers will navigate an 11-mile loop starting at Corryton School Road near House Mountain State Park. The route includes an uphill climb on Hogskin Road for The King of the Mountain/Queen of the Mountain points competition, a prize for the best climbers in the peloton. “We’re excited to return to Knoxville,” said SRS Director Marilyn Cullinane, who also owns Start Smart Cycling in Greenville, S.C. “The city has a lot of rich history and charm. Its natural beauty and scenic roads make it the perfect landscape for this competition. Spectators can see adrenaline-fueled racing from some of the best cyclists across the Southeast.”

Admission is free for spectators both days. The start/finish for Saturday events for the Knoxville Criterium is located on Howard Baker Jr. Boulevard, adjacent to the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum. Racing starts at 8 a.m. and events are expected to finish at 4:45 p.m., with the awards ceremony to follow. The Knoxville Road Race on Sunday will begin at 8 a.m. with the 80-mile Men’s Pro 1 /2 event. The final race is expected to conclude at approximately 3 p.m. Local natural foods supermarket Earth Fare will provide lunches both days for all staff and volunteers, as well as snacks for racers and spectators to sample on Saturday.

The Southeast Regional Series presented by Stan’s NoTubes is the only road racing series for amateur and elite cycling teams which offers points competitions spanning multiple states in one region. The series offers over $50,000 in cash and prizes this summer, across five weekends of racing in five states. SRS is managed by Start Smart Cycling and offers points and prizes at each weekend series. The series concludes in September in Greenville, S.C. when the top men and women will be presented with the overall award jerseys, based on points earned at all five races: SRS Overall Champion’s jersey, the green- and- white-striped PEZ Cycling News Sprinter’s Jersey, and the Stan’s NoTubes King of the Mountain/Queen of the Mountain jersey. Additional sponsors include Knoxville-based auto dealership Harper Auto Square and bicycle shop Cedar Bluff Cycles, Earth Fare, Hincapie Sportswear and Mountain Khakis®. As the official jersey sponsor, Hincapie Sportswear will provide custom jerseys for the category leaders. Mountain-inspired lifestyle apparel brand Mountain Khakis® will provide more than $5,000 in merchandise and prizes as the official apparel sponsor for the race.

7-28-2014 Mountain Biker Attacked at FATS Trail This was brought to my attention by a friend from Augusta, GA. From the Edgefield Daily: “MCCORMICK – A mountain biker riding on the FATS trails in the Merriwether area on Saturday decided to end his ride by going down to Stevens Creek. On the trip back to his car three men in “full camouflage” reportedly stretched a rope across the trail causing the rider to be thrown from his bike around 9 pm. The three men then attacked the downed rider and attempted a sexual assault before the man was able to fight them off and run from the scene. At least one of the men is said to have then fired a shot at the victim as he ran away.” Read the rest of the article on the Edgefield Daily website.

7-27-2014 General Reminder-Lock Your Cars! There have been several break ins lately at places where cyclists park to ride. Always remember-Take, Hide, and Lock! Take you wallet or anything that is of value with you or out of your car. Hide everything else. Lock your car! If you leave your purse, wallet, or laptop bag on the front seat of your car, it’s like asking a crook to break into your car! “Oh, hai, Mr. Crook! I’m here on the front seat, just waitin’ fur you!” If your car does get broken into, report it to the local police.

Greenville, SC News From the Greenville Spinners: “MAJOR REPAVING STARTS ON PERIMETER ROAD ON OR BEFORE JULY 27. IT WILL TAKE 3 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. IF IT RAINS AT ALL, IT WILL TAKE LONGER. The paving will be on 4.2 miles of the total 7.2 miles. The remaining last 3 miles owned by SCDOT has not yet been scheduled. Racing and riding on Perimeter Road will be SUSPENDED until further notice from the Greenville Spinners board. This will be in effect for at least the next three months. The country C rides will continue as planned.IF you have questions, please post them here on the FB page for all to see. Be happy because after its completion, we will have a WIDER, SAFER AND SMOOTHER RIDE THAN EVER BEFORE!” Trish’s note: This is great news if you have raced at Donaldson Center as part of the Greenville Spring Training Series. The roads have gotten really bad over the last few years.

7-24-2014 Weekday Alltoona Work Parties  From SORBA West Georgia: “We are making a big push to get the new Allatoona Creek Park trail open by the end of summer and we need your help!  Starting tomorrow, we will be hosting weekly Thursday evening work parties from 5:45 to approximately 8:00.  Tools will be provided.  Just bring long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, bug spray and a friend or two.  We will meet at the Cheatham Road parking lot.  Thom Cerny will be leading the Thursday work days,”

7-23-2014 Paces Ferry Rd. Closed Cobb County tweeted that Paces Ferry Road will be closed at the CSX tracks for maintenance July 29-31. It was originally scheduled for  this week. It will affect several group rides next week.

7-22-2014  Georgia Cycling Gran Prix The Georgia Cycling Gran Prix begins Wed. “TopView Sports is bringing you the 8th Annual Georgia Cycling Gran Prix, from July 23-27, 2014. This  yearly tradition has racers across the Southeast targeting these 5 days at the end of July with extreme anticipation. This year’s event will consist of six exhilarating and challenging races over 5 days. Building off the success of the past six years, averaging over 500 racers from 11 states each year, the 2014 edition is showing signs of dramatic increases in participation and excitement.  Sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation, the Georgia Cycling Gran Prix will attract both amateur and professional cyclists of all ages from around the Southeast, definitely determining the best in the region when the dust settles on the 27th.”

Wednesday, July 23 Road Atlanta Circuit Race
Thursday, July 24 Oxford Hills Road Race
Friday, July 25 Crossroads Road Race
Sat., July 26 Crossroads Time Trial & Downtown Covington Crit
Sunday, July 27 Newton County Circuit Race

7-21-2014 Georgia Cross Schedule Update With the unfortunate cancellation of the Savannah Superprestige in the Georgia Cross Series, Smynra Bicycles has stepped up to promote a second race at Boundry Waters Park on Nov. 16. The promoter has promised a course that is much different than the first race. He has not, however, promised that the course will not frustrate Kyle. Rumor has it that the Bama Cross Anniston Night Race will be Nov. 15th. Go ahead and plan the double header!

7-19-2014 Mountain Bike Nationals Several Southeastern riders are racing at the US Mountain Bike National Championships this weekend. Saturday was XC. Congratulations to Greg Turner, who was 3rd in the Cat. 1 Men 50-54. Don’t worry young guns, he’ll be back in GA soon to be you up at the races! In the Cat. 1 Women 35-39, Lisa Randall of Canton, GA (Super Sport) was 2nd. Her teammate Carey Lowry of TN was 3rd in Women’s Single Speed. Zdenka Worsham (Constellation Cycling) of Raleigh, NC took 2nd. In Master Men 70-74 Charles Goodrich of Southport, NC was 2nd. In Men Junior Ages 6-8 Andrew Menlo of Woodstock, GA got 5th place. In short track, Elliot Barring (Reality Bikes) won 3rd in Men 19-29.

Andrew Menlo on the podium in 5th place at the Mountain Bike National Championships Photo courtesy of proud mom Shiona Eisenhauer.

7-18-2014 Labor Day Century From Atlanta Cycling: The Atlanta Cycling Stores-Ansley and Vinings, are proud to sponsor this event. Please join us Labor Day morning for a metric century through the rolling, rural countryside of South Fulton County in support of the church that is so supportive of cycling in the community. Routes of 24, 40, 50 and 62 miles will be painted and supported. An ‘ole fashion summer picnic will greet the riders upon their return. Ride this event to see why these roads are called Silk Sheets.

On-line registration closes at midnight August 30th. Registration is $27. Day of registration opens at 8:00 am. Please register early. Riders may pick up their wrist bands and registration info on the morning of the event. All routes are supported and clearly marked. The terrain is gently rolling using very low traffic roads, and riders are never more than 20 miles from the start. The picnic following the ride uses the church’s covered pavilion. So, please register early; bring your riding friends; and expect to enjoy yourselves.From I-20W exit onto Fulton Ind. Blvd; drive south for 12 miles to the intersection of GA 70 (Fulton Ind) and GA 92. Church on right next to Texaco.

Silver Comet Resurfacing Cobb County DOT says that the Silver Comet resurfacing is running ahead of schedule. “The resurfacing of the Silver Comet Trail is AHEAD of schedule. Three of the four sections of the popular 12.8 mile trail in Cobb County will be completed by the end of today. The last section will be closed for resurfacing and shoulder rehabilitation. Go to www.cobbdot.org site, click on Transportation, for weekly updates and other important information including definition of the 4 sections referenced above. Safe and happy travels!”

7-17-2014 Arrest Made! UPDATE: The 6:00 am Fox 5 News reports that Joseph Lewis, the driver of the car that hit Greg Germani, has been arrested. More to come….UPDATE: Joseph Lewis was denied bond on Thursday.

From Decaturish: “Atlanta Police on July 16 announced the arrest of a woman accused of helping her boyfriend cover up a crime that landed a local cyclist in the hospital.

Police issued an alert asking people to be on the look out for Joseph Alan Lewis, 19. Police accuse Lewis of using a red Dodge Nitro to run down Germani. The incident happened on June 9 on Flagler Avenue in Atlanta’s Morningside community. Germani remains in the hospital. On July 16, Atlanta Police arrested Shanelle Woodard, 22 and charged her with evidence tampering, a felony.

Lewis faces charges of criminal attempt to commit murder, serious injury by vehicle and other charges, police said. The Germani case outraged the cycling community, who rallied to raise nearly $30,000 to donate to Crime Stoppers as a reward for information about this case. Those efforts appear to have worked….” Read the full article at Decaturish.

Alabama Racing Clinics There will be a series of road racing clinics in Alabama this summer. From Stuart Lamp: “USA Cycling Beginner Racer Program: You are invited to join the Beginning Racer Program. You can pre- register for the series at USA Cycling What: Racing Skil ls Clinics, whether you are racing or not on the day, For Whom: Any cyclist who is interested in racing, or already racing at the Cat 5 and 4 level, but would like to improve skills related to racing. We strongly encourage riders of all ages to participate, and learn the
skills to become a better rider and racer. Why: To learn bike racing skills, allowing a safer and more enjoyable racing experience. Riders who complete both the clinic and race portion will earn upgrade points, or have the events count as mass finishes. For a Cat 5 rider, one full day counts as two mass starts. By Whom: USA Cycling Licensed Coaches, Cat 1 Racers and Mentors
ready to support your development.”

Dates of the Series:
Saturday, July 26, Point Mallard Park, Decatur, AL
Topic: Protecting your Front Wheel
Sunday, July 27, Point Mallard Park, Decatur, AL
Topic: Cornering Skills
Sunday, August 3, Point Mallard Park, Decatur, AL
Topic: Formation and Anticipation
Sunday, August 10, Point Mallard Park, Decatur, AL
Topic: Sprinting
Sunday, August 17, Huntsville, AL at AL State Crit Championship
Topic: Putting it All Together

7-16-2014 Crossroads Classic From the promoter: “The 2014 Giordana Crossroads Classic presented by Salisbury-Rowan County Convention and Visitors Bureau will be a six-race, six-day individual omnium that will visit five different NC cities. All races will be held in exciting downtown venues. We will be awarding a Giordana leaders jersey to each race leader throughout the five day series. We are also once again bringing back the super exciting 2014Sprint Competition. The 2014 Giordana Crossroads Classic p/b Salisbury-Rowan County CVB will be be held the first week of August and will kick in Mocksville, NC with the Mocksville Criterium.  The weekend will be highlighted by two great events as we have added the ever popular Asheboro in Motion Criterium on Saturday and City Park Circuit Race in Salisbury on Sunday.

2014 Schedule
July 29 – Mocksville Criterium in Mocksville, NC
*July 30- Cabarrus Creamery Classic Criterium in Kannapolis, NC
July 31 – Downtown Salisbury Criterium in Salisbury, NC
August 1 – Downtown Statesville Criterium in Statesville, NC
August 2 – Asheboro in Motion Criterium, Asheboro, NC
August 3 – City Park Circuit Race in Salisbury, NC

For 2014 – In order to product fast and accurate results, the event will be chip timed using the MyLaps Pro Chip System. For more info or to register for this super exciting event, visit:
www.crossroadscyclingclassic.com.

7-15-2014 Woodland Brook Closed Woodland Brook at the CSX tracks in Cobb County-Vinings (near Log Cabin Rd.) is closed July 14-17 for maintenance. This is a popular road for cyclists and part of several routes.

SCT Rockmart Trailhead The Silver Comet Rockmart Trailhead will be closed Friday and Sat., July 18-19. The Rockmart Homespun Festival is being held there.

French Broad/SRS From the promoter: The Southeastern Regional Series is in Asheville, NC this weekend for racing the French Broad Classic! “Race the Time Trial, Mellowdrome Criterium and the Road Race this upcoming weekend! This is the third stop of the Southeast Regional Series events!”

7-11-2014 Silver Comet Side Trail Work Party From SORBA West Georgia: SSSST Work Party, Saturday, July 19 9:00am – 1:00pm,Rambo Nursery Trailhead, 279 Tucker Blvd, Dallas, Georgia Meet at the rambo trailhead to work on the extension of the sidetrail. Rambo is mile 22 off the silvercomet trail. Water snacks n lunch provided, wear the right clothes and bring what you may need, tools will be provided.Bike or walk to the work area mile 23.5. Just under the hwy 278 bridge.

7-9-2014 Savannah Century From the Savannah Century: Come join 1000 other cyclists for one of the longest-standing cycling events in Georgia- the Ledesma Sports Medicine Savannah Century Aug. 30-31!! Come visit this most celebrated city and enjoy two days of ride options ranging in distance from 25-101 miles! Join the “100 mile club” and receive a custom event glass by pre-registering for and completing the 101 mile ride on Sunday! For more info visit www.savannahcentury.info. Register online at www.active.com or www.BikeReg.com!

Yellow River Work Party From GATR: Yellow River Work Party Satruday, July 12, 9:00 am “The primary goal will be corridor widening. Come out this Saturday to help GATR and our partners for the day, Grace Fellowship Bike Club, for a couple hours of trail work and a shoulder to shoulder social with the people who care most about our local mountain biking offerings.
Lunch to be provided.”

7-8-2014 Reminder About Submissions I LOVE SUBMISSIONS TO SOUTHEASTERN CYCLING! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! to those that send in their news and press releases. As always, Southeastern Cycling NEVER charges for a small press release that is of general interest to our readers. It is our pleasure to post them to get the word out about team news, races, centuries, and such. Just a reminder that submissions may be edited for clarity, length, grammar, spelling, length, and such. If you are interested in advertising, our rates are very reasonable! Contact us for details.

RAMBO Big Creek TT From RAMBO: “Well the forecast is great for the Big Creek Time Trial this Wednesday July 9th. You need to get out and test your speed and skills against your riding friends. Here are the details: The 2nd Big Creek Summer TT [Sponsored by Alpha Bikes and Care More Chiropractic] is this Wednesday in Roswell. Come on out and race the clock with all of your friends. This series is a ton of fun and helps us raise the needed funds to build exciting new MTB and FR trails. If you are not racing please let us know if you can volunteer to
help out. For Info check out our website.”

Junior National Championships From Frazier Cycling Press Release (Trish’s Note: Way to go!!!)  “The 2014 Frazier Cycling Junior Nationals Team returns from the Junior National Championships in Madison WI with 16 medals and a new National Champion.  Stephen “Toaster” Heath wins Gold in the 9-10 men criterium.
Stephen “Toaster” Heath, 9-10 men – 1st crit, 2nd road race, 3rd time trial
Ryan Hoppenfeld, 9-10 men – 5th crit, 3rd road race, 5th time trial
Alexa Hoppenfeld, 9 -10 women – 3rd crit, 3rd road race, 3rd time trial
Jane Tullis, 13-14 women – 5th crit, 5th road race, 5th time trial
Davis Branyon 13-14 men – 5th time trial
Megan Heath 15-16 women – 4th crit, 2nd road race, 5th time trial”

Junior Track National Championships Several Georgia Riders went to the US National Junior Track Championships in California 2 weeks ago. Congratulations to these riders:
Nick Oestreich (Junior Flyers) 3rd 15-16 Omnium, 3rd Spring 15-16, 2nd Individual Pursuit 15-16, 3rd Scratch Race 15-16, Flying TT 15-16
Also raced: Brody Hartley (Predator Cycling) and Salma Huque (EPTC)

Jake Mountain Work Party Press Release: Jake & Bull Mountain trails The Chattahoochee Trail Horse Assoc. (CTHA) and Southern Off Road Bicycle Assoc. (SORBA) meet monthly to work on the trails. Please e-mail Debbie Crowe at georgiacrowes22@bellsouth.net with questions or to RSVP.
Below are the 2014 scheduled work days: 9:00 a.m. arrival time / 9:30 a.m. start time. The next work party is July 12.

Volunteer help is the only way these trails are maintained or created. You do not have to be a CTHA or SORBA member to participate. Everyone is welcome – young or old, hiker, biker or equestrian. Work at your own pace – every little bit helps. We need your help and would appreciate your coming to just one workday a year. We’ll provide lunch to those who RSVP, water and tools. We usually stop work by 1:00 then eat lunch. Let’s get the Jake/Bull Mountain System trails into great shape and show the Forest Service that you support the trails here. You’ll have fun, make new friends and have a sense of accomplishment that you’ve done your part to keep these trails open. Together we’ll have the best place to ride in north Georgia!”

DLV News From the DLV: Outback Bikes presents The Omnium Saturday July 12th, 2014
Join us for our second of three Pro Race Series events, when Outback Bikes presents ‘The Omnium’. You can expect to see a great battle out on the track. The best sprinters will do battle against the best endurance riders throughout the evening to see who is the best all-rounder at the Dick Lane Velodrome. It’s a speed the whole family will enjoy, eat from our great concession stand and enjoy the home of track cycling in Atlanta. The only time where cycling with NO BRAKES is considered fun! Racing starts at 3pm for racers, Main Events kick off from 6pm for spectators. $5 Spectator Entry, $10 for Families Spectator Information, This year Outback Bikes will once again be offering free tickets, go here to see details.
Friday July 11th, 7pm – Parks Law Need for speed Sprints, Free for spectators

July Certification Class Start July 17th Thinking that trakc cycling might be for you, or at least want to give it a whirl? Certification is the first step for everyone that rides at the velodrome, and this is your chance to get certified and begin your track cycling career. Certification classes run over 4 consecutive Thursday evenings, from 7:30pm till 9pm each evening. You can see all of those dates and details over here.

Elite Men, Elite Women and Masters State Championships, Saturday August 9th, 2014
Coming back for 2014 and the fifth time that we’ve ever done it, we’ll be hosting a Junior Track Championships. This race day will follow a format with some similarities to the Junior National Championship events for each division of Juniors. State Championships will be awarded for Georgia Omnium Champions, although the event will be open to all riders from any state.

7-4-2014 Chicopee Work Party From SORBA:  Sunday, July 6 @ 9a.m. “Join us for a morning of trail maintenance and fellowship at Chicopee Woods. We will be working on Coyote Loop to get it ready for the first Thursday Night Time Trials (TNT) beginning on July 10. Please arrive by 8:45a.m. for sign-in. Meet at the Sorba trailer in the bike parking lot. We will work from 9-1pm. Lunch will be provided. No experience is necessary. Bring closed toed shoes, water, snacks, gloves, etc. Stinging insects are active at this time of year, so if you have a severe allergic reaction to stings please bring your Epi-Pen or other device.”

Allatoona Work Party From SORBA West Georgia: “Allatoona Work Party Sat., July 12, 2014 9 am to 1:00 pm. “John Purcell and Thom C will be putting in a push with the trail cutting machine on July 10 and 11 and we will be in position to do a substantial amount of finish work on the new trail on at this workday. A good turnout and a productive day at this workday is critical to getting the new trail finished this year! Lunch will be provided. Wear closed toe shoes and long pants are suggested. Bring water, bug spray, and snacks. All tools will be provided.”

7-3-2014 APD Mum Decaturish reports the Atlanta Police Dept. has not said anything about the search for the driver of the car that hit Greg Germani nearly a month ago. There will be a benefit for Germani Aug. 2nd at the Star Bar.

7-2-2014 Oh, Hai! I haven’t forgotten about updates! It’s been a really slow, ok no, news week. Plus, I’ve been sick & in bed and haven’t been trolling for anything. Contact me if you have some news! Race news, team news, gossip, etc. I’ll also take emails of sympathy for being sick during the summer. I just want to ride my bike!