Carolling at Northeast Atlanta Rehabilitation and Nursing Home

Brighten Someone's Day It is the holiday season, and many of us have a lot to be thankful for. Good friends, good riding, a nice house, a good job, good health. Giving back to the community does not have to be cycling related. Every holiday season, a group of people I ride with gets together to sing Christmas carols at a nursing home or retirement community. It brings a little bit of happiness and a smile to the faces of those that are less fortunate. We can't sing, we don't even pretend that we can, but we sing our hearts out to see the smiles on the faces of the residents. Thanks to Becky Grant (she's at the piano in the picture) (Team Cycleworks) for organizing this year's service project.

2006 Calendar The 2006 calendar is up. See the link on the left hand side of the page. The schedules are VERY preliminary and are subject to change. Promoters: Email me at sttarlite at hotmail dot com with any race information.

12-16-2005 Cyclocross Nationals Report My race report from the Cyclocross National Championships is up.

12-19-2005 Year End Thanks The 2005 racing season has drawn to a close. I'd like to thank my sponsors for everything they have done this year!

OTR Cycling and Ace Industries. The guys and Ace Industries, manufacturers of Strenflex Crane Slings, really stepped up for the team in 2005. Thanks guys!

Boneshaker Bicycles. What can I say, Randy? You have been great to me for the past 4 years. Thanks! You and Hamlet are the two best mechanics in Atlanta. You've kept all 4 of my bikes rolling along wonderfully, and I thank you for it! If anyone needs a great bike shop where the guys actually ride and know what cycling is about, check out Boneshakers. Give them a call at 770-222-2663, and tell them Trish sent you.

Gu: For keeping me fueled all year. I have a really finiky stomach and have to be careful about what food I eat on the bike. Gu provides all of the energy I need for riding and racing.

Other Sponsors: CM Hoists, Maxxis, and Harrington Cranes and Slings for your support to OTR Cycling

I'd also like to thank Scott Hodge at Addictive Cycles for helping me out of a few mechanical jams at mountain bike races this year. Sorella Cycling and the BOD Bike Group for the fun times at races. OTR guys...what can I say? You rock! Josh, Jeff, Chris, Ryan, Doug, Richie, Brad--I had tons of fun with you guys this year and look forward to 2006!

12-20-2005 WBL Xmas Eve Ride The WBL will ride a 3-hour event, the Monrovian Doctrine, the day before Christmas, 12-24-05. 2 points for all. Info now posted along with last week's ride report at www.winterbikeleague.com.

Bob Kuhn (GTC) rides over a curb in the Master 40-44 race at the Cyclocross National Championships
 

Knoxie Cross Knoxie Cross will once again happen in Knoxville, TN in 2006. The 4 race series will be held in parks in Knox County.

Thanks Myogenesis Thanks to the Myogenesis Nutrition p/b Landmark Dodge team...ya'll know what I'm talking about!!

Jogger Attacked on the Silver Comet (WSB Radio) -- Cobb County Police have released a composite sketch of a suspect being sought in connection with the attempted rape of a woman near the Silver Comet Trail. The alleged attack happened Monday afternoon. Investigators tell WSB the female victim was running on the trail near Cooper Lake Road in Mableton when she was abducted by a man and forced at knife-point into the woods. The victim was able to escape and fled on foot toward the East-West Connector. The victim was treated for minor injuries resulting from the attack.
The suspect is described as a hispanic male, mid 30's, 5'8", 150-160 lbs., wearing a navy blue baseball cap with the letters "NY" printed side-by-side, grey sweat pants, and possibly a navy blue crewneck sweatshirt. Anyone who may have information in connection with the suspect is asked to call Detective E. W. Nichols at 770-801-3470.

Trish's note: There were a lot of policemen out on the trail at the Concord Rd. trailhead Monday afternoon about 3:45 when I was on my way back in from riding. Take your personal safety seriously! Be alert, carry your cell phone in an accessible place, and let someone know where you are going and what time you will be back.

12-21-2005 Abercrombie & Fitch p/b Inferno Roster 2006 Abercrombie & Fitch p/b Inferno roster
David "Shawn" Adams - OH
Andrew "Andy" Applegate ­ NC (Multiple National Championship Titles)
Jim Baldesare (2002 US men's National Elite Criterium Champion) - OH
Ryan Gamm - OH
Jeremy Grimm (20005 Ohio state Criterium Champion) - OH
Jered Gruber - GA
Rich Harper (2005 Georgia Cup Champion) - NC
Mark Hekman (Ranked 5th in 2005 USCF/NRC Criterium standings overall) - NC
Abe McNutt - OH
Malachi "Reid" Peacock - GA
Ryan Rish - OH
Todd Shaker - OH
Tim Swain - OH
Chad Thompson (Team Director/ rider) - OH
 

Holidays are Here! Today marks the start of my holiday season. Updates through Jan. 2 will be only as I get time.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Southeastern Cycling!!

Rides Over the Holidays As far as I know, most rides will be on their normal schedule for the holidays. You may wish to check with the ride leader. I doubt many people will be riding on Christmas, though, which falls on a Sunday this year.

12-22-2005 NARC Looking for Juniors!  NARC is looking for Juniors for the 2006 racing program. From Dub Smith, who is taking over the NARC Juniors program:  This program is open to all Juniors interested in learning about cycling and racing . We have Juniors who are just starting out and some who have raced for several years. We have both boys and girls. I encourage all parents to assist and participate. Please reply back to confirm you and your child's  participation. If you know anyone else interested, please feel free to send this email to them.
Membership- 2006 NARC Membership payments are due. This can be done online.
(see below)
Clothing- Our clothing order form is ready. Please get this info completed and back in ASAP.It's a very busy time of year, but we wanted to let you know of the January 14, 2006 deadline for placing orders for NARC clothing. You can easily renew membership and/or order clothing by clicking on this link to the NARC web site, http://www.northatlantaridingclub.com/forms/2006narcmembership.pdf. You can print out the form and mail in with a check. As an added convenience, you can also place your order with a credit card
through Active.com http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1268151. It's easy and quick.

If you were not able to make it to any of the clothing fittings, you can check out sizing at Hincapie Sports http://www.hincapiesports.com/sizing.php .

Visit www.bmw-narc-freeflite.com for more information and to become a member.

STR License Plates Georgia SHARE THE ROAD Specialty License Plate from GEORGIA BIKES! & NGBDA -- December 18, 2005 The Georgia SHARE THE ROAD specialty license plate is finally going to happen... once the state receives 1,000 applications of $25 each. How do you apply for your plate? You can apply for the Georgia SHARE THE ROAD plate starting on Tuesday, January 3 at the local "tag office" in your county of residence (an apply-by-mail option is in the works
too). The application fee is $25. Be sure to receive and save your receipt. This receipt can be used later as credit toward each plate’s manufacturing fee. The fee will also be refundable in the unlikely event that fewer than 1,000 applications are logged by the end 2007. Can we reach 1,000 applications? Yes. Cyclists have a number of reasons for wanting the plate beside the obvious and direct "Share The Road" and "Thank You" messages. For example, the plates show that cyclists own
motor vehicles. They show that cyclists pay fuel and other taxes and fees. Cyclists will know that the extra funds will be directed to the Governor’s Office Of Highway Safety for use in motorist and cyclist safety, education, and awareness projects and programs. There are also lots of people who want to support safer roadways and cycling because they have friends and family that bike. Florida sold 9,500 of their Share The Road tags in 2004; their fifth year of sales. Georgia’s population is
roughly half of Florida’s.

How do you get your plate? Once the 1,000 applications threshold is crossed, the state will begin manufacturing the plates. These will be distributed to those county tag offices where applications were submitted. You can get the plate on your normal tag renewal date (or there is the option of getting it early for an additional $25). The fees will be a one-time, $25, plate-manufacturing fee which will be credited upon showing your application receipt and the annual, $25, specialty license plate fee. You are still responsible for your standard, annual, $20, registration fee and any of your applicable ad valorem taxes. Where do the extra fees go? In regards to the annual, $25, SHARE THE  ROAD specialty license plate fee, the state says that "subject to the general appropriations process, it is the intent of the General Assembly that all such funds shall be utilized by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program to provide for motorist and bicyclist safety and interaction  education and awareness programs and media campaigns; adult and child bicycling safety training, workshops, and educational materials; assistance in forming local bicycle advisory committees; law enforcement education and implementation programs for policing by bicycle and policing to improve bicycling conditions; and 'share the road/yield to bicycles/bicyclists may use full lane' sign installations."
What should you do? You should apply for your Georgia SHARE THE ROAD specialty license plate by going to your local county tag office with your identification and $25 on January 3, or one day soon after that. Help secure the future of this specialty license plate and assist in getting
of these important tags out "on the road" as soon as possible. Please go to www.GeorgiaBikes.org for more information and to register on-line for automatic updates including a forthcoming apply-by-mail option. Thanks go out to the North Georgia Bicycle Dealers Association
(NGBDA www.Bike4Fun.com) for their help in marketing this SHARE THE ROAD
plate.
 

SORBA Beginner Clinics SORBA Chapters will be doing beginner clinics in January 2006. Most are the weekend of the 7-8. View the dates here.

12-23-2005 Photos My photo of Chris Horner dragging his bike over the barriers got a mention on the Cyclocosm blog. Look at the Dec. 22nd entry titled "Procycling News-Riding in the Snow, Essays, Estrogen." Click on "See what I mean?"

How to Teach a Clinic From SORBA: January 21st 2006, Title: How to Teach a Clinic Class
Scheduled by: Sherri Hall, Start Time: 10:00 AM, Duration: 04 hour, Location: Gainesville College
Category: Skills Clinic and Ride Other Information: Jan 21, at Gainesville College, SORBA is sponsoring a session of how to teach clinics. Walt Bready will give a trail presentation and Sherri Hall will give a clinic presentation and share her methods of teaching. The class will then launch into a round table discussion so we can share what has worked for all of us and what hasn't worked with all of us. After that, we will go out and spap ideas on how to break skills riding skills down to teach them to others. To attend, you don't have to be an expert rider by any means but we do prefer some skills and a tiny bit of endurance. You don't have to be fast either. Lunch will be provided but it will be limited to 15 participants. To sign up, please email me, Sherri Hall, at clinics@sorba.org.
 

E. Rivers Break In? I have heard rumors that several cars were broken into last Sunday at E. Rivers Elementary School in Buckhead during the Airport ride. Supposedly, at least one was left unlocked. Use common sense--hide your valuables in your trunk or leave them at home and lock your car door.

Aaron's Pro Women's Roster FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2005
Contact: Micah Rice, Manager, Phone: (706) 546-1826
Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings finalizes pro women’s roster
Atlanta, GA—Athens Twilight Criterium winner Shannon Hutchison will be teaming up with Roswell Criterium winner Candice Blickem to round out one of the strongest criterium squads in the North American women’s pro peloton. “We have a small team, but we are really excited about the horsepower we have put on this squad”, said Micah Rice, General Manager of the Aaron’s Cycling Team. “We plan on giving some of these larger teams a run for their money this coming year.”
Besides Hutchison and Blickem, Catherine Powers and Mackenzie Dickey give the team tremendous depth for such a small squad. Powers, already a strong presence on the NRC scene has had solid podium finishes at the Chris Thater Criterium as well as at Superweek. Dickey, who is quickly making a name for herself, has dominated the New England race scene, while proving she is a force on the NRC circuit as well with podium finishes at Stages of the Fitchburg Stage Race. While the team’s focus remains criteriums and one day events, they will have a solid presence at a good portion of the remaining NRC races as well. Joining the team for select national calendar races will be Jen McRae from Texas, Tracy Sproule from North Carolina and members of the women’s regional elite team based out of Atlanta, Georgia. The Aaron’s Cycling Team also has an elite men’s team and a club team and is sponsored by Hincapie Sportswear, Bianchi Bicycles, Hank Aaron Jaguar/Land Rover, Mavic Wheels, Rudy Project eyewear and helmets, Maxxis Tires, PowerBar and Outback Bike Shop.

Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings is dedicated to providing quality brand-name home or office furniture available to rent or lease. They offer free office consultations and same day delivery in most areas while providing short-term rentals at guaranteed low prices. For more store locations and more information, please visit www.aaronrents.com. For more information about Aaron’s Cycling Team, please visit www.aaronscyclingteam.com.

12-28-2005 WBL News Erin Winter and Kari Bradley are embroiled in a bitter feud for the Yellow jersey. Tempers flare after last ride. Story now posted at www.winterbikeleague.com

And don't forget the mandatory 31 December www.rideblue.com Back to Bowman Classic, the last no sprint ride of the season. Afterwards, buckle your chinstraps.
 

Yellow River Creekside Mike Riter is about to begin the work on the trails on the Creekside of Yellow River.

Jan. 1 Ride Cartecay Bikes will once again host their New Year's Day Bear Creek Ride. Cartecay Bike Shop 17th Annual New Year's Day Ride! The places are Bear Creek and the new Pinhoti trail system! Come out and start the new year with the gang on the BEST mountain biking trails in the Southeast! Big Mike will take you for a great and fun day! Plan on eating after the ride. Remember, Mike always eats after a ride! Markers Mart will be available. Meet at the bike shop at 10:00 AM or Bear Creek at 11:00 AM!

New MTB Podcast There is a new MTB podcast out there by a local Atlanta mountain biker.

12-30-2005 Walmart Bike Lawsuit A Mableton mother is filing a lawsuit against Walmart for cheap bikes that break. If she'd tightened the skewer on her son's wheel and had he been wearing a helmet, the accident probably would not have been so bad. Now, I don't think Walmart bikes are good. They do fall apart, and people could get hurt. Being a little smart and knowing how to work your equipment is part of cycling!

Demise of a Restaurant I've been going to Lupita's Mexican restaurant on South Cobb Dr. now for a few years. It's the one of best of the Mexican restaurants in Vinings/Smyrna/Marietta (I'm not talking high brow or classy Mexican restaurants like Nuevo Laredo or Taqueria del Sol. I'm thinking of the greasy beans, chips, cheese, and beer you crave after a long ride). Alas, the last 2 times I've been there have been disasters. I think the management changed, and they also changed the food. Last night the normal cheese was something I've never seen at a Mexican restaurant before. Los Bravos on South Cobb Dr. is pretty good, and El Ranchero near the Marietta Square is also decent. Have a recommendation in Smryna/Vinings/Marietta/Austell? Email me.

Restaurant Employees Wear Cycling Jerseys An interesting article about a restaurant in Greenville, SC. I love the line about the bathrooms being for customers and cyclists only.

Kim Sawyer (Travelgirl) rocks in the Elite Women's race at CX Nats in early Dec.
 

Dalton Group Ride Credit Agricole rider Saul Raisin will be hosting a group ride in Dalton, GA starting from Dalton Bikes at 10:00 am on Jan. 8. Sorry, I don't have any more details.