February 2006 Archive

2-1-2006 Sopo Bike Coop Now for something a bit different: "SOPO BICYCLE COOPERATIVE BENEFIT RIDE AND PARTY CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF ATLANTA'S ONLY NONPROFIT BICYCLE SHOP Contact: *Rachael Spiewak, Director (404) 392 4597
*Jay Varner, Shop Manager (404) 217 9648"

Sopo Bicycle Cooperative is celebrating it's first year of being open to the public for low-cost bicycle repair with it's second annual Broken Hearts and Bicycle Parts rally and benefit party on Saturday, February 11. The theme of this year's celebration is Chain Breaks and Heart Aches. The rally is a
scavenger hunt style game played across the city, and is open to anyone over the age of 18.

The benefit party, featuring local favorites Hope for Agoldensummer, Ocha la Rocha, I would set myself on fire for you, the Almanac, No Brakes, and Cipher Kenni, will follow the rally at Lenny's Bar (307 Memorial Drive). Doors open at 8:00 pm. The bands are sponsored by Southeast Performer Magazine, and the party is sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon. There are prizes for ralliers and partiers, including items from local and national sponsors: 13 Roses Tattoo, Cadence Clothing, Charis Books, Criminal Records, El Myr, Flying Biscuit, Ground Up Designs, Intown Bicycles, IRO
Cycles, Microcosm Publishing, PlanetBike, Rare Footage R. E. Load, Savage Pizza, Spicer Cycles, Village Pizza. Other sponsors include Sevananda Natural Foods and MadRatz Infoshop.

Sopo Bicycle Cooperative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit bicycle shop whose mission is to create equitable access to cycling by providing low-cost bicycle maintenance services and education. The shop is located at 465-C Flat Shoals Avenue in the East Atlanta Village. The shop is open on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Sopo specializes in programming for youth, and is developing programming for seniors and people with disabilities. Please visit the website for more information: http://www.sopobikes.org.

Brasstown Baldbuster The Brasstown Baldbuster Century will be Sat., May 6. Registration is open for this unique event and is limited to the first 300 riders.

TdG Rumors This could be completely untrue, but I've heard that FORD may be sponsoring the 2006 TdG. Again, just a rumor flying around out there.

2-2-2006 No Saul at TdG Saul Raisin reports that he will not be doing the Tour De Georgia this year.

Popovych Georgia-Bound From Velonews.com: "Yaroslav Popovych, fresh off a California training camp with Discovery Channel teammates, is set to begin his season with the Tour of the Algarve later this month in Portugal.  The Ukraine, who grabbed the best young rider's jersey in last year's Tour de France, confirmed he will be racing in the Tour de Georgia in April. He said his season goals will be on stage races, with stops in Spain, Portugal as well as Georgia in April. The Tour will be his top goal for the 2006 season.  "My condition is good," he told Tutto Bici. "I worked hard over the winter."

Confirmation? Medalist Sports, an Atlanta agency that owns the premier competitive cycling event in the United States, the Tour de Georgia, reached a three-year title sponsorship deal with Ford Motor Co. Medalist managing partner Chris Aronhalt said Ford agreed to a “low seven-figure deal” across three years, and will provide about 120 vehicles for race operations. The Tour airs ...
Marketing/Sponsorship Published 01/16/06 in The SportsBusiness Journal. (Trish's Note: You saw it here before anywhere else! Eat this cyclingnews.com :) :)--no, I really love em, best news site out there!--Of course, I could be wrong about Ford.)

2-3-2006 Chicopee Work Party Gainesville SORBA will hold a work party this Saturday morning at 9:30am at Chicopee. Bring something to drink throughout the work day and wear good work shoes. Lunch will be provided by Addictive Cycles. We plan to be done for the day at 2:00pm.
questions email: gainesville@sorba.org. Thank you, Blake Sexton, Gainesville SORBA

 Subaru Cycling Team presented by Deutsche Bank Announces 2006 Roster

Atlanta, GA – February 2, 2006 - The Subaru Cycling Team presented by Deutsche Bank has announced its team roster and sponsors for the coming year. Coming onboard for the 2006 season, Subaru of America, Inc (www.subaru.com) will replace A.G. Edwards as the primary sponsor for Roswell Velo’s elite men’s racing program. Subaru will also be joined by presenting sponsor Deutsche Bank (www.db.com). Longtime equipment sponsor Roswell Bicycles (www.roswellbicycles.com) will be providing the team with Cannondale Six-13’s (www.cannondale.com), Diadora Shoes (www.diadora.com), and Bell Sweep Helmets (www.bellbikehelmets.com).

The Subaru Cycling Team is an elite men’s squad based in Atlanta, GA. It’s U.S.C.F. Club, Roswell Velo also supports a club-level men’s team and the travelgirl Women’s Cycling Team. Roswell Velo also organizes and promotes the 5th annual Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium, an NRC event on April 30th.

“We feel joining forces with one of the best cycling organizations in the Southeast is an excellent opportunity to build Subaru brand awareness and support the sport of cycling” responded Brian Kotenko, Regional Marketing Manager of Subaru of America, Inc. “We’re thrilled to have Subaru as our primary sponsor and look forward to a long term relationship where we can build our program into one of the top amateur squads in the U.S.” replied Michael Johnson, President of Roswell Velo.

The Subaru Cycling Team will return a strong lineup from the 2005 season including 2005 USCF Men’s Elite Road Race podium finisher Jed Schneider, US 100K Classic podium finisher Wes Garland, Georgia State Criterium Champion Brian Bibens and Georgia State Masters Road Race Champion Jim Rassmusen.

“We have 15 Cat 1 & 2 riders allowing us to field two full teams on any given weekend” said Jed Schneider, Director Men’s Elite Team. The 2006 team will also feature three US U-23 National Team riders; John Murphy, Michael Wolf and Winston David. These riders will wear the Subaru Cycling Team kit stateside when they are not representing the US National Team.

Additional sponsors for 2006 include;

Maxxis (www.maxxis.com), Smith (www.smithsport.com), French Broad Brewery(www.frenchbroadbrewery.com), Santi & Associates (www.santicpa.com), Colby Kidd Designs (www.colbykidd.com), Dedicated Athlete/Rapid Fire. (www.dedicatedathlete.com)

2006 Subaru Cycling Team Roster

Category 1
Brian Bibens
Hayden Brooks (Australia)
John Green
David Guttenplan
Tim Henry
John Murphy
Tiago de Paula (Brazil)
Jed Schneider
Michael Wolf

Category 2
Tommy Bass
Winston Davis
Stephen Carhart
Andrew Daane
Wesley Garland
Clay Parks

Category 3
Bruce Burton
Whit Clifford
Rob Gable
Scott Fast
Eric Kinard
Terry Michelitch
Mike Mitchko
Jim Rasmussen
Barry Sobel
Carl Weaver

Category 4
Ian Buckley
Tyler Hawes
Michael Johnson
Steve Kennedy
Dennis Utter

For more information on the 2006 Subaru Cycling Team, please contact Michael Johnson at mjhome@mindspring.com
 

Press Releases Does YOUR team have a press release? Email me at sttarlite at hotmail dot com.

Skip Murphy Memorial Ride From Cartecay Bikes: In memory of (The legend Skip Murphy). The Third annual ride for the Old Skipper. Place: Bull Mountain, Time: 10:00 AM, Date: February 12, 2006, Meet: Bull Mountain Parking Lot.
The Ride: (just) Be Happy and ride!!

Plan on riding MOST of the trails. Bring EXTRA FOOD for a lunch stop. Come out and support a guy who loved the sport of riding a mountain bike and made his home in Ellijay. The mountain bike Capital of the South. Thank you for your time. P.S. I applied Mike's message with few alterations. It was said that Skip could ride sideways under overhanging trees 3 feet off the ground......but this surely must have been observed during night rides with no lights, or after a few cases of Sweetwater! Cool

2-6-2006 NARC Juniors Roster The North Atlanta Riding Club is proud to announce the roster for our 2006 Junior Racing Program. This enthusiastic group of Juniors range in age from 12 to 15. This group has several "veterans" who have won tiles on the Road, Track, MTB and Cyclocross going back over the past 3 years, as well a few who this will be their first year of racing.  Junior Racing is growing by leaps and bounds in Georgia. This looks to be an exciting year for our Juniors who will be participating in the new Georgia Junior Racing Series "MAPS" as well as select Georgia Cup Races NARC will also compete in the Georgia-Cross Cyclocross Series and State and Regional Track Races.

We would like to thank our sponsors for 2006. BMW, MIS Associates, 5 Seasons Brewing and Free-Flite. We thank you for your support! Clothing will be supplied by Hincapie Sports.

Junior Race Team Members: Andrea Beltran, Quint Smith, Jessica Smith, Sara Cochran, Sean Cochran, Will McGinnis, Eli Walsh, Adrian Prouman, Phillip Martin, Dylan Degan, CJ Rybka,
Coach: Dub Smith, Assistant: Scott Cochran, Assistant: Pat Collerton
 

Attention Race Promoters!! PLEASE keep the emails about upcoming races coming to me! Email me at sttarlite at hotmail dot com. I've gotten great info. about several upcoming races.

Juniors Program From John Kelly-exerstuf at mindspring dot com: "I just want make sure that you guys know about MAPS, Metro Atlanta Points Series, for junior riders in GA. It is patterned after the N. CA program. The leader's jerseys are in process and should arrive in early April. The 1st presentation will be in Athens before the junior race. The 1st points will be awarded after the Brooks race. Check out the website for more details. www.fixedgearstuff.com/maps.html The race is open to all juniors but only a GA rider can wear the jersey. We also have a program at the track on Sunday from 2-4 pm and is open
to all juniors. The focus of this program is to send as many juniors as  we can to the nationals in T-Town. I have averaged 16-20 kids each Sunday. We have all age groups and abilities. The cost is $40. for insurance. We have 10 new bikes 3 43cm and 7 48cm. These are good track bikes that the kids are having a great time riding.

I am in hopes that these two programs will bring more young riders into the sport. The group in N. CA told me that they are averaging 90 riders per race at their points series! I would like us to do the same.

Saul Did It! Saul Raisin did it! He won his first race as a professional today at the Tour De Langkawi in Malaysia! Congratulations, Saul! To my knowledge, this is the first international stage win by a Georgia native.

2-7-2006 Cheaha Challenge Weekend-From NEABC: "A century and cycling festival---May 6 & 7, 2006. Selected by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel as a “Top 10 Event” in Alabama in 2006! Hosted by the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Club Saturday, May 6

Anniston, AL---The Noble Street Festival is a cycling festival featuring amateur & NRC Pro bike races—including many Tour de Georgia teams---, 25 restaurants, an art show, and live music---all from noon to 11pm on Noble Street in downtown Anniston. The Kids Zone will feature fun kids races, hands-on art, kids food area, and a free bike safety clinic. More than 4,000 enjoyed this family festival in 2005. New for 2006! A VIP dining area available for century cyclists and racing competitors only! www.noblestreetfestival.com

Sunday, May 7 Get plenty of carbs on Saturday at the Noble Street Festival, because the 14th Annual Cheaha Challenge Century is Sunday morning just up the road in Piedmont, AL. Choose from shorter route options of 26 or 47 miles, containing easy rolling hills---or opt to venture further out on the course on the 66, 88, or 102 mile options and get a lot more climbing in (over 7400 feet on the 102-mile route). Very scenic routes and more than 300 volunteers on the course taking care of you. www.cheahachallenge.com"

Southeast Road Schedule This is what you've all been waiting for....the current 2006 Southeastern Road Racing schedule straight off the USA Cycling email. Click here. I will have the races up at the calendar at the top in the next week or so. Life has been really busy lately, so I'm a bit behind.

Georgia Single Speed Championships Press Release, Contact: Shey Lindner, everett11@bellsouth.net, www.addictivecycles.com

-For Immediate Release- Georgia State Single Speed Championships Announced

Farmington, GA, February 6, 2006 – Preparations are underway for the Georgia State Single Speed Mountain Bike Championships to be held on March 19th. The race is the first of its kind, in the United States, and builds upon a growing movement in mountain bike racing. “With an increasing number of riders switching to single speeds, a state championship event seemed natural,” said race director Shey Lindner. “This event is the start of an effort to bring back the one day, championship style racing to mountain biking. The different series’ races are great, but a one day race, for a state championship jersey, creates an atmosphere like no other.”

The event is part of a single speed festival being promoted by Shey Lindner, a racer on the Cannondale MTB team, Scott Hodge and Grant Lockwood, owners of Addictive Cycles in Braselton, Georgia. “This event is the brainchild of Craig Henderson, one of the shop’s good customers,” stated Mr. Hodge. The event is permitted and sanctioned by USA Cycling as an official State Championship event. Only racers from Georgia are eligible for the GA State Champion title and jersey, but all riders are welcome and are eligible for prizes. Mr. Lindner is encouraging anyone with a bike to try out single speed racing, “Anyone can race as long as they only use one speed. Their regular bike can be locked into one gear, a single speed, and the shifter cables removed making them eligible to race.” Other contests over the weekend include: a track stand competition, longest skid, longest wheelie, drag race, foot down and bike toss. Also, the racers and spectators will get a chance to check out some of the nicest single speed bikes in the country, at the bike show, throughout the weekend.

“This will be a one of a kind festival with sponsor booths, a band, a tattoo artist or two, massage chairs, food, and more,” said Addictive Cycles Owner Scott Hodge. “With sponsors like Maxxis, Thomson, Surly, PZ Racing, Cannondale, Park Tools, Mtbcast.com, Braselton Grill, Badlasses.com, and Dirtrag.com this event is sure to be a success that centers on fun competition ..like it should be.” For more information go to www.addictivecycles.com

Trish's note: Shey is one of the best promoters in the state. I plan to go to the race just to watch! My knees and back don't like singlespeeds.

Kick Off Party OTR Cycling had its kick off party this past weekend. Thanks to "The Sponsor" and his lovely wife, Leigh, for hosting the party. The team got together for a retrospective presentation on the successful 2005 season, good food, and meeting the new members. Click here for more photos.

What Do You Think? One of the projects Chris and I have been working on is finding a good color to paint the garage door and other exterior doors. Here is one of the latest ideas that didn't go very well. This will be getting repainted this coming weekend in between rides:

It's, uh, bright green.

2-9-2006 Those Darn Mountain Bikers Those Darn Mountain Bikers! The Devil went up to British Columbia....

Georgia Ride to the Capitol Join Bike Roswell! for a ride to the Capitol on March 7!  Show the Governor and your state legislatures that bicycles matter!!! Support the upcoming bicycle legislation!!

What: Ride from Roswell's City Hall (or join us anywhere along the route) to Georgia's Capitol with Roswell's Mayor Jere Wood and Atlanta's Mayor Shirley Franklin. Once we arrive at the Capitol, enjoy a FREE lunch on us, with Governor Sonny Purdue and your State Legislatures.

Where: Enjoy an easy paced, relaxing bike ride, which will start at Roswell's City Hall. Ride down Roswell Road and Peachtree Street with a motorcycle police escort to Georgia's Capitol! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!! Join along the route!! We need everyone to participate!

When: Tuesday March 7, 2006 (Put it on your calendar now)
Ride Start Time: 10:00 AM at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075
Estimated arrival time at the Georgia State Capitol: 11:30 AM – noon
Departure time from Capitol: 1:00 PM (partial motorcycle escort back to Sandy Springs too!)
Registration: 9:00 – 10:00 AM (The first 150 riders to register early receive a free lunch, see details below)
Rain or shine! We need your support regardless of weather, and regardless of how you get there!
(Feel free to join us anywhere along the route – you can't miss us!)
Cost: FREE!!!!
More Details: The ride is 25 miles each way for a total of 50 miles and is rated "Moderate". (This is not a beginner's ride) There are no official sag stops on this ride. You can join-in anywhere along the route, but to get a free lunch you do have to register. Motorcycle Police escort will be provided from Roswell to the Capitol and back to Sandy Springs. Bring MARTA fare if you prefer to ride from the Capitol back to Roswell via bus or to Sandy Springs via train. SAG support will be provided by Roswell Bicycles and CycleWorks.
As always, ride smart, wear a helmet, ride at your own risk and obey traffic laws. The first 150 riders to register for the ride will reserve FREE lunch compliments of Willy's Mexicana Grill .
For more details Contact Frank at frank@roswellbicycles.com or Jim@SurgeSports.com
Presented by Bike Roswell! and Georgia Bikes!

 2-13-2006 Team Cycleworks 2006 Team Meehan’s/Cycleworks Press Release
Meehan’s/Cycleworks Looks Forward to Defending Cat 3 Georgia Cup for 2006

Team Cycleworks presented by Meehan’s amateur cycling team has announced their 2006 roster. Highlights include the return of Cat 3 GA Cup Winner, Richard Saunders, supported by most of the 2005 squad, ten returning Cat 4 members, a women’s Pro 1,2,3 squad, featuring 2005’s Greenville Classic Cat 4 Winner, Kitty Wickes, and a men’s masters team. Team Cycleworks presented by Meehan’s will be focusing on the Georgia Cup series as well as other one day events in the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Alabama.

The team, a division of the North Georgia Cycling Association, is sponsored by Cycleworks Inc. Cycleworks is a prominent bicycle retailer with four locations around metro Atlanta. The team is presented by Meehan’s Public House, an Atlanta based Irish-styled pub and restaurant, with several locations in the Atlanta area.
 

Cat. 3: Robby Bryant, Eric Edgar, David Farabaugh, Richard Saunders, Michael Lanham
Cat 4: Neal Anderson, Sid Carter, Arnold Galit, Michael Gordon, David Grant, Bob Heath, Allen Heaton, Mike McMurray, Tim Smith, Eddie Sun,
Men’s Masters: Brad Harper, Don Hawksley, Ralph MacKenzie, Eric May, Randy Nelson, John Turner, Doug Walters
Women’s Pro 1,2,3: Lissy Cowdery, Lee Farabaugh, Linda Foti, Katie Head, Sara Liquori, Kitty Wickes

Calendar Updated  The calendar at the top of the page has been updated through May.

Italian Bike Festival Cartecay Bikes will once again have the Italian Bike Festival April 1-2.

Weather What's up with the frigid weather? It's 65 degrees all of January, and this weekend it didn't get above 38 degrees. Crazy! I froze on both rides this weekend. Combine that with a little stomach bug I picked up late last week, and I felt horrible!

2-14-2006 Dumb Questions Yes, there are such things as dumb questions that get emailed to me such as "Where can I find a race calendar?" Ummm............anyone care to answer that one for me? There are also good questions emailed like one about a past article on bike fitters in Atlanta and how to contact one. If you have a question about a race, contact the promoter. All emails regarding races except for emails from promoters, someone providing a flyer, etc. are deleted with no response. I simply don't have the time to answer all emails. Please do not email me dumb questions. :) Thank you!

2-16-2006 GA Cup Cat. 5 News From the Georgia Cup: "Please forgive us for not having read the rule changes as closely as we should have, but if you read the changes in the rules for the 2006 cycling season, it becomes obvious that USA Cycling has determined to set some definitive restrictions on Category 5 racers, and therefore we must adjust your categories.

http://www.usacycling.org/forms/USCF_Rulebook.pdf 1G6 states that ANY field containing Category 5 racers is limited to 75 riders. Previously, any combined fields had combined field limits as
well. The problem this creates is that if the Competitive Category remained open to Category 5 riders, it would actually restrict the quality of the field, rather than add to it. Therefore, we must remove the Category 5 racers from the Competitive field. To all Category 5 racers, get your ten or a win, and we'll see you in the Competitive field at the next MAXXIS Georgia Cup."

Greenways for Roswell and Alpharetta Alpharetta and Roswell have received $800,000 each for multiuse trails. Click here to see how they money will be spent.

2-17-2006 Blanket's Creek Work ,Party From SORBA-Woodstock: "February 18th 2006 Title: Blankets Creek Trail Maintenance Start Time: 09:00 AM, Duration: 4 hours, Location: Blankets Creek, Trail work parties typically last about 4-6 hours. Plan to hike in unless otherwise posted (or check with coordinator if in doubt), so wear comfortable but sturdy boots. Also bring work gloves, plenty of water, and a snack or lunch. Sometimes we will ride afterwards, so bring your bike as well, just be sure you can secure it in or on your vehicle while working. Other Information: Please come out and help. We will do some mid winter de berming and begin flagging control points on the future north loop."

2-20-2006 Women's Track Clinic Velo Bella will host a women's track racing/riding clinic on March 11. Cathy Boland teaches a great clinic! The first part of the clinic is FREE! Track bikes will be provided. Get details here: http://www.velobella.org/pdf/GAVeloBellaTrackClinic2006.pdf.

Tundra TT Results The early riders at the Tundra TT were lucky on Saturday; they did not have to race in the rain, which came in around 10:15. I rode out to see some friends, arrived at about 10:00, and had to head home when it started raining. I did the last hour of my ride in the cold rain, which is one of my least favorite types of weather to ride in.

Congratulations to the winners! Results are here. Overall first place went to Andy Applegate (A&F), second place to trigeek Danile Moss (all3sports), and third to Atlanta's Big Jon Atkins (Myogenesis).

WBL Finale From the WBL: "WBL 2006 closes: Greg Somerville takes Blue jersey. Henriksen and
Mayola-Pic tie for Red. Results of top 50 now posted at www.winterbikeleague.com."

Jittery Joes Launch Party From Jittery Joes: The Jittery Joe's team will be having its second annual team launch party on March 4 at the Jittery Joe's Coffee Roasting Company in downtown Athens, Georgia - and everyone's invited. The entire team will be present for the occasion, which is part of the team's training camp held from March 3 to 7. Retired bike race announcer turned stand up comedian Bill Davis will be the Master of Ceremonies.

The team will be signing a limited edition poster and talking about the big season to come. After team camp, the whole team will be flying to Fresno, California to race in their first national calendar race of the season, the Central Valley Classic.

As well as the team presentation, music and drinks, the Terrapin Beer Company will be serving its new Jittery Joe's Coffee Oatmeal Stout, which the team says is a rich high-gravity beer that is sure to win over any beer connoisseur.

The Jittery Joe's launch party will also see the unveiling of the first production samples of team co-sponsor Zero Gravity's new lightweight cranks and bottom bracket, and bike and clothing sponsor Louis Garneau will be showing off the new team kit and the new LG 6.4 team bike.

Tickets will be available in advance at any Jittery Joe's coffee shop in Athens, @The Hub Bikes in Athens, or online at www.hubbikes.com. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students) and include food, drinks and door prizes from Louis Garneau, Maxxis and other sponsors.

Bike Show Date Change - The Atlanta Bike show and Swap Meet is coming April 8 and 9, 2006 at the Marietta National Guard Armory. Crates, Cruisers, Vintage Lightweights , Tandems, Fixed Gears, Bike Show, etc. Vendor Spaces are only $25. The Marietta NG Armory is located about 1/4 mile West of US 41 and the North 120 Loop (just North of the Big Chicken). Call Wayne 770--973-8330, Buck 404-252-3432 or Jim 770-938-3515 to reserve your vendor space. April 8th 4pm to 8pm. April 9th 8am to 4pm. Come on out and support the Show!!!!
 

A Little Courtesy to the Ladies Trish Steps Up on Her Soapbox Guys often wonder why there are so few women in this sport. If you were in the main group of the Airport ride today, I HAVE YOUR ANSWER!!

So, it was 26-27 degrees when we started riding this morning. (Thanks to the Cycleworks guys for pulling me the first 18 miles!). I got dropped on my normal hill that I usually get dropped on. I was ahead of the main pack but behind the small group I'd left with a bit early. Now, I hate riding in any weather below about 50 degrees. The only reason I do is that come April, I'd be so far behind that I wouldn't be able to keep up with everyone until July (not that I can really ever keep up with anyone anyway, but let me continue my little fantasy that I can occasionally keep up with the dude with kneesocks and panniers on the group rides.) I had on 5 layers up top, two on my legs, three on my feet, etc. I digress....I settled into my winter pace of about 16 mph. On the way back in after the "nature break" turn off, I got caught by the main 50 mile pack. I settled in with the group and took my spot about 4 riders from the back.

Suddenly I hear "I'm trying to get the f*ck around these f*cking women. They are in my f*cking way and going f*cking too slow." (Keep in mind there were two of us ladies that were IN THE GROUP riding the same speed as everyone else.) As scary as it is, I can occasionally keep up with other people as I was after the main group caught me. I looked back and told the guy that he could fudging come around me if he could ride faster than me, and I called him a choice word that has a semblance to butthead. (I help run OTR Cycling, and I know how to handle the guys ;), eh Josh, Chris, Ryan, and Jeff?)

Dude...was is REALLY necessary to say something like that out loud? Were you trying to show off to your buddy that these, UM, LITTLE GIRLS really don't belong riding? Maybe you were embarrassed that two girls were KICKING YOUR ARSE! Maybe we should be at home making your lunch and having some hot coffee ready when you get home? Maybe we should fetch your newspaper and your fuzzy slippers, too? Sorry, dude, that isn't the way it is. MOST of the guys that I know would rather their ladies be out there riding with them. At this point I dropped off to finish shivering by myself. I didn't need to listen to that kind of verbal abuse on a ride that is supposed to be fun. Maybe this guy hits his kids, too?

GUYS...SHOW THE LADIES ON THE GROUP RIDES SOME RESPECT!!! We should all be respectful of each other!

Midday Breaking News....This guy was on a blue Specialized with yellow stickers! The other lady confirmed this for me this morning. Apparently, he wasn't done after I dropped off and said some other really dumb stuff.

Care to share your opinion with me? Drop me an email at sttarlite at hotmail dot com.

SBL News Interested in being a ride leader for the Southern Bicycle League? Begin forwarded message:  All past, present and future ride leaders are invited to come to the 2006 annual SBL ride leaders party. Pizza, cokes, beer, tea and some good camaraderie. Monday, February 27^th @ 7:00 PM

Avondale Pizza
70 North Avondale Road
Avondale Estates, GA

2-21-2006 More Junior Action! Ok, I normally don't cover anything related to triathlons, but I'm all up for promoting kids in athletics--anything to get a kid on a bike! Maybe there are some future roadies or mountain bikers in the club....

There is a new club called the North Atlanta Youth Triathlon Club. If your munchin has an interest in trying tris, check them out!

2-22-2006 A Guy's Take On It Here is one guy's take on my little incident on Sunday at the Airport ride. He has asked to remain anonymous. "I'm not by any means the fastest rider out there.
That being said, there are still a lot of events (centuries and group rides) that I can hang in there
with the front groups at least for a while. For the most part, these riders are courteous to ALL members of the group. There are, of course, some members of these groups that for whatever reason seem intent on making every training ride a race, every century like a 100 mile death march that shells out riders one by one to fend for themselves no matter what. Have a flat? Who cares, deal with it. Have to answer natures call? Tough luck buckaroo, hope you make it back up to the group. Fall off the pace and don't know the route? Good luck on finding your way back to where your car is on your own.

What has happened to common courteous rider etiquette? Yes, I know that each of us have different things we are trying to achieve while on the bike...that someone's "max" may not even have you breathing hard. But, if a person can keep up with the pace, ride a steady line (I won't get on MY soap box about riding areo bars in a peleton or paceline), who cares who they are. It matters not whether you're male or female, ride a top of the line, custom made 17 lb racing machine or a 10 year old, mass produced, 30 lb "road" bike, if you can keep up, you have every right to be out there. This was noted recently when one rider shows up at the Tucker ride on a 45 lb slick tire MOUNTAIN BIKE on a rainy Saturday and STILL manages to stay on the front ALL day long. That is
hardcore!

Worried about being beat by a "GIRL"? Train harder. Trying to make up for inadequecies in your "manhood"? Buy an expensive sports car. Worried about what the rest of the "guys" will think? Get a grip. If your really that worried about what others think of you or whether or not your a part of the cool "IN" crowd, go back to high school so that you can relive your "glory days" over and over again. Can't think of anything else to say that isn't full of profanities? Try going to college and getting a real education from a real university. There are so many other more eloquent ways to speak than using that trash "language" you think is so appropriate. Do you speak to your mother with that same mouth?

Personally, I enjoy riding with the "girls". They are always very appreciative of my LONG pulls into the wind when they are tired, my stopping for them when they have a "mechanical" and getting MY hands greasy while I help fix their bikes, and my not leaving them to "fend for themselves" as we ride through some areas of the ATL that I wouldn't want my wife, girlfriend, fiance', etc. riding alone in. Maybe it's just me, but I would rather spend 40, 60 or 100 miles with some "hot chick" than with some smelly, vulgar, testosterone filled moron. I guess some things just come with maturity."

Add Salt to the Wound A local promoter called the women's races docile a few days ago in an email to a friend of mine. Argh! Women racers aren't docile! What is this anti-woman attitude lately, guys!?
 

2-23-2006 Ft. Yargo Work Party February 25th 2006 YABA Work Party, Start Time: 08:00 AM, Duration: 4 hours, Location: Fort Yargo State Park. Work parties typically last about 4-6 hours. Plan to hike in unless otherwise posted (or check with coordinator if in doubt), so wear comfortable but sturdy boots. Also bring work gloves, plenty of water, and a snack or lunch. Sometimes we will ride afterwards, so bring your bike as well, just be sure you can secure it in or on your vehicle while working. Other Information: Meet at Office Just inside main entrance. We will be Finishing up last section of new trail and doing pm work

Chicopee Closed Gainesville SORBA reports that the Chicopee Woods trails will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 23 for "Preserve Maintenance" per the city of Gainesville.

2-27-2006 DLV News Annual Track Clean Up - Saturday, March 5th (9am to 3pm)
rain day will be Sunday, March 6th (9am to 3pm) Spring is here and racing will start April 5th. It's time for the Annual Clean Up. We have a number of projects: Gardening, yard raking, repairs
to the track and boards, carpentry, concrete work, carpentry work and a bunch of little things. We need everybody's help.
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Mar 11th (12th rain day) Women's Only Track Class Saturday Part 1 is Free - see flyer for details
http://www.velobella.org/pdf/GAVeloBellaTrackClinic2006.pdf

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Mar 25 & 26 Adult Beginners Class ( 9:30am to 3pm and 9:30am to noon)
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Winter Junior Development Continues...
Winter Junior Development (13 to 18) - Sundays at 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost is $40 per person to cover liability insurance costs for the year.
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April 5 to Oct 25 Wednesday Night Racing Returns 7:30pm to 9pm
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Aarons Professional Women's Cycling Team The Aaron's Professional Women's Cycling team had their team camp in Atlanta last weekend. They filed this report with Southeastern Cycling.

Trish's note: Do you think they race docily? (I think not! I race against them and continually am amazed at the quality of women's racing in Georgia by Aaron's, Travel Girl, Cycleworks, OTR Cycling-Strenflex, and the rest of the teams!)

The 2006 Aaron's Professional Women's Cycling Team. Photo courtesy of the Aarons Team.
 

I HATE THE !*!*!*!*! RAIN! Rant on: That's it! I officially hate rain. I can usually tolerate it once a week or so because rain is necessary to life--animals, plants, trees, and such, but this is ridiculous! This is EIGHT weeks in a row that it has rained. I've ridden in the drizzle, hard rain, and wet conditions after the rain each of the last 8 weekends. Why can't it rain on a Wednesday, which is usually my day off!? Thankfully, I had the foresight to ride Friday after work knowing that it was going to rain on Saturday. Normally, an hour and a half of tempo would be a really short weekend ride, but I was happy to get in an hour and a half of just such tempo Friday evening. Sure enough, Saturday I was on the trainer. I could only motivate myself to stay on it an hour. I am tired of riding it on the weekends! I think everyone's fitness is suffering this winter because of the horrible weekend weather. Of course, it will be 70 and sunny this Wednesday and 35 and raining by NEXT weekend.

Thank you to one of my faithful readers that pointed out we've only had ONE weekend with no rain since the beginning of the year. I really think this is the worst winter I've ever had for riding.  

Random Thought I saw a commercial tonight that said "Cats crave wholesome grains." I really wish people would get over this "I have to feed my animals a vegetarian diet" thing. I was a pre-vet major (got that degree, thank you!), and cats and dogs are meant to eat meat....naturally. Of course, a lot of pet foods have grains/wheat as filler, but they are MEAT EATERS, not vegetarians.

Trish enjoys a cold but sunny day at the Bear Creek Overlook with 30 friends.

Bear Creek Thanks to the BODers and the Lofas for dragging me all over Bear Creek and Pinhoti on Sunday!

The group at the Overlook. Photos by Al. Approved by Captain Spellcheck.

2006 OTR Cycling Team

2-28-2006 Nerac/Outdoorlights.com Professional Cycling Team Presentation Tolland, CT USA

Fans, sponsors and team members congregated in Tolland, Connecticut as the Nerac/Outdoorlights.Com Professional Cycling Team was officially presented. The event was set back in the New England woods in a rustic lodge warmed by a large stone fireplace…an ideal environment for the team to mingle with its fans….and an ideal atmosphere for this eclectic mix of riders to lay out its goals and aspirations for the 2006 season. The roster is composed of an interesting mix of New England riders and new recruits from the Southeast and Colorado. Returning to the team is New England criterium star Adam Hodges Meyerson and all-arounder Mike Norton, who finished 2005 with a strong 3rd place at the Tour of Barbados. Joining the team this season are former Saeco rider Justin Spinelli, 11 time national champion Todd Yezefski, consistent strongman John Hamblen and time trial standout Thad Dulin. With a roster of 16 riders Nerac/Outdoorlights.com enters its second year as a professional team with bigger goals and a more serious look in 2006. S.G.N.O., the group that manages the team, has adopted a long term model for the team. From its days as an elite amateur squad to now, each year the team has progressed and grown. With a three-year sponsorship commitment the outlook is bright for the future of the squad and with new editions 2006 promises to be a standout year for Nerac/Outdoorlights.com.
“This is a team with long term aspirations…our goal is to grow this team each year and with long term support from our sponsor we hope to do so” said new manager Thad Fischer. To help the riders make the most of their abilities, the bike sponsor Pegorretti has provided new team edition bikes in Columbus scandium. Long kept a secret to the American market, Dario Peggoretti’s bikes are now gaining a reputation as some of the best handcrafted race bikes in the world. Look for the team this season to be putting those machines to good use throughout the United States, as well as Latin America and Europe.

Team Nearc/Outdoorlights.com. Photo courtesy of the team.


 

Cop Following the Airport Ride If you see a cop following the Airport Ride in College Park or the surrounding area while on Roosevelt Highway while on the Airport ride, give him a wave! He is a fellow cyclist! Glad to see some of our law enforcement riders out there on bikes! (My brother is cop in SC and sometimes rides with the bike unit.)

Brooks Info The Brooks info. is up for March's Brooks Omnium.

Not Rain---Ice! Jon up in TN sent me this photo of what they have been dealing with...ice!

Dub, Quint, and Jessica Smith along with Kyle Cochran know how to spend spring break off from school last week--ride Kennesaw Mountain! Photo courtesy of Dub.