March 2005 Archive

3-1-2005 Unicoi/Helen SORBA Wide Work Party From SORBA:  Unicoi/Helen - SORBA wide work party Saturday March 5, 2005, All Day, Event Location: Unicoi State Park near Helen. Notes: Unicoi- There was extensive hurricane damage there. Half the course is in need of major rehabilitation. There will be a SORBA WIDE work party, Saturday and Sunday, March 5th and 6th. More information will be posted. Discounted camping sites will be available on the 4th and 5th.

3-2-2005 Travel Girl Roster From Travelgirl:  The travelgirl Women's Cycling Team is pleased to announce its 2005 team roster and sponsors. travelgirl Magazine (travelgirlinc.com), an Atlanta-based travel magazine geared toward women of all ages and walks of life, has returned as title sponsor. The magazine's renewed commitment allows the team, after a successful 2004 season including notable performances at the Joe Martin Stage Race and the Bermuda Grand Prix, to again expand its calendar to encompass additional National Race Calendar events. In addition to racing southeastern regional races, travelgirl will attend NRC events such as the Athens Twilight Criterium, Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium, Joe Martin Stage Race, Wachovia Liberty Classic, Cascade Cycling Classic, Superweek, US 10K Classic, and the U.S. National Criterium Championships.

Returning from last season are 2004 U.S. Masters Nationals podium-finisher Marianne Holt, 2003 Ecology Center Classic Criterium winner Deborah Borden (CAN), all-arounder Jen Green, Canadian Tracey Grimshaw (CAN), and top regional rider Kim Sawyer. This group is joined by former Genesis Scuba riders Kim Foland and Leigh Valletti as well as newcomer Kari Bradley.

In addition to title sponsor travelgirl Magazine, 2005 team sponsors include Roswell Bicycles (roswellbicycles.com), Nalley Automotive, Cannondale, Voler, Tifosi Optics (tifosioptics.com), Shimano, Bell, Maxxis, massage therapist Nan Webb (nanweb.com), and Colby Kidd Designs (colbykidd.com).

travelgirl's U.S.C.F. club, Roswell Velo, also fields a club-level and Elite Men's team co-sponsored by A. G. Edwards, a nation-wide full-service brokerage firm, and Nalley Automotive, a group of metro Atlanta car dealerships.

Roswell Velo is also the organizer and promoter of the Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium (nalleyhrc.com), an NRC event in its fourth year.

For more information on the travelgirl team, please contact Kim Sawyer at kimberly_c_sawyer@yahoo.com or visit our website, travelgirlcycling.com.
 

The Travel Girl Team

U23 National Team Georgians Michael Wolf and John Murphy are spending the year racing for the US Under 23 National Team. Both will be on their way to Europe soon. Cyclingnews.com did a profile on the team.

3-3-2005 Random Websites If you've never read Bob the Angry Flower, you are missing out!

NARC Juniors The NARC Juniors Race Team page has been updated with this year's roster and photos.

DP and TG The Daily Peloton has a nice article about Travel Girl. 

Movie Review Thanks to a friend, I got to borrow two cycling movies to keep me entertained on the trainer this week-Pro, The Movie and The Hard Road. I've reviewed both of them.

3-7-2005 DST Did you know there is less than a month to go until Daylight Savings time? YESSSS!!

Banks of America Crit World's richest criterium? The 2nd Annual Bank of America Invitational is set for Saturday, August 6 2005 in Charlotte, North Carolina USA. The race is being billed as "The World's Richest Criterium" with the professional men competing for more than $US125,000 in prize money, and new for 2005, a women's event with over $US50,000 in prize money.  "The success of our 2004 event, through the support of Bank of America, The City of Charlotte and a host of others including the volunteers and 30,000 plus spectators that supported the event, was beyond our expectations for our first year," said Race Director Thad Fischer. "I am particularly proud to say that substantial funding was raised in the support of The Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas. We look forward to our 2005 event along with the continued support in the fight against brain cancer and presenting a world class cycling event here in Charlotte." Riders from 23 different countries competed in the 2004 event with Ivan Dominguez of Colavita Bolla taking home first prize. Men's and women's teams and riders interested in applying for an invitation can email fcecorp99@yahoo.com for more information.

Forum Calendar ATLANTA ,Georgia. (March 4, 2005). Just in time for the cycling race season, the women of Forum Cycling are releasing a 12-month race calendar. The March 2005-February 2006 calendar is tailor-made for bike racers. Instead of the traditional holidays, the calendar includes the national road cycling (“NRC”) and mountain bike (“NORBA”) race schedules, all of the Georgia road and off-road race series, as well as the North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama road schedules. Finally, a calendar with all the race schedules in one place! Each month features a different member of the 12-woman team. “The women in the calendar are competitive athletes who lead otherwise ‘normal’ lives raising children or working full-time jobs. They’re women every amateur athlete can relate to,” says team manager, Chamblee Moreadith. This year’s team is essentially brand new, with just 3 cyclists and 2 triathletes returning from the 2004 squad. Last year was the inaugural year for the Atlanta-based team whose title sponsor, The Forum Athletic Club, opened its doors at Lenox Mall in December 2003. The 2005 squad is primarily a road team, but several women will continue to race triathlons and mountain bike races in addition to road events.

The team roster includes Lee Anne Asbury, Ann Bell, Ellen Carroll, Allison Carter, Kelly Cook, Dayna Cotter, Samantha Kaine, Samantha Kenney, Bromley Metz, Chamblee Moreadith, Sue Watkins and Iona Wynter.

The team made its debut at the Greenville Training Series road race February 26th in South Carolina. Lee Anne Asbury took 4th place after a lead-out by Iona Wynter. Later this month, the women will travel to San Dimas, California for their first National Race Calendar event. Look for the Forum Cycling women March through October as they fight for the podium in the Georgia Cup, Series 7 and Southeastern regional events.  Calendars are available at the following retailers and through individual team members at local events:

Bicycle Link, The Forum Athletic Club, Reality Bikes, All 3 Sports, Outback Bikes, Atlanta Pro Bicycle, Cherokee Bike Shop, Peachtree Bikes, Bicycles Unlimited, Atlanta Velo Exchange, Northstar Bicycles, Spin Lite Cycling, The Bike Store, Bike Tech,  Mike’s Bikes, Bicycle South, Bicycle Wheel, Willner Chemists, Big Peach Running, Dr. Steve at Soft Tissue and Chiropractic.
For more information, contact: Chamblee Moreadith, Team Manager 678-640-1177 The Sporting Image, photography 1-877-884-1405, www.sportingimage.net.

Another Pro Another pro has decided to grace Georgia with his presence: Tim Johnson. According to a cyclingnews.com interview, he and his wife, Lynn, Bessette, are living in Athens this year.

Erin Winters Wins WBL Overall! Final Results for WBL 2005 are now posted at www.winterbikeleague.com. Congratulations to Erin Winter on taking the Yellow jersey and becoming the first female in world history to win the Overall Competition. All hail our new Champ!

Want to be a Podium Girl at the TdG? Trish's note: I'm assuming this is only open to ladies.

Dodge Tour de Georgia looking for tour hostesses

The Dodge Tour de Georgia is looking for candidates to be the official Tour Hostesses for the 2005 event, scheduled for April 19-24. Tour Hostesses act as ambassadors for the race and present the stage and jersey winners with awards during the awards ceremonies held after each stage. They will work directly with the Director of Programs to facilitate the daily awards ceremonies and special events, while working hands on with Tour sponsors, VIPs, staff and athletes. They will be photographed extensively and
presented in front of media, fans and athletes at the team presentation event, all start and finish ceremonies and other select special events. Tour Hostesses are volunteer positions, although clothing, accommodation, meals and transport during the race will be provided by the race organisers.

"We are seeking women who are smart, knowledgeable in current affairs and culturally aware, who will represent themselves, this event, our state and our nation in a professional yet friendly manner to the world," said Karen O’Neill, director of programs for the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia. "The cyclists, the press and the spectators come from around the globe to this event, making it an international occasion to showcase our state and the warmth of our hospitality. Ideally, the successful candidates will have the
ability to speak a foreign language fluently, preferably Spanish, French or Italian."

Guidelines and the application for Tour Hostesses are available at the Tour’s official website: www.dodgetourdegeorgia.com. The completed form and a current full-length photograph must be submitted via email or mail no later than Wednesday, March 16, 2005,
to the Tour offices: Dodge Tour de Georgia, Attn: Tour Hostesses, 85 5th Street NW, 3rd floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. Email applications may be sent to koneill@georgia.org.

Italian Road Bike Festival BUON POMERIGGIO! Welcome to the fifth annual Italian Road Bicycle Festival. Cartecay Bike shop would like to invite every cyclist to our beautiful "Road Bike Mecca" in Ellijay Georgia. Ride the roads of the Tour De Georgia. These are the same venues that provided the 1996 Belgian and Italian Olympic cycling teams traffic free training. Saturday March 12, 2005 11:00 AM. Forty Seven mile route. Nice rolling hills Great ride! Sunday March 13, 2005 11:00 AM. UP and OVER the Fort Mountain Climb! Be ready for a fifty five mile hilly adventure! The routes will be marked with painted arrows. After the rides Subway and Pizza King will have plenty of food. Come and enjoy the spectacular roads of North Georgia. NOTE: All rides will depart from Cartecay Bike shop. New Location 120 Old Orchard Square, East Ellijay GA. Hwy 515 North in the Ingles shopping center.Riders meeting at 10:45 AM. Rides depart at 11:00 AM. Arrivederci! cartecaybikes.com P.S. Questions please call Cartecay bike shop 706-635-2453 or e-mail mike@cartecaybikes.com

Big Creek News Per a post on the SORBA forum from Bob, president of SORBA RAMBO, the Beginner Trail at Big Creek in Roswell is reopened and ONLY the Beginner Trail. The rest of the property is still closed.

I Hate Repeating Myself but this needs to be done:

 Southeastern Cycling does not cover centuries, charity rides, fun rides, BMX, Adventure Racing, Inline Skating, etc. Please consider posting such events on the appropriate websites.

A Reminder: If the info. isn't posted on the index page, check the archives. If it's not on the web page, then I don't have any information on it! If you have questions about a specific ride, race, charity event, etc,. check with the promoter, ride leader, etc. Southeastern Cycling regrets that it cannot respond to any emails regarding events. CHECK WITH THE ORGANIZATION HOSTING THE EVENT!!! Of course, submissions are always welcome and will be responded to promptly! 

 Trish's Exception to the Charity Rides/Centuries coverage. I occasionally post regarding rides to benefit a member of the cycling community (ex. recent benefit ride for a triathlete with cancer). I do *not* as a general rule post information on centuries, fun rides, charity rides, etc. There are plenty of websites that do a great job of that including he Southern Bicycle League at www.bikesbl.org. I know, I occasionally break my own rules, but they are my rules so I'm free to break them. I simply do NOT have the time to cover everything. There is no staff, there is no one helping. I DO NOT GET PAID TO DO THIS!!!!!. Southeastern Cycling is lucky to cover its own expenses. I work full time, train for my racing, have to keep a household going, etc. This website is NOT the only thing I do. If I do not respond to an email regarding a charity ride, etc., please do not send me a nasty email about why I haven't posted it.

Off my soapbox.

Jonny Sundt enjoys a frosty adult beverage at the Jittery Joes-Kalahari Pro Team launch party while Geoff Kabush looks on.

3-8-2005 AG Edwards Team News Schneider Takes Second on tough River Falls RR circuit

Jed continues his streak of top finishes (two victories in as many weeks), placing second behind Jittery Joe's-Kalahari Professional Craig Wilcox. The 150 man field had a select group of great climbers including last years winner James Taylor (OLP) and third place finisher last year Todd Hendrixson (Krystal), along with Zach Boleean (Krystal), Craig Lewis (TIAA-CREF), Chris Harkey (Hincapie Sports), seemingly hundreds of Cane Creek guys, and Andy Applegate (Honey Stinger). Last years second place finisher, the Columbian Cesar Grajales was not present this year. Schneider bridged the 35 seconds to an 8 man break on the third lap with one other rider. The 10 man break established a 4 minute advantage on the field with riders such as Dan Holt (Loco's) and Christian Foster (Jittery Joe's-Kalahari) pushing the pace. On the finishing climb Schneider attacked a bit too early, allowing Wilcox enough drafting benefit to nip him at the line. Reid Peacock and Andrew Daane played defense in the field and finished top 10 in the field sprint.

3-9-2005

Welcome Dan! Dan Edgerton has promised to send me photos of road racing this year. He plans to highlight the Women's 1/2/3 field because his wife, Janet Edgerton, rides for BMW-Bianchi out of NC. Look for a several of his photos that will be posted over the next few days. Thanks Dan!

The Women's 1/2/3 field at the River Falls' RR near Greenville, SC. R to L: Beverly Robinson (Hearts Racing), an unidentified Diet Cheerwine Rider, Leighann Blanchard (Forum), and Kim Sawyer (Travel Girl). Photo Courtesy of Dan Edgerton.

3-10-2005 NORBA National #1 Congratulations to the Georgians that raced at the NORBA National #1 in Texas last weekend. Cross Country: Christian Fontaine/KHS (13th, Expert Junior 17-18), She Linder/Bikeman.com (5th, Expert Master 30-34), Zach Kovaly (2nd, Junior Expert 14-16) Todd Park (4th, Sport Master Men 35-39), Krista Park/ColaVita (1st!! Expert Master Women 30-34), Tracy Hambrick/Extremely Productive Inc-Ellsworth (5th! in her first Expert race Expert Master Women 30-34), Ursula Sandifur (Expert Master Women 45-49).

Short Track: Shey/6th Master Expert Men 30-34, Krista/5th Master Expert Women 30-34, Tracy/2nd Master Expert Women 30-34, Ursula/2nd Master Expert Women 45-49

Time Trial: Shey/6th Master Expert Men 30-34, Krista/4th Master Expert Women 30-34, Tracy/5h Master Expert Women 30-34, Ursula/2nd Master Expert Women 45-49

Congratlations! Way to go!!! Georgia riders are looking really strong! If I missed anyone, email me.

River Falls Women's 1/2/3 RR L to R Deborah Elliot (Defeet), Patty Shoaf (BMW/Bianchi), Sara Legrand (Diet Cheerwine), Janet Edgerton (BWM/Bianchi). Photo by Dan Edgerton.

New Poll! I am trying to work on doing a collection of maps of Georgia for SE Cycling. If I can get them, these maps will cover the popular rides in Atlanta and (maybe) Athens. There will be other maps as I can get permission to post them. Please give me your opinion.

3-11-2005 GAP Race Costs Go Up Come on...nearly $50 for a local race? Forget about it!

From GAP: "State of the Art Timing and Scoring introduced for all 2005 GAP
series" For 2005 we will be utilizing transponders for timing and scoring in all GAP series MTB races.
Transponders create the ability to provide quicker and more accurate results. The system, made by AMB-IT, was initially developed for RC racing cars where counting laps was virtually impossible. Formula 1 Racing went to AMB and asked them to develop this system for their series. This technology made smaller and less expensive is what we will be using for bike racing It is the same system used at the Tour de France in 2004. The system consists of an approximately one inch square by ¼ inch thick transponder which attaches to the front fork (for road) or an ankle strap (for MTB) The transponder differs from chip type timing used in running The chip is basically scanned at the finish
line by a series of mats on the ground. This system while adequate for running doesn’t allow for the speed of cycling. Also the mat system is difficult to use in many cycling applications A transponder works by crossing a set of 1/8” wires placed at the finish line As you enter the reception field created by these wires, the transponder is turned on and the “decoder” reads the signal from the transponder. Typically it ID’s the transponder 50 times in the time it takes to cross these wires which are 30” apart. This multi-read ability is what creates the system’s accuracy. We have had photo finishes that were as close as 2/100th of a second read exactly the same on the camera and the transponders

The mobility of the system also will allow us to capture intermediate times in the future, With this we will be able to create timed sections within a race. For instance it will be possible to track the
fastest climb or descent and create placings for these times. At all events lap times will be produced
As with all results systems a secondary system is in place to insure accurate results. In road racing it will be the camera (just in case you don’t believe the transponder) and in MTB a backup manual system at the finish, however, results with the transponders are instant. The cost: As transponders are used more and more they will become an item that cyclists will own and be able to use at numerous other events. Each transponder costs $86 plus $3 for an ankle strap. There are several ways to acquire one. Purchase – Buy your own and own it for $86. The transponder battery is guaranteed for five years so worse case is it will cost you about $17 per year. They can be sold if you quit racing (let’s hope not).  Yearly rental – The yearly rental price is $40 plus a $25 deposit. You will also have to purchase an ankle strap for $3. This allows you to obtain the transponder and return it after the last race of the 2005 season (before Christmas). If you decide to keep it you can do so prior to the end of the season for an additional year’s rental ($40) plus the deposit. Per event rental – Show up and rent the transponder at each event for $5. If you are only doing a few races this may be the way to go, however, there will be a little more hassle factor at registration After the first event, the transponder will become your customer ID for registration. You will be able to show up at an event and enter your Transponder number, update your info yourself and sign a release that is printed out with this info. Or go online and register and show up, sign a release, pickup a number and be ready to go.  How the Activ System Works Each athlete is given a transponder to put on their ankle or on their
bike’s front fork. As the athlete crosses over a detection point, the loop activates the transponder which relays its unique identification number. That unique ID is passed on to the Activ Decoder which
gives the “passing” a precise time stamp. The passing data is then handled by the timing software in a connected laptop or computer. Each AMB Activ detection loop consists of a small activator and
thin detection loop wires. The Activ system utilizes magnetic induction rather than RFID to avoid interference and dramatically increase accuracy and reliability. The Activ detection loop wires
come long enough to stretch across a 12m wide course and can be embedded in (for ice, wood or dirt) or taped to the race course surface (asphalt or concrete). The loop's wires are only 3mm in
height ensuring the safety of runners, cyclists and inline skaters.  The Activ Decoder is extremely small, lightweight and features an ethernet port, so it can easily be configured to provide split time
information live or after the race. Activ Decoders also have built-in Flash Memory which stores up to 65,000 passings even in the unlikely event of power loss

TdG Route Maps Stage Maps, Start Times, Projected Finish Times and Race Logs now available at Official Race Website www.DodgeTourDeGeorgia.com
ATLANTA, Ga. (March 10, 2005) – It is where the pageantry and drama is set to unfold before thousands of spectators from around the world eager for a front-row view of the ultimate battle of cycling endurance and might on U.S. soil. It is the six stage routes of the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia, North America’s premier professional cycling race, and today officials released on the Dodge Tour’s official website—www.dodgetourdegeorgia.com—complete stage details, including comprehensive stage maps, stage start and approximate finish times, and race logs that project where the peloton will be at any given time during a stage. Spectators now have all the information necessary to plan just where and when they will watch the 120 elite cyclists battle it out for the jerseys, prize money and cycling dominance this April 19-24, 2005.

“Spectators can now plan exactly where they want to be during each stage – whether at the start, finish or anywhere in between,” said Stan Holm, executive director of the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia. “We’ve posted detailed maps and race logs to the official website so it will easy for anyone planning to chase the Dodge Tour de Georgia and find a perfect spot to watch, maybe at a Maxxis Spring Line in Milledgeville or Cumming or perhaps at the crest of Woody or Wolfpen Gap. Any finishing circuit like the one through downtown Macon is always a great option.”

On the level of interest from spectators in this year’s Dodge Tour de Georgia, Holm noted, “The excitement from a spectator standpoint—from the moment we first announced this year’s race—is higher than we've ever had for the Dodge Tour, and it continues to build exponentially. Devoted race fans from across the globe as well as those new to pro cycling are excited to see Lance Armstrong and his Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team defend his 2004 title and face the challenge from the world’s best, including the top ProTour teams.”
 

Holm continued, "The cyclists likewise are excited for this year’s race and are preparing for a demanding course. Every year we hear from them about how much they love the race course. Adding Brasstown Bald Mountain in 2004 was an eye-opener for the world, and this year’s course will be the best yet, promising excitement, drama and fierce competition right from the start.”

SUMMARY OF EACH STAGE OF THE 2005 DODGE TOUR DE GEORGIA
Stage 1 – Augusta to Macon
128.9 miles/207.4 kilometers
Start: 11:30 a.m. Finish: 4:14 – 5:02 p.m.
Stage begins in Augusta and goes through Grovetown, Harlem and Dearing before reaching the first Maxxis Sprint Line in Harlem. From the second Maxxis Sprint Line in Warrenton, the race moves through Jewell’s Mill, Culverton, Sparta, Devereux and then to the third Maxxis Sprint Line at Milledgeville. From Milledgeville, the cyclists will ride 26 miles down Georgia 49 and into the city of Macon, where the race will conclude with three finishing circuits.

Stage 2 – Fayetteville to Rome
122.7 miles/197.5 kilometers
Start: 1:30 p.m. Finish: 5:52 – 6:36 p.m.
Stage begins in Fayetteville, just southwest of Atlanta, reaching the first Maxxis Sprint Line at Peachtree City after covering only 12 miles. From Peachtree City, the race heads northwest into Tyrone, through Palmetto, Temple, and Draketown before reaching the second Maxxis Sprint Line at Rockmart by the Silver Comet Trail.Moving further north, the race heads to Floyd County and into Rome for the first Georgia Power King of the Mountain (KOM) Competition of the race at Clocktower Hill and three finishing circuit.


Stage 3 – Rome Time Trial 18.6 miles/29.9 kilometers
First Rider at 11 a.m. on one minute intervals (last 10 riders at 2 minute intervals)
Starting at the historic Darlington School, individual riders pull out of the school for a race against himself, the elements, and the clock. After following along the river bluffs for 11 miles, the route turns left onto Mount Alto, a steep and narrow climb which boasts a tricky decent. From Mount Alto, the rider will make his way into Downtown Rome.

Stage 4 – Dalton to Dahlonega
133.4 miles/214.7 kilometers
Start: 10:00 a.m. Finish: 2:50 – 3:38 p.m.
The first of two mountain stages leaves Dalton under a neutral start of 2.3 miles. The race flag drops at Glenwood Avenue and races toward Spring Place then Chatsworth for the first Maxxis Sprint Line.
Enter the Fort Mountain climb at mile 24, the first KOM contest of the day. Descending into Ellijay, the racers face the second Maxxis Sprint Line with 95 miles to go before passing through Suches and the second KOM at Woody Gap in the last 50 miles. Three more KOMs – Neels Gap, Wolf Pen Gap and Woody Gap – lurk before the race heads into Dahlonega along Hwy. 19 before finishing on Main Street just off the square.

Stage 5 – Gainesville to Brasstown Bald Mtn. (Towns County)
113.4 miles/182.4 kilometers
Start: 12:00 p.m. Finish: 4:06 – 4:46 p.m.
A penultimate day of climbing begins in Gainesville, as the peloton drives north into Clermont and Clarksville for the only Maxxis Sprint Line at mile 32. Riders push into Rabun County, facing four tough KOMs in only 64 miles beginning with Dick’s Creek Gap and then Unicoi Gap on Hwy 17/75, just north of Helen. Turning right onto Hwy 348/Richard B. Russell riders face the Hogpen Gap at mile 96.6, and arrive at the base of Brasstown Bald Mountain 10 miles later at Spur 180 for a 3.1 mile climb to the finish.

Stage 6 – Blairsville/Union County to Alpharetta
125.2 miles/201.5 kilometers
Start: 12:30 p.m. Finish: 5:06 – 5:53 p.m.
After a 4 mile neutral start, the race begins just outside of Blairsville, passing through Fannin, Dawson, Pickens and Forsyth counties before reaching the first Maxxis Sprint Line at the Cumming County Fair, 85 miles into the race. The second Maxxis Sprint Line comes 15 miles later in Fulton County at the Alpharetta City Hall. Turning onto Westside Parkway, the riders will take on six finishing circuits totaling 22 miles.: 404.589.0802

L5 Flyer News Shannon Hutchison to Ride for Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings/L5Flyers

Criterium specialist and eight-time track masters national champion Shannon Hutchison will ride in the Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings/L5Flyers team colors in 2005. Aaron’s/L5Flyers is excited to have Hutchison on board as she brings several years of professional cycling experience to one of the largest cycling teams in the southeast.Hutchison has been riding professionally for five years racing for professional cycling teams Cox Communications, Autotrader.com, Litespeed and most recently Colavita-Bolla. She has consistently placed on the podium at several national road and track events with her most recent victories at the Wendy’s Worthington Criterium in Ohio and the Worlds Children’s Cycling Classic Road Race in Georgia. Last year she also placed second at the CSC Invitational in Virginia, third at the Historic Roswell Criterium and New York City Criterium Championship and third overall in the American Criterium Championship Series. Shannon plans to compete in several events on the 2005 National Racing Calendar beginning with the Athens Twilight Criterium on April 30th. In addition to being a professional cyclist, Hutchison currently teaches orchestra at Garrett Middle School in Atlanta.

Tracy Hambrick  (Extremely Productive/Ellsworth) stands on the podium after her second place in the STXC at the NORBA National #1 in Master Expert Women 30-34

3-12-2005 Antique Bicycle Show From an ad I found. "The 14th Annual Atlanta Southlands Antique and Classic Bicycle Show is coming April 2-3rd at the Marietta National Guard Armory, located just off the 120 South Loop and US 41 in Marietta, GA. Sat 2-6 Sun 8-5  This is a wonderful chance for you to dust off your vintage crates, cruisers and vintage lightweight (10-speed) bikes from winter storage and get out and enjoy a fun weekend with other bicycle loving folks. The show will be a chance for you to show off your bicycle hardware and maybe even sell off  some unneeded parts you have stashed away. You might also find that rare and wonderful part you have been lusting after."

New Poll

Site Down I am aware that there has been some downtime for Southeastern Cycling over the last 24 hours. I am working with my hosting company to find out why.

3-14-2005 Brooks-GTC Dan Coy, who races for GTC, checks in with his Brooks Road Race Report for the Masters 35+ RR and the Crit and TT. A battle in the 45+ bonus came down to the TT.

Brooks Photos I took tons of photos at Brooks and put a few up. I did not get all categories as I had to go out and toodle myself in preparation for my mountain bike race on Sunday.

First GAP Race The first GAP race was Sunday at Heritage Park near Athens, GA. This was one of the smoothest GAP races I have ever been to. Registration for both a new license and day of registration took less than 15 minutes (a record), results were up in a mostly timely manner, and most of the results seemed correct. I was also glad that GAP took a survey regarding the transponder debate. I had a nice conversation with Walt Bready, SORBA Membership and Events Director, regarding the transponders. (GAP and SORBA are separate organizations although closely tied in many respects.) I am on the side that transponders will only increase the cost of the races, whose prices are already hovering at $40!! for a local mountain bike race. There has also been some talk of reducing the payout for a smaller entry feel. I'm thankful that I have some support from my team this year, or I would not be racing as much at $40 per race. The transponder would add another $5 to this amount. For $20 with no late fees, I can do a Road Race where I can win cash for a podium placing, not a pair of socks. Want to chime in on the transponder debate or want to read more about today's race? Head over to the SORBA forums.

As for my race...I'm off to the same start I was last year with a big DNF. Of course, it involved a trip to the Athens Emergency Room last year and meeting my insurance deductible earlier than normal. Several broken drive side spokes on my rear wheel a mile into the Expert section on my second lap ended my day. I could have finished but decided not to destroy my rear wheel. The singletrack at Heritage has some drop offs, which can be harsh on rear wheels, I opted to walk/ride out instead and enjoy seeing friends that I had not seen since last year. Boneshaker Bicycles will have my wheel back up and going this week.

I'm a little disappointed because I was on my way to a Top 5 in a VERY large Women's Master Sport class. I felt pretty good but am still lacking some power and top end speed that I'll have in another month. Oh well! This was my first race of the year and was only meant to be fun and a fast training ride anyway.

Thanks to Kari and Amy for keeping it REALLY fun out on the course today....ya'll rock! In their first Sport race, they were 4th and 5th! Oh, and Tracy won in her first Sport race. Kari...all I have to say to you is that I will get my revenge during cyclocross season! :)
 

The Masters Road Race at Brooks

 

3-15-2005 Brooks Masters Race Several people have agreed to step up and help with Race Reports this year. Tony Scott, who races for Smith-Barney, is one of those people. He checks in with another great race report about the Masters 35+ Omnium. 2005 looks to be a great battle in this division!

NORBA NCS #1 Tracy Hambrick, Team Extremely Productive/Ellsworth, has written up her report for the first NORBA National in Texas. Tracy placed 5th in the Women Expert 30-34 Omnium.

Do I See a on SE Cycling? Do you see a lot of up here today? That is because I had several people contribute reports for Brooks. Don't see your team here? Wondering why? Want to write a race report? Want to submit photos? Southeastern Cycling wants to publish YOUR NEWS! Write it, photograph it, and email Trish at sttarlite@hotmail.com. Special thanks to Dan, Tony, Tracy, and Doug!

3-16-2005 Toccoa WBL Cancelled From the WBL: "Due to a lip-pull (bruised lips) suffered by the Warbler, Toccoa will be rescheduled to April. The WBL is currently searching for available weekends. Further info to follow. Lance has expressed interest in using Tour de Goergia as prep for Toccoa. Said Lance, "Toccoa has eluded me over the years. To add it to my palmares would be the greatest achievement of my life, with the exception of bagging Chery Crow." Details sure to follow."

GC Training Race John Fillyaw (NARC) sent in his race report from the GC Cycling Training race in Birmingham, AL this weekend. John is a really strong climber and was looking for hills!

A Cycleworks rider finishes the Cat. 4 Women's race at Brooks

3-17-2005 Goodbye Catawba I've received news that the Catawba trail in Charlotte, NC will be closing on March 20th. The city will be building a whitewater park on the Catawba River. I pulled this off of the Tarheel Trailblazers website: "The decision has been made jointly by Char. Whitewater Park and this dept. to close the park to public bike riding effective Sunday, March 20th. The exception would be approved, organized, and supervised events(rides) by the Tarheel Trailblazers Club. We will be posting signs next week to this effect. Please assist us by placing a notice on your website and spreading the word through other methods as well within your club. P&R will be sending out a Public Service Announcement next week to this effect which the media outlets will likely pick up... We would also like to get your list of events that you want to conduct by the first of next week if at all possible so we can include them in the signage we post at the site.

Thanks for working with us and your patience throughout the process.
We hope that this is a workable compromise. When the park re-opens in approx. 12months we will have the premier facility in the Southeast for Mtn. Bike riding. Please stay in touch. C. Blaine Gregory, General Manager, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department"

My understanding is that the trails will reopen in about a year, and the Trailblazers will be allowed to resume their trail maintenance and construction. Catwaba was my favorite place to ride when I lived in Charlotte.
 

MTBer at Brooks Solo 24 hour racer Eddie O'Dea competed for the first time on the road at Brooks. For a mountain biker's perspective on the road, read his report.

Pedalpalooza SORBA Woodstock announces that the second annual Pedalpalooza will be April 2 11-3 at Blanket's Creek. There will be group rides for all skill levels, maintenance clinics, new bike demos, trail building demonstration, and a skills clinic on the practice course.

Greenville TIAA-CREF's Craig Lewis gives his account of the Greenville Training Series on Cyclingnews.com
 

Boneshakers Looking for Help Boneshaker Bicycles in Powder Springs needs a Saturday employee. Pay is negotiable. Perks include bikes and parts at cost. Call Randy at 770-222-2663.

Trish Albert leads the Master Sport Women before her wheel failure at the Yard Sale race in Athens on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Natalie.
 

3-19-2005 SORBA CSRA News From SORBA-CSRA near Augusta:  "Happy to say I learned today that Long Cane Trails, LLC has been awarded $100,000 to build 17 of 32 miles of new singletrack called the Forks Area Trail System (FATS).

What started as a dream 10 years ago to turn an 8 mile "social trail" into a legal trail has become a reality times four! This project is what actually "started" our SORBA Chapter over here. We were told to get orgnized, so we did. The 8 mile trail was lost in 2000 to a timber cut, but a new District Ranger came along and shepherded her staff thru the NEPA process. Then a year ago, with the full support of SORBA-CSRA and the USFS, Long Cane Trails applied for an RTP grant. We found out today that it is to the final project to be funded from that round of applications!

Presently there are 32 miles of pin flags on the ground making up 6 loops. A team of Mike Riter, Rich Edwards, some well trained USFS staff and myself did the design work a few years ago. We plan to build 17 miles in phase one with $100,000 from RTP, $10,000 from USFS and 1500 volunteer hours from SORBA-CSRA. We think it will take 4-6 months to complete the project once we get started.

We have written another grant that we turn in tomorrow for another $100,000 to build the other 15 miles, build the kiosk, blaze the trails and put up signs.

32 miles in 2 years with $250,000. Sounds like a bargin to me! Thanks should go to the SCPRT, USFS and Federal Highways. There are not many states that dole out this kind of money to a yahoo like me, and I appreciate that they have. I appreciate SORBA-CSRA's support as well."

3-22-2005 Trish's Advice Today I had to cut short a 5 hour ride I wanted to do. I could only do 3 hours. Why? I had to work in the !*!* yard. My friends know that working in the yard is akin to torture to me. I'd rather have my toenails pulled out slowly one by one than do yardwork. Alas, the calendar says it is springtime, and I have to get the yard ready. Today's project was pulling out all of the old pinestraw from the flowerbeds and putting down new stuff. It was so fun going to Home Depot, picking up nearly a dozen bales of pinestraw, getting it all in my car, and then working for over 3 hours to make my house look nice. Last weekend's project was to fertilize the lawn. Next weekend I have to put down sod in a few areas that need it. Where are your friends when you really need them? Finishing that 5 hour ride, that's where! My advice to everyone: hire a yard service that will do more than mow your yard! Yes, I do have a mowing service. I justify it by saying that it gives me more time to ride.

Cartersville/Brewery Information From Tom Hanks. Good stuff, people! Listen up!

"Cyclists,

They're baaaack! On the Brewery ride yesterday one of the riders in my group had a pad lock thrown at him by a passing motorist. Another rider was hit with something. Today over 5 riders that I know of hit tacks in the road by Roger Kahn's Farm on the Beautiful Back Roads 45 mile route at the brewery. One of those riders was the world famous Fox Ferrel.

I received an email a few days ago from Jim Edwards who is the organizer of the Beautiful Back Road Century Ride. Recently he has been in communication with an angry woman from Cartersville who wants to prevent cyclists from parking at the brewery in hopes that it will reduce the amount of cyclists in the area. It turns out her dog caused an accident with a cyclist, and her insurance company had to pay $10,000 for a "couple of skinned knees" (her words, not mine). She's tired of cyclists taking up the roads and not riding in single file. She's tired of people peeing on the lawn at the church. She's not alone. Right or wrong we don't need angry locals who hate bikers.

I have a possible solution. Don't ride on the standard BBR routes, learn to ride around them like the N.A.R.C. riders do. The local terrorists are focusing on the BBR routes. They paint over the markings in the road and they laid hundreds of tacks in the road today. I heard about it in the parking lot. I didn't see any tacks because I ride with N.A.R.C.

Or just don't bother to ride at the brewery. Go someplace else. Silk sheets, Columns Drive, North Carolina, etc.

These terrorists aren't going away. It's going to get worse and it's not all their doing.

Some of us cyclists need to grow up. When someone yells car back get in a single file. Especially you old timers. You set a bad example for the newer riders. Why is it that some idiot always stays out in the middle of the road when there is a car back? Stop getting naked in the parking lot and stop peeing in clear view of the public, if you can't hold it go in the woods out of sight, and don't pee anywhere near the brewery. Stop being rude to the locals. There is only a few that are ruining it for the rest of us. If you see someone disobeying the rules of courteous cycling, let the violator know that you don't appreciate their behavior. Don't be afraid to call them obscene names. Try this, say, "Hey **shole get in a single file", or "Hey **shole don't pee in public!" If they come at you in a threatening manner, then hit them with a stick until they understand your point or if there isn't a stick around then hit them with the heel of your hand and drive their nose bone into their brain. That's what I was taught in the U.S.M/C. I have found that this technique works.

Nothing is going to change that angry lady's mind, and the more allies she has, the sooner they will shut down the brewery and we will we suffer for it. The fewer angry locals, the better it will be for us. Get a clue. Forward this email to everyone you know who rides at the brewery. This is some of the finest riding in GA, don't blow it."

Trish's Note: One of my teammates got "tacked" today on the 65 mile route. I also know of a team that was training up there last weekend that got "tacked." All but one rider suffered a flat. Be careful, and be nice to the locals!

3-23-2005 Travel Girl Wins in Orlando Jenn Green, one of the fast women of travelgirl, won both crits at the Festival of Speed in Orlando, Florida this weekend. Her teammate, Kim Foland-Quattlebaum, checks in with a race report. A full report will be available soon on the travelgirl website.

Forum Team Travels to CA The Forum Cycling Women's team travelled to California to the San Dimas Stage Race this weekend. San Dimas is the first NRC race.

Central Park Trails Grand Opening! From SORBA-RAMBO Central Park Grand Opening, Start Time: 4:00 PM, Saturday, March 26, Location: Central Park-Forsyth County

Other Information: Yahoo! It’s time to celebrate!!! Mark your calendar and be a part of history by attending the official Grand Opening of Central Park’s Cross Country Trail and Freeride Course. This trail, totaling 4 miles, was built in just 10 months due, in large part, to the incredible collaboration of RAMBO-SORBA members, Forsyth County Parks and Rec., Community Service Workers, and many other SORBA chapter volunteers. Ribbon Cutting and Kodak moments begin at 4:00 PM, followed by a Freeride demonstration at 5:00. For more details check out our website at www.rambo-mtb.org. So, come on out and show Forsyth County how thrilled we are to have this fabulous new trail! Directions: Central Park is located in Forsyth County. Take 400 North to Exit 17/hwy 306 head west 1/2 mile and the park entrance is on the left.

3-24-2005 Charlotte and Charleston News From Southpark Cycles in Charlotte: "I would like to thank Harry Johnson of Trips for Kids and the Charlotte Bicycle Advisory Council for attending the National Bicycle Summit in Washington DC with me. I also would like to thank Mike Nix of Liberty Bicycles in Asheville NC, Dale Brown of Cycles D' Oro in Greensboro and Kevin Coggins of Spin Cycle in Cary. Of the 98 bike shops in NC we were the only ones to attend this extremely important conference and lobby all of our elected NC Congressmen to make cycling better for the state of NC and our local communities. I have great news to report on the future of cycling both locally and nationally and will follow up later this week with an article titled "fighting for your right to bike 2005".

New Cooper River Bridge (Trish: in Charleston) to be dedicated to Garrett Wonders The New Cooper River Bridge built with bike lanes will be dedicated to fallen rider Garrett Wonders. The dedication will take place in June. I just received this news while I was in DC and will update everyone when I have all of the details. Thanks to the Palmetto Cyclists in SC and other advocates who made this happen. 

Historic Tuckasegee Ford Park officially closed The Park down at the Catawba Riverfront is officially closed until further notice for the construction of the Charlotte WhiteWater Park and US National WhiteWater Center. The current agreement is that the park will be able to be used for special events. It is expected to fully reopen next year with a artificial whitewater channel and many other amenities. These renovations will potentially make Historic Tuckasegee Ford Park one of the most fantastic outdoor adventure areas in the nation.

Summer Solstice Cowbell Challenge 12 Hour MTB Race The annual race is set for June 25th and proposed to take place at Historic Tuckasegee Ford Park along the Catawba River and Future home of the US National WhiteWater Center. This year we are attempting to register the race as a qualifier for the 24 Hour Championship endurance race in Whistler BC. More race details coming soon."
 

GA Maps I'm still working on the Georgia Maps page. Thanks to Chris at atlbike.org, I have more maps of Paulding County and lots of elevation profiles. Thanks Chris!

Trish's Tuesday Observation Migraines suck. Migraines really suck. Migraines keep you off of the bike and on the couch :(  Migraines hurt and make you nauseated.

Shannon Huchinson (L5 Flyers) won the Brooks Crit. Photo by Michael McGee.


 

Want to Contribute? Do you have a photo, story, or race report that you want to send to Southeastern Cycling? Please email me at sttarlite at hotmail dot com.

3-25-2005 TdG Dinner in Macon From Chris Wells: You are invited to the Second Annual Tour de Georgia Dinner at the City  Club. The date is Tuesday, April 19, and the time is 6:30 p.m., after the finish of the first stage of the TdG. Expected guests will include directors of the TdG teams, officials from the TdG and, we hope, several of the premier women riders from that day's criterium. (The pro men will not likely be able to attend because they will be recovering and preparing for the next day's stage.) The program will include comments from several of the special guests. Last year's dinner was both informative and fun, so let's do what we can to support the TdG and have fun at the same time. Our continued support through activities like these will help Macon remain a key venue in years to come. Dinner will be buffet and cost $30 per person. We also need people to  act as sponsors for the special guests (pay for their meals), so let me know if you would like to help out.  There will be a limit of about 100 persons for the dinner, so sign up early by letting me know of your interest and by then giving your $30 (check or cash) to me or to Rick Cain at Bike Tech. If you would like to  sponsor a special guest, add another $30 to your own dinner cost.

Those who attended last year's dinner might remember that Stan Holm, the head of the TdG, passed out some VIP passes at the end. I do not know if he will do the same this year, because the race will be moving on to another city the next day. I'll see what I (he) can do for those who will be following the race to later venues. If you have questions, send me an email or call me at 301-2603 (day) or
951-2702 (cell) or 474-5479 (evening). Also, please pass the word to others by email or otherwise.

Chris Wells Prof. D.C. Wells Mercer Law School 1021 Georgia Avenue Macon, GA 31207 478-301-2603 (office) 478-301-2259 (fax) wells_dc@mercer.edu

The NARC Juniors before the Brooks RR. Photo courtesy of Dub Smith, proud dad.

 

Macon Crit The prize money for the Macon Crit April 19 has been increased to FOURTEEN places for the Cat. 1-3 women!

SC Reward Fund The Palmetto Cycling Coalition and South Carolina Highway Patrol will
be holding a joint Press Conference announcing the establishment of a $2,000 reward fund for information leading to the arrest and conviction of hit-and-run drivers who strike cyclists. The press conference will be held at 11 am, Thursday, March 24 at Hincapie Sportswear, Inc, 45
Pete Hollis Blvd,. Greenville, SC. The Press Conference will focus on the accident that claimed the life of Leonard Rivers on June 17 last year. Mr. Rivers was cycling to work on the morning of the 17 in the right lane of Poinsett Highway when a white sedan struck him from behind about 1 ½ miles north of Cherrydale Point. The car kept driving north and did not stop at the scene of the accident.

Members of the cycling community are encouraged to attend the press conference and show their support for safer cycling conditions in South Carolina.

Daylight Savings Time is Right Around the Corner! From Todd Fryburger: "By virtue of my role as self-appointed astrologer, augur, auspex, bard, clairvoyant, diviner, druid, evocator, forecaster, fortuneteller, haruspex, horoscopist, magus, medium, meteorologist, oracle, ovate, palmist, predictor, prognosticator, prophesier, reader, seer, sibyl, soothsayer, sorcerer, tea-leaf reader, and wizard-at-large of the Atlanta peloton, I hereby declare that DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME will begin on 04/03/05.

In accordance with a tradition which has been handed down for generations, the time change will mark the start of the in-town rides, better known as the "Weekly World Cups", which include:

THE SANDY SPRINGS RIDE - Starting 04/05/05 each Tuesday night at 06:30 PM ET, the Sandy Springs Ride is the true classic of the series, where the best-of-the-best duke it out to determine who is the alpha-male (or female) of the pack, while the wannabes play for marbles at the office park crit. The 04/05/05, 04/12/05, 04/19/05 and 04/26/05 editions will be "short option" - the 05/03/05 edition will mark the start of the "long option" which includes the jaunt over "three hump" in Vinings.

THE PEACHTREE BATTLE - Starting 04/06/05 each Wednesday night at 06:30 PM ET, test your mettle from the heart of Buckhead to Vinings and back with this fast-and-furious romp. "The Blade" has already pledged to ride TPB unto himself all season - can the rest of the pack allow him to slap the proverbial glove across it's face without retaliation?

THE CHASTAIN RIDE - Starting 04/07/05 each Thursday night at 06:30 PM ET, prepare yourself for the fastest hour of your life on a course personally prepared by the wily priest of all things anaerobic, Papa Peloton.

In addition, the time change will impact the start of the grandfather of all weeklies, THE TUCKER RIDE. Starting 04/09/05, Tucker will start ONE HOUR EARLIER, departing at 09:00 AM ET, where Michael Franklin will hold a clinic on how to bridge people from other teams up to the break.

Of course, in the spirit of its motto "We Do Not Tolerate Change", THE SUNDAY RIDE will, as always, maintain its well-worn 09:00 AM ET start time.

If you do not know where these rides start / end, simply ask around - but don't ask me - unless you are bearing gifts of small appliances, personal electronics, soft-core porn or cash.

There are, of course, many other rides in the area at various points on the compass, but few rise to the acclaim of the aforementioned. It is with light in my heart that I extend a hearty "Happy New Year" to one and all - enjoy the next seven months of cycling bliss until the time changes back again on 10/30/05. Best Regards, Todd Curtis Fryburger"

The Cat. 4/5 Peloton passes under a bridge at the Griffin crit. Photo by Michael McGee (L5 Flyers)