March 2006 Archive

3-1-2006 Wow! So Many Photos! Thanks to everyone for loading me down with photos for the website. Please keep it up! If your team has a photo from any race, ride, etc., send it to me! Just make sure that it is your photo or taken by your SO, your teammate's dog, etc.  and not "borrowed" from another website. :)

3-6-2006 What Does NASCAR Stand For? NASCAR Stands for:

Non
Aerobic
Sport
Centered
Around
Rednecks

Sorry, I couldn't resist! (Thanks, Tweety!)

I Need a Singlespeed MTB to Borrow! Does anyone have a small singlespeed mtb that I could borrow for the Georgia SS MTB Championships in March? (Yes, I know I can cut the cables on the Kelly, but I'm not willing to do that.) Please!?! I am willing to compensate in frosty adult beverages (if you are 21+, of course) or a case or two of your favorite soda. Email me at sttarlite at hotmail dot com.

Limited Updates Don't fret if you don't see a lot of updates in the next week or so. Way back in High School, I was diagnosed as having Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI...similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but not quite the same) in my hands and wrists. It rarely flares up anymore, but it has flared up in the last week to the point that I can barely click a mouse (with my job in IT, this isn't good!). I'm trying not to be on the computer as much at home. It make take me an extra day or few to get news up.

Albany Report The Myogenesis Nutrition p/b Landmark Dodge team checks in with their race report from the Albany round of the Georgia Cup.

Cleve Blackwell (left) of the Myogenesis Team is in the Georgia Cup KOM leader. Photo courtesy of Myogenesis

Women's World Cup A lot has been said on Southeastern Cycling lately about the bad attitude towards women in the peloton. I'm sure everyone has heard of perennial USA Criterium National Champion and Georgia Tina Pic. Tina has been in Australia and New Zealand the last few weeks competing with the US National Team in a series of Stage Races and 2 Women's World Cup races. Tina has quietly won a stage in one of the tours, gotten a 5th at the New Zealand round of the World Cup, and is currently 5th in the World Cup rankings. Way to go, Tina!

Ride to the Capitol! Don't forget that this Tuesday is the Ride to the Capitol!

3-8-2005 SORBA-OMBA Work Party From SORBA-OMBA: SORBA-OMBA will be hosting a cross-country mountain bike race at East Macon Park April 2, 2006. OMBA will host a major work party March 19th to prepare the course. The OMBA tool trailer will be on site so tools
will be available. March 19, 2006 9:00AM until, East Macon Park, 3326 Ocmulgee East Blvd
Macon, Ga 31201,

This is the first race in the Georgia State Championship series. OMBA wants make a good first impression, so please help us get ready. OMBA will also be looking for volunteers on race day. If you would like to volunteer, send an email to macon@sorba.org. Check the website for  more
details - http://www.sorbaomba.org

Ride to the Capitol The Ride to the Capitol today was awesome! About 900-1000 riders rode from Roswell to the State Capitol in downtown Atlanta. 700+ started in Roswell with more joining the ride along the way.

Atlanta was recently rated by Bicycling Magazine as the number one worst city for cyclists in the country, and this was an important step in taking back the roads and proving that we have the lawful right to ride on the road.

Want to help? Get a Share the Road License plate. I've heard about 600 have been signed up for so far. 1000 orders are needed before production will start.

If you like burritos, thank Willy's for supplying the burritos. Cyclists love burritos, pizza, and chocolate!

My photos are posted here.

Alas, I didn't see one single mention of the Ride on any television stations or their websites. The AJC had this story. Do you have a link to a story? Email it to me at sttarlite at hotmail dot com. 

Biking Makes Becky Grant (Team Cycleworks) happy!

His Tshirt says "Franklin, My dear, I DO give a damn! Bikesway, Greenways, Parks"

Sorry for the photo quality. My usual photo editing software is on the fritz. No time to reinstall today.

2006 Italian Road Bike Festival

Sunday, April 2, 2006, the start of the 2006 Italian Road Bicycle Festival will be at 10:00 AM at Cohutta Lodge on top of Fort Mountain State Park. Cohutta Lodge is sixteen miles northwest of Ellijay on Hwy 52 West. Cohutta lodge will have plenty of restrooms and the buffet menu is posted. The route is new for 2006. The start is at Cohutta Lodge and you will finish at Cohutta Lodge. A buffet and expo with a couple bicycle companies will be at Cohutta Lodge. The price for the ride and t-shirt is $25.00. The price for the ride, buffet, t-shirt, tips and tax included for $40.00. Please RSVP on the dinner and t-shirt.

We will be doing two routes! A 65.8 mile loop starting at Cohutta Lodge. The second loop will be a 30 mile loop starting at Cohutta Lodge.

Directions From Atlanta: Take Interstate 75 North to Interstate 575 North and stay straight. The freeway will turn into GA State 515. Continue straight all the way to Ellijay. The Bike Shop is located in the Ingles shopping center behind Burger King in Ellijay. There is a traffic light at Burger King and Waffle House. Turn right into the shopping center (Old Orchard Square.)

To Cohutta Lodge: Same directions. Once in Ellijay, you pass Burger King and Waffle House on your right. The next traffic light, be prepared to turn left. Hardee's is your sign. Turn left at the traffic light; the road will cross over the Cartecay River and dead end into a traffic light. Turn left and follow GA Hwy 52 West into downtown Ellijay. Merge to your right as you go through the square in Ellijay and stay on GA Hwy 52 West to the top of Fort Mountain sixteen miles to Cohutta Lodge. Cohutta Lodge will be on your left side on top of the mountain. Bring your camera.

3-9-2006 Georgia Cycled to the Capitol From Georgia Bikes:
Mayors and cyclists rode in support of a bicycle friendly state
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 8, 2006)

Over 1,000 cyclists including Roswell Mayor Jere Wood and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin took to the streets of north Georgia yesterday. They bicycled to the State Capitol in support of improved conditions for all types of bicycling in Georgia.

The bike ride, called Georgia Rides To The Capitol, started at Roswell City Hall and traveled 21 miles down Roswell Road, Piedmont Street, and Courtland Street before stopping at the State Capitol in downtown Atlanta. The riders had a full police escort including a lead group of 14 police motorcycles and a police helicopter overhead.

“The ride was a show-of-force raising the voices of cyclists in Georgia. Our Governor and state legislators needed to be reminded that bicycling is an important form of transportation; a good economic development and tourism tool; a great way to maintain health and fitness; and a superb sport and family recreation activity. It is key that the state support improved facilities and programs” said David Crites, Executive Director of Georgia Bikes!

Speaking at the event were State Senators Dan Moody and David Adelman, State Representatives Jan Jones and Harry Geisinger, and Mayor Wood (who conceived the ride). They welcomed and praised the cyclists and indicated that the event raised the bicycling consciousness under the “Gold Dome.” Also on hand were Representative Don Wix, Mayor Franklin, and Decatur City Commissioner Fred Boykin.

Georgia Rides To The Capitol was staged by the City of Roswell, Jim Burt of Surge Sports, Bike Roswell!, and Georgia Bikes! The event was sponsored by Willy’s Mexicana Grill, Roswell Bicycles, CycleWorks, and Georgia Multisports Productions. For more information, please visit www.RoswellGov.com, www.BikeRoswell.com, and www.GeorgiaBikes.org.
 

Big Creek Work Party From SORBA-RAMBO: Title: RAMBO Work Party, Start Time: 09:00 AM, Location: Big Creek Park Roswell,Please come lend a hand in Big Creek this weekend. The weather is going to be great!!! We'll work from 9 to 1 and then head over to CYCLEWORKS for some lunch. Bring your bike and we'll try to do some laps after lunch. Thanks for the support CYCLEWORKS!!! Big Creek Park is on Old Alabama just north of Holcomb Bridge. Exit HWY 400 go east. At Old Alabama turn left. The Trail is less than 0.4 mile down on the left. Just after Belcourt Apts.

Cycleworks Meehans Ride Team Cycleworks has told me that their Saturday Meehans ride from Vinings has ended for the winter and will resume again in the fall after race season.

Ride Updates Ride leaders and others....do you have an update for your rides? Maybe a new map or new meeting place? How about a new ride? Please email me at sttarlite at hotmail dot com. I need where the ride starts, how long it is, the pace (beginner friendly, moderate, race/training), a short description of the terrain, etc.
 

3-10-2006 Ride to the Capitol Coverage The Daily Peloton has a story about Tuesday's Ride.

Silver Comet There was an interesting article on the Silver Comet along Atlanta Road online today.

3-13-2006 Endurance Racing Clinic

Endurance Clinic - Monday, April 17, 2006 7:00PM - 8:00PM -
Location: Peachtree Bikes in Buckhead (Atlanta, GA)
Namrita Kumar, Jennifer Wills, Javaun Moradi and Eddie O'Dea will talk about various aspects of endurance racing (particularly mountain biking) such as nutrition, training and preparation. Open to the public--men and women. If you have questions, bring 'em. For more information, see www.sorellacycling.com

Georgia SS Championships This weekend is the Georgia Single Speed MTB Championships. I have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Scott Hodge of Addictive Cycles for hooking me up with a loaner single speed for the weekend. Scott and Shey...you rock! If you are in Gwinnett, Braselton, or anywhere near, check out Addictive Cycles! Southeastern Cycling will also be at the SS Championships with camera in hand!

Report from Central Valley Classic Time Trial
Aaron’s Pro Women’s Cycling Team

Early spring races in Fresno, CA generally prompt visions of sun, orange groves and vineyards, right? Well, it seems as though the inclement weather is following the early Aaron’s team events yet this time it somewhat worked in their favor as it changed an all out hill climb into a flat and long, winding time trial. The Aaron’s Women’s team officially kicks off their team’s season at the April 8th Jacksonville, FL race, yet Catherine Powers of the Aaron’s squad decided that she wanted to make sure that they had some representation in the early CA races and test her form.

Catherine and Team Director Jeremy Hutchison-Krupat arrived to the host housing Thursday night and were greeted by the incredibly hospitable hosts Matt and Susan who also gave fair warning of the weather forecasts for the next day. As Jeremy was assembling Catherine’s bike with her climbing gear Matt came with the news that the race course had been moved since there was snow at the top of the scheduled course! So Catherine and Jeremy headed out to the new course as the clouds got darker and sleet came down, followed by intermittent rain and even a little bit of flurries.

Race organizers and promoters did an amazing job of smoothly transitioning the race courses and actually had selected an incredibly smooth 16 mile time trial. The course rolled very gradually through vineyards, orange groves and by streams ending with a little over a 1k climb to the finish, which was well received and suited to Catherine.

After an extensive warm up Catherine rolled to the line with a minute to her time and rolled out and settled into a solid pace and rhythm that she held solidly for the entire course. As Catherine passed the 1k to go sign she stood out of the saddle and powered her way to the finish for a solid 7th place.
 

Christine Powers (Aarons) races in the CVC TT in California
 

MTB Rides in Ellijay From Cartecay Bikes: Thursday night rides! Starting March 23, 2006!
Local Mountain Bike Rides for Entry Level and Intermediate Level Riders. Kids are Welcome!
Meet at Cartecay Bike Shop between 5:00 and 6:00 PM and we will travel to a different trail each week in the Ellijay area. We will start with a three to four mile ride and try to advance to a ten mile ride in mid-summer! Remember this an entry level and intermediate ride on local trails in Ellijay. The trails will be Carters Lake, Red and White Loop, Bear Creek, Pinhoti North and South, Fort Mountain State Park, Stanley Gap, Flat Creek, Green Mountain, Long Branch, Forest Service Trail 58A, Boy Scout Loop at the River Loop, the Woodring Branch Loop, and if we have enough folks, we can do Shuttles! Note: You do not need lights!

Please Feel Free to Contact Mike at Cartecay Bike Shop for additional information!

3-14-2006 Another Ride to the Capitol Article The AJC had another Ride to the Capitol article this weekend in the Northside section.

Bean Team Camp The Bean Team recently held their training camp in Athens.

Team Myogenesis poses for their team photo at Gold's Gym. Photo by Larry Meade, courtesy Myogenesis.

Where is MY Team? I don't know! You haven't sent me any photos, reports, etc. Does your team have news, an upcoming event, or just want to see themselves in lights? Drop me an email at sttarlite at hotmail dot com.
 

3-15-2006 Spartanburg Lunchtime Rides The Palmetto Cycling Coalition will be leading lunchtime rides on Fridays in Spartanburg, SC. What a neat idea!

24 Hour Solo Championships For those that know about the fiasco that the 24 Hours of Adrenalin at Conyers has been...this is a bit ironic.

March 14, 2006

World Solo Athletes converge on historic Atlanta Olympic Site.

2006 World Solo 24 Hours of Adrenalin Championships

Atlanta, GA - Twenty4 sports, the race organizer that created the 24 Hours of Adrenalin series across North America, is adding the World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Biking Championships to the site of the inaugural Olympic cross-country site for 2006. The World Solo 24 Hours of Adrenalin Championships will take place October 6th, 7th and 8th at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Ga., the site of mountain biking's debut as an Olympic sport.

On Tuesday July 30th, 1996 the first ever Olympic Cross Country Mountain Bike race took place in Conyers Georgia just outside of Atlanta. Now 10 years later in celebration of that historic cycling date, the venue will host the top solo athletes from around the world.

With the inception of the World Solo Championships in 1999, the platform for the worlds top elite endurance mountain bikers and age group athletes was created. Over the years not only have elite solo athletes thrown down the gauntlet, but with the introduction of age group categories (2001), the field has grown into an international mix of both male and female athletes ranging from 18 – 61 years of age.

The 24 Hours of Adrenalin series has been a regular at the GIHP since 1999 (7 years straight). “We are proud of building from scratch and continuing to host Georgia’s largest mountain biking event”, said Stuart Dorland founder of the 24 Hours of Adrenalin series. From the beginning the Georgia International Horse Park was groomed for greatness and with the World Cup cancelled many years ago, the Adrenalin series has been happy to call it home. “The historic significance of this course especially on its 10th Olympic anniversary provides the perfect setting for the Worlds best endurance athletes,” Dorland stated.
 

3-16-2006 Southern Lights Cancelled From their website: "For the past three years we here at Southern Lights 24-7 have tried to provide you with the absolute best 24 hour race possible. We truly hope we have exceeded your expectations and you have been able to create some great experiences and lasting memories (rain or shine) at our event. However, we have been accruing more and more day-to-day responsibilities that are not race related that if we continue will quite possibly or could potentially take away from the high quality event we strive so hard to put on. Due to this and with much regret, Southern Lights 24-7 is not going to be hosting it's annual 24 hour race this year. Out of respect to our Southern Lights

24-7 friends/family and the mountain bike community as a whole, we would never want to sacrifice your time and money by putting on a race that was, at the least, better than the one before it. We owe that to you as well as ourselves and our families. We thank you from the bottom of our heart for making Southern Lights 24-7 what it was and we wish you the best of luck."

Blanket's Creek Work Party From SORBA Woodstock: Saturday, March 18, 2006 Time: 9:00:00 AM Location: Blankets Creek Notes: Sat 3-18 Blankets Creek Trail Maintenance at 9 am. Meet in the parking lot, and will work on the South loop. Lunch will be provided. See you Saturday
 

3-17-2006 Women's Beginner MTB Clinic From Alison and Kari. This will be Sat. April 1 at the Conyers/Georgia International Horse Park. "We'll start at 1:00 sharp in the gravel parking lot, so please arrive around 12:30-12;45 so we can get started on time. The clinic will go to about 4pm.

This clinic is open to ALL WOMEN - even non-sorella's, but we'll have to leave the fellas at home for the day.

Topics covered/agenda/information:

Positive thoughts only!
Basic Nutrition and hydration
Very basic gear review depending upon type of group (necessities)
Clipless pedal introduction and practice drills
Weight distribution when climbing and descending
Body position for climbing and descending
Getting a feel for your bike drills
Intro to cycling is a progressive sport/no age limitations
Ride then split into two groups of different abilities"

3-21-2006 GA SS Championships The Georgia State Single Speed Championships was Sunday at Heritage Park in Athens. 150-200 racers showed up to race on ONE SPEED on one of the best race courses in Georgia. True to form, Shey Linder & family, Adam & Nancy Jones, and Scott Hodge pulled off a great race. If you have never been to a "Shey and Adam Production," please go to one of their races one day! The entry fees are reasonable, the prizes are great, and things run SO smoothly--just like a race should! These guys have "day jobs," too! Thanks, fellas!

Check out the local forums if you want more reports. I have to thank super fast Velo Bella Kathleen Tokuda for loaning me her GORGEOUS On One single speed to race. It rode like a dream and is definitely a race SS! I give the bike a lot of the credit for my second place in Sport Women.

Bob Kuhn has a report here.

My photos are up. There are about 200. Enjoy!

Kathleen Tokuda's gorgeous gold On One SS that Trish raced. Fast, small, and awesome!

Debbie gives her opinion of having to do two laps in the Sport race.

3-22-2006 SS Results The GA SS Championships results are here.

TdG Team Announced You heard it here first!
ATLANTA, Ga. (March 21, 2006) – The 2006 edition of the Ford Tour de Georgia, the only 2. Hors Classe race in North America, will feature six ProTour teams this April. Of these ProTour teams, five of them finished 2005 in the ProTour Top 10, including the top two teams in the world, Team CSC (No. 1) and Phonak Hearing Systems (No. 2). A total of 15 teams have accepted invitations to compete in the Ford Tour de Georgia, announced today by Medalist Sports, the sports agency licensed to operate the Ford Tour.

All of the participating ProTour teams, who compete regularly on the UCI's ProTour race calendar, will also compete later this year in the Grand Tours of Europe - Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana:

- Team CSC (Denmark), No. 1 in 2005
- Phonak Hearing Systems (Switzerland), No. 2 in 2005
- Davitamon-Lotto (Belgium), No. 4 in 2005
- Prodir – Saunier Duval (Spain), No. 7 in 2005
- Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team (USA), No 8 in 2005
- Quick Step-Innergetic (Belgium), No. 12 in 2005

Two UCI Professional Continental teams have accepted invitations, including Health Net presented by Maxxis and the Navigators Insurance Professional Cycling team, both based in the U.S. Rounding out the field are seven UCI Continental teams featuring Jelly Belly Cycling Team, Toyota–United Pro Cycling Team, Colavita Olive Oil – Sutter Homes Wines Cycling Team, Team TIAA–Cref, Kodakgallery.com - Sierra Nevada Pro Cycling Team, Targetraining Cycling Team and The Jittery Joes – Zero Gravity Professional Cycling Team, based in Athens, Ga.

Although final team rosters are not due to organizers until early April, early commitments include defending Tour de Georgia champion Tom Danielson of the Discovery Channel Professional Cycling Team and newly-crowned champion of the inaugural Amgen Tour of California and Paris-Nice, Floyd Landis of Phonak Hearing Systems. All teams will be comprised of eight riders per squad, for a total field of 120 professional athletes. Final rosters will be announced in early April and posted at the official website, www.fordtourdegeorgia.com.

"The elevation of the Ford Tour de Georgia to an Hors-classe (2.HC) status by the UCI strengthens our ability to always have the best teams in the world compete on Georgia soil. Spectators and our corporate partners can continue to anticipate a world-class contest here in Georgia, a showcase for international cycling, "said Chris Aronhalt, managing partner of Medalist Sports.

The Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, the only U.S. based ProTour team, is expected to again field a very competitive team for Georgia in 2006. Danielson enters his third year of professional racing, including an eighth place finish in the 2005 Vuelta a Espana.

"My biggest goals are the Giro d'Italia, and before that to defend my title at the (Ford) Tour of Georgia. I think it's probably the biggest bike race in America. It's got a mountain top finish. It has a lot of history, now going into its fourth year. Some great champions have won it in the past. And I'd like to keep up the tradition," said Danielson. "I'd like to win it (the Tour de Georgia again) and keep pushing American cycling as high as we can push it."

Other members of the Discovery team expected to race in Georgia are Trent Lowe (AUS), winner of the GE Best Young Rider jersey at the 2005 Tour de Georgia while riding for Jittery Joe's, Yaroslav Popovych (UKR ) winner of the Best Young Rider award at the 2005 Tour de France, and Viatcheslav Ekimov (RUS), the 2000 Olympic Games time trial gold medalist and 14-time veteran of the Tour de France.

The Swiss–based Phonak Hearing Systems team features Landis, who has hit form early this year winning both Paris-Nice and the inaugural Amgen Tour of California. He finished third overall in the 2005 Tour de Georgia, including a win in the individual time trial.

"The Tour (de France) is my main objective. I will do the Giro, two weeks after the (Ford) Tour of Georgia. It will be difficult to be in the range to be as good as I was last year, but it's in America, and it means a lot to me," said Landis, who finished ninth in the 2005 Tour de France. "And it was a great race last year (in Georgia), so I intend to well."

Stars of the domestic and European peloton are expected to commit soon with their respective teams. Quickstep-Innergetic, which features the No. 1-ranked cyclist in the world, sprinter Tom Boonen (BEL), and Davitamon-Lotto, with Americans Fred Rodriguez and Chris Horner, are both newcomers to the Ford Tour de Georgia.

Team CSC was the top-ranked UCI ProTour team in 2005 and always brings a strong team to Georgia. This Danish team is expected to bring American David Zabriskie to Georgia, a General Classification contender who wore the yellow jersey in the 2005 Tour de France and won the Stage 8 individual time trial in the Giro d'Italia. Spanish team Prodir-Saunier Duval has American Aaron Olson on its roster, and looks to bring Canadian National Champion and two-time winner of the San Francisco Gran Prix, Charles Dionne, to the Ford Tour de Georgia.

Health Net presented by Maxxis and Navigators Insurance Cycling Team are the top squads in the U.S. with a Professional Continental ranking and will return to showcase their strong talent again this year. Health Net is expected to bring leader Gord Fraser of Canada, who is a multiple stage winner at the Tour de Georgia, and New Zealand's Greg Henderson, who won last year's Maxxis Sprint leader's jersey. New to Health Net for 2006 is Nathan O'Neill, multiple Australian time trial champion and third-place podium finisher at the 2003 Tour de Georgia. Now a resident of Georgia, O'Neill could prove to be a formidable General Classification contender.

Navigators Insurance returns with a different look in 2006, and its roster includes Ben Brooks, former Euro pro and second-place finisher in last year's Stage Two sprint finish, and Cesar Grajales, the world-class climbing talent who unexpectedly beat Lance Armstrong on the ascent up Brasstown Bald in 2004.

Georgia's own Jittery Joe's-Zero Gravity Pro Cycling Team, known for launching the careers of Grajales and Lowe, has many new faces. "For this year's Ford Tour de Georgia, we have a stronger climbing squad. Trent Wilson and Peter Hatton are two Australian additions to watch. Also strong on the climbs is Phil Wong, who consistently rode in the Top 10 as an amateur in pro stage races in North America last year," said Micah Rice, team general manager. Wilson is a climber who has finished the last two Giro d'Italia races, riding last year for Colombia-Selle Italia, and Hatton was a KOM winner at the 2005 Herald Sun Tour.

New to the Ford Tour de Georgia are the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team and the Targetraining Cycling Team. Toyota-United Pro exploded on the cycling scene during the 2006 Amgen Tour of California when Juan Jose Haedo of Argentina sprinted for two stage wins and a second-place finish within a single short week. Other big names on that new team are Ivan Dominguez, who wore the yellow jersey in the 2004 Tour de Georgia, current USPRO National Road Champion Chris Wherry, and strongman Antonio Cruz. Targetraining is a new Continental put together by Tom Schuler. The team has climbing specialist Anthony Colby and sprinter Alejandro (aka Ale-jet) Acton of Argentina.

Some of the other athletes expected at the Ford Tour de Georgia with U.S. Contential teams are: Danny Pate and Michael Creed on TIAA-CREF; Alex Candelario, Brice Jones and Matthew Rice of Jelly Belly; Viktor "The Russian Concussion" Rapinski and former USPRO Champion Mark McCormack on Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home Wines; Dominique Perras, Jackson Stewart and Ben Jacques-Mayne riding for KodakGallery.com-Sierra Nevada.

TEAMS AT THE 2006 FORD TOUR DE GEORGIA
ProTour Teams
CSC, Denmark – A global technology company, based in the U.S. that provides consulting, systems integration and design, IT and business process outsourcing and applications software. www.team-csc.com
Phonak Hearing Systems, Switzerland – A leading company in hearing aid technology. www.phonak.com
Davitamon-Lotto, Belgium – Davitamon is a vitamin producing company. Lotto is Belgium's national lottery. www.davitamon-lotto.com
Prodir-Saunier Duval, Spain – Saunier Duval is part of Vaillant Group, an international business corporation, the European leader in supplying intelligent systems for home comfort. Prodir is a pen manufacturing company that produces writing instruments as advertising media based out of Switzerland. www.saunierduval-prodir.com
Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, USA – A U.S. based cable network channel focusing on science. www.team.discovery.com
Quickstep-Innergetic, Belgium – Quickstep is laminated flooring company now owned and operated by Mohawk Industries, which is located in Dalton, Ga. Innergetic, a Belgium based company, makes latex foam bed mattresses manufactured by Latexco. www.qsi-cycling.com

UCI Professional Continental teams
Health Net presented by Maxxis, USA – www.teamhealthnet.com
Navigators Insurance Professional Cycling team, USA - www.navpro.com

Continental Teams – UCI America Tour
Colavita Olive Oil – Sutter Homes Wines Cycling Team - www.teamcolavita.com
Jelly Belly Cycling Team – www.jellybellycycling.com
The Jittery Joes – Zero Gravity Professional Cycling Team - www.thebeanteam.com
Kodakgallery.com - Sierra Nevada Pro Cycling Team - www.kgsncycling.com
Targetraining Cycling Team - www.teamsportsinc.com
Team TIAA–Cref - www.slipstreamsports.com
Toyota–United Pro Cycling Team - www.toyota-united.com
 

Myogenesis p/b Landmark Dodge at Brooks A little respect to the ladies, some pavement surfing, an Olympic medalist...does it get any better than that? Read a fantastic report about the Brooks Omnium by Brady Rogers of the Myogenesis p/b Landmark Dodge Team.

Cleve Blackwell (MG p/b LD) in front of the Brooks crit

WBL April Rides The WBL is pleased to announce 2 rides in April:

-April 15 (Saturday): The Jittery Joes 90 Mile Greensboro Classic;
details at www.winterbikeleague.com (details coming).

-April 29 (Saturday): The WBL/Twilight 150, an event to benefit the
Twilight Criterium: details at www.gobike1.com

--Scheduling committee of the WBL

Night Riding at Big Creek From Bruce Dickman: (Trish's Note: RRPD is something like Roswell Recreation and Parks Dept.)RRPD has finally after 8 years given the Sport of Mountain Biking a Program Number it is 3804-0.YES 3804-0

This number 3804-0 is for NIGHT riding at BIG CREEK only.

I know several folks will complain about the cost of Night riding but folks you need to look at the benifits first:

1. We get 45,000 copies mailed out to every household in ROSWELL alone.
2. We will get funded by the RRPD.
3. We can hire our own staff to man events and other programs that we need to create for other Recreation Departments throughout the US.
4. Roswell is a 8 time winner of the BEST park SYSTEM in the US a FACT.
5. The money that is collected goes back into the Recreation Department and RAMBO.
6. WE need folks to sign up first SIGN UP 3804-0

Now the Bad news:
1. Only nine (9) night rides this summer but surely more to follow.
2. Cost for all 9 rides is $20 for Residents of Roswell $30 for Non Residents
3. Per Night ride it is $4 for Resident and $6 for Non residents.
4. I know it seems like alot but I think the benfits far outways the cost in the long run if we can get GWINNETT< HALL > DEKALB> and every other Recreation Dept in the county to start using Roswell's model for the future.
5. Registration Starts April 10th so please sign up if you wish.
6. If you dont sign up they will ticket users and cars that are not registered for this event. Yes I know this is wrong but we need to work within the Roswell system for a year to do this properly.

PLEASE April 10th is the time to registar for
NIGHT MOUNTAIN BIKING 101
PROGRAM # 3804-0
Can be done on-Line or at RRPD.

Thanks to Bob and all of RAMBO who have helped bring a
PROGRAm Number finally.......

PROGRAMS FOR RECREATION DEPARTMENTS THROUGHT the USA IS A GREAT THING FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING AND SORBA.

bruce"

GAPS News From Beck Grant: On Saturday, April 1st at 3:30pm, after the "Muscle Mountain Mania / ALS" ride (http://www.alsride.org/), there will be an opportunity for cyclists to give back to the community in the north Georgia mountains where so many of us enjoy riding. The residents in that area don't always feel happy about us riding on their roads, so this is an opportunity to show them our positive side.  You may have noticed that there are "Adopt-a-Highway" signs up now in the Gaps near the Rockpile -- It indicates that the litter control for that area is provided by "Atlanta Cyclists" -- That's us! The first trash pickup is April 1st, with pre-pickup picture at 3:30 (to share with the local newspapers!), so plan to be at the Rockpile then with your big smiles on. You can park anywhere there's room on the side of the road - There are several pull-offs around that area. (Carpooling or biking from a nearby location might be a good idea if you can.) It shouldn't take long at all to do the actual pickup if we have a lot of people, so please tell every local cyclist you know about it so we can have a big crowd. After the pickup we can plan to gather for food and beverages at one of the local establishments in Dahlonega to celebrate a job well done.

Please let me know if you have any questions - Thanks and see you there!

Becky
hillseeker@gmail.com
 

Now...a Poll....  

3-24-2006 TdG Blog Litespeed has a TdG blog.

Charleston Race Info.  From an email I received: "LCVW and I'ON business is putting on this year's Race Weekend on April 22nd and 23rd in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC respectively. The I'ON group is mustering support for the attending race teams by asking owners to decorate their houses in the team colors. The more teams we have register early the better we inform the I'ON group who will be attending this year. Chad Andrews, announcer for Athens Twilight and TdG, will be the announcer for the I'ON race. You can find more information about the I'ON race by going to the I'ON business group website: http://www.ionbiznet.com/AnythingButCars2006.htm .
 The Charleston race will be held at Hampton Park right outside The Citadel. This loop is a wide, flat standard four corner 1.1 mile loop that caters to the sprinter. This is the SC State Criterium Championship course. More information about the races and a flier is available for download by visting this website: http://www.lowcountryvwracing.com/RaceWeekend2006.html . The race contact is Rob Ruff and can be reached via email at ruffrob@yahoo.com ."

DLV News I've been told to pass the word along to please leave your pets at home when visiting the Dick Lane Velodrome. There have been a few incidents lately of pets behaving badly, so please do not bring them.

3-26-2006 Individual Event Information PLEASE do not email me about an individual event. CONTACT THE RACE PROMOTER! SE Cycling does not promote races. I don't know when your race starts, where results are posted, who took the photos of the Cat. 5 45+ race, or who to contact. Go to the calendar at the top of the page and click on the link to the race website! I do NOT have time to answer emails about races (promoters and officials, excluded, of course! I want your submissions, and they will be responded to as promptly as I can!)

3-27-2006 Mellowdrome The Asheville Mellowdrome Cup Series information is now up.

3-28-2006 Middle Tennessee Offers Up Big Time Stage Race
For Immediate Release – TriStar Cycling, Gran Fondo Cycles and MOAB Bike Shop are pleased to announce the inaugural Edgar Soto Memorial Stage Race to be held Memorial Day Weekend May 26th to May 29th. The four-day timed stage race will begin in Leiper’s Fork and finish in the town of Spencer on top of the Cumberland Plateau. The event will offer a $17,100 cash purse, the largest purse for any Tennessee Bicycle Racing Association (TBRA) event, and racers will vie for the J. Alexander’s general classification yellow jersey and the Hincapie Sports sprinter’s green jersey.

“We’re very excited to bring true stage racing back to Tennessee, and with the support of our co-promoters, sponsors, host cities and spectators, we hope to elevate the Soto Memorial to a National Racing Calendar event in the next few years” said Brian Cote, president of TriStar Cycling Team.

Beyond the competition, the event is being held to increase motorist and cyclist awareness of the “Share the Road” initiative for safe cycling. Two years ago, Edgar Soto, the father of a local racer, died as a result of injuries sustained after being hit by a motorist. His son, James, tells the story. “My family and I encouraged him to take up the sport of cycling, so my father began a daily routine which encompassed road cycling approaching 20 miles a day.

After 42 years of hard work for one company and less than 2 years of retirement he was fitter than ever having now ridden every day for 5 months. Tragically, despite a sunny day with the sun to his back on a straight as an arrow road, my father was struck by a motorist who "just didn't see him" and later died as a result of massive brain trauma. The helmet he diligently wore was not enough.”

The Edgar Soto Memorial Stage Race begins Friday afternoon, May 26th with the Stage 1 time trial starting in Leiper’s Fork with the awards ceremony that evening at Puckett’s Grocery. Stage 2 moves to the office park of Maryland Farms in Brentwood as racers tackle a fast and demanding criterium. Stage 3 begins at the Williamson County Agricultural Center where racers must negotiate a circuit race with more than 1,000 feet of climbing per lap. And the penultimate stage starts and finishes in the town of Spencer about 100 miles East of Brentwood. Stage 4 covers 77 miles of undulating terrain with almost 7,000 feet of climbing culminating with a 3 mile climb up to the Cumberland Plateau.

The event expects to host nearly 500 competitors racing in eight different categories, including Women’s Pro/1/2/3/4 and Men’s Pro/1/2. Racers in all categories are encouraged to register early to secure a spot. Visit the race website for online registration information and event details.

Ellijay Easter MTB Festival From SORBA-EMBA: Ellijay Easter MTB Festival
Start Time: 08:00 AM Duration: All Day  Location: Ft. Mountain State Park, Ellijay
Category: Mountain Bike Festival
Other Information: 1st Annual Ellijay Fat Tire Festival, April 15-16, Easter weekend. • Group Rides All levels • Fun & Games • Night Ride • Cookout • Camping for more info: www.ellijaymountainbike.org

Spin City Classic The Aaron's Women's team checks in with both good and bad news from the Spin City Classic in Orlando, FL.

3-29-2006 Get Ready for DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!!!! That's right! At 2:00 am this Saturday morning, it is cyclists' favorite weekend of the year! Daylight Savings Time starts! Most weekday rides resume--the Bellyache, Tuesday Night Crit, Bike South ride, all the Recovery rides, Roswell Ride, Reality Bikes ride, and on and on! Many weekend rides including the Coffee and Bagel, Tucker, and Beyond Six Flags will start at 10:00 beginning on April 8. So many rides, so little time!  Check out the Atlanta rides page for more information

ATTN RIDE LEADERS, TEAMS, and BIKE SHOPS! Do you have an update on your weekly ride or rides for 2006? Please email me at sttarlite at hotmail dot com.

Lethal Injection Ride From Mitch: "Daylight savings is upon us once again. The first official Wednesday night group ride, Lethal Injection, from Boneshakers Bike shop, (770-222-BONE—Corner of New Macland & Macedonia) will be held on April 5, 2006. Q-sheets are available online at www.atlbike.org under “routes” and name Lethal Injection.Wednesday Group ride from Boneshakers Bike shop Roll out 6:30 p.m.~30 miles One KOM and two designated sprints
Pace: training and everything in-between"

The Atlanta Bike show and Swap Meet is coming April 8 and 9, 2006 at the Marietta National Guard Armory. Crates, Cruisers,Balloon Tire, Vintage Lightweights , Tandems, Fixed Gears, Bike Show, etc. Sell your old bike or buy that vintage bike you have been wanting. Admission is $3 and helps support the Marietta Lions Club. Vendor Spaces are only $25. OR just sell out of the back of your truck, car or van. 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). LOOK FOR THE SIGNS!!!"

3-30-2006 Cycle Charlotte
Saturday, May 13 – A Charlotte Community Cycling Festival
INSPIRED BY TODD WEAVER

Experience Charlotte without a windshield and have a one-of-a-kind urban cycling adventure. Come to E. 7th Street in Uptown, across from Imaginon on Saturday, May 13, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for - Cycle Charlotte. Join this family-friendly extravaganza offering free bike safety rodeos for kids, helmet and raffle giveaways, and three riding options. Choose a two-mile family fun ride or 10 and 25 mile recreational rides on some of Charlotte’s most beautiful streets. Watch unicyclists, acrobatic cyclists, and live music by Gigi Dover and the Amy Broome Trio. Come for part or all of the Cycle Charlotte’s celebrations which will conclude the annual BIKE! Charlotte week events.

Cycle Charlotte is inspired by Todd Weaver, 36, who was fatally injured colliding with a CATS bus last October, leaving as survivors, wife Pam, son Brady, and daughter Elizabeth. "Our goal is to encourage people who haven't ridden in years to dust off their bikes and join us in this premier cycling celebration," said Mark, Todd’s brother. "Todd was a huge cycling enthusiast with a great attitude, boundless energy, and willingness to encourage a healthy and environmentally friendly life style. We will persist in our efforts to honor him by making our streets safer for all types of riders."

Cycle Charlotte will feature Tonia Bendickson well-known newscaster at WBTV as the MC. Special guests will include event co-chairs City Councilman Pat Mumford and County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts who are cycling enthusiasts. Event sponsors include OrthoCarolina, WBTV, Bicycle Sport and Ultimate Bicycle, Charlotte Health and Fitness, Endurance Magazine, Belk Printing Technologies, Trips for Kids Earn A Bike Re-Cyclery, and Jim McGuire Media. Dirt Divas, Rank Riders, B.I.K.E.S. and many others who support safe streets have joined Mark in planning this first annual event.

Proceeds from Cycle Charlotte will go to cycling education and safety programs with the help of B.I.K.E.S. of Charlotte Mecklenburg, Charlotte’s bicycle advocacy non-profit.

For registration information, go to www.cyclecharlotte.org

Perry Roubaix The boys from Myogenesis check in again with their Perry Roubaix Report.

3-31-2006 Wired To Win From an email I received: The IMAX documentary “Wired to Win” has been released! As a reminder, this giant screen documentary was three years in the making and reveals how the human brain deals with pain of injury and exertion with the Tour de France as the testing ground. The website is http://www.wiredtowinthemovie.com/. Basically, it’s a chance to see video of the Tour de France in unprecedented size and quality.

Unfortunately, it is not currently planned to show in Atlanta, home to thousands of cycling fans. IMAX Fernbank is interested but has not licensed or purchased the film from the distributor, National Geographic.

It may be of help to contact Anita Kern of Fernbank to express your desire to see the film. Her phone is (404) 929-6361 and e-mail is anita.kern@fernbank.edu. Please be respectful that the licensing is their decision and that they are considering it now. I think it would help to let her know that we would like to support the film by going to Fernbank to watch it.
Please pass this along to those interested.

Steel Magnolias Ride From Cycleworks Becky: "Hello Friends! Well it's that time of year again, believe it or not... Those long, dark wintertime evenings are almost a thing of the past, since the time changes to Daylight Savings this Saturday night. And that means one main thing -- It's weeknight group ride time again! So dig out those shorts, dust off that bike, and come join us for a fun ride!

For the Tuesday night ride from Sandy Springs Cycleworks (Roswell Road), a.k.a. the "Steel Magnolias" ride, we'll be starting at 6:00pm in April. Then it will change to 6:30pm in May, when the days are longer.  Hope to see you there next Tuesday! Becky P.S. Don't forget your blinkie-light, since it still will be getting pretty close to dusk toward the end of the ride.
 

May is National Bike Month Friday, April 28 - Bike Month Kick-off Event at Atlantic Station, focusing on a "Share the Road" Theme. This includes a short high visibility "Share the Road"
ride, lead by some VIP's, and a push for press coverage on up-coming Bike Month.
Look for detailed announcements on this by e-mail.

Month of May - Bicycle promotion in pre-recorded PSA's on local radio

Month of May - ABC's S-T-R-E-T-C-H Yourself Challenge, encouraging people to stretch the amount and type of bicycling they do, or to take up bicycling if they don't ride now. Prizes galore! Promoted through e-mails, web sites, businesses, festivals, exhibits, etc. Details will be on our web site next week.

Saturday, May 13 - Ride to the Farmers Market -  A shopping trip by bicycle to one of the Atlanta area's most interesting markets. Plus a great 16 mile route for a good workout . Includes practical and fun tips on safe hauling of "cargo" by bike.

Ride of Silence - Wednesday, May 17, 7p.m. Join cyclists nationwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 10 - 12 mph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on America's public roadways. Six miles. Meet at Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta (10th Street and Charles Allen). The event is free, with no registration required.

National Bike to Work Day - Friday, May 19
Join ABC's many bike trains to work (details on our web site next week), or find a good route to bike to work on your own or with fellow workers. Celebrate the bike!