3-11-2014 Mt. Tabor Work Party From SORBA West Georgia Mt. Tabor Work Party: Come help us get the trails in shape for the upcoming trailrace, we will be working on fixing some turns , muddy spots and deburming plus general maintenance of trail. Location:1550 East Paulding Drive, Dallas , GA 30132, Time: 9 am to 1 pm, Date: March 15, Water, snacks and lunch provided. Wear appropriate clothing , bring gloves.

Marietta Crit The Marietta Crit starts again this week, presumably at 6:30. Occasionally, the group will start by popular vote at 6:15 for the first few weeks. Find out when you get there. Don’t forget $5 to help cover the cost of the Marietta Police Officer, who stops traffic at the stop sign at the bottom of the hill.

3-10-2014 DLV Closed for Repairs The DLV will be closed for about a week for repairs to the track. Keep an eye on their website the reopening date.

3-9-2014 Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time is here! Remember that a lot of Atlanta group rides after work start at 6 or 6:15 through March and move to 6:30 in April. If you don’t see it listed on the Rides page, check with the sponsoring club or bike shop or the ride leader. Southeastern Cycling is not responsible if you show up to a ride at the wrong time. While I try to maintain a listing as accurate as possible, it’s difficult with so many rides listed.

Always be prepared on a group ride. Let someone know where you will be going and what time you will be back. Carry ID or wear something like a Road ID. Carry your cell phone. Bring a spare tube, pump/CO2 inflator, and tire levers as well as a multitool. Know how to use them. If you don’t, see if your favorite bike shop is offering a tire change clinic this year or ask a more experienced rider to show you how to change a tub. Put a blinkie on the front and back of your bike, so that cars can see you. Use your common sense!

Dunwoody See and Be Seen Ride From Dunwoody Cycilng: TBD — Mellow Mushroom offering FREE first slice of Pizza after the ride and/or more discounts for this kickoff ride of the season—**IF** we get at least 20 people to stay after the ride. (If you’re staying for dinner afterwards — or having a friend meet you afterwards, send an email with a
count to jseconder at yahoo.com.) Bring a Headlight & Tail Light, Promptly Roll at 6:30 pm, Mellow Mushroom Dunwoody Village. Meet behind Mellow Mushroom (parking lot to the right of the entrance), 5575 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, 24 Miles., Average Pace on flats 17 – 19 MPH, ALWAYS Regroup at key points along the way – including A & B Groups. “A’s wait for A’s & B’s Wait for B’s” B Group will have designated sweep, (Trish’s note; This is not a no drop ride. You should be able to average 16-17 mph on hilly terrain.) Intent of this GROUP ride: How many rides have you been on where you’ve gotten dropped, left behind & ended up riding on your own? That does not happen on this ride. Joe & Rob started this ride 4 years ago with the purpose of riding TOGETHER and offering options for different levels of riders. We’ve seen many cyclists progress from “barely hanging on”, to leading with the A group. How so? Because we looked out for those just starting out, swept & gave them an opportunity to come out and ride. TOGETHER. The continued success of this ride – and one that makes it special in Metro Atlanta – is that we will ALWAYS have regroup points and will look out for our fellow cyclists.

Ride Etiquette: We are bicycling ambassadors out on the street. We obey traffic laws & stop lights. We do not “swarm” around stopped vehicles at lights, and are courteous to motorists at all times. Maximum of two abreast on clear roads, single file on Chamblee-Dunwoody & Ashford Dunwoody and if the situation is at all questionable. When “car back” is heard, merge to the right. POINT OUT potholes & debris to others.

3-7-2014 Atlanta Cycling Festival Southeastern Cycling is a sponsor of the first Atlanta Cycling Festival. Find out why and leave a comment!  “About The Atlanta Cycling Festival The Atlanta Cycling Festival will be a week long festival all around bicycling from Saturday, June 7th – Saturday, June 14th, 2014! Cycling classes, events and, of course, rides. This will be Atlanta’s first ever cycling festival!
The ACF has Four Goals for this festival:
-For the new and curious rider, we want you to fall in love with cycling and the city.
-For the seasoned and the convinced rider, we want to connect you to each other and the city.
-For participating bike orgs/nonprofits, connect you to 1 and 2 above.
-For local businesses (cycling and non-cycling), connect you to 1, 2, and 3 above.
Our Mission: To connect cyclists of all experience levels to the Atlanta Community.
Our Vision: To provide a creative space for all cyclists of all experience levels to celebrate their culture together.

DLV Women’s Velodrome Challenge From the DLV: Sunday April 13th 2014, 3pm, Hosted by LWalkerCycling and the East Point Track Club
This will be a USAC insured event, 2014 Race Flier *No pre-registration, no rain date *Bring your normal DLV race numbers, you will not be issued a new one A brand new event for 2014, we’re introducing our Womens Velodrome Challenge, which will include 4 different categories for women, racing for tandems, and racing for junior riders. Here is the breakdown:
Categories:
Women Under 30(including junior women)
Women 30+
Women 40+
Women 50+
Open Tandem
Junior Under 14 Men
Junior 15-18 Men

3-6-2014 Daylight Saving Time! Daylight Saving Time will be here this Sunday morning! Don’t forget to SPRING AHEAD! Set your clocks ahead one hour! GROUP RIDE SEASON IS HERE! CYCLISTS REJOICE!!!!!!

Rope Mill Work Party SORBA Woodstock will be hosting a trail work party on Saturday at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock, GA. Plan to work from 9 am til 1 pm. Bring gloves and water. Tools and lunch will be provided.

DLV Work Party The Dick Lane Velodrome will have a work party on Saturday to spruce up the track for the upcoming season. Help is needed as there is much to do.

Central Florida Gran Fondo – From the GFNS: 2014 GFNCS Round #1  Who says Florida is flat! Centered in the rolling orange groves of Pasco County, the Central Florida ran Fondo starts and ends at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in downtown Dade City, Florida. The race follows, in part, the proposed Olympic road race course that was part of Tampa’s bid to host the Summer Olympic Games. It travels along rural rolling hills, past horse farms and crystal clear springs, briefly going through Withlacoochee State Forest and the hills surrounding Brooksville, Florida. At the 89 mile mark you will enter a piece of US cycling history along Darby road, once home to the famous Darby Road Race that has seen the likes of Tour De France winner Lauren Figon. This area is and has been the winter training site of some of the top triathletes in the world including members of the TIMEX team and the hometown former US National Cycling team members Josh Thornton and Derek Wilkerson.

Come ride/race the first 2014 event of the Gran Fondo National Championship Series on March 16^th starting at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 14136 7th St  Dade City, FL and choose between a 40, 64, or 102 mile course.  Primes will be awarded for the best times in each of the four timed sections of the 102 mile course, with overall and age group placement determined by adding together the time sections splits. CASH payout for top three overall male and female.  Every entrant will have a chance to win a Specialized Roubaix SL4 or Ruby Comp.  Registration is available online at www.gfncs.com or in person on race day Sunday, March 16th from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 14136 7th Street, Dade City, FL.

The Gran Fondo National Championship SeriesSM, established in 2012, is comprised of six European style ride/races staged in the United States and is sponsored by Specialized Bicycle Components, Bertucci Performance Field Watches, Hammer Nutrition, Descente Ltd, Polar Bottle and ProGold.  Founder and President Reuben Kline has over 22 years of experience in the bicycle industry, including five years as a professional mountain bike rider, six years as a full‐time race director and 17 years as promoter of the Michaux Endurance Series. In 2010 Reuben was featured in the award winning documentary film Ride The Divide. The company is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area. For more information visit www.gfncs.com or call 765-247-BIKE

3-5-2014 Pan Am Mountain Bike Championships Ethan Quehl from Loganville, GA was selected to represent the US at the 2014 Pan Am Championships in Downhill. The competition begins March 27^th in Barbacena, Brazil. Ethan is well known in the southeast cycling community for helping build trails including Quehl Holler at Blanket’s Creek.

Allatoona Work Party From SORBA-West Georgia “Our primary focus will be to complete adequate repairs and or rerouting on the Turtle Back Trail to allow it to be reopened. We will meet at the Old Stilesboro parking lot bathroom building at 9:00. Location:  Allatoona Creek Trails 5690 Old Stilesboro Rd. Acworth, GA 30101 Date:  Saturday, March 8, 2014, Time:  9:00am-1:00pm, Lunch will be served at 1:00, Bring gloves, water, & snacks. Wear closed-toe shoes. Tools will be provided. www.imbasorbawestga.org

3-3-2014  5 Hour Energy Team Presentation The 5 Hour Energy p/b Kenda Professional Cycling Team Presentation was held on Friday, February 28th at the Jekyll Brewery in Alpharetta, GA. Director Sportif Frankie Andreu introduced the team and interviewed the key riders. 5 Hour Energy plans to focus on the overall for domestic US stage races as well as going after individual stage wins. After good performances at the 2013 Tour of Utah, they are hoping for a return invitation for the highlight of their season. After the team introduction, Bruno Langois’s birthday was celebrated with cupcakes. Attendees were able to enjoy brews from Jekyll Brewing as well as brewery tours. View the Photo Gallery.

The 2014 5 Hour Energy p/b Kenda Professional Cycling Team.

2-28-2014 Carter’s Lake Break Ins Several cars have been broken into around Carter’s Lake in Ellijay recently, including a cyclist’s car. Use common sense. Take your wallet, hide your stuff, or don’t bring it. Always carry your cell phone and any important things with you when you ride.

 2-27-2014 Gone Riding News From Gone Riding: – The first round of the Georgia State Championship series has been moved to the Thomson Trails near Macon, GA due to the harsh winter effects on the Arrowhead trail system.
- The fourth round of the SERC series on 4-27-2014 in Winder, GA will be a USAC sanctioned national qualifier (a top 15 will automatically qualify a rider to the nationals in PA in July and an AMBC (double ranking points).  If you plan to make it to the nationals this is your chance.
- New this year Gone Riding is now offering a membership for $30 and includes a t-shirt, sticker and a $5 discount off regular entry prices. This membership can be purchased at any Gone Riding event or online at First Place Racing.com. Also USAC licenses will also be honored at all cross country events (sanctioned or not) and receive the same $5 discount.

In-Town Classic Rides Daylight Saving Time resumes again on Sunday 03/09/14 at 02:00 AM.  Therein, we are approaching the advent of the In-Town Classics.

Effective the week of 03/10/14, the Sandy Springs (Tuesday), “Peachtree Battle (Wednesday)” and Chastain (Thursday) rides will commence at 06:00 PM EDT.  Please note – these rides will be Winter Pace until the week of 03/31/14.  The Italians call riders who violate this rule “testa di cazzo”.  The Sandy Springs ride will be Short Option.

Effective the week of 03/31/14, the Sandy Springs, “Peachtree Battle”, and Chastain rides will start at 06:30 PM EDT.  This is the week that restrictor plates will be removed from all bikes.  Therein, “Show Me What You’ve Got Night” on the Sandy Springs Ride will be 04/01/14.  The Sandy Springs ride will remain Short Option.

Effective 04/29/14, the Sandy Springs ride will initiate Long Option until Labor Day.  Testa di cazzo status will be awarded to those who attempt to go Long Option prior to this date.  This distinction will also readily be awarded to the usual suspect(s) who persist to screw-up the Chastain ride.

2-25-2014 Gainesville Grand Prix The Gainesville Gran Prix is back for 2014 on March 28-30. There will be Street Sprints on Friday night for prizes and bragging rights! Saturday is the GGC Time Trial and Circuit Races. Sunday is the Clermont Highlands RR on a new 10 mile loop with 910 feet of climbing per lap. There will also be a KOM/QOM on Clermont Heights Rd.

2-24-2014 Eastside Spring Rides Update 

Airport Ride- Sundays- 10:00AM through – end of March 30. Airport Ride Start- meet at Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, just west of Forsyth St SW.  Approximate address- Trinity Lofts- 249 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

The Sunday Ride- Starts- First Sunday in April, this is a 9:00AM roving Sunday Ride- approximately 65-75 miles, often at a steady 22-23.5 mph.  Want more details? Subscribe to   sundayride@yahoogroups.com.

Tucker- goes back to 9:00AM the first Saturday in April (April 5) // B Tucker Group (AKA Baby Tucker) goes to 8:30AM April 5. Tucker Ride Start- meet at the intersection Lynburn Drive and Main St, Tucker, GA, Approximately 46 miles (shortcut options available).

Tuesday Northlake Ride – Kicks off March 11 @ 6:15PM. Northlake Ride Start- meet at the back of the parking lot of the Indian Restaurant located at: 3900 Lavista Road, Tucker, GA.  If you look at a map- meeting location is between Montreal Rd and Harobi Drive, East of Wendy’s across the street from McDonald’s. Distance- Approximately 30 miles round trip in Summer- then moves to 23 miles as ride gets shorter (shorter options available in the park).

Pizza Ride – Daylight Schedule Kicks off March 13 @ 6:15PM. Pizza Ride Start- meet in the old location (which is now closed and a deserted building) Avondale Pizza Cafe parking lot: 70 North Avondale Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 Distance- Approximately 33 miles round trip in Summer- then moves to 26 miles as ride gets shorter (shorter options available in the park).

6:15PM for all March Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for all April Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for May – late summer rides (2 loops in park)

Up The Creek Century From CVCA:  Route options of 28,50,68,101, and 105 miles Come enjoy one of Northwest Georgia’s “must do” rides on May 1Oth in Rome, GA. The ride offers 28, 50, 68, 101 & 105 mile route options, all on scenic rural roads with very little traffic. All routes, except the 28 mile, will take riders through the “Pocket area” on one of the “best cycling roads in Georgia.” The 28 mile route is revised this year and will have less hills. The 50 and 68 mile routes are mostly flat to gently rolling with a few moderate hills.
The 101 and 105 mile options have also been revised this year, resulting in fewer hills(faster). The 105 mile option includes a short climb over Little Sand Mt. The 101 mile option will NOT include the climb. All routes will OFFICIALLY end behind the State Mutual Stadium. Riders will be offered drinks/snacks before following the park trail system approximately 3 miles back to Citizens First Bank. These last 3 miles will be a “cool down” ride. Riders must exercise extreme caution on this section and defer to joggers/walkers on the path. Please ride single file on this section! The trail will take you around “The Town Green” and fountains. Take advantage of the fountains to cool off, if it is a hot day.

All routes are fully sagged with well-stocked rest stops approximately every 15-18 miles. Tech support, Ham radio operators, medical, and police support will provide a safe ride for all participants. TIMING CHIPS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A $5 FEE. UTC has a NEW downtown Rome start/finish at Citizens First Bank/Synovus on Broad St. Dri-balance T-shirts are an OPTION this year for pre-registered participants and WHILE AVAILABLE after the 4/15 deadline.

The post-ride meal will be your choice of a pre-determined “cyclist’s special” meal at various restaurants on Broad St. and the surrounding area. Tax and gratuity will be included in your voucher. More information will be posted here as it becomes available. After ride activities include, the “Roman Roast on the River,” with BBQ tasting, arts & crafts, music, food and beer, and a Rome Braves baseball game that evening. Bring the family for a fun day in Rome. Families can ride on the park trails for free. Local charities such as Boy Scouts, Community Kitchen, Humane Society, and TRED(trails)will be the beneficiaries of the event. Participants may register by downloading a form from www.cvca.org or by registering on www.Active.com. Cycling Clubs with 20 or more participants are eligible for a rate of $30/rider before 4/15. This does not include a T-shirt.