April 2008 Archive

4-1-2008 Ride Times  Remember, this week the in-town rides – Sandy Springs , Peachtree Battle and Chastain – move to a 06:30 PM ET start time. This will be the official start time for these rides until September, when we start scaling back again as the days shorten. Sandy Springs will remain “short option” until the “long option” starts on 04/29/08.

Also, effective this coming Saturday 04/05/08, Tucker will now start at 09:00 AM ET.

And, as always, the Sunday Ride starts at 09:00 AM ET on, you guessed it, Sundays, because the Sunday Ride changes for no one.

The Frazier Cycling Juniors raced at Tuscaloosa this past weekend.
 

Remember, this week the in-town rides – Sandy Springs , Peachtree Battle and Chastain – move to a 06:30 PM ET start time. This will be the official start time for these rides until September, when we start scaling back again as the days shorten. Sandy Springs will remain “short option” until the “long option” starts on 04/29/08.

Also, effective this coming Saturday 04/05/08, Tucker will now start at 09:00 AM ET.

And, as always, the Sunday Ride starts at 09:00 AM ET on, you guessed it, Sundays, because the Sunday Ride changes for no one.

Woodstock Greenway From SORBA Woodstock: The Greenprints Project is having a roadshow this week for the upcoming greenway project in Woodstock, GA. They will have overview maps and would like your feedback. In the masterplan is paved greenway (Silver Comet), crushed gravel (Sope Creek riverside trails), and off-road MTB (singletrack).

If you are in the area and can break away for these meetings, please visit. All open house meetings start at 7pm.

Here is the info from their website. More info at http://www.thegreenprintsproject.com

The Greenprints Project Roadshow

Please join us at one of the following Community Open Houses to review and discuss the DRAFT PLAN DOCUMENTS for the Project. Steering Committee members, City staff and Project Partners will be on hand to discuss the work that has gone into the Project to this point. Interested parties will have the ability to listen, learn, ask questions and provide feedback for incorporation into the Project.

Open House Schedule:
(All Open Houses begin at 7:00 PM)

Tuesday April 1. 2008
Deer Run at Towne Lake
Community Clubhouse

Wednesday April 2. 2008
Brookshire
Community Clubhouse

Thursday April 3. 2008
The Woodlands
Community Clubhouse

Arrowhead Sport Women's Podium1st: Rebecca Thomaszenski (Wake N Bake), 2nd: Trish Albert (Team Medplan), and 3rd: Nancy Fields. 

4-2-2008 Silver Comet I saw something Monday on the Silver Comet that really bugged me. I live near the Comet and do my recovery rides out there weekly. The wooden bridge that goes over the East-West Connector is blind from both sides. I saw two cyclists cut in the corner and nearly run over 2 children that were by their mother's side. Do NOT come flying around the corners on this bridge. No one can see you coming, and you can't see what is around the corner. Here is the view going towards Mavell Rd./South. You can't see around the corner. Please be careful! Slow down for a minute and avoid getting hurt.

4-4-2008 Meet Pua Sawiki From SORBA Pua Sawicki is coming to Atlanta and the Southeast to Race @ Cohutta 100, Dirt Sweat & Gears, &
maybe Granny Gears? She will be here to talk to rider's racier's and kids for SORBA. Come Check out one of her apperances:

April 9th 7pm @ Tony's Sports Bar Rambo's Monthly Meeting Night http://www.rambo-mtb.org
April 14th 6pm-til ? @ Blankets Creek Trailhead Woodstock Meeting Night Dinner & Ride With Pua http://www.outspokinbikes.com
April 15th 7pm @ Peachtree Bikes & Sorella Cycling Presents Pua in Buckhead http://www.sorellacycling.com

She will be also helping out on a Trips for Kids Program as well The week of Tour De Georgia as well. Stay tuned for more details. Please come by and say hello to Pua.

Baker's Dozen Race Postponed The Baker's Dozen race has been postponed until April 12th!

Two Cyclists Assaulted in Pickens County From Pickens Progress April 3rd edition
Three charged for assaulting cyclist

Two road cyclists met up with road raging drivers over the weekend in two separate incidents, according to local police reports.
The first incident occurred Saturday on Burnt Mountain Road when someone in a blue Mustang threw a beer bottle at a cyclist heading down the mountain. The victim was able to get a description of the vehicle and called authorities via a cell phone. Chief Deputy Allen Wigington with the sheriff's department said if the person who threw the beer bottle is identified he will face reckless conduct and
littering charges.
 

A second and more severe incident happened Sunday evening when three young men  yelled obscenities at a cyclist riding south on North Main Street just north of Main Stop  Market. According to Police Chief Harold Cantrell, a 30-year-old Jasper man was riding his
bike when three men traveling along the same road "hollered an obscenity at him and told him to get out of the road."
"They proceeded further up the road and turned in at the market and (the cyclist) turned in there and asked them what they said," Cantrell said. "They began to exchange  words and three guys got out of the truck and beat him with their fists." Cantrell said all three men, one 18-year-old and two 17-year-olds, were charged with battery. Cantrell asked that the names of the defendants not be released due to their
age. Cantrell said the victim was not injured badly and was not taken to the hospital. "I advise everyone to be cautious around bikers and motorcycles and remember they  have the same rights to the roadway as a vehicle does," Cantrell said. "Remember to wait
until it is safe to pass and then give plenty of room for the cyclist. Safety is our number  one concern."
 

Wigington said Pickens deputies receive "Share the Road" training as part of their  regular training. Although issues with bicycles are not something officers deal with  regularly, he said, it is something they take seriously" With the terrain and popularity of riding bicycles in North Georgia it's something the sheriff's department recognizes as an economic (tourist) benefit to the community and a point of pride," he said. "We tend to get more complaints from people who don't realize that cyclists have a legal right to ride on the road," Wigington said. "This especially comes up during the big  fall rides, like the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG)."

4-7-2008 Charlotte News Upcoming Cycling Events From Charlotte Sports Cycling

Saturday, April 12
Race to River
Come on down folks. Just over an hour South on I-77 from the Charlotte
area. A State Park with over 20 miles of single track awaits your
visit. On Saturday April 12 2008, the local bike shops of Columbia will
be hosting a XC MTB race for all ages and categories. This is the one
and only XC race of the season for the Columbia area. Come help support
the positive word of mountain bike riding in Columbia SC.
Race Flyer Link: http://cyclecenter.com/page.cfm?pageID=219/
Harbison State Park Link: http://www.state.sc.us/forest/refhartg.htm
***************
Saturday, April 19
THE 6 HOUR GRIND ON THE GREENWAY
Presented by SouthPark Cycles and www.BlackDogBikes.com

6 Hour Single Track Mountain Bike Race
Anne Close Springs Greenway will play host to a super exciting six hour
mountain bike race on April 19.
Don’t let the name “Greenway” fool you, the race at Anne Close
Springs Greenway is about 98% fast and
challenging singletrack. The event will be held from 11AM to 5PM. The
start and finish of the event will be
at the Field Trial Barn. Categories, registration and all other
pertinent info will be posted soon on
www.charlottemtnbike.com

Online registration is open! Visit
http://www.BikeReg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=6222
or www.activezach.com for online registration.

This event is being held in conjunction with the Earth Day celebrations
organized by the staff at Anne Springs
Close Greenway. We have a local Girl Scout Troop providing breakfast at
the event. We will have 12
different racing categories with great prizes and trophies going three
deep in all categories.
Duo Male
Duo Female
Duo Single Speed
Duo Coed
Solo Male Open
Solo Female Open
Solo Single Speed
Solo Female Novice
Solo Junior
Solo Male 19 - 34
Solo Male 35 - 44
Solo Male 45+

The local Girls Scouts of Ft Mill, SC will be providing breakfast and
coffee for the event. All they ask is for a small
donation to the Girl Scouts.
***************
Wednesday, April 23
2008 Charlotte Summer Series Kick-Off
The 2008 Charlotte Summer MTB Series will kick-off at Col Francis
Beatty Park. The park rotation for 2008 will be Col Francis Beatty,
Renaissance Park, N Meck Park/Fisher Farm and USNWC. One new exciting thing
for the series, we will visit Fisher Farm twice during the series. Two of
the N Meck races will be replaced with Fisher Farm. We are also going
to be change the Sport Category by adding one additional age group.
All info has been updated and posted on the web. Almost EVERY shop in
the Charlotte area is sponsoring the 2008 Charlotte Mountain Bike
Series. Bicycles East, Bicycle Sport, Bike Gallery, BikeLine, BikeSource,
Blood, Sweat and Gears, Cool Breeze Cyclery, The Cycle Path, First
Flight Bikes, iRide Cycles, REI, The Spirited Cyclists, SouthPark Cycles,
Sun and Ski Sports, Ultimate Bike, KONA, Hydrapak, Clif Bar, Giordana,
Endurance Magazine, Blackdogbikes.com Source Burn, Defeet, and more
Info will be posted at www.charlottemtnbike.com
***************
April 28 - May 4
USA CRITS SPEEDWEEK
http://www.usacrits.com/speedweek08/
***************
May 2 - 11
2008 BIKE! Charlotte - Set Your Life in Motion
http://www.charlottesportscycling.com/BikeCharlotte/BikeCharlotte.htm
BIKE! Charlotte is ten days of bicycle related events and promotions
used to encourage families, friends, and colleagues to breakout the bike
and use it as a means of transportation and recreation. The bicycle is
an efficient, non-polluting mode of transportation that is good for
your health and provides many free perks. The event features an agenda of
exciting activities for children and adults.

***************
Saturday, May 3
Giordana Dilworth Criterium presented by SouthPark Cycles - Charlotte,
NC
This year, the 35th Annual Dilworth Criterium will be part of the USA
Crit Speed Week and offer over $12k in CASH!
The event will once again feature the neighborhood beer race but this
year, it will be held on adult trikes.
Much more info will be posted soon!

The event brochure has been posted at:
www.charlottesportscycling.com/dilworth.htm
***************
Dirty Spokes 12/6 Hour Mountain Bike Endurance Races
2008 - Points Series - Georgia! The Series will consist of 3 races!
Register On-Line: Active.com (keyword = Dirty Spokes)
RACE DATES:
March 15th, 2008 - Heritage Park, Farmington, Ga.- 6 Hour Race ONLY
(1st Annual)
May 3rd, 2008 - Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, Ga. (DOUBLE POINTS RACE
- YES DOUBLE POINTS RACE!!!)
October 11th , 2008 - Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, Ga.
Over $25,000 in cash and prizes throughout the 3 race series!
Dirty Spokes Productions,LLC
Contact: tim@dirtyspokes.com
* For more race information check out: www.dirtyspokes.com
**************
Neal,
nealboyd@charlottesportscycling.com

Sunny King Crit Have some bicycle art  you want to enter in a contest? Try the one held in conjunction with the Sunny King Crit.
 

Women's Night at Atlanta Cycling Please join us for our every Tuesday “Women’s Only Ride” this Tuesday, April 8th and plan to stay for refreshments and a very informative and entertaining presentation by a member of Trek’s Women’s Specific Design staff. The ride begins at 6:30 and/or join us for the Trek WSD presentation at 7:30.

Article on Lee Farabaugh The Birmingham Weekly has an article on SEW founder Lee Farabaugh. SEW gets a mention. Way to go Lee!

4-8-2008 Bummer I took my mountain bike up to Boneshaker Bicycles late last week to have a minor derailleur adjustment done. They  noticed that my Thudbuster's bushing was coming out. That avoided what could have been a mechanical during a ride or race. Thanks, Randy and Hamlet! I called Cane Creek today, and they are going to look at it as it may have been a manufacturing problem. In the meantime, I mounted a gorgeous Thomson Masterpiece seatpost on my bike. My back, however, will miss my squishy seatpost during this weekend's race in Columbus.

Gainesville GC In The News Here are a few articles about the Gainesville GA Cup.

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/4738/
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=208745
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/4740/

I have NO CLUE who took this picture. Supposedly, it's from this weekend's Gainesville crit. Look at the guy with the backwards helmet. (2nd from the right). I thought it was hilarious and too good not to put up! If this is your photo, email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com, so you can get the proper and hilarious credit. If this is you in the backwards helmet, you may wish to ask your teammates or Style Man for some fashion advice.

Bull Mountain Public Open House DAHLONEGA, Ga., March 24, 2008 - The U.S. Forest Service is holding an open house for anyone interested in the hiking, biking, and equestrian trails in the Jake and Bull Mountain area on the Chattahoochee National Forest. Jake and Bull Mountain trails are located in western Lumpkin County, less than ten miles from downtown Dahlonega. Anyone interested in the future management of these trails is invited to attend and discuss their recreational experiences in this area of the national forest.

The Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System provides approximately 35 miles of recreational riding for equestrians, bicyclists and hikers. The Jake Mountain Trail System and Bull Mountain Trail System connect to form a complex system of scenic trails within a four square mile area of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The trail system has experienced a tremendous increase in use over the past several years. Unfortunately, its popularity has led to accelerated maintenance needs and user conflicts.

"This two-hour public open house is intended to provide an opportunity for trail users, local landowners and surrounding community members to discuss their experiences, concerns and desires for future trail maintenance and management of this area," said Alison Koopman, District Recreation Supervisor.

"The goal is to identify these issues now, so, together we can improve the trails for the future," said Koopman.

The public open house is scheduled for Thursday, April 17 in the Heritage Room Main at the Lumpkin County Community Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Community Center is located at 365 Riley Road in Dahlonega, Georgia. Individuals interested in attending this meeting should pre-register by contacting the project leader, Alison Koopman, at the Blue Ridge Ranger District Office. Koopman may be reached by calling (706) 745-6928, ext. 118, or by email to Alison Koopman.

Everyone needs a break from the hard work of officiating all weekend at Gainesville. Mmmmm...ice cream! Photo by Jennifer Hollified, N2 Racing.

4-9-2008 Acworth Bike Rodeo Press Release: The Acworth Police North Cobb High School Law Enforcement Explorers and Target are presenting a Bike Safety Rodeo on Saturday May 3rd from 10am until 2pm in the Acworth Target parking lot located at 3378 Cobb Parkway.

The rodeo is comprised of several stations and scenarios where young riders will have the opportunity to test their skills and receive instruction on proper and safe bicycle maneuvers. Participants should bring their own bikes and helmets to participate in the road course. Prizes and drawings will be awarded throughout the day!

 

One of the fields at the Gainesville Crit. Photo by Jennifer Hollified, N2 Racing.

4-10-2008 Ride with Pua From Cartecay Bikes: Ellijay, GA. Sunday, April 13, 2007 @ 11:00 a – Ellijay Mountain Bike Club & Mulberry Gap welcome world class mountain biker, Monique “Pau” Sawicki to the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia. Originally from Hawaii, "Pua" started racing in college as a cross country runner. Eventually she found herself deep into triathlons and road racing. After qualifying for the Ironman World Championships she moved to California. Monique met her husband on a mountain bike ride and the two of them became training partners. They started adventure racing together and finally moved into mountain bike racing this past year. For more details and photos check out her website at www.teammatta.com.

Bike ride will begin at 11a from Mulberry Gap Trail to Gates Chapel on to Bear Creek and the overlook. From there back to the Pinhoti and finally back to Mulberry Gap for dinner. If you are interested in some incredible hot food, contact Dianne @ 706-698-2865 or via email DBKepley@aol.com. Dinner will be available for only those who have RSVP’d by 4/11.

Beginner MTB Skills Clinic From Pauling SORBA: Paulding Sorba will be hosting a Beginner MTB ride/Skills Clinic this Sat. April 12th @ 9am @ the HIRAM Silver Comet Trailhead. Skills clinic will be at the trailhead and ride will be on the Silver Comet Side Trail. Ride as long as you would like and return via SilverComet Trail. Look for the white tent near the Kiosk. NO RIDE IF RAINING!
Come check out what Paulding has to offer!

SEW Update About Chattanooga Trish's note: The point standings have also been updated. From SEW:

SEW Cycling regrets to inform the women racers of the Southeast that this weekend's races in Chattanooga will be unable to meet the criteria for the SEW series. Specifically, the cat 3/4 and cat1/2/3 crits are scheduled back-to-back, instead of allowing for an hour between races, making racing two crits difficult. In addition, the women's 1/2/3 crit is the second crit of the day, not just before the men's 1/2/3 crit. The scheduling is at the discretion of the promoters and this close to the race weekend, cannot be changed. We apologize to cat 3 women who were planning on racing both crits and also to the cat 1/2/3 women that they will not be featured prominently in the day's racing schedule. We appreciate everyone's understanding and assure the women of the Southeast that the remaining races on the SEW calendar will fulfill the criteria.

Promoters work very hard to put on quality races and do the best they can to meet the needs of all racers. They appreciate your feedback—if you are unhappy with the scheduling, please let them know so that they so that they will consider this in the future. More importantly, please let them know when they're doing something you like—a simple word of "thanks" means a lot and helps insure that your favorite races remain on the schedule for years to come.

GA Cup Chattanooga will remain part of the SEW series—women racing this weekend will still earn series points and be eligible for additional prizes and primes that are offered to all participants racing in SEW events. We hope that you will support the GA Cup race this weekend and look forward to your continued participation in SEW events.

Bike Pub Crawl in Smyrna www.atrailofwheels.com
Offering bicycle sales, service, and rentals near the famous Silver Comet Trail! Is proud to present Bicycle Pub Crawl A 2.4 mile opportunity to visit local pubs and ride your bicycle at the same time!We will be visiting: The Vinings Grill
McCray’s West Village Tavern
Blue Moon Pizza
Specials available at each pub!
Thursday, April 17th 6:30pm at Vinings Grill 4480 S. Cobb Dr., Smyrna GA 30080 Travel between the bars via The Silver Comet Trail
All riding levels welcome – It’s about the fun! Bike need repair first? – let us fix it! Don’t worry if you don’t have a bike – rent one from us!
Helmets, Bicycle lights and locks recommended!

4480 S. Cobb Dr., Ste. P Smyrna, GA 30080 At the corner of S. Cobb Dr. and E/W Connector In the Publix Shopping Center

4-11-2008 Injured Zebra Poor injured Zebra! He was found along I-75 and has been taken in by an animal rescue. Ya'll know seeing injured horses and other equines makes me upset.

Sunny King News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


SUNNY KING CRITERIUM TO BE INCLUDED ON LANCE ARMSTRONG JUNIOR OLYMPIC ROAD SERIES, WELCOMES JEFF ROAKE AND FRANKIE ANDREU, ANNOUNCES GOAL FOR DONATION TO CHARITY

ANNISTON, AL—The Sunny King Criterium, a USA Cycling NRC event on Saturday, May 3, announced today that it will be participating in the Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Road Series. The LAJORS program promotes quality junior and espoir age bicycle racing while providing opportunities for the success and advancement of developing riders. The program will increase the quantity and quality of USA Cycling licensed junior and espoir riders in the United States, creating a larger pool of talented athletes from which to draw National Team athletes. The program is part of a USA Cycling “athlete pipeline”. This “pipeline” provides a clear path for riders to follow from beginning racing experiences through training camps to National Teams.

LAJORS races begin at 11:00am Central Time and are followed by USCF races throughout the day. The final two races will be Pro 1-2 Women and Pro-1 Men, racing under the streetlights of downtown. Jeff Roake, a familiar voice at races such as the Tour of California and Tour de Georgia, will be the lead announcer for the amateur and pro races. Frankie Andreu will be another special guest for the weekend, joining Roake on stage during the Pro Women and Men’s races. Andreu will also participate in the Cheaha Challenge recreational ride the next day, helping to raise money for the Chief Ladiga Rail Trail. The Cheaha Challenge attracts almost 1000 riders from more than 25 states and has donated more than $20,000 to the trail. The Chief Ladiga Trail recently connected to Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail, creating a 100 mile paved path from Anniston, Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia.

The Sunny King Criterium benefits Relay for Life, a local American Cancer Society fund raiser. Race entry fees from amateur and pro riders are donated to this charity each year, thus determining the level of donation. The goal for 2008 was announced today at $10,000. More than $30,000 has been donated since 2005. More information: www.sunnykingcriterium.com and www.cheahachallenge.com.


4-14-2008  Rock Racing Cries Oh, poor Rock Racing. They are crying and suing in Fulton County Court to get into the Tour De Georgia. Maybe they want some cheese with their whine.

SORBA 10K Day Help raise $10,000 for SORBA Woodstock! From Free Flite: A fundraising event to raise money and awareness for mountain bike trials. This event is hosted by Free-Flite Bicycles and all proceeds benefit SORBA-Woodstock Chapter. The goal is to raise $10K. Gary Fisher SORBA Fundraiser - May 17, 2007

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Gary Fisher SORBA Fundraiser - May 17, Free-Flite Bicycles - Marietta, 949 Canton Road, 770-422-5237

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Swap/Meet
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Silent Auction
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Gary Fisher
autograph session
Free stuff for the 1st 100 at the door
Raffles, Free Food & Refreshments
Cycling Advocacy Groups

Yep! I Won! It's been a while since I won a mountain bike race, but today I won the Sport Women's division at the GSC race in Columbus, GA at Flat Rock Park. I had a great race. Nancy and Teresa were on my tail the entire time and really made me push myself. Thanks to Gone Riding and the Columbus Cycling Club for a great race!

Trish Wins (Team Medplan)! Columbus GSC Race, Sport Women. 2nd place: Nancy Fields, 3rd: Teresa Fox (Columbus Cycling Club/not pictured)
 

4-15-2008 Marco Polo Team in SC Walnut Grove RR rolls out the red Carpet for GE Trek Marco Polo Team in SC.

TdG Radio Frequencies Here is a list of the TdG Radio Frequencies. A note from Todd Fryburger: For those of you who have interest, attached is the official list of radio frequencies and squelch tones that will be used by the 2008 Tour de Georgia. Anyone who has a scanner radio that covers these frequencies should be able to pick-up the race action within a radius of about 40 miles of the peloton (we actually received them about 80 miles away last year from atop Brasstown Bald). The TdG uses a “repeater” mounted in an airplane which circles overhead to re-transmit the signal from the caravan to the finish, giving them extended range. The “simplex” channels are those used by the individual radios – the “repeater” channels are those which are re-broadcast via the airplane-based relay. Suggest that you may wish to primarily use the “repeater” channels, as you will need to be within close range (10 – 15 miles) to receive the “simplex” channels. The squelch tones do not have to be used, but they are useful to screen out non-TdG transmissions and other background noise.

4-16-2008 Wolf Laurel, NC Down Hill News From an email I received:

26 West Bike Park will Open June 1st. The park will only be open
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with lift tickets under $25 for the
first season of operation. There are 6 new trails being cut right
now. Expect to see trails from easy to advance as they need to cater
to all riders. Trails are being cut on the new side of the mountain
on about 400 acres of land with longer decents than the old race
trails we had back in the day on the main side of the mountain. What
to expect to see on some of the new trails, FreeRide Stunts, "Rocks",
and a Jump Line. He is thinking trail runs can be as long as anywhere
from 4mins+ to 7mins+. DJ's will also be made for those wanting to
play on them. Ryan plans to have 2 late of the year Races also and
dates will be posted later. There will be some volunteer work days
that will be posted later as well and those that come out to help
will receive 1 day lift tickets.

Ryan has been working for a long time to make this happen for us here
in the South East and is very happy to see all his hard work starting


to pay off. So if you want to see this bike park grow over the next
few years into something really big for us, please plan to help
support it grow and go ride there!!!!

Break Out Your Designer Jeans! Looks like Saunier Duval has pulled out of the TdG. Rock is in. Pull out those designer jeans!

4-18-2008 Live TdG Coverage The Daily Peloton is reporting that there will be live internet "television" coverage of the TdG.  See LIVE coverage of the TdG here.

TdG Yes! I will be at the Tour De Georgia Wednesday-Sunday. I'll have daily photo updates on Southeastern Cycling. Now that I actually have a laptop, it will be much easier.

4-21-2008 Seasons Movie Premier May 12 2008 - 8:00pm
Sweetwater Brewery Hit up http://thecollectivefilm.com/  for a teaser and details of the film.

The Collective is coming to town to preview their newest film, "Seasons". This should be one of the best mountain bike movies you've ever seen, and it's at Sweetwater so there's really no reason not to go! Doors at 8, movie at 9.

Tickets $15 at LBSs or online at www.xorbia.com/seasons, or $20 at the door. This includes:

* Free Beer All Night
* Live Music by Greg Mike
* $800+ of prizes and giveaways
* Watchin the movie. duh. (It's a 25 foot outdoor HD screen)

 

 

Sope Creek Work Party Sope Creek Trail Maintenance Saturday April 19th Please join us from 9 a.m .to 1 p.m. at the Paper Mill Road parking lot for a work party at the Sope Creek Mountain Bike Trails. Tools will be provided. Please bring work gloves and water.

Yo Hillbilly! Happy 50th birthday, you old NC Hillbilly!!!

Bike Demo at Blanket's Creek Sunday April 20th Free-Flite Bicycles will have their demo bikes at the Blankets Creek Trail Head for free demo test rides. We will be there from 9am to 3pm. Stop by and check out the 08 Trek and Gary Fisher bikes. 2008 TREK EX 8,
2008 Fisher HiFi Deluxe, 2008 Fisher HiFi Deluxe 29er
 

4-22-2008 Behind If I fall behind a bit the next 2-3 weeks, bear with me. As many of you know, I'm losing my job June 30th when my company is outsourcing my job function. I'm busy trying to deal with that as well as my daily work at my job, training, etc. I'm also shooting the TdG, the Anniston crit, and have some noncycling personal obligations in three weeks. I promise to catch up in a few weeks! :) I plan to work on the calendar at the top of the page in the next week and update it through June. I also appreciate some of the corrections people have sent me over the last few weeks! I need eyes to double check me sometimes.

SEW Standings Updated The SEW standings have been updated.

TdG  Don't forget to head to www.velonews.com, www.cyclingnews.com, and www.tourdegeorgia.com for complete TdG coverage!

Bicycle Beltline Tour The AJC has an article on last weekend's Bicycle Beltline Tour.

Sunny King and Roswell Crits Just a reminder that the Sunny King NRC and Roswell HRC NRC races are in just a week and a half! I'll be at Anniston as the official photographer. Both races provide great courses, lots of spectators, and great racing!

Pepper Place Crit Wow! Equal payouts for the men and women. Yes, the Pepper Place crit is back! Check out the new website at http://www.pepperplacecriterium.com/.

Cohutta 35/65/100 Photos My Cohutta photos are up. Thanks to Barb and Perry at New Leaf Adventures for a great race!

4-23-2008 TdG TTT News/Parking This was forwarded from a friend:

http://www.mainstreetnews.com/2008/04:16:08/BE0416A.html

Tour de Georgia coming to Braselton next week

Road Atlanta to host team time trial event April 24
BY KERRI TESTEMENT
Braselton’s Road Atlanta will be a host site for one of the state’s largest sporting events next week — the Tour de Georgia.
Now in its sixth year, the Tour de Georgia is a seven-day professional cycling event that will span more than 650 miles through the state. Twelve communities have been selected as host venues. The tour starts on Monday, April 21, in Tybee Island, and ends on Sunday, April 27, in Atlanta. On Thursday, April 24, stage four of the tour will be featured at Road Atlanta, where the team time trial event will be held at the Braselton racetrack. The team time trial competition is a new stage for the Tour de Georgia. Tour de Georgia officials expect 15 teams to compete in this year’s event. Each team includes eight professional cyclists. The teams include a number of international athletes. The Tour de Georgia is considered the premier cycling event in the United States before July’s Tour de France. “The introduction of the team time trial is new, it’s exciting for the fans,” said Will Frischkorn, winner of the “Most Aggressive Rider” at the 2006 Tour de Georgia. “Most people haven’t seen this kind of event, and it’ll add an interesting different dynamic to the race.” Cyclists will complete four laps counterclockwise at the 2.5-mile, 12-turn track at Road Atlanta. The team time trial will start at 1 p.m. and is expected to end at 4 p.m.
Earl Fannin, vice president of media and marketing at Road Atlanta, said spectators are welcomed to bring their own bikes to the event. Road Atlanta will allow spectators to ride their bikes on the in-field at the racetrack.

The Tour de Georgia is free for spectators. Parking at Road Atlanta will be $8 for in-field parking and free for parking outside the racetrack, Fannin said.

Road Atlanta will open its gates at 8 a.m. The N2 Cure Adult Charity Ride will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies will start at 12:45 p.m. Concessions and vendors will also be featured. The N2 a Cure Kids’ Rodeo will be held from 1-5 p.m., and will include bike handling and safety checks. The entry fee is $10 for all ages. For more information, visit www.N2Racing.com. Fannin said the Georgia State Patrol will assist with traffic around Road Atlanta on Ga. Hwy. 53. More than 515,000 spectators watched the tour last year, and almost 4,000 volunteers assisted in the event. The tour will also stop in Gainesville on Wednesday, April 23, and begin in Suwanee on Friday, April 25. The Tour de Georgia will benefit the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Bike Commuting  11 Alive has a great story on a bike commuter.

Meet Gary Fisher! Free Flite Bicycles will have a fundraiser on May 17th for SORBA Woodstock. Details are here. http://freeflite.com/page.cfm?PageID=674

The media room....working hard to bring you coverage of the TdG. There was 4 times this many people after the race.

4-24-2008 Sopo Article The AJC had an article on SOPO earlier in the week .

Stage 3 Winners: 2nd Andre Greipel (High Road), 1st: Greg Henderson (High Road), and 3rd Tyler Farrar (Slipstream)

Rory Sutherland (Healthnet p/b Maxxis) took a solo flyer with one circuit lap to go.

Bad Crash at the TdG There was a bad crash at Stage 3 of the TdG. CN and Velonews have the details. Here are the pictures. Look at the bike in the second one. Notice where the top tube is.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/newsphotos.php?id=/photos/2008/news/apr08/apr24newsc/JD_08TDGstg3_crash1 http://www.cyclingnews.com/newsphotos.php?id=/photos/2008/news/apr08/apr24newsc/JD_08TDGstg3_crash2 http://www.cyclingnews.com/newsphotos.php?id=/photos/2008/news/apr08/apr24newsc/JD_08TDGstg3_crash3

Kennesaw/Allatoona Ride The Kennesaw/Allatoona ride will move to 8:00 am until the fall starting on Saturday.

Findlay Roofing Criterium The Findlay Roofing Criterium p/b Team Cycleworks has the flyer up. Ladies--this is part of the SEW series. The Cycleworks team loves the women racers and all of the efforts we put in for training and racing. Please support the race!

Lift-Assist Mountain Biking Arrives in the Southeast
26 West Mountain Bike Park Prepares for Summer and Fall Operations

The Southeast's only lift-assist mountain bike park will open May 30th, 2008.� Only 30 minutes north of Asheville, NC, 26 West Mountain Bike Park is located at Breakaway Village in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering terrain for all levels of riders.


The park will debut with the upper 7 trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, as well as a dedicated freeride area. An additional 3 trails are under construction and are scheduled to be open later in the year. For 2009, 26 West Mountain Bike Park will continue to expand the freeride area and build more beginner, intermediate and advanced level trails.

For second year, Breakaway Village will host the North Carolina State Downhill Mountain Biking Championships. Race dates will be available by May 30th. The mountain bike park compliments Breakaway Village, which offers lodging, as well as the whitewater rafting, hiking, fly-fishing and horseback riding, which are already available at Breakaway. For more information contact (828) 689-2020 or 26west@breakawaync.com. www.breakawaync.com.


Levi Leipheimer drives Team Astana during Stage 5 of the Tour De Georgia.


4-25-2008 Stage 4 Photos My stage 4 photos of the Tour De Georiga are up on my Smugmug Site.

Nalley Crit Looking for Volunteers The Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium is in need of your help this year. We are looking for friends and supporters of cycling to volunteer at our event, they will be provided with a free t-shirt, hat, water and lunch coupon
www.nalleyhrc.com Sunday, May 4th
Course setup – 7am – 11am
Course Marshalling shift 1 – 11:00am – 2:30pm
Course Marshalling shift 2 – 2:30pm – 6:00pm
Course Marshalling shift 3 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Course marshals should bring a chair, non-alc drink and suntan lotion (we hope).  If folks can help with one of the above time slots, that would be great. We could really use the help this year. Please contact Bruce - BB6889@att.com if you can volunteer some time to
a great annual cycling event! Much Thanks! Stephen Carhart, www.CarhartFitness.com

Jittery Joes rounds a corner at Road Atlanta.

David Zabriskie leads Slipstream-Chipotle in the TTT during Stage 5 of the Tour De Georgia.

Nimblewill Mountain Bike Festival POSTPONED SORBA has postponed the Nimblewill Mountain Bike Festival that was supposed to happen next weekend. Details are here.

4-26-2008 Stage 5 Photos It's been a long day, and the wireless connection at the hotel is flaky. Only some photos tonight. Don't forget that if you have emailed me this week, I'm behind answering! It was great seeing so many Southeastern Cycling readers in Dahlonega at Stage 5. Look for me on Saturday on the top of Brasstown Bald!

 

A Team Type 1 Rider takes the first KOM atop Burnt Mountain on Stage 5.

 

 

Richard England (Bissell) celebrates his Stage 5 victory.

Tim Johnson, the Most Aggressive rider into Dahlonega, loves the kisses from the podium girls.

SS Championships Date Announced The 2008 Georgia Single Speed Championships with be held on September 6-7 at Arrowhead Park in Macon Georgia. Middle Georgia SORBA chapter OMBA will be hosting the race this year, race director is unchanged. TT and STXC on Saturday and XC on Sunday. Custom State jerseys will be given in every class on for the XC race on Sunday. Who wants one?

www.gsschamp.com 

Twilight Info. I got this a bit late and could not get online last night:

For the 29th time, the Twilight Criterium will fill downtown Athens, GA with competitive and entertaining cycling, excited spectators and family-friendly fun

Atlanta, GA (April 25, 2008) – Thirty thousand fans are expected to keep their annual date with the Twilight Criterium in downtown Athens, April 25-26. These loyal spectators will also get Speed Week and the 2008 USA CRITS National Series off to a great start in the Southeast with the help of R.E.M’s new CD, Accelerate. R.E.M. Accelerate is sponsoring prizes for the winners of the first lap of the men’s and women’s pro races, when the most acceleration is likely to take place.

The uniquely urban sport of criterium racing is fast, furious, and exciting to watch, as riders race their bicycles down city streets, across intersections and around tight corners on a challenging course. After 29 years of sporting entertainment, the Twilight’s reputation as the premier criterium attracts some of the best professional teams and racers from the USA and other parts of the world. 2007 Men’s Pro winner Mark Hekman of TOSHIBA-Santo and Women’s Pro winner Katharine Carroll of Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings are expected to be at the starting line on April 26, hoping to repeat last year’s successes. Hekman says he is expecting stiff competition this year, especially from his TOSHIBA-Santo teammate Frank Travieso. “I’m also on the lookout for Emile Abraham, but there are lots of other strong riders and teams to battle,” Hekman adds.

Back in 1989, the Twilight became the first handcycle criterium in the USA and, as a result, the Twilight has symbolized inclusivity—a place where disabled and able-bodied athletes can compete in separate races or side by side. It’s no surprise then that, this year, the Twilight will be a premier event in the U.S. Handcycling Series. Ian Lawless, Executive Director of U.S. Handcycling is eager to explain why. “This is a very important year for us. We’re excited that handcycling racing has returned to the Twilight, because it is a great proving ground for several Paralympic hopefuls.” Monique Van der Vorst of the Netherlands will be among those competing for a title at the Twilight. She is the current women’s world handcycling champion and a leading contender to win gold at the Paralympic Games in Beijing, China this year. California’s Oscar “Oz” Sanchez and Florida’s Scott McNeice will join the men’s handcycling field for the Twilight. Their match-up is a likely precursor to their battle for a place on the US Paralympic team heading to China.

Criterium racers and fans are as diverse as they are loyal to the Twilight experience, so event organizer Swagger, stages several races, a jazz festival, an expo and other entertaining experiences that create a fun-filled atmosphere not just on race day but for an entire weekend. Swagger’s Gene Dixon, who is also one of the Twilight’s founders, says, “This event is like no other criterium, because it’s the granddaddy of them all.” The Twilight experience is also something of an unofficial homecoming for alumni of the University of Georgia, so tens of thousands return to Athens every year to enjoy happy reunions and watch the cyclists compete at breakneck speed on and around the famous College Avenue that abuts UGA.

Swagger’s Ravi Rajcoomar says the Twilight is not just for professional riders or adults. As in past years, the Twilight schedule has something for everyone, including kids who can learn about bike and helmet safety before they get a chance to race. “We also encourage as many people as possible to take part in the Gambler, where they can join hundreds of other amateur cyclists for a 50 or 100 kilometer ride through northeast Georgia’s countryside and compete for a chance to win prizes.” Rajcoomar adds that the schedule of events may be found at www.athenstwilight.com and lists what he says are “other, less strenuous activities for adults who don’t have an athletic bone in their bodies.”

USA CRITS SPEED WEEK

Atlanta, Ga. (April 25, 2008) – More than $100,000 in prize money is up for grabs as professional cyclists go head to head in 7 races, in 7 cities in 7 days of racing, in a rush of excitement known as USA CRITS Speed Week.

Athens Twilight Criterium
Athens, GA
Saturday
26-Apr-08

Beaufort Memorial Classic
Beaufort, SC
Tuesday
29-Apr-08

Walterboro Cycling Classic
Walterboro, SC
Wednesday
30-Apr-08

Uptown Greenwood Cycling Challenge
Greenwood, SC
Thursday
01-May-08

Steadman Hawkins Cycling Classic
Spartanburg, SC
Friday
02-May-08

Historic Dilworth Criterium
Charlotte, NC
Saturday
03-May-08

Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge
Sandy Springs, GA
Sunday
04-May-08

The first race in Speed Week is on April 26 at the famed Twilight Criterium in Athens, Georgia, where 30,000 loyal fans are expected to make their presence felt. All that energy concentrated in a few city blocks makes criterium racing the sport of choice for many cities interested in health and fitness initiatives. Unlike stage races, criteriums are held on city streets in conjunction with other community events, and Speed Week does a great job of helping enthusiasts shake off the winter doldrums and get outdoors with their families and friends. Music group R.E.M. and their just-released album “Accelerate” are supporting the Twilight too. R.E.M. Accelerate is sponsoring prizes for the winners of the first lap of the men’s and women’s pro races, when the most acceleration is likely to take place.

Mark Hekman knows all about accelerating. Last year he won both the Twilight and Speed Week, and he says he is hoping for repeat success this time around. “I won because I was consistent, raced hard the whole time, and didn’t crash.” Hekman says that might sound funny, but there were a lot of crashes that took racers out of contention. When he won the Twilight and Speed Week, last year, Hekman was a member of Team Inferno Racing, but since then he has joined the TOSHIBA-Santo Pro Cycling Team presented by Herbalife. This is sure to increase the rivalry between those two teams during Speed Week and that is good overall for the USA CRITS National Series.

Joining USA CRITS Speed Week for the first time and anchoring as the series Finals is Sandy Springs, GA. As one of the USA’s newest municipalities, Sandy Springs is defining itself as a bike and sports community, and Council Member Dianne Fries says the criterium’s entertainment cycling format fits perfectly with the city’s vision for itself. “We’re looking forward to hosting the Speed Week finale because crit racing is fast-paced and exhilarating.” The Historic Dilworth area of Charlotte, NC has a legacy of great races in the past and is also a new addition to the 2008 Speed Week.

The South Carolina cities of Beaufort, Walterboro, Greenwood and Spartanburg, have hosted USA CRITS Speed Week before, and sizeable crowds are expected to be on hand to cheer the racers on to victory on the types of challenging courses that only urban settings can provide.
 

4-27-2008 Sunny King News

STRONG FIELD FOR SUNNY KING CRITERIUM IN 2008
Top shelf pro cyclists to heat up Alabama's largest race

On Saturday, May 3rd, one of the premier southeastern cycling events on USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar (NRC) fields an impressive roster of professional riders for the 2008 edition of the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, Alabama.

The race, which is the centerpiece of the annual Noble Street Festival, hosts over 100 of the best male and female cyclists in the country on a short, 1 kilometer course in downtown Anniston. Riders will be competing for over $20,000 in prize money.

Among the other top professionals participating, this year’s event will see the debut participation of the Rock Racing squad, one of America’s most talked about teams. This year Rock Racing will be led by one of the team’s top sprinters, Mr. Rahsaan Bahati - winner of the 2007 CSC Invitational.

Some of the other more notable competitors to take part in this year’s Sunny King Criterium include Rory Sutherland (2007 NRC Champion), and Ivan Dominguez (multiple stage winner at the Tour of Georgia, Tour of Missouri, and the Amgen Tour of California).

The women’s field will see the return of last year’s Sunny King champion Laura Van Gilder racing for the Cheerwine squad as well as one of her chief rivals and the current reigning National Criterium Champion, Tina Pic.

Former U.S. Postal rider Frankie Andreu will be joined onstage by well-known race announcer Jeff Roake throughout the day’s activities. Multiple cameras in and around the criterium course will feed complete coverage of all the racing action to a jumbotron screen near the festival center.

As a part of the Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Road Series (LAJORS), the Sunny King Criterium will feature racing opportunities for junior and espoir-aged young men and women beginning at 11AM on race day. LAJORS races are designed to improve the quality of road racing opportunities for young USA Cycling licensed riders in the United States while simultaneously trying to identify potential world-class cycling talent at the junior level.

Produced by the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Club, Noble Street Festival in downtown Anniston offers live music, a kid’s zone, art, a restaurant festival, running races, and more. Since 2005 the Sunny King Criterium has raised nearly $30,000 for Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society fund-raiser, and in 2008 all entry fees will be donated to the charity.

Annually the race attract thousands to downtown Anniston, including hundreds of cycling enthusiasts to ride the Cheaha Challenge on the following day. The 16th annual installment of the Ceaha Challenge is a 102-mile fun ride that will see cyclists from over 25 states traverse Alabama’s highest peak - Cheaha Mountain.

Race director Mike Poe is pleased to once again be hosting some of the most formidable professional cyclists currently racing in the United States.

“We are pleased that the strongest teams in the U.S. have again chosen to send their top criterium specialists to the Sunny King Criterium. We look forward to showing our southern hospitality to these professional men and women.”

Riders currently registered for the 2008 Sunny King Criterium are as follows:

MEN

Health Net
Rory Sutherland
Matt Crane
Frank Pipp
Kyle Gritters
Karl Menzies
John Murphy

Bissell
Garrett Peltonen
Ted (edward) King
Richard England
Joao Correia
Scott Zwizanski

Rock Racing
Peter Dawson
Justin Williams
Rahsaan Bahati

Jittery Joe’s
Jonathan Cantwell
Cody Stevenson
Ben Kneller
Jared Barrilleaux
Tim Henry
Chad Hartley
Ryan Sullivan
Evan Elken

Toyota United
Ivan Dominguez
Dominique Rollin
Hilton Clark
Caleb Manion

Team Type 1
Phil Southerland
Timothy Hargrave
Joe Eldridge
Fabio Calabria

Rite Aid
Bill Elliston
Guido Palma
Robbie King

WOMEN

ValueAct Capital
Hanna Banks
Lara Kroepsch
Patella Martina
Saito Taitt

Colavita
Iona Wynter Parks
Tina Pic
Nichole Wangsgard
Shontell Gauthier
Tiffany Cromwell

Cheerwine
Kelly Benjamin
Allyson Brandt
Catherine Cheatley
Robin Farina
Laura Van Gilder

Vanderkitten
Jennifer Wilson
Leigh Valletti
Jenny Trew
Melissa Sanborn
Liz Hatch

Aaron’s
Catherine Powers
Rebecca Larson
Erica Allar
Anna Lang
Merideth Miller


Team Type 1
Morgan Patton

Team Kenda Tire
Jackie Kurth
Kat Clark
Andrea Wilson
Lee Farabaugh
Molly Freeman
Jacquelyn Crowell

Team Advil-Chapstick
Laura Bowles
Jen McRae
Elisa Gagnon
Brenda Lyons

For more information on the 2008 Sunny King Criterium and the Noble Street Festival visit www.sunnykingcriterium.com

Brasstown Bald Stage Winner Kanstantsin Siutsou (High Road) concentrates.
 

Brasstown Bald I got a ton of good photos at Brasstown Bald today. I was just before the final turn into the finish. I'll have my galleries up sometime next week. I haven't had time to do anything this weekend. See you in Atlanta on Sunday! sw

Levi Leipheimer (Astana) is shadowed by former yellow jersey Tent Lowe (Slipstream)

On Cyclingnews! I wanted to get down the mountain and home (yeah! My own bed!), so I only submitted a few photos to cyclingnews, but they are up right here. I had a great spot on the curve before the final turn to the finish straight.

Paging Bill the Georgia Moto Official!! Bill the moto official at the TdG and one of our great Georgia officials, please email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com. I have photos for you from Stage 5. Or anyone email me if you know his email address.

4-28-2008 Tour De Georgia Galleries My Tour De Georgia Galleries from Stages 3, 4, 5, and 6. are now up on my photography site at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com.

Paging Jennifer with N2 Racing Email me about some pictures from Sunday's podium presentation. sttarlite@hotmail.com.

Stage 7 Photos Here are just a few photos. My gallery is up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. Please remember that all photos are Copyright Trish Albert/Southeasterncycling.com and may not be used without permission. I was on the moto for 3 laps and got some great photos of the break. 

Levi Leipheimer (Astana) before the start of the race.

The break passes by the Atlanta skyline.

JJ Haedo (CSC) and Greg Hendersong (High Road) go mano a mano in the Sprint.

Bahati & Larson Kick Off 2008 USA CRITS Series and Speed Week With Wins Rahsaan Bahati, one of the high-speed specialists of the high-profile Rock Racing team, launched himself out of a field of some of the fastest professional cyclists in the USA to win the 29th Athens Twilight Criterium in front of tens of thousands of spectators in Athens, Georgia, April 26.

Bahati, potentially outgunned from the start with a reduced squad of only two teammates, won the first installment of the 2008 USA CRITS Series by being the consummate tactician and conserving energy until the final moments of the race. With less than five laps to go, Bahati held a solid position in what remained of the top-shelf criterium specialists assembled for the one of the most celebrated events in this uniquely American form of cycling. Bahati’s final move came from ten positions back during the final turn around the crowded streets of Athens. His closing sprint was so powerful that he was able to lift his arms and point to the sky in tribute to a lost friend as he crossed the line. But Bahati also gave thanks to the fans who poured enthusiastically onto the racecourse after his exciting win.

His finish line interview also earned him more cheers. “Athens, you guys rock! This is one of the best crits in the nation. I don’t think that there’s anywhere else in the nation where you can get this many people to come out and scream and yell for you just for going in circles while you’re wearing tights,” he said.

Bahati’s teammate Peter Dawson kept the pressure off the 26-year old sprinter from Lynwood, California by working for the majority of the race in a three-man breakaway that included criterium strongmen Kyle Wamsley (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooki) and Ben King (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast). The trio of riders set a blistering average pace of 1:16 per lap over the 1-kilometer course. Their solid lead over the pack was chipped away by a combination of tough riders that included John Murphy (HealthNet p/b Maxxis), and Team Inferno Racing’s Jeff Hopkins. Toshiba-Santo p/b Herbalife’s rider and perennial race favorite Frank Travieso was thought to have fractured a rib during a crash, but was also relentless in his efforts to shut down what was certainly the evening’s most promising move.

After the collapse of the breakaway, the threat of counterattacks was looming, but the speeds out on course were such that no single rider was able to initiate another substantial effort. With the clock counting down Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home) placed himself in range of victory coming out of the final two corners of the course, but he was helpless to match the speed of Bahati, who blew by the Argentine rider in the last 80 meters of racing. Despite his strength, Bahati realizes that his first major victory of the season was not easily won. “There are about 15 guys here who want to win and can actually fight for the right wheels, but I was good at it today and fortunate not to crash. This is really special for Justin Williams, and Peter Dawson and I since we pretty much came here on our own with no support.”

Rahsaan Bahati win Twilight. Photo by B.D. Andrews


In the elite women’s event that preceded the men’s competition, a surprising breakaway involving five riders managed to escape the main field midway through the race. Despite efforts by the teams not represented in that escape to bring the five back to the chasing group, the cooperation amongst the riders solidified their chances of survival. Local Athens resident and University of Georgia student Rebecca Larson relied on her Aaron’s teammates behind her to control the race situation as best they could while she did her part to keep the motivation alive in the break. “I had Catherine Cheatley of Cheerwine with me all night up there, and it was just working really well,” said Larson after she out-sprinted her rivals in the finale. Larson becomes the second Aaron’s Women’s Pro Cycling rider in two years to win the competition in Athens, which once again included major rivals such as Cheatley’s teammate and winner of the overall 2007 USA CRITS Series, Laura Van Gilder, and the current U.S. National Women’s Criterium Champion Tina Pic of Colavita/Sutter Home. The Athens Twilight Criterium was also the kick off event for the Speed Week Series that continues during the coming week at key race venues throughout the southeast. On Tuesday, April 29th the action moves to Beaufort, South Carolina

Two Trails at Blanket's Creek Closed From the SORBA Woodstock Borad of Directors: Mosquito Bite and Van Michael trail are temporarily closed.

The construction of the new trails at Blankets Creek has created some erosion and permitting issues. At one point on the Van Michael Trail near the bank of Blankets Creek we have a problem that must be corrected. We also must complete the installation of some additional erosion prevention BMP’s included in the construction plans for the trail. This problem has been reported to Cherokee County and we have been instructed to close the new trail. We must secure permits for the work and have it inspected and approved before we can re-open the trail. These problems can be resolved but it will require some time to work through the regulatory process and complete the work. It is unclear how long the trails will be closed but we are hopeful that this closure will only be a few weeks. We have a very positive relationship with the U.S. Corps of Engineers and Cherokee County and they are working closely with us to solve these problems. Please spread the word and help people understand that this closure must be respected while we work. We need the support of the entire riding community so we can continue to demonstrate that SORBA is an outstanding steward of this land. We will need volunteers to work this weekend to correct the immediate problem. Please join us this weekend for the work party at 9:00 am Saturday morning. We will be posting additional work days once our work plan is approved. We will keep you advised as the resolution of these issues progresses. Thanks for your patience and support. SORBA Woodstock - Board of Directors

Dick Lane Velodrome News FESTIVAL OF SPEED - May 9-10th Friday Night Sprint Tournament and Saturday Festival of Speed
Tickets only $5.00 or $10 per family

Track cycling pushes the envelope of speed and danger in both hard charging sprint events and grueling endurance races. Experience the thrill of the two-man Madison, comparable to tag-team on bike, where teammates exchange positions into the action at 40 mph using the dangerous Madison hand sling. Catch the fast-paced Keirin, an Olympic event where riders are paced up to maximum speed with a motorcycle until the final lap and a half when they tear up the track to the finish. Enjoy a great night out with the family as you get up close and personal with cycling's top athletes! Or come before your big night out—A great place to meet your friends and hang out. Afterwards, check out the areas new eateries and bars. There is a full service concession stand on site - all proceeds go back to support the DLV programs.

*Bonus Madison Race on Saturday
*Bicycle Flea Market and Swap Meet to be held in conjunction with race - 4pm to 9pm
____________________________________

BICYCLE FLEA MARKET AND SWAP MEET held in conjunction with Saturday races- 4pm to 9pm

Bring your frames, components, wheels, tires, tubes, seats, bars, stems, pedals, accessories, tools, bags, shoes and whatever else you have laying around. Thrill your spouse by turning that old bike stuff into cash. The event is open to the public. Don't have anything to sell? Come down and pick up a bargain on the parts and accessories you need. No seller fees. Just the price of the gate admission $5.00!!!  Tables not provided so bring your own if you need one.
____________________________________

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
-We need your help at the Festival of Speed

The Festival is a great event and we would love for all of you to be able to sit back, relax and watch the races-but.... we need your help. If you can help out for a few hours with registration or watching the gate or the numerous other small tasks throughout the weekend we would be very grateful. Please contact us (info@dicklanevelodrome.com) if you can help. Thanks
____________________________________

TRACK CLEAN UP DAY
Saturday, May 3rd @ 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM

The first Festival of Speed is May 9th & 10th and we need your help in cleaning up few things.

First We need to paint the bike room and concession to cover up the graffiti.
Second Install an awning over the concession window.
Third We need a few people for garden planting.
Fourth We need the "Track Grinding Crew " back for another day of hard work and concrete dust.
We also need back up helpers for this job.

We will start at 9:00 AM and finish at 3:00 PM. We need your help!
http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com

Paging Cathy Frazier!! I lost your email address. Please email me about some podium/stage photos from Stage 7 of the Tour De Georgia of your kids!
 

4-29-2008 Support a Young Cyclist From Eric Broadwell: "All, As you know I don't know everyone, but I try to listen and stay in tune with most in the cycling/tri community. The awesome Frasier youth team is one such team I stay in touch with. Ralph and Cathy have done cycling a great service. Their youth team of such good kids will bring the future to cycling. Sadly one of the primary teammates, Russell Tindol, could use your prayers. Russell had a brain tumor removed just a few days ago. Read his journal here http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/russelltindol    I can tell you my family is praying hard for Russell.
Sincerely, Eric Broadwell"

Charlotte News RIDERS WANTED THIS FRIDAY This Friday, May 2, the City of Charlotte’s Annual Mayor’s Ride/Bike To Breakfast will take place in Uptown Charlotte. We are trying to gather the largest group ever being though our Mayor is running for Governor and we will have a lot of media at the 2008 event. The first 400 participants who arrive will receive a BIKE! Charlotte shirt, and BIKE! Charlotte cycling socks sponsored by Presbyterian Hospital, and a full catered breakfast from Lola's. Come on out and support the Club by wearing sporting your club jersey. The ride will once again start at the Dowd YMCA at 7:30AM and end at the Wachovia Plaza. It’s a short ride but its not about the distance, its  Event Details can be found at
http://www.charlottesportscycling.com/BikeCharlotte/May2.htm 

Wouldn’t it be absolutely incredible to see a 1,000+ cyclists roll into Uptown Charlotte this Friday AM.

***********************************************
35th Annual Giordana Dilworth Criterium presented by SouthPark Cycles
Saturday, May 3 - $15,000 in Cash Prizes
Charlotte, NC
This year, the Historic 35th Annual Dilworth Criterium will be part of the USA Crit Speed Week, provide a full day of racing for ALL
categories and offer over $15k in CASH! Each Winner will also be provided with 35th Annual Dilworth Criterium Duke Energy Winners Jersey.  The event will once again feature the neighborhood race but this year, it will be held on adult trikes.  We will also have lots of other events going on during the Historic
Dilworth Criterium including the Toyota Driving Experience, Kids Races, FREE Bike Test Rides provided by SouthPark Cycles, and food and beer gardens.

This is one event you don't want to miss! Visit www.charlottesportscycling.com/dilworth.htm to register today. Registration for the Pro 1 event is full and many other categories are loaded with participants.

BIG News Juniors Lees-McRae College will be providing two $500 prime scholarships and a $1,000 scholarship to the winner of the
Juniors 17 - 18 race. The scholarships will be to the Lees-McRae College Cycling Program.  Directions, course maps and all pertinent info is provided on
www.charlottesportscycling.com/dilworth.htm See you on the bike. Neal

Ride With Fast Freddie! Want to ride with a Pro? 3-Time USPRO Champion "Fast Freddie" Rodriguez will be joining us on a group ride on Friday morning with a meet and greet following the ride. Cost for the ride is $10, which benefits the "Fast Freddie Foundation," supporting junior cycling in the United States.

Freddie has been in Woodstock this week visiting his family following the Tour de Georgia, and will be meeting us at the shop for a 10:30am ride (By 10:30, we mean rolling out of the parking lot at 10:30am, not arriving at the shop at 10:30am!). After the ride, Freddie will be at Out Spokin' for a bit, signing autographs and taking photos. Bring your autographables!!!

For more information, please contact Josh at Out Spokin' Bicycles at 678-483-0200.

Coolest Women's Prime at Sunny King! This is the coolest prime ever that will be up for grabs in the Women's 3/4 race courtesy of Regions Bank. http://sewcycling.squarespace.com/index/ Isn't this great, or what??