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.
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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??