February 2007 Archive

-1-2007 Quiet This has been a really quiet week with cycling news.

Georgia Cup I'm still waiting like you guys on the official word of go or no go for the Georgia Cup. It would be a huge loss to cycling in Georgia if it did not happen this year! **UPDATE** The Georgia Cup website now says "2007 Georgia Cup!" Woo Hoo!

Nathan O'Neill Hit By Car! Adopted Georgia Nathan O'Neill was hit by a car in Toowoomba, Australia last week. He is recovering.

This Weekend This weekend NW Georgia SORBA is putting on the second of three Snake Creek Gat Time Trial races. I can attest that the 17 mile course is tough and very technical in spots. I rode it a few weeks ago. Also, the WBL is doing the Jittery Joes Classic on Saturday. Expect fun and 4 hour and 85 miles.

2-2-2007  The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association Hosts Trail Building Weekends

Gainesville, GA--The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) announces two great weekends of trail education, trail building, trail riding, and fun. The weekend of March 31-April 1 will be at the legendary Tsali trail system outside of Bryson City, NC. The weekend of April 14-15 will be at Raccoon Mountain outside of Chattanooga, TN. The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew will join SORBA for these events. Each weekend will begin with a trail school that teaches participants the importance and how-to of building sustainable trails, followed by a session of trail building. Social activities are planned for each weekend. Camping is available Friday and Saturday night for both events. The second day will consist of trail building and trail riding.

Tsali is an existing trail system, known and loved by many mountain bikers. Tsali was an early model for sustainable trails, using the contours of the land for trail building. Partnering with the USDA Forest Service, who manages the Tsali trail system, the SORBA and IMBA crews will focus on maintenance and repairs at Tsali.

Raccoon Mountain is a new trail system built through a partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority. This is the first trail system that mountain bikers have built on TVA land. Part of the Chattanooga chapter's Singletrack Mind initiative, Raccoon Mountain will add up to 20 miles of trail for metro Chattanooga riders.

The purpose of these trail weekends is to educate trail builders, improve or complete the trails, spark local efforts, increase local awareness among user groups and the community, and to have a great time. These weekends are structured, yet relaxed. Participants will work hard, with a sustainable goal in mind, and have a great time doing it. "Trail building is hard work, but our volunteers enjoy doing it, because they get paid back with great trails to ride. And these weekends are meant to be fun. We'll have time to learn new skills, socialize, give out some prizes, have some fun, and work on worthy projects," says Walt Bready, SORBA's Event Coordinator. Contact Walt Bready at walt@sorba.org or 404-423-7257 for more information about these trail

The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association Receives Grant for Chicopee Woods
Mountain Bike Trail System

Gainesville, GA--The Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission, in cooperation with the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), will continue to improve the mountain bike trails at Chicopee Woods Mountain Bike Trail System with a $126,240 Recreational Trail Grant allocated to expand, improve, and connect mountain biking trails in the park.

Think "Green Space" in order to understand why the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has awarded the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission this grant, which will be matched with $32,000 in Park Commission and SORBA funds to expand, improve, and connect trails in the Park. The grant, funded through Recreational Trails Programs (RTP) and administrated by Georgia Department of Natural Resources, will allow the Commission and SORBA to expand the Chicopee Woods Trails from approximately 15 miles to 22 miles, to improve the existing trails and to connect to the upcoming Gainesville/Hall County Shared-Use Trail.

Included in the mileage is a new trail that will attempt to recreate the feel of the AG Center trail that was lost when Hall County Schools acquired the property from the Park Commission for Chicopee Elementary School. The trail additions and improvements will mean that all categories of
riders--novices, intermediates and advanced, will have new singletrack to ride.  The Park Commission had additionally allocated $60,000 to build a second parking lot for bikers. The lot was completed in October of 2006.

SORBA is a nonprofit organization that promotes mountain biking in the southeast through advocacy, education, and recreation. SORBA has over 2000 members and operates chapters throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. SORBA chapters build and maintain hundreds of miles of singletrack mountain bike trails throughout its service area.

TdG Course Maps The TdG course maps are up!

Paulding SORBA Interested in helping form or join the new SORBA Chapter in Paulding County? Click here.

Tour De Beer The second annual Tour de Beer is set for Saturday, February 24, from 7pm to 10 pm. This year's brewery location is the awesome SweetWater Brewing Company.

The Tour is a fun and fundraising function for GEORGIA BIKES! -- a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Sample an outstanding selection of fine beers. Participate in our famed raffle and, likely added this year, silent auction (Can you say "a new bike" from CycleWorks?). Take in some hors d'oeurves and a brewery tour. Listen and dance to the live music of The Commitaphobics.(Trish's Note: The bass player for the Committaphobics is a Cat. 4 with Team Cycleworks. He's fast on a bike and great on the bass! The CP's are one of my favorite Atlanta bands!)

Admission is $20.00 for Members, $30 for Non-Members, and $35 for combined Joining and Admission. *The first 100 folks pre-registering will each receive, upon arrival, a $20 gift card to Free-Flite. **The first 200 folks arriving at the door will receive an event commemorative pint glass.

To pre-register:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1415515

For event details:
http://www.georgiabikes.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=90

For directions and map:
http://www.sweetwaterbrew.com/about.asp?section=tours

2-5-2007  2007 Dick Lane Velodrome Schedule
Feb. 24 Velodrome Work Day:
Mar. 3 Velodrome Work Day:
Mar. 17-18 Women's Only Track Classr
May 12 Festival of Speed
May 12 Swap Meet
June 1-3 Junior Racing & Pursuit Challenge
June 30-July 1 Festival of Speed/Velodrome Championships
Sept. 15 Festival of Speed 
Adult Track Classes
Class 1: Apr 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3 @ 7:30pm
Class 2: May 10, 17, 24, 31 and Jun 7 @ 7:30pm
Class 3: Jun 14, 21, 28 and Jul 5, 12 @ 7:30pm
Class 4: Jul 19, 26 and Aug 2, 9, 16 @ 7:30pm
Advance Training: Mar 5th and every Monday @ 7:30pm
Wednesday Night Racing: Apr 4th to Sep 12th @ 7:30pm (except Jul 4)
Melissa's First Tuesdays: Apr 3, May 1, Jun 5, Jul 3, Aug 7, Sep 4
Separate racing for Women and old men (old men must be 40+ and cat 3/4)
Friday Night Sprints (TBA, Jun 1, TBA) @7:30
Bicycle Little League: Starts Mon May 7th and Thu May 10th 6:00 to 7:30pm
 

This has been added to the 2007 Calendar.

Columns Drive Update by Wendy GardinerT

CYCLISTS, COLUMNS DRIVE HOMEOWNERS SHARE SIMILAR CONCERNS, SOLUTIONS
February 1, 2007

Cyclists and Columns Drive homeowners gathered Thursday night at the Atlanta Country Club to come up with solutions for how runners, cyclists, walkers, and vehicular traffic can all get along on the increasingly-popular and oftentimes crowded Columns Drive.

A group of about 120 gathered to hear Commissioner Joe Thompson introduce the problems he has heard from residents along Columns Drive. He then split the group into two to do some brainstorming.

About 40 to 50 cyclists, runners, and triathletes went to another room and heard from a representative from the Department of Transportation the county's plans to build bike lanes from Lower Roswell (just off Johnson Ferry) to Azalea Park. Although the plan, which would take 2 years to complete, was well-received by the group, it was also pointed out that this road was not the forefront of the concerns.

The meeting was moderated by Dan Thornton, president and owner of Free-Flite Bicycles. So talks moved to improvement ideas such as: * Signage at parking lots on either end of Columns Drive stating cyclists'  rules of the road while on Columns Drive.
* Require cyclists to ride single-file only, instead of two abreast as the laws allow.
* Build restroom facilities in the parking lots since there were complaints of public urination.
* Educate the homeowners and cycling community on cyclists' rights and sharing the road with vehicles.
* Have a volunteer bike patrol where these people would monitor the actions of other cyclists and point out when they aren't following the rules of Columns Drive.
* Have cycling/running groups "adopt" Columns Drive and commit to keeping the road and multi-use lane clear of debris.
* Have the National Park Service change the directions to the park on their website to have visitors enter through the Paper Mill Road entrance, instead of going on Columns Drive to help reduce traffic.
* More police presence to enforce the 25 mph speed limit and the no-parking rule. (It was mentioned that landscaping trucks are frequently parked in the cycling lane).
* Build sidewalks for walkers so the multi-use lane would be for cyclists, skaters, wheelchair athletes. * Be courteous to drivers.

After about an hour of brainstorming, both groups merged to present  their ideas to each other. And surprisingly, there were many similarities. Here are some of the homeowners' suggestions:
* Educate cyclists on the rules of the road with handouts.
* Build a bike lane.
* Have signage outlining cycling rules on Columns Drive.
* Be courteous to drivers.
* Trim some of the hedges that block line of sight of people exiting their neighborhoods and/or driveways onto Columns Drive.
* Place speed humps on Columns.
* Place stop signs on Columns and enforce them.
* Build sidewalks for the walkers.

These are only a few of the suggestions mentioned. Committees representing both groups were formed, and they will meet the next two Mondays before the February 23 Cobb County Board of Commissioners votes on a "no-cruising ordinance" for Columns Drive. This ordinance would prohibit traffic from going past a particular point more than once (or twice) in an hour. I'll be attending the meeting next Monday and will provide updates then.

Paulding SORBA Some mountain bikers in Paulding County are trying to form a new SORBA Chapter. Who: Paulding Cycling / SORBA
What: Club Meeting
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings / Hiram
When: 2/27/2007 @ 6:30 PM

All are invited, and welcome to bring a friend. We would like your suggestions for an agenda. March is right around the corner and there are a lot of exciting things happening for this cycling club. We have a legitimate opportunity to become a bonafied SORBA chapter and are making great progress so far. I want to encourage you to e-mail me or Dave with anything you'd like to discuss so we can add it to the meeting agenda. We intend on inviting some folks from SORBA proper out for either the March or April meeting to discuss land access issues and chapter status. We are working with the representative for SORBA membership to collect the appropriate data to ensure we have the 15 members necessary to become eligible for chapter status.

DST Only 5 more weeks til Daylight Savings Time Starts! Whoo Hoo!

Winter Splinter Postponed The Winter Splinter Freeride Comp that was to be on Feb. 18th has been postponed. The organizers are hoping to host it in the fall. See www.hcor.net for the latest information.

Construction at Stone Mountain Construction Project at Stone Mountain Park

SMMA has selected a contractor to begin the installation of the pedestrian tunnel and culvert replacement at R.E. Lee / Old Hugh Howell Roads[the intersection across from the carving]. Starting on Monday, February 5th, the section of road between this intersection and the entrance into the Auto Museum will be closed until late April[it has to be finished before the Tour de Georgia]. All traffic, vehicle, bike, and pedestrian, will be routed around the triangle picnic area. Informational signs were posted the first week of January advising park guest of the impending work.
 

More GA Cup Website There is now a countdown to Albany on the GA Cup Website as well as a ton of other info.! Woo Hoo! Chapeau to Gentry and crew for bringing the series back!

2-7-2007 Welcome Sports Factory! Welcome Southeastern Cycling's newest supporter The Sports Factory. Are you looking for a coach for this season in triathlons, cycling, adventure racing, or other multisports? Check out their website for details! The Sports Factory also offers VO2Max, Anaerobic Threshold, and RMR testing. Chris (SE Cycling's other half) recently had his VO2Max tested there and really liked the experience.

The Georgia Single Speed Championships are a go! Registration is open at www.sportsbaseonline.com Full flyer and details on the registration site.

Short Track on Saturday March 10th
XC races on Sunday March 11th
Fort Yargo State Park Winder GA
Age based categories, clydesdale, open men and women for payout and marathon for the ultimate bragging rights. Even Fixed Gear for those crazy enough. Sunday the grill will be fired up so bring your food of choice and grill it up. We provide the heat you provide the food and grilling talents.

From Georgia Bikes:
1. TOUR DE BEER 2007
The 2nd annual "Tour de Beer" is set for Saturday, February 24, 7pm-10pm. This year's brewery location is SweetWater Brewing Company. The Tour is a fun and fundraising function for GEORGIA BIKES! Sample complimentary pints of microbrew. Participate in our famed raffle and, likely added this year, silent auction (Can you say "a new bike" from CycleWorks?). Take in some hors d'oeurves and a brewery tour. Listen, and dance if you want, to the live music of The Commitaphobics.

Admission is $20.00 for Members, $30 for Non-Members, and $35 for combined Joining and Admission. *The first 100 folks pre-registering will each receive one $20 Free-Flite Bicycles gift card. These cards will be held in reserve and distributed to those 100 as they check-in at the door. **The first 200 folks arriving at the door (either paying-on-site or pre-registered) will receive an event commemorative pint glass. After those 200, other arrivés will receive a brewery souvenir pint glass. For event details, see: http://www.georgiabikes.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=90
To pre-register, go to: http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1415515

3. GEORGIA RIDES TO THE CAPITOL 2007

In its second year, “Georgia Rides To The Capitol” is a free event where cyclists embark on police-escorted rides to the Capitol in order to raise support for improved conditions for bicycling in Georgia (and to get a free lunch... for the first 2,000 pre-registered riders). Cyclists will ride from Roswell, Marietta, and Decatur led respectively by Mayors Jere Wood, Bill Dunaway, and Bill Floyd. Other mayors, including Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, are expected to join too since the 66-city strong Metro Atlanta Mayors Association has endorsed the ride with a resolution supporting development of regionally-connected bicycling and pedestrian systems. Event organizers, GEORGIA BIKES! included, intend for the ride to also raise awareness of the benefits of bicycling as an important form of transportation; a good economic development and tourism tool; an excellent way to maintain health and fitness; and a great sport and family activity.


The event is Tuesday morning, March 6, during the state legislature’s 2007 session. Registration, exact start locations, start times, route details and advice, and other information will be posted on the event's website.

4. SHARE THE ROAD PLATES NUMBERED 3-99

The fourth bid period for the select, 3-99 numbered, SHARE THE ROAD plates ends March 31. If you want a low-numbered plate or have a favorite number between 3 and 99 that you might want on your license plate, please see: http://www.georgiabikes.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=86

This Weekend's WBL This weekend's event, The www.Jamaicacycling.com Pendergrass Special, is 80 miles (4 hours). Details are now posted. Attack Zone: The Pink Church Circuit Loop. (To cut 7 miles, skip the loop, watch the finish.) Sag: We need one for weekend. If you or your anamorata would like to volunteer, please respond to this email. You keep the Sag cash $. Vehicle, gas and free lifetime entry fee to WBL provided. (Remember to tip the Sag.)

Maps: Now available for your printing pleasure.
Points: Updated and available on site (scroll to bottom): www.winterbikeleague.com
Forecast: 50's and sunny.
Schedule: 2 to go.
--Carney, the misanthrope.

2-8-2007 More on East Wesley The ABC has another ride for East Wesley on Saturday.

Wired to Win

BREAKING NEWS: BRAG SNEAK PREVIEW OF TOUR DE FRANCE MOVIE

Come join your cycling friends at Fernbank Museum ’s IMAX Theater for a sneak preview of Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France, Friday, April 13, 2007.

Martinis & IMAX starts at 5:30 p.m. and continues until 10:00 p.m. with live music, full cash bar, and dinner/appetizer/dessert menus. The movie starts at 6:00 p.m. Mention the BRAG discount when you purchase your tickets and you will receive $3.00 off the regular ticket price of $11 adults/$10 seniors. Make it a Night at the Museum and take in the special exhibition Lizards & Snakes: Alive! after the film. Save $5 off a Value Pass when you add the exhibition to your film ticket and mention BRAG.

Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France is an action-filled, educational IMAX film that tells the stories of cyclists racing in the Tour de France. While revealing the amazing ability of the human brain to overcome adversity, to accomplish the near- impossible, and to power each of us to victory and success in life, the film explores how athletes process pain, sensory input, focus and attention. Ultimately, Wired to Win tells the true story of two riders in the legendary bike race – Australian Baden Cooke, and his French teammate, Jimmy Casper – as they attempt to compete in the grueling three-week-long event. Powering each of them, of course, is the source of universal ambition and ability – the human brain – presented here as a dynamic engine of possibility.

For more information and directions to Fernbank Museum of Natural History, log on to www.fernbankmus eum.org.

2-12-2007 Columns Dr.  From Mike Wien: Dear fellow cyclists,

I am writing you today as part of a group who is trying to come up with a way to make Columns Drive a better place for cyclists, runners and residents. As you probably know, the residents who live and drive on Columns Drive have been unhappy with many cyclists for a long time and recently tried to pass an ordinance that would effectively prohibit cyclists from riding in circles on this street.

Many cyclists attended a public hearing at a Cobb County Council meeting in January to try and stop this ordinance from being passed. That huge public outcry resulted in Commissioner Joe Thompson and the Chattahoochee Neighbors Association hosting a meeting to work out a compromise. The meeting and subsequent follow-up meetings have generated some very good will among the two groups as they worked to understand and address each others concerns. While negotiations are still taking place and will need to be approved by all parties, the cyclists are trying to be proactive and provide recommendations to help resolve most of the issues.

We would like to solicit your support for the following ideas:

We need to communicate to as many cyclists as we can reach on the various e-mail lists of the importance of common courtesy with motorists. So, no more one finger salutes, or swearing at drivers who make a mistake and do not yield to a bicycle.  We are recommending that signs be posted at both ends of columns drive reminding cyclists and runners to use good behavior.  We have agreed to encourage all riders and runners to go single file on Columns Drive – cyclists with traffic and runners against traffic. No more riding two or three or four abreast. We have recommended that we establish an ambassadors patrol of dedicated riders and runners who would be willing to wear a badge, pass out informational brochures to fellow cyclists and politely remind people about the rules of the road on Columns Drive if they appear to be breaking them.

For this to be successful, we need everyone who uses Columns Drive to immediately start being more courtesy to the neighbors. (Give them a smile and a wave like they do at DisneyWorld .) Second, we need people to start volunteering to be part of the ambassador patrol. While the details will need to be worked out and a training session developed, we need to start collecting names of potential volunteers now to start the process. If you would be interested in being a volunteer for the ambassador patrol on Columns Drive , please send me an e-mail with you name, phone number, e-mail address and times and days you normally ride on Columns Drive so I can make sure you are on the list. Please forward the form below to mike.wien@wien-associates.com

Yes, I would like to find out more about being a volunteer for the Columns Drive Ambassador Patrol.

Name, E-mail Address, Street Address, City, Phone Number, What days to you ride on Columns,
What times do you normally ride, Forward to mike.wien@wien-associates.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send me an e-mail.--Mike Wien

IMBA TCC To Chicopee The IMBA Trail Care Crew has announced they will be coming to Chicopee Woods in Gainesville, GA March 31-April 1. Their full schedule is here.

Tundra TT The Tundra TT is next weekend. I've been told there will be a ramp that riders will start from.

Cheerwine Women's Cat. 3 and 4 Series The Cheerwine Women's Cat. 3 and 4 Road Racing Series has been announced. More races may also be added.  Cheers to Cheerwine for sponsoring the series!

Cat. 4 Series: Races 1 & 2: ABC Criteriums, 1/27 and 2/3,,Races 3 & 4: Low Country Weekend, 4/21 and 4/22,,Race 5: Meadowmont Crit, 4/29, Races 6, 7 & 8: Dragon’s Challenge Omnium, 5/26-5/28 (all races), Race 9: Cape Fear Road Race, 6/9, Race 10: Lenoir Criterium, 6/23, Race 11: Hanes Park Criterium, 8/5, Race 12: Carolina Cup, 9/9,

Cat. 3 Series: Cape Fear Road Race, 6/9, Lenoir Criterium, tentative date 6/23, Carolina Cup, 9/9

2-13-2007 Bicyclist Killed in Augusta An interesting article.

Georgia Ride to the Capitol The Georgia Ride to the Capitol will be March 6th. Rides will be leaving from Marietta, Roswell, and Decatur. Wish I could be there this year, but I can't. Hopefully, I can be there with my camera.

WBL News This week's story, Imbibibations-Shireyfied, is now posted. The G.C. is updated and available on site (www.winterbikeleague.com). This week's Ride: The Georgia Cycle Sport End of the Year Blowout (2-17-07). Details to follow on Tuesday. A 70 - 80 mile adventure with, as always, risk of death involved. --The Briggs
 

WIN ZIP WHEELS!! Scott from Fixed Gear Fever sent this to me. It's completely legit. Scott is a long time Colorado trackie but will soon be relocating to the ATL....He is covering the Manchester round of the Track World Cup live and has this promo going with Zipp....

This just in! Zipp Wheel Give Away EXPANDED!

Zipp Wheels!
Zipp T-Shirts!
Six Day DVD!
Six Day Book!
You can enter more than one time! Enter Early! Enter Often!

The overwhelmingly popular random drawing for the pair of Zipp wheels entered by over 5000 contestants during the Los Angeles World Cup of Track Cycling and won by junior ride Hannah Hayduk out of T-town, will be repeated during the final stop in the series in Manchester, England! This time with an expanded list of fantastic prizes.

A single winner will be drawn to have their choice of the Zipp 808 Track Wheelset or Zipp 404 Clincher Road Wheelset, delivered directly to the doorstep of their home. In addition, there will be SIX winners chosen to receive Zipp Speed Weaponry T-shirts, one winner of The Six Day Bicycle Race Book, and one winner of The Six Day Bicycle Race DVD.

Don't miss a single minute of the hot action which will be covered LIVE trackside from February 23 - 25th in Manchester, the last big test for international track riders as the momentum builds for the Palma de Mallorca World Championship in early April.

Details on the random drawing contest are available here!

2-15-2007 You Gotta Watch This I love this video of a horse that decided to join a bike race a few years ago.

OTR Cycling Group Ride 2-11-2007

Columns More on Columns Dr...Here is an interesting point of view.

Wired to Win From Fernbank: (SWEET!) Thank you for contacting Fernbank Museum of Natural History to express your interest in the large-format film Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France. I wanted to share the good news with you – we’ve added this film to our schedule!

The film will open on Saturday, April 14 and will run through August 3, 2007. We are also adding a sneak preview on Friday, April 13 at 6 p.m. during Martinis & IMAX® for those who can’t wait to see it!

Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France is a larger-than-life, action-filled film that tells the true stories of cyclists Baden Cooke and Jimmy Casper as they compete in the grueling three-week-long Tour de France. While revealing the amazing ability of the human brain to overcome adversity, to accomplish the near-impossible, and to power each of us to victory and success in life, the film explores how athletes process pain, sensory input, focus and attention.

IMAX® tickets are $11 for adults, $10 for students/seniors, $9 for children 12 and under, and $6 for Museum Members. For tickets, call 404.929.6400. For more information, visit http://www.fernbankmuseum.org.

If you are interested in helping spread the word about this film, please contact me and I’ll be happy to provide you with flyers or other information. We appreciate your support! Sincerely,
Brandi Berry

24 Solo A new mtb movie is coming out soon chronicling the 24 Hour 2006 Race Season of Chris Eatough of the Trek-VW team. See the trailer here. There is some footage from the 24 Hour Solo World Championships in Conyers last year.

Register to Ride at Central Park  From SOFA: Written by Jon Eichner
Wednesday, February 14 2007 Effective March 1st 2007 everyone wishing to ride in the Freeride Area at Central Park will be required to register with Forsyth County. This includes everyone, XC Riders, BMXers, and casual bike riders." Registration is free.

Big Creek Work Party From RAMBO: RAMBO Work Party, 9:00 am-noon, Location: Big Creek Park
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: February 17th, 9am to about noon at Roswell Big Creek Park to build more benches and work on advanced trail features. As always at the BC... meet in the front parking lot, lunch will be furnished, bring your bike if you've enough strength for a ride after. Confirm trail and time by contacting our trailmaster at Trails@rambo-mtb.org

Columns update. From Eric Broadwell: After the last meeting of the home owners and cyclists and commissioner, it was apparent that the commissioner is set on passing some type of ordinance. Currently it is to restrict two abreast and only allow single file in the shoulder area and no riding on the vehicle lane left of the white line. I would encourage all to attend the council meeting when the vote is going to take place and I strongly encourage that if you live in Cobb County or pay taxes there you contact your commissioner and let him know you oppose any ordinance that restricts cycling on any road."

2-16-2007 Outspokin Looking for Road Racers Outspokin' Bike shop in Woodstock is forming a road cycling team. Whether you are just considering road racing or are an advanced racer we have the team for you. We are more than just a clever name, Outspokin' Bikes is a friendly shop staffed by cycling professionals who are dedicated to helping you achieve your individual goals. Team members will receive shop discounts on equipment and team kits. All categories and ages are welcome. Please contact Greg at gl30076@aol.com for additional information.
 

Last WBL! Start yo engines for the last event: Georgia Cycle Sport North-South Shootout (www.geargiacyclesport.com), a 3.5 hour grand gala. Details are now posted at www.winterbikeleague.com We go north, we come back south.

Attack Zone: Turn left off 334 onto Seagraves Mill Road. (Attack Zone opens when pack turns onto Seagraves Mill.) Go 4 miles, turn right on Nowhere Road. Go 3 miles to the Jackson County Line (line in road). 7 mile attack zone. There is only 1 sprint--the last one.

No store stop! Pee breaks? Yes. Plan accordingly! Read ride guidelines if you don't know what to bring. Sag: We need one. (May be sagless. If so, we will stop and wait on flatters.) Volunteers? You keep da cash. Prize: $100 bucks plus da box to da winner.

Overall:Dandy Prizes for Top 5. Podium shots of top 5 after ride. (Big Jon will sub in photo forr Tina Mayola-Pic.) Forecast: 50! We ride. If it starts to rain, we turn and hammer home, but it won't. Celebrities in attendance: Cleve Blackheart Blackwell, Murph, Erin Boots Winter, Canadian National Team, Jacob Fetty.  Attention: March 17: Tentative WBL ride scheduled if no races. Stay tuned for details.

Charlotte News  WINTER SHORT TRACK MTB SERIES
Big thanks to all who came out to the winter series. The event was a
huge success. Pictures and results are posted on www.charlottemtnbike.com

8th ANNUAL CSC WINTER TRAINING RIDE
This Saturday, February 17
Looks like its going to be cold but clear for CSC Winter Training Ride.
Stop by your local bike shop and check out the winter clothing sales.
We will have tons hot chocolate and coffee to keep you warm at the
start. The Bank of NC will be providing breakfast, for those who get there
early enough to eat.
The Ride:
New starting location: Harrisburg Town Park in Harrisburg
30, 55, and 70 mile options with loads of support and challenging
routes. Start time is 10:00AM. Great food after the ride. The event this
year will start at Harrisburg Town Park in Harrisburg, NC. For more info,
visit www.charlottesportscycling.com The event brochure with maps to
the start are posted on the Charlotte Sports Cycling website.

Greenville Spring Training Series
http://teamhincapie.com/

February 24th
Huge Trailwork Day at Lake Norman State Park – Monbo Trailhead
We are looking for a 100 volunteers on the 24th. Starbucks Coffee will
donate $10 a volunteer if we have five Starbucks employees and a 100
volunteers. The Tarheel Trailblazers are going to give each volunteer a
pair of limited edition Tarheel Trailblazers SockGuy Socks. Mark you
calendars and come out on the 24th. For directions or more info, check
out www.tarheeltrailblazers.com

Sunday, February 18
Join us for the 2007 Michelob Ultra Bike Ride in Myrtle Beach, SC on
Sunday, February 18, 2007! The event offers three ride choices: 10 mile,
31 mile, and metric century rides along flat terrain, offering ideal
base training for the upcoming season. This is a well organized, quality
event in its third year as a part of the Myrtle Beach Marathon weekend
events. The ride benefits Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs,
which serves people with autism and head and spinal cord injuries.
Registration is available online at
www.mbmarathon.com/events/Michelob_Ultra_bicycle_rides.htm.

Saturday, March 17
Brandon’s Birthday Ride
Porter High School
Indian Trail, NC
62, 40, 20 and 5 mile routes Start Time: 9:00
For more info, visit www.teambicyclesport.com or www.brandonelam.com

HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY
The Hickory Velo Club and Rock n Road Bicycles jointly announce the
start of the 2007 Training Rides Series at the Hickory Motor Speedway.
These training rides begin on Tuesday, January 16 and run each Tuesday
night, ending on March 6. The track's lights will on during the rides.
Operating hours are 5:30pm - 8:00pm. The cost is $10.00 per bicycle
rider or a Season Pass can be purchased for $64.00. Season Passes can be
purchased at Rock n Road Bicycles or at the race track on January 16.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please
email Steve Rowell at steve@rocknroadbicycles.com or call Rock n Road
Bicycle at (828) 324 9350. An update will be coming next week with
directions to the track and answers to any questions received. If you know
other cyclist that would be interested in this Training Ride Series,
please forward this email to them or post to any website or User
Groups/List like Yahoo.


Mark your calendars; the 7th Annual Crossroads Classic is going to be
six days long, possibly seven days July 31 through August 5. Also, the
series ending Sunday event in Winston-Salem will be a NRC event. We are
currently in negotiations with the Cities of Mocksville and Albemarle
for races. We are currently in the processing of securing sponsorship
for the event. If you are interested in sponsorship or know of a
company that is interested in sponsorship of the event, contact Neal Boyd at
nealboyd@charlottesportscycling.com


Team Cheerwine The Cheerwine Ladies Cycling Team had the presentation in NC last weekend. Read about it here.

2-19-2007 Ride Updates Ride Leaders and those submitting rides please be aware of these guidelines:

1. Send in the ride pace (average speed, training, race, moderate, recover, etc)., time the ride will leave, where it will leave from, directions, features of the ride (big ring 2 mile sprint up a hill, ride every hill in Buckhead, etc.), and the day it happens. Is this a daylight savings time only ride or just a winter ride? Is it affiliated with a bike shop, and/or who is the ride leader?

2. I only publish standing rides. What is a standing ride? A ride that goes off each and every week. It doesn't necessarily need a ride leader (ex. the Bellyache and Avondale Pizza ride are long time "pick up" rides).

3. I do not publish requests from individuals like "I'm riding Tuesday at 11:00 am from the Burger King in Virginia Highlands for an hour and want someone to come with me." I highly recommend using the local forums/message boards for rides such as this in your county or city. Sorry, I just don't have the time to publish all of these.

4. If possible, submit a map or cue sheet in either Excel, Word, or PDF format.

5. I accept both road and mountain bike rides.
 

I appreciate your cooperation. Ride listings are one of the most popular features of Southeastern Cycling. I can't keep them updated without the ride leader's help! If you have an update on your ride for 2007, please email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com. I will get the update on the site with 72 hours.

Another Note I work full time at my "real" job and train 12-18 hours a week. (No, this website does not pay my bills. I have a regular, "real" full time job.) Please give me up to 48 hours for a response via email. Most changes to Southeastern Cycling and submissions will be put up within 72 hours. If I'm at a race or out of town or just really busy with my life, it could be a bit longer. My husband does enjoy seeing me occasionally other than when we are riding our bikes.

Also, I do not answer questions regarding individual rides or races from riding. That's WHY I list information on this site, so that YOU can take the initiative and click on the link to the race or ride website and read the information about the event. I do not know what time the Cat. 5 race for Clydesdale Men 30-40  at the RideORama goes off. Please ask the promoter!

 To people out of town, NO! I am not a travel agency and cannot help you plan your vacation to Georgia! I recommend you contact your local travel agent. Please use the information and links on this site. The resources are there for you to plan your vacation!

I only cover local weekly rides and races, not charity events and centuries. The Southern Bicycle League has a great century calendar already, and there is no sense in duplicating it. Georgia Bikes! also has an extensive ride listing.

Emails from promoters, bike shops, local businesses, and ride leaders are always responded to ASAP, of course! :)
 

The 2007 Land Rover-Seimens Junior Development Team

Fixed Gear Fever/FREE ZIP WHEELS! Don't forget to register for the FREE ZIP WHEELS give away from fixedgearfever.com! Join them for their coverage of the Manchester, England World Cup Track races later this week. Also, look for the new SE Cycling banner at the bottom of the FGF webpage. You may need to refresh your browser once or twice.

What 35 women do when they get together and drink. Trish cross trains with the 20 pound vase on her head. Upper body strength comes in handy mountain biking.

2-27-20047 Final Columns Meeting TODAY!! From a Tim Carroll: Please remember Tuesday evening is the final Cobb Commission meeting concerning the restrictive ordinances on Columns Drive, which effectively takes away some of our access to the road. Please attend! We need a show of force to send a signal that we will not tolerate having our access to public roads taken away from us. Sure, you could have more listening to Scott Stapp CDs, watching a Ben Afflack and Jennifer Lopez movie, or having a root canal, however we need you to take this one night and support your fellow cyclists. We need to let the Cobb Commissioners that we are watching how they vote, and we will hold them responsible the next time they are up for election. (Emails phone and fax numbers follow, and there is time for all.)

If we let this restriction be adapted, which Georgia State law clearly states they cannot do without exclusive bike lanes in place, they will surely follow with more. While we all want to allow motorists to be able to pass us while cycling, which usually means dropping to single file for a moment, we do not want to lose two abreast riding which Georgia laws allows, or the right to take the lane to avoid obstacles or to get ready for a turn.

As it stands now many motorists believe that we are not allowed on the roadway. Starting to publicize that we have to be single file or in the bike lane in any area will surely lead to more motorists believing that we are not allowed to be on the road, and will surely lead to more unsafe conditions. How many times have you been buzzed by a car with somebody yelling "Get off the road," if not had something thrown at you. Now the terrorists,. .er motorists will feel more emboldened to continue with this behavior. Two cyclists were recently pulled over intown during a ride by the police with full lights and sirens. The officer informed them that they were not allowed to ride two abreast, took their IDs, and went back to his car to write tickets. Evidently somebody on the radio informed him that they could ride two abreast. The police were not even familiar with the law.

An enforced uniform code throughout the state, which currently does stand, is the safest for cyclists. We just need to educate the citizens and police on the law, enforce it along with other traffic laws, and us courtesy and common sense around motorists. A patchwork of different laws on various streets and counties will only lead to confusion, which will be taken out on cyclists.

Following is a letter sent out by Dennis Hoffarth of the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign. They are starting to get involved because they understand the importance of protecting our access to the roads. I support them in all they do to help us cyclists and urge you to read his letter and visit their website, http://www.atlantabike.org/, for more information on their organization.

Please get involved! Tuesday evening can be very important. The J-Lo movie can wait!

Tim Carroll
bikecobb.blogspot.com

------------------

Dear ABC Members,

This is to ask you to take further action regarding proposed restrictions on bicycling on Columns Drive in Cobb County. Commissioner Joe Thompson got an earful from cyclists and other Cobb residents when he proposed a "no cruising" ordinance for this popular bicycling road. He appears to have dropped that idea, and picked up other ideas for restricting bicycle use. The most restrictive of these is the requirement that bicyclists be restricted to use of the shoulder area, and NOT the main travel lane.

I recommend that the County focus on enforcing existing state law which already requires cyclists to keep as far to the right as practicable (meaning in the shoulder area) UNLESS there are good reasons to move to the left. The law allows, for instance, for cyclists to move left to make a left turn and to avoid obstacles in the roadway. The full reading of the law is:

Riding on roadways and bicycle paths (40-26-294)

a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when turning left or avoiding hazards to safe cycling, when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle, when traveling at the same speed as traffic, or while exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction, provided, however, that every person operating a bicycle away from the right side of the roadway shall exercise reasonable care and shall give due consideration to the other applicable rules of the road. As used in this subsection, the term “hazards to safe cycling” includes, but is not limited to, surface debris, rough pavement, drain grates which are parallel to the side of the roadway, parked or stopped vehicles, potentially opening car doors, or any other objects which threaten the safety of a person operating a bicycle.

There are good reasons for the law as it now stands, and rightly allows them to move out of the shoulder when staying in the shoulder would result in a collision course with a pedestrian - i.e. a hazard to safe cycling. Requiring cyclists to stay in the shoulder at ALL times as proposed in the County legislation would be contrary to safe cycling, so I hope we do not end up with a compromise on that.

Any local restrictions on bicycling that go beyond state law will set a dangerous precedent, sure to be adopted by other counties and cities in metro Atlanta that may choose to restrict bicycling rather that invest in better bicycle accommodations.

If you live in Cobb, please write to your County Commissioner and copy the other commissioners with your message. Ask them to table any legislation that further restricts bicycle use beyond state law.

If you have friends or relatives in Cobb, please ask them to write. Please see contact info and map below.

The issue is expected to be voted on at the next County Commission meeting on February 27 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the County Courthouse at 100 Cherokee Street in Marietta.

------------------

Samuel S. Olens
County Wide Commissioner/ Chairman
100 Cherokee Street
Marietta, GA 30090-9679
(770) 528-3300
(770) 528-2606 fax
solens@cobbcounty.org

Tim Lee
District 3 Commissioner
100 Cherokee Street
Marietta, GA 30090-9679
(770) 528-3318
(770) 528-2606 fax
tlee@cobbcounty.org

Joe L. Thompson
District 2 Commissioner
100 Cherokee Street
Marietta, GA 30090-9679
(770) 528-3316
(770) 528-2606 fax
jthompson@cobbcounty.org

Annette Kesting
District 4 Commissioner
100 Cherokee Street
Marietta, GA 30090-9679
(770) 528-3312
(770) 528-2606 fax
annette.kesting@cobbcounty.org

Helen Goreham
District 1 Commissioner
100 Cherokee Street
Marietta, GA 30090-9679
(770) 528-3313
(770) 528-2606 fax
hgoreham@cobbcounty.org
 30090-9679
 

 2-20-2007

T of C Val, Sid, Steph, and X....ROCK IT at the ToC!!

2-22-2007 Track Workday Don't forget that Saturday, February 24th and Saturday, March 3rd are "Clean-Up" days at the Dick Lane Velodrome. We'll be raking leaves and doing other housekeeping chores from 9 AM until 3 PM, and we need volunteers to help. No skill is required! Check the DLV website for directions and the rain-out date (if required).  We need YOUR help - please be there!

HEY GUYS-Women, Bikes, and Beer! Friday March 9, 2007 at 7pm, Park Bench Pub

Join Sorella Cycling, Atlanta's premier women's cycling club at the  Park Bench Pub, 256 E. Paces Ferry Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30305, to celebrate the return of spring and riding outside. (Daylight savings time starts Sunday.) Cover charge of $10 for beer, snack food and fabulous door prizes. Live entertainment by the Francisco Vidal Band for those who want to party through the night. Come help us welcome in the start of the cycling season! Bring your non cycling friends and
let them see just how much fun we cyclists can have! Helmets and Spandex not required. Party goes on regardless of rain or temperature. For more information, visit our website www.sorellacycling.com.

Roswell Ride From Bike Roswell: To All, The Roswell Thursday night ride will start Apr 5 at 6PM in April and move to 6:30 in May. Sunset on Apr 5 is 8:01 so please make good judgment when arriving at the Fire Station whether to add the extra 5 miles or turn right and head back to City Hall.

For details and map or profile go here: http://www.bikeroswell.com/thursdayride/index.html.

2-23-2007 Women's Only MTB Demo Get Out & Pedal with Cannondale at Big Creek Park in Roswell, Georgia! March 11th 10:00am to 3:00pm

Get Out & Pedal with Cannondale at Big Creek Park in Roswell, Georgia!
11 march 2007 :: 10:00am to 3:00pm Ladies' Road and Mountain Bike Demos
Free!
Bring to Demo
-helmet
-cycling shoes, or stiff soled shoes
-your own clipless pedals (if you have them)
-any pertinent measurements, including seat
height
Roswell Bicycles and RAMBO (Roswell/Alpharetta Mountain Bike Organization presents the “Get Out & Pedal Program for Women at Big Creek”

Who: Driven by Cannondale’s Tonya Bray, 6 year pro mountain biker, mba, mtbchick.com founder, USA cycling certified professional coach, 2002 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo Female Solo Division Champion, 2004 4th Super D National Championships, Cyclocross Racer and mentor…


What: Bicycle demos and Group Ride for women. Two trailers full of Mountain and Road Bikes for men and women will be available to test ride.
When: March 11, 10:00am to 3:00pm
Why: To educate women about cycling and to get more women on bikes
Where: Big Creek Park, (located ¼ mile North of Holcomb Bridge Rd (GA Hwy 92) and Old Alabama Road) in Roswell, GA.
For more information ::: http://www.cannondalecommunity.com/just-for-women/upcoming_events/
Directions to Demo: Directions From Atlanta. Take GA-400 North. Exit #7A Holcomb Bridge
At the second stop light Go North (turn left) on Old Alabama. Slow down when you see the entrance to Belcourt Apartments on the left. Turn left into gravel parking lot (look for Big Creek Park sign).

2-26-2007 I Need a Driver for the TdG! I am looking for a driver for the Tour De Georgia Wed.-Thursday and Sat. while I take photos--my car or yours! You need to be available to drive me to the start about an hour before the riders start and then on to the finish. An intermediate stop is also possible. We will finish within 2 hours of the stages end after I send in photos to who I am shooting for. I will be working, so please no guests or children. SE Cycling will pay a small, per day expense fee for each day you can drive me. Interested? Email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com.

Final WBL Report The Final Ride Report of WBL 2007, Float Like a Butterfly, But Sting Like Big Jon, is now posted for your viewing pleasure.

We're outta here. See you next year! Stay tuned for future announcements of WBL rides during the year. Briggs Carney King of the Cosmos

TdG In Danger?  From the Atlanta Business Chronicle: "The Tour de Georgia, one of the premier bicycle races in the country -- and a significant economic development initiative for the state -- is in danger of crashing.

Organizers say they have until March 2 to raise $800,000 and find a title sponsor for the mid-April event. If that goal is not met, Tour de Georgia Chairman Craig Lesser and his board will decide whether to "minimize expenses dramatically" or even ax the popular event altogether."

New Column! The Sport Factory will be doing a monthly column for Southeastern Cycling! Topics will include training, nutrition, bike fit, etc. Do you want to see an article about a particular subject? Drop me an email!
 

A Proper Bike Fit Makes A Faster Cyclist  "In order to get the most value out of your investment your bicycle should fit you like a glove. The three main considerations in fitting a cyclist are comfort, power production, and aerodynamics. You must choose a balance and
proportion of these three elements in order to achieve your optimal fit." Read the rest of the article here.

Women's Freeride Skills Clinic (WOMEN ONLY)  Freeride Skills Clinic @ Central Park Saturday, March 31st

Join Sorella Downhiller and Freerider, Kathryn Kim, for a Freeride Skills Clinic at Central Park in Forsyth County on March 31st, from 10am until 3pm. Basic dirt jumping skills will be covered in addition to other technical skills like riding berms, obstacles, drops, etc. In addition to learning new skills, the Brodie Bike demo fleet will be there for all to try some different types of bikes. Please bring any protective gear you might have. This would be a minimum of a good helmet and gloves, but would also include shin and elbow guards if you have them. For those with access to a full face helmet, bring it. Also, bring some tennis shoes or skate shoes if you have them in order to try out the demo bikes as they will probably be equipped with flat pedals.

Central Park has a fun freeride park offering differing levels of difficulty. It is off of Exit 17 of GA 400. If traveling north, take exit 17 and turn left at the end of the ramp. Then at the bottom of the hill, take a left into Central Park and follow the road straight back until you reach the end of the road. Park where you see some baseball fields/soccer fields and a small gazebo. The Freeride Park is straight ahead and visible from the parking lot.
 

Ft. Yargo Closed March 3 The trails at Ft. Yargo will be closed on Sat., March 3 until 2:00 for a running race.

Tour De Tuscaloosa Update "Wanted to let you know that we have made some changes to our event. We have added the Men’s Cat 1 to the 2/3 making it a 1/2/3 race and we have added the Women’s Cat 1 to the 2-4 making it a 1-4 race. Additionally for the Jr.’s we are breaking up the RR into 3 different groups. Jr.s 12 and under will race 1 lap ( 10 miles), 13-14 2 laps ( 20 miles) and 15-18 3 laps ( 30 miles).

When you have a chance if you could let everybody know that we have a New and Improved Tour de Tuscaloosa March 24/25 www.tourdetuscaloosa.com.“ come Cat. 1’s come all”"

Help an Engineering Student Help a senior college student with her senior project - A BIKE TRACK! "I'm the Georgia Tech student who spoke with you a couple weeks ago with
Charles McMillan about the Velodrome/Columns Drive. Thanks again for your
input then.

My group has created a questionnaire in hopes of getting input from the cycling community to help with the design. It can be found at the following link. If you could please forward this along to anyone who may be interested, it would be very much appreciated! It wouldn't take but a
minute to fill out.  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=293573357267

Thank you, and please feel free to contact me with questions/thoughts,
Alex Kennedy, alexkennedy@ gatech.edu
Georgia Tech '07 Civil Engineering

Trish's note: This is not a real track/velodrome! It is a GA Tech Engineering student project.

24 Hours of Pisgah Cancelled From Endroadventures: "It is with the opposing emotions of sadness and elation that Vicky and I make this announcement. After a tremendous amount of thought and discussion we have decided to suspend the promotion of the 24 Hours of Pisgah. We hope it meant to you what it meant to us to have an event like this one in the midst of all the more commercial ones. We wanted it to be an event about and for the racers, and we think it was. My most intimate friends have always told me that no matter what, one could always count on Ken to be Ken. Well in order to stay true to myself and my friends I must return to MY roots in cycling. Vicky and I want to become even more active with the Pisgah Area SORBA while spending more time riding, camping, fishing, and taking care of family. It is impossible to convey just how thankful we are to everyone who entered, sponsored, and volunteered at the 24 Hours of Pisgah.

Ken and Vicky Camp"

2-27-2007 GA Games Needs State Chair  The Georgia Games is looking for an individual to be State Chair for the cycling events (road race, criterium). I've directed these events in the past (most recently, last summer), but I will be in France this July so I can't do it.

This is a particularly good opportunity for a USCF Team, since you can use the GG events to satisfy USCF requirements to host an event.

Contact GA Games Executive Director Eric Pfeiffer (epfeifer@kennesaw.edu) or Operations Director Susan Doggett (GGOps1@kennesaw.edu) if you are interested, or you may contact me directly if you have questions about what is involved. Alan Gabrielli, agabriel@spsu.edu

Ft. Yargo Just a reminder that Ft. Yargo is closed 24 hours after a rain. Check http://www.yaba.homestead.com to see if the trail is open. You can also call the park office at 770-867-3489.