September 2006 Archive

9-1-2006 Atlanta Trails From SORBA: I am writing you about some good news and an opportunity for you to help make history. SORBA's Atlanta Chapter is delivering on our promise to build more local trails, allowing you to spend more time riding and less time driving.
 We recently passed a milestone with the construction of a modest, 0.8-mile trail at the Morningside Nature Preserve: the first singletrack located inside of I-285 designated for use by bicyclists! The trail already is seeing considerable use, and the City of Atlanta (the Land Manager) is receiving very complimentary comments.

Now, we are set on a much larger goal: the construction of a major trail complex located inside Atlanta City limits. The Beecher Hills-Lionel Hampton property is currently an undeveloped, 200-acre forest located in Southwest Atlanta and owned by the City of Atlanta. They intend to develop it into a park.  We estimate that 10-15 miles of trail are possible there. Imagine this: a trails complex rivaling Blankets Creek that is accessible from MARTA's Hamilton-Holmes mass transit station, connected to PATH's Lionel Hampton Trail, and adjacent to two public school campuses.

This is where you come in. Starting in September, the City of Atlanta is conducting a three-month long master planning process that encourages public (City of Atlanta residents') input and participation. You can help ensure that the voice of current and prospective mountain bikers is loud, clear and consistent by participating in three ways:

Read and print out the attached PDF file. Take note of the four scheduled public meetings and attend as many as possible. Complete the survey and mail to:
Walt Ray, RLA, Director of Park Visioning, Park Pride, 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, 8th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30308

Please see the FAQs below for suggested survey responses.
Pass this message on to any City of Atlanta residents you know who want local access to singletrack trails. That's it for now. We can forsee a time when mountain bikers living inside Atlanta's Perimeter can conveniently get a challenging ride any day of the week. We can make history. Let's get rolling!

Thank you, Tom Tomaka, SORBA Atlanta

FAQs

Q: Where is the Beecher Hills-Lionel Hampton park located? A: It resides next to the Beecher Hills Elementary School, 2257 Bolling Brook Dr., Atlanta, GA 30311

Q: What should I include in my survey responses? A: Make sure you ask for at least 12 miles of singletrack bike trails. Since many non-mountain bikers think of a "trail" as a paved PATH, our requests have to be explicit. What else would you like to see at the new park?...changing facilities?...a bike wash?

Q: When are the public meetings? A: The first of four scheduled meetings is on Saturday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. The remaining three meetings are on the Saturdays of October 7, October 28 and November 18; all start at 10:00 a.m.

Q: Where are the public meetings? A: Beecher Hills Elementary School, 2257 Bolling Brook Dr., Atlanta, GA 30311

Q: When can we expect the trails to be built? A: It's too difficult to predict. The City will develop an implementation timetable after they complete the master plan. Then it needs to be reviewed and approved by numerous City of Atlanta agencies, and construction funding needs to be raised. We will probably have a better idea in December.

Q: Can I ride there now? A: There are no trails worth riding on, however that City has built some gravel roads that provide access for their heavy equipment to the buried sewer lines.

Q: I am not a City of Atlanta resident. Can I help? A: Not during the current phase of planning, but stay tuned. We will need your help once trail construction begins.

 

9-5-2006 Cycling Subjects needed for Prosthetic Research at Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech will be doing a research study on how uni-lateral (one-sided) below knee amputees can pedal a bicycle. The research will be used to determine if a prosthetic foot is beneficial to force generation at he pedal. An Ossur variflex carbon-fiber foot will be compared to no foot at all to find out which is better for power generation. The research will require 1 to 2 sessions of 3 hour time periods. The study hopes to determine just how asymmetrical the pedal stroke of an amputee might be (amputated compared to non-amputated) , how the body compensates for the loss of the ankle joint, how a prosthetic foot affects cycling ability and safety, and how an amputee can generate power most efficiently for racing. Subjects will not be compensated financially for the study but will gain knowledge on how they can improve their prosthesis during cycling and will be allowed to
keep an Ossur Variflex foot used by them in the study.

To qualify for the study you must be a uni-lateral below knee amputee whose amputation was non-vascular related. All subjects should be at least recreational level cyclists (ie, you have a bicycle and pedal it once a year) and should have no cognitive or neurological impairments. Subjects should be between the ages of 21 to 45.Anyone interested should contact Lee Childers at lee@gatech.edu or 770-355-4184. This study is being performed at the Georgia Tech School of Applied
Physiology and has been approved by the Georgia Tech Internal Review Board.

Lagrange Rumors Guys, I have NO clue whether or not the Lagrange rumors are true. I have tried contacting the GA Cup but have not yet gotten a response. GA---drop me an email! :)

US Pro Photos Cyclingnews.com put up some of my photos of the US Pro Championships. You can see all of my photos here.

Frady Branch Trail Maintenance From SORBA: Sept. 30th, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Location: Lake Russell WMA, Other Information: Join us for maintenance on the Frady Branch trail system in the Lake Russell WMA in Northeast GA. We will meet at the Frady Branch parking area at 9 AM. Go to this link for directions: http://www.lrwma.com/trails/id15.htm For any additional info, contact me at kaowen@alltel.net.
 

Uhhh..... Ummm...no, I don't cover dirt bike (motorcycle) riding....

NOW A REMINDER................

JOHN JOHNSON RUNS FOR THE USA CYCLING EASTERN SECTION TRUSTEE

Voting begins runs through Sept. 14 at www.usacycling.org. Please consider voting for John. He does a tremendous amount for cycling in Georgia and Alabama. John would be OUR voice in USA Cycling. This is John's candidate statement:

"Hello,

My name is John Johnson and I am running for USA Cycling Trustee for the Eastern Section. I have been active in the sport of cycling for well over 20 years as a racer, promoter, official and most recently the Local Coordinator for Georgia and Alabama. I am at races racing or officiating 35 to 40 weekends a year starting with the early season training racings and continuing through cyclocross in late fall. I have been and will continue to be readily available to the racers, promoters, officials and fans. Since I am constantly at races and training rides, I hear about what is concerning riders and promoters on a regular basis. Such as, the need for more support for grass roots grass roots and juniors racing. The need for more consistency in officiating state to state and most recently some suggested improvements for the National championships.

I have demonstrated a passion for the sport of cycling. I have also demonstrated a clear focus on what it takes to continue to grow the sport. I have worked with promoters to improve and expand races. I have worked with the USA Cycling staff to provide better transparency to rule making and the application of rules. I have worked with various teams to improve and enhance the level and accessibility of junior racing. I have worked with promoters and help support them with the various local government authorities to increase the availability good race venues.

It is important that whoever is elected to this position have more than just a bicycle racing background. The Board of Trustees is responsible for direction of the affairs of the federation (USA Cycling), as such it also take someone with demonstrated business acumen. I am a senior manager for a Fortune 100 company. I have demonstrated the ability to understand the nuances of decisions and am able to develop and implement a variety of strategies including improved customer service, lower costs, improved quality control, and more focused business models.

You need to ask yourself several questions: 1) Would you like to see more transparency in the rule and decision making for USA Cycling? 2) Should USA Cycling be doing more to grow the sport at all levels including master and Junior racing and possibly most importantly 3) Would you like your Trustee to be available to you and respect you and your opinions. If you answered yes to any of these questions, I would encourage you to vote for me.

I can not guarantee you will always agree with every decision I make. But, I can guarantee that each and every decision will be carefully evaluated to determine what is best for the sport at all levels of competition I look forward to getting input from riders, promoters and officials on what we can do together to continue to develop and grow the sport. For those of you I don’t personally know, I would encourage you to talk with someone who does know me.

Again, my name is John Johnson and I am running to be the next Trustee for the Eastern Division of USA Cycling."

*As always, my views and mine and my own only. They do not necessarily represent the views of Southeastern Cycling sponsors, advertisers, contributors, etc..

Sick Being sick is bad enough, but having a cold when it's 90 degrees out sucks! Ick! A few more days in bed for me...

9-6-2006 Mud, Sweat, and Gears CX The Mud, Sweat, and Gears CX Series has been announced. Race dates are: 10/7, 10/14, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, and 12/2

Cross Calendar I've updated the Calendar page and the calendar above with the cyclocross races.

Intown Ride Time Changes From the Weekday World Cup Advisory Board: The start times for the weeknight in-town rides will change effective this week as follows:

Sandy Springs Ride - Effective Tuesday 09/05/06, the ride start time will move up to 06:15 PM ET. The ride will remain “long option”, which includes the “three humps” in Vinings. Effective Tuesday 10/03/06, the ride start time will move up to 06:00 PM ET, and the ride will go to “short option”, therein eliminating the “three humps” in Vinings. The last ride of the season will be Tuesday 10/24/06.

Peachtree Battle Ride - Effective Wednesday 09/06/06, the ride start time will move up to 06:15 PM ET. Effective Wednesday 10/04/06, the ride start time will move up to 06:00 PM ET. The last ride of the season will be Wednesday 10/25/06.

Chastain Ride - Effective Thursday 09/06/06, the ride start time will move up to 06:15 PM ET. Effective Thursday 10/04/06, the ride start time will move up to 06:00 PM ET. The last ride of the season will be Thursday 10/26/06.

Tucker Ride - Daylight Saving Time ends 10/29/06. As such, the Tucker Ride will move back to “Winter hours” effective Saturday 11/04/06, starting at 10:00 AM ET.

Final Note - Daylight Saving Time will begin again in the Spring on 03/11/06. This is when the new law takes effect, moving-up the start of Daylight Saving Time by about three weeks. As such, the weeknight ride schedule will begin anew, with Sandy Springs on Tuesday 03/13/07, Peachtree Battle on Wednesday 03/14/07, and Chastain on Thursday 03/15/07. Tucker will return to “Summer hours” on Saturday 03/17/07.

Best Regards,  Todd Curtis Fryburger"

Trish's note: These are considered race training rides and are not recommended for casual or beginning riders.

Gwinnett Area Trail Riders The GATR Club made the front page of the Gwinnett Daily Post for their work in getting mountain biking approved for Tribble Mill park.

9-7-2006 Ride Time Changes The Wednesday Women's ride will start leaving at 6:15 next week.

9-11-2006 Roswell Ride Time Change The Roswell Thursday ride will start at 6:00 beginning next week.

WORLD-CLASS BICYCLE RACING RETURNS TO GREENVILLE “FALL FOR GREENVILLE” WEEKEND, OCTOBER 14-15

St. Francis Hospital Title Sponsor of the 22nd Annual Greenville Cycling Classic.

Greenville, SC—World-class bicycle racing will return to Greenville October 14-15 for the 22nd Annual St. Francis Hospital Greenville Cycling Classic presented by Hincapie Sportswear. Hundreds of the country’s fastest professional and amateur cyclists will compete for the winner’s share of the $20,000 weekend purse. The fast and furious races will be held Saturday and Sunday on an exciting course in Greenville’s booming West End, adjacent to the “Fall for Greenville” family festival. St. Francis Hospital and Hincapie Sportswear have returned as valuable sponsors of this fun-filled weekend of criterium racing.

“We’re very excited to build further on the incredible momentum we’ve had in Greenville for world-class bicycle racing,” said Rich Hincapie, longtime Greenville Cycling Classic Race Director. “We just hosted the US Professional National Road Race Championship and many of those riders will return for the races in October. We’re very pleased to have St Francis Hospital as the returning title sponsor for the 22nd edition of this great race. They are a valuable partner providing fantastic support for several years.”

Specific races will be held for several different categories of riders throughout the weekend, and this year’s format will include a special $2000 purse for every different race on Saturday. This is very unique for the amateur racers, some of whom will be competing for the biggest purse they have ever been eligible to win. “I wanted to do something extraordinary this year to really push the excitement to a new level,” commented Hincapie. “By offering each category of racer an unprecedented $2000 purse, we should bring the best racers in the southeast to downtown Greenville. Most of the amateur racers have never seen a purse that large.” Last year’s professional event saw four-time US Olympian and US Professional Road Race National Champion, George Hincapie and TIAA-CREF’s U-23 National Criterium and Road Racing Champion, Craig Lewis battle it out in downtown Greenville.

Race visitors will be treated to lots of fast-paced cycling action in the middle of downtown Greenville. The one-mile course will wind its way around the historic West End of Greenville, finishing near the beautiful Liberty Bridge at Falls Park. Cycling fans can catch all the action up close by viewing the racing from anywhere along the course. Prime viewing locations will be along Main Street through the West End, especially at the corners of Main Street and Camperdown Street and Main Street and Augusta Streets.

October 14th and 15th is sure to be an exciting weekend of bicycle racing action. Races start at 9:00am on Saturday, October 14th, with the day concluding in a 50-lap professional race at 6:00pm. The start and finish of all races will be located on Main Street between Camperdown Street and Augusta Street in downtown Greenville.

For more information, please visit: www.hincapiesports. com

The Greenville Cycling Classic has grown from a small race held in Cleveland Park, with a prize purse of $1,800, to the kind of event that has put Greenville on the map as a regular stop on the professional bicycle racing circuit. With a weekend purse in excess of $20,000, the Greenville Cycling Classic is now one of the most popular races on the US National Racing Series calendar. For more information, please visit www.HincapieSports. com.

CX Demo Bikes From the Georgia Cross Series: Racers,  2007 Demo Bikes are here! Cannondale  has signed on to the Georgia Cross Series as a Platinum sponsor and has provided 5 cross bikes (50,52,54,56,58 cm) to be used as demo bikes. The bikes are nicely equipped with a
carbon fork, Shimano shifters and derailers, Truvative cranks, carbon seat post and Maxxis Tires. Cane  Creek has supplied a sweet pair of Strados wheels for each bike too. Check out the bikes and
wheels at the cross races and then buy your own. Better yet, just go buy one! If you've been putting off cross because you don't have a bike reserve yours today. Bikes are available on a first come first serve basis, email adamjones_13@hotmail.com to reserve yours.  Don't forget the series raffle, every race entered is an entry to the raffle. The raffle will be held immediately following the series  finale.
Must be present to win.

Ft. Yargo Work Party From YABA: Sept 30 (National Trails Day) meet at Fort Yargo's Front office at 8:00am. Lunch will be Provided. Bring you pulaski if you have one for more info call Steve Gordon at 678-617-0565. See our web site at http://www.yaba.homestead.com

Night Riding at Ft. Yargo  From SORBA: "This is From the park Managers mouth anyone caught on the trails past 10:00 pm will be given a warning the First time. The next Time YOU WILL GET A TICKET their has already been a couple of people get warnings. Folks we appreciate that you want to ride at Yargo but you gotta be out of the park by 10:00 pm no ifs, ands, or buts about it. This is a park rule that will be strictly enforced Thanks ,Eric Bentley, Park Ranger"

9-12-2006 Jenny Ewing Memorial Ride "Cyclists, We are in need of more volunteers for the Jenny Ewing Memorial Ride at the Silver Comet Trail September 23rd  We still need folks to take money at Florence Road and Hiriam, but I also need parking lot traffic control folks at all 3 sites as well as overflow parking we have arranged. Thanks Contact Bernadette Boas

BB160011@ncr.com"

Big Creek Work Party From RAMBO: September 16th 2006,  Big Creek Work Party
9 am -1 pm, Location: Big Creek trail (lower lot)  Other Information: There will be a workparty this Sat from 9am to 1pm. We will be cutting in the new 8/10 mile trail, phase 3 at Big Creek. Please bring water, and closed toe shoes or boots. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers."

9-13-2006 2006 Alabama Cyclocross Series Presented By GC Cycling
10/15,10/22,11/5,11/12,12/3,12/15, Leeds, Alabama, USAC permit pending

The Course: Situated on the grounds of a quaint horse farm right next to Leeds Memorial Park. The course will be a challenging mix of creek crossings, twists, turns, ups, downs, power sections surface
transitions and MUD!!!. The venue is VERY spectator friendly. This  venue should offer up potential for a new course configuration each time.Check out the website, bamacross.blogspot.com, in the next couple of weeks for detailed information.

Bull Mtn. Work Party From SORBA: October 7th 2006 Bull/Jake Mtn WP 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Duration: 03 hour(s) 00 minutes(s)
Location: Jake Mtn parking lot
Category: Trail Maintenance

Other Information: Please come out and help us on the Bull/Jake Mtn Trail System. None of the work is extreme - clipping, cutting back small trees and weed eating mostly. You will not need to bike to the work area but you may wish to ride afterwards. Diane Ayres of CTHA will be leading this workday. Please be sure to let her know if you are coming as we wish to provide lunch. As usual, we highly recommend: Boots that protect your feet Gloves Bee sting meds if allergic Bug spray Water to carry with you Snacks Please arrive in plenty of time to sign in, load up and move out from the Jake Mountain Day Use Parking lot by 10:00 am. Keep my phone numbers with you in case you need to contact me. Thank you, Diane Ayres Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association "Dedicated to the Future of Horses on Trails" 706-864-7594 - Home 770-653-1139 - Cell Dmayres AT alltel dot net

9-14-2006 BC Work Party From SORBA-Woodstock: September 16th 2006, Blankets Creek Trail Maintenance, 8;00 am-noon Other Information: We will work on deberming both South and Dwelling loops. This is critical work as we prepare the trail for the winter. This work will help keep water off the trail and insure fewer trail closures during wet weather. Bring gloves, water and sturdy work shoes.
 

Charlotte 12 Hour Race 12 Hour MTB Race Coming to Renaissance This October 21

This first year event is brought to you by SouthPark Cycles, Bike Source and
HeartWood Tree Service.  That's right. Everyone's has been wanting to test themselves on our oldest
trail within our park system. Don't kid yourself though. While Renaissance has very little if any elevation changes I assure you that this will be a challenging race course for an endurance event. If you are one of those folks who was scared of the Cowbell this year because you thought it was going to be muddy, you may want to sit this one out. Even if it is bone dry. For those of you who aren't scared I still would highly recommend to stock up on Ibuprofin and Tiger Balm. Singlespeeds unite. There will be both solo classes and multiteam classes. The event will run 9 to 9, have a BEER Garden (it October don't you know) Live music and more. Be there or be scared. For more info www.charlottemtnbike.com.

Bellyache The Buckhead Bellyache will start at 6:15 this week til the end of Sept. In October, the start time will move to 6:00 pm.

9-15-2006 World Champion! Stephen Hill (EPVA) from Atlanta is a gold medalist at the Master's Track World Championships in Manchester, England this past week. Stephen on the Men's 40-44 750m Time Trial with a time of 49.107. Oh yeah, it was a world record, too!

Stephen also won the bronze in the Sprints/Men 40-44. He was 2nd in the 200m qualifying time trial. There is a photo here.

John! John Murphy won a race in Europe! Go John! Click here and scroll to page 7. Congratulations!

George Hincapie (Discovery) wins the US Pro Championships in Greenville, SC

 

David Zabriskie (CSC) leads the peloton up the Paris Mountain climb on the second lap at the US Pro Championships

9-25-2006 Sprained Hand and Lack of Updates Hi everyone, I've been on vacation, so that is why there have been no updates to SE Cycling in about 10 days. I managed to sprain my hand riding horses, and I will probably be behind a few days til it heals. I cannot type well.

Upcoming Charlotte/NC Events From Charlotte Sports Cycling:

Saturday, September 30, Trail Party at the Harrisburg Half  9AM-Lunch. The party is sponsored by the Tarheel Trailblazers. Food provided. www.tarheeltrailblazers.com

Sunday, October 1 Hobby Park-Cane Creek MTB Finals www.paulsracing.com/2006_Hobby_Park_Race.htm

Saturday, October 7 Uwharrie Mountain Fall 50 in conjunction with the Uwharrie Mountain Festival
www.UwharrieMountainFestival.com - FREE event.

October 14-15 Downtown Greenville Cycling Classic Great races with a big prize purse.
http://www.hincapiesports.com/entry_form.pdf

Saturday, October 21 Tree Shaker 12 Hour MTB Challenge Renaissance Park, Charlotte, NC
www.charlottemtnbike.com

Saturday, October 21 Le Tour de Femme is a women's only full and half metric century bicycle
ride scheduled for October 21, 2006 Cary, North Carolina. www.letourdefemme.org

Coming this fall, short track mountain bike racing at the brand new Harrisburg Half!
Bank of NC Short Track MTB Series Harrisburg, NC www.charlottemtnbike.com/06.race.flier.pdf

Saturday, October 28 Tour de Tots NE Medical Center-Concord, NC
100k and 50K supported rides and 10 mile family ride Kids Bicycle Safety Rodeo
www.bmcc.us/id17_tour_de_tots.htm

October 28 - Lake Norman Adventure Race and Clinic Lake Norman State Park - Troutman, NC
www.action-learning.com/adventure or contact Doug at 704-895-6479

Bad news: the Dilworth Criterium has been canceled for 2006.

See you on the bike. Neal"

Dilworth Cancelled I've received confirmation from several sources at the Dilworth Crits in Charlotte, NC have been cancelled.

Roswell Ride News From Eric Broadwell: "We have another reason to show up and ride! Roswell has received the designation of Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) for the League of American Bicyclists. This is a very hard designation to achieve. For instance, San Francisco has 12 full time people working on their application to attain this distinction.

I have gotten the Roswell Police to help support our Final Ride of the season on Sept 28 (NEXT WEEK). All start at 6 PM. We are asking for a $5 donation (optional) to benefit the Roswell Police charities. I will be collecting in a bucket and could use someone to take over for the final minutes, Neva?. Please invite spouses and all that you know. Skilled children should also ride. (ie my 7 yr old isn't riding, but my 13 yr will be). The ride is supported at our challenging intersection and lights and led by a motorcycle.

As Bike Roswell president I am working on getting us deputized so we may report aggressive drivers and I would like to see Roswell pass a resolution/law that requires car to pass leaving at least 5 ft between cyclist and car. Tucson, AZ has such a law. Help me work on these efforts by contacting your local council person discussing with all that you think would help or should know.

Please come join us for our final Thursday night hurray! I want to see a mile long stream of cyclists flowing through the streets of Roswell. I could also use some help on that Thursday next week to call Captain Herb to warn them of traffic in Roswell due to cyclists. This helps us stay safer and get metro wide recognition. Tell all you know and plan to come ride."
 

Tuesday Steel Magnolias Ride The Tuesday Cycleworks Steel Magnolias ride will start at 6:00 for the rest of the year beginning this week.

USA Cycling Trustee Election I am sad to say that John Johnson was not elected to the USA Trustee Board. John has expressed his thanks for everyone that voted for him. Jim Patton from the Northeast was reelected. I  know that John will continue to support cycling in Georgia and Alabama and do the superb job that he always does!

Baby O'Neill Georgia's famous Aussie Nathan O'Neill and his wife Karen welcomed baby Lydia Elaine into the world on Sept. 17th. Mom, Baby, and Dad are doing well.

Airport Ride From Chisel: 2006/2007 Sunday Airport Loop Ride

Jenny Ewing Ride I heard there were about 200 people today at the Jenny Ewing Memorial Ride. I'll have more info. in  a week or two. Tom Hanks took some photos. News coverage: 11alive.com Fox 5 Video 

I do not know how long the above articles will be on their respective websites.

CROSS CLINIC!! There will be a cyclocross clinic at Ft. Yargo State Park in Winder this Sat., Sept. 30. This clinic will be for anyone interested in racing cross. I will have more details Wed.

Cross Clinic Coed Cyclocross Clinic to be held at Fort Yargo State Park this Saturday!
The clinic is to be held from 9:00 am till 11:00 am at the Area B parking lot. Don't have a cross bike, bring your mountain bike. The Cannondale demo bikes will be available on a first come first serve basis for the clinic. Hit the trails after the clinic for some mountain bike fun. For more information on the clinic contact kari@badlasses.com. For more info on cross check out www.georgia-cross.com.

Hand Broken My hand is broken, so give me time to get updates on the site. I cannot work at the computer much.

Big Creek Work Party October 14th 2006  09:00 AM-1:00 pm Location: Big Creek Park, Roswell Other Information: Come out & join us as we do the finish work before officially opening the NEW 8/10 mile phase 3 section at Big Creek. Come out & see why this section will be the toughest of all. Please bring water, gloves & sturdy closed toed shoes or boots. Lunch will be provided for all afterwards
 

Is there a doctor in the house? I was on vacation last week riding a horse when it bucked and broke my finger. The orthopedist put me in a full plaster cast. The break on the pinky is clean and not fractured in two pieces. With cyclocross race season coming up I want to be able to ride and not lose any fitness. Has anyone ever heard of or had an ortho put you in a full plaster cast for a broken finger? Or can anyone share how long it took for your broken finger to heal? Email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com.

9-28-2006 Sue Haywood at Conyers 24 HOA Jon Posner of Trek confirmed that Sue Haywood, teammate of six-time World Solo 24 Hour Champion Chris Eatough would line up in Conyers, GA October 7/8, 2006. This years women's field is the strongest to date. The two-time NORBA short track national champion from Davis, West Virginia, USA remains one of the most popular riders on the circuit. Voted North American Female Mountain Bike Racer of the Year by Velo News in 2004. In the Women’s elite field, this could be the best battle yet. With Monique Sawicki (2nd in 2005), Louise Kobin (3rd in 2005) and newly crowned USA 24-hr champion Rebecca Rusch all taking on 24 Mont National Australian Champion – Katrin Van der Spiegel.

Travelgirl Cycling ConexTrain & travelgirl magazine elite women’s cycling teams combine

Austin, Tex. (September 20, 2006) Austin’s Team ConexTrain and Atlanta-based travelgirl magazine women’s professional cycling teams consolidated last week, forming a top-tier National Racing Calendar (NRC) squad for 2007.

The new team, HealthCoach-travelgirl Cycling, will be managed out of Austin by AG Cycling (www.agcycling.com), which ran Team ConexTrain in 2006. The former squads bring together champion criterium riders and time trialists, two disciplines which will make up the 2007 team’s focus. ConexTrain leader Jen McRae and teammate Allyson Brandt will join forces with travelgirl’s Kim Sawyer, Leigh Valletti, Tiffany Ballew, and Kim Foland.

HealthCoach (www.healthcoach.net) gears up as the new title sponsor of the property for the next three years, with travelgirl (www.travelgirlinc.com) gathered in as presenting sponsor. HealthCoach and ConexTrain are sisters under the same parent company, and as such ConexTrain will stay on-board, too.

“I am very excited about the prospects for 2007 and the opportunity to bring the travelgirl squad into our camp. We’ve put together a group of athletes who will strengthen our national presence, particularly at criterium and time trial events. Having travelgirl magazine on board also brings considerably more marketability for women’s pro cycling and this top-tier squad of athlete-role models,” said Tim Pletcher, executive director of AG Cycling.

Sawyer, who was also the travelgirl team manager, was also pleased. “I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. The AG Cycling folks have great depth of experience, access to top-tier resources and most importantly strive for a team culture we find very attractive. In looking for a partner for 2007, we were concerned about finding the right fit and were fortunate through a series of coincidences to connect with the riders and managers at Team ConexTrain.”

The new HeathCoach-travelgirl magazine team will debut in October at the AMLI Downtown Criterium, taking place in Austin. Additional sponsorships and a race and events calendar will be announced in the coming months.

HealthCoach (www.healthcoach.net) is dedicated to the pursuit of healthy lifestyle and long, happy, active lives. It helpsclients turn intentions into actions, creating lasting lifestyle changes, improved health, and enhanced well-being, keying on disease risk assessment, nutritional analysis and diet, goal setting, exercise plans and performance tracking for success. HealthCoath managers and advisors have backgrounds ranging from Big 5 consultants to professional athletes and investment bankers who know and understand balanced, healthy living.

travelgirl magazine (www.travelgirlinc.com) is a magazine for women on the go and the men and families who travel with them. It is the premier resource for women looking to improve their lives by finding and integrating the “escape factor” into every day journeys as well as exotic vacations. Targeting women in the 30’s to 50’s age range, travelgirl magazine is savvy, sexy & sophisticated. It was the first national travel publication launched after September 11, 2001, and was named “one of the most notable launches of 2003” by industry guru Mr. Magazine.