March 2008 Archive

3-3-2008 Low Country Racing Weekend From Low Country Racing: "Hi Racing Folks:

The Lowcountry Volkswagen Cycling Team is pleased to announce the 2008 edition of our fabulous races in Charleston, South Carolina. The races will be in Ion and Hampton Park, just like last year. We encourage first time racers and pros alike to attend for over $7500 in cash and primes. Please review the attached race flyer for details and more info about our 'host homes' for teams.

The Sunday race at Hampton Park will be for the SC State Criterium Championships. Please direct any questions to Depstein@knology.net. Hope to see you there!
 

New Thursday Ride Thursdays: Atlanta Cycling-Vinings "Beginners Ride" 6:30 pm (1NW) Beginner Easy Moderate Please join us for a slow paced, stay together ride of 16 miles on low traffic streets. The emphasis will be on meeting others and on becoming more skillful and comfortable while road riding. Store located 1/2 mile north of the Chatt. River at 4335 Cobb Pkwy. Atlanta Cycling, Inc. 770-952-7731. For more information, contact AtlantaCycling.com. This ride will start at 6:15 in March.

Race Report Big Scott from the Atlanta Pro Bikes team has filed a race report from Greenville. For those that raced mountain bikes back in the late 1990s, you will remember Big Scott as being one of the biggest guys in the Clydes class, all 275 pounds of him. Scott was known as a tough competitor and a super nice guy. Well, he's back....and on the road this time! He makes a great draft....if you can catch him! Just read the race report.

Dedicated Athlete to Support Clean Cycling  WOODSTOCK, Georgia, February 21, 2008 — Starting in March, leading sports nutrition and supplement manufacturer Dedicated Athlete will break new ground in the fight against illegal doping, unveiling a first-of-its-kind program that allows customers to make direct donations to the non-profit Cycling Ethics Foundation. The progressive program will be run through Dedicated Athlete’s revamped online store, www.DedicatedAthlete.com, where customers will be able to contribute to the anti-doping fight simply by clicking on the appropriate button on the checkout page. “Other companies have explored opportunities, but Dedicated Athlete is the first company we’ve actually done a promotion like this with,” explained Scott Fennel, vice president of marketing for the Agency of Cycling Ethics, which works closely with the Cycling Ethics Foundation. “We are thrilled and excited that a company in the business of sports and sports nutrition is willing to take a stand alongside us in the anti-doping movement, and fight for drug-free sport.”

The amount of the donation is strictly up to the individual, but no matter the size, every penny will be turned over to the Cycling Ethics Foundation. “It’s the right thing to do, period,” answered Dedicated Athlete founder and CEO John Gamble when asked why he was spearheading the new program. “When I first started this company, I started out with a product, EP-NO, that made an anti-doping statement. Now I want to do more than just say I support clean sport, and that’s why I’m taking action.”

For those unfamiliar, the Cycling Ethics Foundation is a California-based non-profit agency whose mission is to increase public awareness about the importance of fair and ethical play in sports and life. The CEF’s goal is create a level playing field at all levels, and counsel athletes on issues relating to the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs. “Our long-term vision is to take this model and apply it to every major sport,” said Fennel, a former intellectual property attorney who is well versed in strategic planning, brand management and cross promotions. “We want to share our anti-doping knowledge with high schools, colleges, and professional and amateur athletes of all kinds. Our mission is to restore all sports to a point that holds participants accountable in and out of competition.” The Cycling Ethics Foundation works independently but closely with the Agency for Sports Ethics, parent company of the Agency for Cycling Ethics. ACE, as it’s better know, protects sponsor investment in professional cycling through an innovative anti-doping program, and an accountability business model that holds all stakeholders responsible to each other.

Boulder, Colorado-based professional cycling team -- and Tour de France wild card hopeful -- Slipstream-Chipotle is among the organizations that employ ACE’s pioneering program. “We just want to clean up sport in general and support what these organizations do,” concluded Dedicated Athlete’s Gamble. “That’s all there is to it.”

Trish's note: John called me last week and said that Dedicated Athlete will match any contributions.
 

TDG News The Tour De Georgia has announced the early invited teams.

Photography Exhibit Anne Ledbetter, an Atlanta mountain biker and Sorella, is having a photography exhibit opening on March 22. Her dog photos are phenominal! (as are her cycling photos).

Gone Mac! Yep, I've gone Mac...Macbook Pro! If I'm a few days behind on the site this week, I'm trying to get everything moved over to my new (and first ever) laptop.

Chicopee Work Party From Gainesville SORBA: Ok folks we have 4 miles of trail that has been rough cut and is ready for us to do the finish work on and implement some TTFs (Technical Trail Features). This is the Advanced trail and we have the Ok from the land manager to build log stacks, rock gardens, elevated structures, etc. WE NEED YOUR INPUT, with both ideas and labor to make this trail what YOU want it to be. If you want to get involved with this project or just find out what's going on with it join us Wednesday night at 7:00 PM at Elachee Nature Center for our monthly meeting and also join us Saturday for our first work/planning session on the new trail.

Work Party Info:
Meet at the MTB parking lot at 9:00 AM. Wear warm clothes and hiking/work boots. Don't forget your work gloves, water, snacks and a friend. We'll work until 12:30 and lunch will be provided. Some of us meet at Curt's restaurant in Oakwood (behind Sonny's BBQ) around 8:00 for breakfast if anyone would like to join us. Any questions PM or call Steve at 770-845-8738. Steve Johnston
Secretary - Gainesville SORBA

3-4-2008 Daylight Savings Time Reminder Just a reminder that Daylight Savings Time starts this Sunday morning. Remember to set your clocks ahead before you go to bed Saturday night. Most group rides will start next week. See the previous posts about certain rides.

Weekday World Championships Rides Daylight Saving Time begins this year on Sunday 03/09/08. By decree, for the weeks of 03/10/08, 03/17/08 and 03/24/08, the Sandy Springs, Peachtree Battle and Chastain rides will start at 06:00 PM ET. Just as last year, each of the in-town weeknight rides in March will be "Tempo", a standard which will be strictly enforced.

Herein is the schedule for the first few weeks:
Tuesday 03/11/08 - 06:00 PM ET - Sandy Springs - Short Option / Tempo Pace
Wednesday 03/12/08 - 06:00 PM ET - Peachtree Battle - Tempo Pace
Thursday 03/13/08 - 06:00 PM ET - Chastain - Tempo Pace

Tuesday 03/18/08 - 06:00 PM ET - Sandy Springs - Short Option / Tempo Pace
Wednesday 03/19/08 - 06:00 PM ET - Peachtree Battle - Tempo Pace
Thursday 03/20/08 - 06:00 PM ET - Chastain - Tempo Pace

Tuesday 03/25/08 - 06:00 PM ET - Sandy Springs - Short Option / Tempo Pace
Wednesday 03/26/08 - 06:00 PM ET - Peachtree Battle - Tempo Pace
Thursday 03/27/08 - 06:00 PM ET - Chastain - Tempo Pace

Starting the week of 03/31/08, the rides will then move to a 06:30 PM ET start, and the "Tempo" governor will be removed, as follows:

Tuesday 04/01/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Sandy Springs - Short Option - “Show Me What You Got Night”
Wednesday 04/02/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Peachtree Battle
Thursday 04/03/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Chastain

Tuesday 04/08/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Sandy Springs - Short Option
Wednesday 04/09/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Peachtree Battle
Thursday 04/10/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Chastain

Tuesday 04/15/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Sandy Springs - Short Option
Wednesday 04/16/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Peachtree Battle
Thursday 04/17/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Chastain

Tuesday 04/22/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Sandy Springs - Short Option
Wednesday 04/23/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Peachtree Battle
Thursday 04/24/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Chastain

Then, effective on Tuesday 04/29/08 - 06:30 PM ET - Sandy Springs - Long Option will begin, and continue as such until the Fall. Please also note that effective Saturday 04/05/08, Tucker will move to a 09:00 AM ET start, and continue as such until the Fall.

Finally, as always, the Sunday Ride starts at 09:00 AM ET, regardless of Daylight Saving Time, because the Sunday Ride changes for no one. Best Regards, Todd Curtis Fryburger

Northlake Ride News From Mark Linenberg: "Reminder- For those that do Tucker on Saturdays- the 10:00 AM ride- will move to 9:00 AM on the first Saturday of April- 4/5/08 (that's 3 weeks after time change)
========================================================
March Ride Sunsets- 7:45pm-8:00pm

Northlake Ride- for all of March - meet at 3900 Lavista Road- back segment of Indian restaurant parking lot:
Starts Tuesday March 11, 2008 @ 6:15PM.
When we get to St. Mt. Park- One 7 mile intermediate counterclockwise loop- going up Stonewall Jackson (we normally do 2 of these loops in the summer)

Pizza Ride- for all of March- meet at Avondale Pizza Café:
Starts Thursday March 13, 2008 @ 6:15PM.
When we get to St. Mt. Park- One 9 mile large clockwise loop- (we normally do 2 of these loops in the summer)

========================================================
April Ride Sunsets- 8:00pm-8:21pm
Northlake Ride- for all of April:
April 1, 2008 @ 6:30PM.
One 7 mile intermediate counterclockwise loop- going up Stonewall Jackson

Pizza Ride- for all of April:
Starts Thursday April 3, 2008 @ 6:30PM.
One 9 mile large clockwise loop

========================================================
May Ride Sunsets- 8:21pm-8:43pm

Northlake Ride- for all of May- through late summer 2008:
Starts Tuesday May 6, 2008 @ 6:30PM.
Two 7 mile intermediate counterclockwise loop- going up Stonewall Jackson

Pizza Ride- for all of May- through last summer 2008:
Starts Thursday May 1, 2008 @ 6:30PM.
Two large clockwise loops

Announcing the formation of the Southeast Women's (SEW) Cycling Series. Southeast Women's (SEW) Cycling is a grass-roots effort for women, by women, created to encourage participation in competitive cycling a tall levels. Ultimately, growth in women's cycling will happen when we can offer race environments that are both challenging and fun. The goals of SEW cycling are to 1) grow women's cycling by providing woment he opportunity to race multiple events, earning points and prizes; 2)reduce barriers to beginner women by providing separate category 3/4races where they learn and put into practice race tactics and pack skills; 3) provide quality racing for advanced women in a competitive environment by providing separate category 1/2/3 races; and 4) create a sustainable series where women's racing is profitable. The SEW series kicks off with the Hoover Criterium on March 15 in Hoover, AL as part of the Spokes for Strokes cycling weekend. SEW is pleased to include the following races: Hoover Criterium (March 15,Birmingham, AL), Atomic Race Weekend, (April 5 & 6, Tallahassee, FL), Raccoon Mountain (April 12 & 13, Chattanooga, TN), Sunny King Cat3/4Criterium (May 3, Anniston, AL), Cycleworks Race Weekend (May 17 & 18,Cherokee County, GA), Edgar Soto Criteriums (June 13-15, Nashville,TN), Spring City Classic (July 19 & 20, Huntsville, AL), River GorgeRace Weekend (August 23 & 24, Chattanooga, TN) and The Pepper Place Criterium (September 13, Birmingham, AL). A series of this calibre would not be possible without the support of awesome sponsors who share SEW's goals and are committed to the growth of women's bicycle racing. Primes and prizes have been generouslydonated by Hincapie, Hutchinson Tires, Specialized, Reynolds, RudyProject, Myogenesis Nutrition Products, Regions Bank, Blue CrossBlueShield of Alabama, The Sweet Project, and more to be announced. Series announcements, results, and articles highlighting the fabulous sponsors and participants in the SEW Series are available sewcycling.squarespace.com.

3-6-2008 Kudzu.com Team Report The U23 Kudzu.com team raced in Albany this weekend with success. Read the race report.

Mason Mill Update From various forums:  PATH FOUNDATION AND DEKALB COUNTY
START TREE-CUTTING WORK DESPITE NOTIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL AFFECTING SPCT PROJECT

DECATUR/ATLANTA -- This morning shortly after 8:00am, PATH and DeKalb County workers started cutting down trees, commencing work on the South Peachtree Creek Trail (SPCT) Project, despite the hand-serving of copies yesterday to PATH Foundation Director Ed McBrayer and staff of an administrative appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals for DeKalb County filed Monday March 3, 2008 by Three Forks Heritage Alliance's attorney Brian Daughdrill..

Attorney Daughdrill showed workers on the scene, as well as DeKalb County police, the appeal document that disallows any disturbance of the project soil before the April 9th Zoning Board hearing. Chiefs Greg Hubbard and K,P. Evanovich of the DeKalb County Environmental and Planning Review Division, were called and arrived to investigate the reports of the continued work progress.

Despite calls at the scene, to the commander in charge of the DeKalb County police force present, as well as several DeKalb County officials, who could order work stoppage, with no approval granted, Attorney Daughdrill left the scene of the work site on Willivee Place to file a temporary restraining order (TRO) with the DeKalb County Superior Court expected to be issued within 24 hours.

The SPCT has not received formal support or approval from any neighborhood or civic organization in the area, including the Neighborhood Oversight Steering.Committee created by Comm. Jeff Rader – D(District 2) for project input.

For further information, contact: Bill Gowen, President, Three Forks Heritage Alliance, b.gowen@comcast.net

Sick :( In addition to everything else going on, I'm sick. I caught a cold, probably from work. Ugh! I'm still working on getting my stuff over to the new pc. I only spent an hour on it tonight and crashed on the couch since I feel horrible.

Kennesaw/Beyond Allatoona Ride KENNESAW/BEYOND ALLATOONA RIDE
The Kennesaw ride officially moves to 8:30 start on March 15 and then to 8 am on April 5th. 55 miles. Race Training. 20 + mph. One bathroom break early. One intermediate sprint after the Indian mounds. Recollect/feed on Old Mill Rd. One final sprint next to the lake. Park at Pacesetter Steel-3300 Townpoint Dr. East parking lot. From I-75 and 285 expect a 15 minute drive to the start of the ride

 3-7-2008 Airport Ride  "Hey Gang, With all due respect to the "Council of Elders," and after not talking with them, but rather after having talked to many of you, there seems to be continuing interest in keeping the "Airport Loop" as our Sunday Ride of Choice (all things considered) until at least until Mid-April, "unofficially" of course!.So, with all due deliberation, consultation and concentration, the Airport Loop will continue: Same Time, Same Place, come join us if you've a mind too! Keep your wheels down! Old Man Chris"

TdG Announces Route The Tour De Georgia has announced the 2008 route.

Jittery Joe's Team Launch Yo Yall, As some of you may know our Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team camp is being held in Georgia next week. There are two events that we would like to let you know about. There will be a Ride with The Bean Team bike ride leaving from The Hub Bicycles here in Athens. Come ride with the whole pro team on Tuesday, March 11 at 4:30pm from our sponsoring bike shop (1245 South Milledge Ave., Athens). We will be doing an easy (seriously we are not going hard at all) ride that will last about 90 minutes or so. Briggs Carney will be there too--come meet him!! He Lives. Also we are proud to announce our Team Launch Party will be hosted by Terrapin Beer on Saturday, March 15th. Come join the team at the new Terrapin Brewery here in Athens (265 Newton Bridge Road, Athens) from 5-7 on Saturday and enjoy a beverage with the whole team. Included will be a short tour of the brewery for those of you who are interested and there will be a silent auction to support the team. Included in the $10 door fee is beverage provided by Terrapin and Jittery Joe's, a limited edition pint glass, door prizes and signed stuff from the team. Briggs Carney will be there too.

Thanks so much and hope to see you there! Micah Rice
 

If I Owe You An Email If I owe you an email or anything else, please be patient. I am very, very sick. :(, and it's hard to sit at the pc for very long.

3-10-2008 RAMBO Two Ways In A Day Time Trial Race the clock 2 Ways to log your best MTB lap times on one of your favorite local single track trails.

8:30 AM Registration starts
9:00 AM clockwise direction start
11:00 AM counter clockwise direction start

Awards are based on best average time for both directions. Race is open to all SORBA members.
Non members can join at the time trial. Limited to first 100 riders. Price: $10 includes Racing and Lunch Trails will be closed to non-time trial participants during racing from 8am to 1pm.

Big Creek Park is at 1600 Old Alabama Rd, Roswell Ga 30076. Take GA-400 North.
Exit #7A Holcomb Bridge At the second s top light Go North (turn left) on Old Alabama.
Turn left into gravel parking lot (look for Big Creek Park sign). 

Still SickYes, I'm still sick. :( This virus has really knocked me out. I managed to get out of the house for a few hours Saturday night to head to the Sorella Brouhaha. A fun time was had by all, even me despite calling it a very early night. The rest of the weekend was spent in bed or flopping on the couch. Hopefully, I'll start feeling better by the middle of the week. I'm ready to get back on the bike!

Mac Conversion The Mac conversion is going well. This is the first update that I am uploading from my new laptop. Soon, I'll be using it exclusively. I still need to buy a wireless mouse and keyboard as my hands and RSI won't let me use the small keyboard and touchpad exclusively.

3-11-2008 John Murphy in Taiwan John Murphy is sitting 2nd in the GC and wearing the green sprinter's jersey right now at the Tour De Taiwan. Go John!!
 

Ride to the Capitol I'll be at the ride to the Capitol tomorrow. I'll be riding by myself from my office but will be on a corner somewhere on Courtland St. taking pictures. Be sure to come find me and say hi!

Eric May enjoys the Clif Shots at the RTC.

3-12-2008 Ride to the Capitol Photos I have tons of Ride to the Capitol Photos up on my Smugmug site. There were over 1000 cyclists that converged on the Capitol to show their support for more funding for bicycle facilities in the State of Georgia. The point was brought up that why hasn't anyone in Georgia championed the Three Foot Passing Rule that has been passed in other states.

More Coverage  Fox 5 has some video of the Ride to the Capitol here. The AJC has a photo gallery up.

A simple message.

Just part of the crowd listening to the speeches.
 

3-13-2008 NC News The weather looks great for the Out Like a Lion Race Weekend Out Like a Lion Race Weekend
March 15 Remax Town and Country Road Race
March 16 Food Lion City Park Criterium
Albemarle and Salisbury, NC

Take advantage of online registration, its is open and going strong!  Online registration is open for the most exciting event of the early
racing season, the Out Like a Lion Race Weekend. The race weekend will feature the Remax Town and Country Road Race on Saturday in Albemarle, NC and on Sunday the Food Lion City Park Criterium in Salisbury, NC. The inaugural event in 2007 saw over 300 racers each day battling for the early season prize money. While the course for the criterium is the same exciting race course around beautiful City Park in Downtown Salisbury, the road race course for Saturday is new. The course will be a challenging 6.5 mile circuit with little traffic just north of Albemarle. On Sunday, Food Lion will be providing a race participant hospitality tent loaded with sport drinks and goodies.  For more info on the event or to preregister, visit
http://www.charlottesportscycling.com/OutLikeALion.htm.  See you on the bike. Neal

Roswell Thursday Night Ride From Eric Broadwell: We will start the Thursday Night Ride tomorrow (today if you went to bed on time or read this at work) at 6:00PM. We will stay with the original route until we know the exact time frame Grimes Bridge will come out. I plan to only due 20 miles since the sun will be setting at 7:34 and my fitness won't allow me to hang with the A boys. We will be one big group to start this early season."

3-14-2008 Blanket's Creek Work Party From SORBA Woodstock: The upcoming work party schedule will extend into both days on the weekend. We will be having the traditional 9am - 1pm work party this Saturday (3/15), but will be including a Sunday (3/16) timeslot from 1pm - 5pm. Both days, volunteers should will meet at the kiosk at Blankets Creek parking lot. We will continue this Sat/Sun combination on the 1st and 3rd weekend of every month until trail completion. We have 0.3 miles left to backcut and well as a lot of switchback fine tuning, rock work, bridge work and lower trail bed dirt cleanup.

Buckhead Bellyache Please don't forget to use the restrooms in the church to change and, uh, make use of the facilities! No peeing behind the dumpster!

Also, please park in the lower lot next Thursday. The lower lot is at the bottom of the big parking lot kind of behind the dumpster. Look back there, and you will see a driveway. The church will be having their Easter week service and has asked us to park down there.
 

Rebecca Larson (Aarons) looks back at her competition during at attack at the Hoover Women's 1/2/3 crit.

3-17-2008 Blanket's Article There was a good article on Blanket's Creek and the Duathlon in the Cherokee Tribune.

Kennesaw/Allatoona Ride The Kennesaw/Allatoona ride on Saturdays will start at 8:30 beginning this Sat. and 8:00 starting April 5th.

Yellow River Work Party From GATR: "Next Saturday we will need some volunteers for our next Yellow River Work Party. We will be finishing reroutes while the county sinks signs and takes out the hazardous fall line trail. GATR will need as many people as we can get. Lets meet at the Yellow River parking lot Saturday @ 8:30 am on March 22. Please bring snacks and water because more than
likely we will be working for over 2 hours. Thanks everyone and I hope to see lots of turnout.... Charles, Trail Director"

Hoover Crit Photos I raced at the Spokes for Strokes crit in Hoover, Alabama on Saturday and have plenty of photos of the ladies races. I'm happy to say Amy Gravlee from Team Medplan won 2nd in the 3/4 crit! We all had a fun time!

The ladies of Team Medplan had a great race in the Women's 3/4 crit. Amy Gravlee (3rd from the left) was 2nd.

3-18-2008 Myogenesis Checks In Myogenesis checks in with a race report from Perry and the Hoover crit.

Hell of the North Ride The Hell of the North ride has started again. It will leave at 8:00 am from Roswell Bicycles on Sundays. There are options of 35 and 50 miles. It will be led by a member of the Cola Vita amateur race team. Expect a very spirited pace (19++ mph).

Steel Magnolias Ride  Join Team CycleWorks for a 25 mile ride through north Buckhead and Sandy Springs. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW STARTING LOCATION. MARCH start time is 6 PM, 6:30 PM in APRIL. The ride starts at our new sponsor location, Nancy G's Café in the Fountain Oaks shopping center, 4920 Roswell Road http://www.nancygscafe.com/ Pace is moderate to strenuous with some
climbing. Attacks and sprints are not uncommon and are always in fun. Friendly, competitive, talkative group welcoming new riders. Be sure to stay after the ride and join other riders at Nancy G's for post-ride food & re-hydration. There is NOT a "no drop" policy, yet there are several opportunities for regrouping at intersections. The course is marked with "CW" and directional arrows, maps are available from the ride leaders. Sponsored by Team CycleWorks, presented by HDR, Inc. NEW PARKING: park along the wall nearest Roswell Road and not in front of Kroger. Please use Nancy G's restrooms for changing or the Kroger. Riders' meeting 5 minutes before the start in the lower lot. Helmets required, no go if rain. For more information, visit our website, http://www.northgeorgiacycling.com. Map and cue sheet available at http://www.northgeorgiacycling.com/images/sandyspringsshopride.pdf.
Email iridebikes@hotmail.com for more details.

The field early on in the Hoover 3/4 Women's Crit. Photo by Lee Farabaugh.

Sunny King announces teams From cyclingnews.com

Alabama's premier National Calendar event, The Sunny King Criterium announced the list of Professional men's and women's teams that will race in the May 3rd event in Anniston The men's teams will include the Bissell Pro Cycling Team, Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home, DLP Racing, Health Net, Jittery Joe's, Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast, Rite Aid, Rock Racing, Successfulliving, TIME, Team Type 1 and Toyota United Pro Teams.

The women's field will see the Aaron's, Cheerwine, Colavita Olive Oil/Suttter Home/Cooking Light, Udderly
Smooth and ValueAct Capital teams, among others.

The event is produced by the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Club and benefits Relay for Life, an American Cancer
Society fund-raiser, by donating racer entry fees to this cause. $30,000 has been donated over the past
three years. Visit www.sunnykingcriterium.com. 

Intown Bikes Hiring I work at Intown Bicycles adjacent to Piedmont Park. We're currentlay looking for people, especially experienced mechanics, although everyone does a little bit of everything (additional things including sales and inventory). Anyone who's been in knows we're a pretty laid back, non-imposing place, and that the owner, Mike, is great. To apply, see the website: http://www.intownbicycles.com,  then "employment" . Thanks y'all! Frank

Please! Please do not copy the information from my site and repost it on other sites and its entirety. I work very hard on Southeastern Cycling. Feel free to link to the page you want to share!

Endurance Race Clinic Endurance Racing Clinic sponsored by ERGON and 55nine Performance

With the race season upon us, join national elite endurance racers Eddie and Namrita O'Dea as they share some valuable tips for success in endurance racing. They will cover race preparation, bike fit, equipment choice, nutrition, and leave ample time for Q&A.

Dates and Locations:

Thursday April 10, 6:30-7:30 pm at Atlanta Velo Exchange in Atlanta, GA

Saturday April 12, 10-11 am at Addictive Cycles in Braselton, GA
Join us for a post-clinic group ride at Fort Yargo where you can demo the ERGON grips on the trail.

If you can, please post here if you plan on attending so we can have an idea of the number of people that we will need to accomodate. We will be giving some stuff away, as well!

3-19-2008  Wednesday Night Powder Springs Group Ride Aka - Lethal Injection Leaves From:

Boneshakers Bike Shop
West Cobb Plaza
3279 New Macland Road
Powder Springs , Ga 30127
770-222-2663

Time: Rolls out 6:30 sharp!
Date: Beings Wednesday March 18, 2008 until Sept. 10, 2008
Course: Rolling Terrain with KOM sprint, Down Hill Sprint, and final flat stage sprint
Q-sheets available at : WWW.atlbike. org
Distance: ~30 miles; ~2 mile warm up and ~2 mile cool down
Rules: Helmets must be worn at all times, no ride leader or sponsoring organization, must obey all traffic laws.
This ride typically is ruthless with no waiting on riders no matter what so bring a friend or a sag.

Blanket's Creek Closed From the BC Duathlon race promoter: For those that do not check the SORBA-Woostock website before heading out, please be advised that Blankets Creek Trails will be CLOSED from Thursday, 3/20, at 9 pm to Saturday, 3/22, at 2 pm for the Dirty Duathlon Race.

If you plan on pre-riding, please do so before Thursday night, as the trail will not be open at any time on Friday.
If you plan on riding this weekend, please wait until after 2 pm on Saturday, as the gate to the parking lot will be closed until that time.
If you plan on jumping the gate and ignoring the closure, be prepared to get a stick in 'yer spokes if I see you out there. :evil:
Have a nice day!

3-20-2008 TT Clinic Team Cycleworks p/b HDR is proud to announce the upcoming Time Trial Clinic presented by 8-time Australian National Time Trial Champion, Nathan Oneill. On Saturday March 29th from 9 am to 12 pm at Nancy G's (4920 Roswell Rd Suite 55 Atlanta, GA). Topics will include TT specific training, Maximizing aerodynamics w/o losing power and Team time trialing. Please download the attached document for a complete schedule.

The cost is $30 per individual and that includes breakfast. Seating is limited and individuals need to reserve their seat no later than March 27th by sending an email to timsmith4242@comcast.net. Individuals interested in availing themselves of Nathan's fit services can do so after lunch. Nathan is taking appointments for his 1.5 hour professional fit services at a cost of $150/session. Obviously, appointments are exceedingly limited for this individualized service, so please contact timsmith4242@comcast.net as soon as possible to reserve your space.

For those that absolutely don't want to miss a beat in their training, there will be a modified version of the Tuesday ride rolling after lunch from the parking lot. We're very excited to help host this event and look forward to seeing everyone!
 

3-22-2008 Tour De Beer 3rd Annual Tour de Beer
Saturday, 3/29  7:30-10:30 pm

The third annual Tour de Beer is Saturday, March 29, from 7:30 to 10:30pm. This year's brewery location is again the SweetWater Brewing Company. The Tour is a fun and fundraising function for GEORGIA BIKES! -- a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Sample complimentary pints of fine microbrew. Participate in our famed raffle. Take in some hors d'oeurves and a brewery tour. Listen, and dance if you want, to the live music of The Commitaphobics.

Admission is $20 for Members, $30 for Non-Members, and $35 for combined Joining-and-Admission. The first 200 pre-registerants will receive a Tour commemorative pint glass. Others after that will receive a standard brewery pint glass. All arrivés will also receive the new, normally $1 donation, "IbGA" bumper sticker.

For the event flyer, please see:
http://www.georgiabikes.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=91
To pre-register, please go to:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1559900
(Credit or debit card only by pre-registering. Cash or check only at the door.)

TdG Announces Teams The TdG has the teams that will race in April: The final field of 15 teams in this year’s Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T are:

UCI Pro Tour
Astana Cycling Team (Luxembourg)
Saunier Duval-Scott (Spain)
Team CSC (Denmark)
Team High Road (USA)
Team Gerolsteiner (Germany)

UCI Professional Continental
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Slipstream/Chipotle presented by H30 (USA)

Continental – UCI America Tour
Bissell Pro Cycling (USA)
Health Net presented by Maxxis (USA)
Jelly Belly Cycling Team (USA)
Jittery Joe’s Professional Cycling Team (USA)
Symmetrics Cycling Team (Canada)
Team Type 1 (USA)
Toyota-United Professional Cycling Team (USA)

Continental – UCI Asia Tour
GE/Marco Polo Cycling Team presented by Trek (China)

Yep, it' Trish. Love my new team kit! Photo by CG Photography.
 

Crit Pics CG Photography was at the Tuesday crit this week. The photos are great. You can check out Laurie's blog here. All of the photos.

Meet Pua Sawiki! From SORBA Woodstock: Come meet Monique "Pua" Sawicki at Blankets Creek on April 14th!

Presented by: Outspokin Bikes and  SORBA-Woodstock will have a very special guest at their April chapter meeting on Monday, April 14. The reigning female endurance mountain bike champion, Monique “Pua” Sawicki, will attend the meeting and will be speaking about her experience as a professional mountain biker.

A Hawaii native, 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. Pua discovered her love of mountain bike racing in 2004. Pua has performed phenomenally, placing 1st in eight of her 13 races in 2007!

The meeting starts at 7:00 pm and will be held, weather permitting, at the Blankets Creek trailhead. Dinner will be served. Please bring a few dollars to tip the cook. If weather is an issue, check the SORBA-Woodstock web site for an alternate location. This meeting is presented by Out Spokin' Bicycles of Woodstock, GA, and Ellsworth Bicycles.

3-24-2008 Reality Bikes News  WEDNESDAY NIGHT CALZONE RIDE + GRAND RE-OPENING

Both are happening on Wednesday, March 26th!

- - WEDNESDAY NIGHT CALZONE RIDE - -
B-Group departs at 5:50PM / 28 miles
16-19 avg mph

A-Group departs at 6:00PM /34 miles
20-24 avg mph

* The winner of the A-Group each week receives a FREE calzone courtesy of the Mellow Mushroom.

- - GRAND RE-OPENING- -
We opened in 1995 and doubled in size for 2008!

After 13 years we were about to bust at the seams. Thus, we expanded our shop to bring you new and more exciting products than ever. Also, we doubled (or even tripled) our service department in size and gave it a complete face lift. We are fully setup, stocked and ready more than ever to serve you with all you cycling needs!

Come join us for the ride kick off and Grand Re-Opening party & sale. The party & sale will start immediately after the ride. So come out, do the ride and hang around for snacks, "drinks", and awesome deals on cycling gear.

Epic Bicycles Demo Days EPIC BIKES® announces "Specialized DEMO Days!" April 2008
For those cyclist interested in sampling the hottest technology from
Specialized Bicycle Components- Come have some fun riding 2008
Specialized Bicycles with Wiley Mosley and our Epic Bikes ® mechanics.
Demo FSR Full Suspension as well as road bikes.
Helmets required. Riders must supply their own helmet. Ride at your own risk.
Dates:
April 5th, 12pm-5pm @ Dauset Trails , Jackson GA
April 6th, 12pm-5pm @ Conyers International Horsepark, Conyers GA

www.epicbicycles.com
 

3-25-2008 Bad Disaster at SE Cycling!!!! My 500 GB back up hard drive has CRASHED. It is not spinning up. It isn't being recognized in the enclosure, and the drive isn't recognized by the BIOS in a computer with SATA connections I tried to put it in. I get "No IDE Fixed Disk Present." That's bad!

I've lost 3 years worth of photography, data, and personal files. I'm devastated. I'm going to have a friend that may be able to recover some of the data look at it. (Thanks B.S.!!! for doing that!) If you have a hook up at a data recovery service, PLEASE email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com. I've been given a quote up to $1200 to recover the data, and I simply can't afford that!

3-26-2008 TdG Looking for Volunteers From the TdG: Greetings! We are drawing closer to the start of the 2008 Tour de Georgia Presented by AT&T. On Monday, April 21, the Tour will begin for the first time on Tybee Island, Ga., located on the coast. The event will move north along the eastern side of the state, entering South Carolina for the first time as part of the Stage 2 finish in Augusta, Ga. A 10-mile Team Time Trial at Road Atlanta is also a first and is expected to attract a record crowd for Stage 4. There will be a new route for one the signature mountain stages in the Blue Ridge Mountains before the event finishes with a new circuit course in downtown Atlanta on Sunday, April 27.

If you would like to be involved again please visit the official website of the tour (www.tourdegeorgia.com), select volunteer and then registration. You will be contacted shortly after registering by the volunteer coordinator in the city(s) you have selected. Thanks for your support.

Roswell Ride OK this will be the third week. Last week the RBM team showed up and made everyone hurt. Wonder which team will show up this week? Come to Roswell City Hall for the start of the Thursday night ride 38 Hill street, Roswell, GA 30075. We depart at 6PM for 1500 ft of climbing in 25 miles, beautiful neighborhoods and long stretches of flat along the Chattahoochee.

If you aren't that fast or strong don't worry all A, B and C riders are leaving together and there will be someone to ride with like 11 yr old State Champion and the 14 yr old highly Nationally ranked female triathlete and the 16 yr old former National Iron Kids Champion. Yep cycling in Roswell has a reputation. Come join us as the temperature is forecasted for 73 degrees! Ride Safe and obey the traffic laws.

Junior Riders Contest at Fixed Gear Fever If you know any junior racers, please take a minute to forward this to them:

http://www.fixedgearfever.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=834 

It's an opportunity for two juniors to win a 2008 Teschner Track Pro! It's not based on ability (though that is a component), so new racers, national champions and everybody in between can win! We are pretty excited to have this opportunity and look forward to the rider submissions!--Scott

3-27-2008 Georgia Cup News From The Georgia Cup Newsletter: " 2008 Georgia State Championship Jersey!! p/b GBRA
We are pleased to release The 2008 USA Cycling State Championship Jersey sponsored by the Georgia Bike Race Association (GBRA). LaGrange will host the criterium, Union City the "New" and improved Road Race , the TT, TTT & KOM are TBA. Visit www.georgiacup.com for more information"

TOUR OF ATLANTA - May 22 - 26

The 2008 Tour of Atlanta will consist of 7 stages over 5 days. Beginning Thursday night, May 22 - Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day Morning). Finial locations will be released the first of May.

Stage one (Thursday): Sprints followed by 10k TT (PM)
Stage two (Friday): Crit (PM);
Stage Three (Saturday): 20k TTT (AM)
Stage Four (Saturday): 80 - 160k RR (PM)
Stage Five (Sunday): Circut (AM)
Stage Six (Sunday): 60 - 100k RR (PM)
Stage Seven (Monday): Crit (AM)

The epic Tour of Atlanta is a Stage race that showcases Atlanta's various challenging terrain and participants do not have to complete the stage race to be eligible for prize money. There will be NOT be any time cuts in this stage race and there WILL be individual race entries allowed. Individual race entries are NOW eligible for prize money.
The prize money will be $15,000 - $20,000 paid as follows: 75% to the overall General Classification and 25% divided among the individual stages. Payouts to the following categories: ProAm (40%), MASTERS (30+ with 45+ GC Bonus only) (30%), Elite (Cat 2 & 3) (30%) and Women ProAm (10%).

Categories will be the following:
ProAm - Pro123
Masters 30+ - Cat1234
Elite - Cat 2/3
Competitive under 35 - Cat 4/5
Competitive 35 & Over - Cat 4/5
Women ProAm - OPEN
Juniors - OPEN (race together but separate timing, podiums and Awards for <13 and 13 - 14 and 15 -16, 17 -18. Subject to change)

More information will be released in April. Currently we ARE finalizing the stages and we are very excited about the event.

Masters circuit
NEW! Beginning in Gainesville the MASTERS division will be 30+ with a 45+ General Classification (GC) bonus. 45+ must sign up for the stage race before the start of the TT to be eligible. This means that there will not be separate jerseys. Masters will be racing for the overall as 30+. Then there will be a 45+ GC bonus.

NEW! The Georgia Cup Premier series will be totally separate from Series 7 (S7) events and the Tour of Atlanta (ToA). This means that GC Premier events will be the ONLY series for the YELLOW, MAR, KOM and the WHITE Stage Jerseys.
GC = Timed Stage races with the "Main event" held in a downtown setting.
S7= Either individual races or Omniums with no "Main Event" held downtown.
ToA= The Memorial Day multi day/stage race
spacer (1K)
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THE GC, ToA and S7

Time bonuses and points will be allotted to riders for MAR, KOM, and stage placings। MAR and KOM points do not go into the overall GC points (Yellow Jersey)। These points go towards a season long MAR and KOM competition only.
Riders will receive Georgia Cup (GC) points towards the series overall for the top 10 places in Time Trial, top 15 places in Criterium, top 20 in the Road Race, and top 25 places on GC.
Series MAR & KOM points are 5 deep: 7,5,3,2,1 for the year long competition.

Riders MUST participate in all three events to be eligible for the General Classification (GC)। In order to be eligible for the General Classification (GC) you must register for the Stage race BEFORE the start of the Time Trial. Signing up for individual events "as you go" will not allow you to be eligible for the General Classification (GC).

Podiums for Road Race & Crit/Circuit: will be immediately following your race -- 3 minutes. TT results and Podiums will be announced for each race but typically: Results posted 30 minutes before the start of your race as well as podiums.

General Classification Podiums: will be 30 minutes after the finish of the race. Jersey will be awarded to leader. (starting in Chattanooga). Jersey's MUST be returned or you will be charge $125.

KOM: Time bonuses will be awarded and will be announced on race day. We will give you the distance (s) from the start line to the KOM on race day. There will be a minimum of one for each race.

Patrons racing in the CAT 4/5 division that are 35 and older can race both the U35, 35+ Competitive divisions and the Masters 30+. However, keep in mind that Masters 30+ comprises of mostly CAT1/2's.

If you fall behind the trail vehicles, you are considered dropped from the race and must obey traffic laws.

Centerline Rule: Centerline rule will be in effect and will be strictly enforced by event officials. Riders may have the entire road for the last 200 meters to contest the sprint per officials' decision.

Course Markings: All turns will be marked with a Georgia Cup directional sign and arrow pointing in the direction you need to turn. Volunteer Marshals will be present at important turns. Police will be located at busy intersections. All riders are encouraged to keep a course map. It is still your responsibility to KNOW the course. Don't assume.

Feed Zone: All feeding during the road race shall be conducted in the designated area only- TBA। Feedings allowed from the right side only। DO NOT DISPERSE OF ANYTHING ANYWHERE ALONG THE COURSE!!! LITTERING IS AN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION. REMEMBER, FEED OFF THE BACK. NOT in the middle of the pack & please be careful.

TRANSPONDERS
The Georgia Cup, GC S7 and GC ToA will be using AMB Chip-X transponders for scoring as it allows us to score races based on time, as well as give lap times, score MAR and KOM, and provide instant results. Transponders are required to race. Failure to rent a transponder or install your purchased transponder will result in DNS. Riders will need to purchase ($109) or rent ($10/rental) their transponder. Once you have purchased your own transponder, your personal information will be loaded into the database and will always be associated with your Chip-X। You can use your Chip-X at any race that scores with Chip-X transponders.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!

April 26, 27
Twilight Athens, GA Athens GC Weekend
REMOVED FROM THE GC CALENDAR
We will be replacing Athens Twilight with another Premier Stage race weekend later in the season and we will be announcing the new exciting venue soon. We are sorry to remove the event from our calendar with such short notice but we do it with our patron's best interests in mind. Thank you for your understanding and we will get the "NEW" venue announced very soon.

Trish's Note: I've emailed the GC for clarification on Twilight.
 

3-29-2008 Clarification on Twilight From James Lowe's response to me (this is a direct quote): "No twilight events are still happening the gc just will not participate in the event."

Chicopee Work PartyF rom Gainesville SORBA We'll be doing more cleaning up on the new trail and maybe building a bridge. The sooner we get this part done the sooner we can start building technical features! Bring your bike and we'll ride afterward.

Work Party Info:
Meet at the MTB parking lot at 9:00 AM. Wear warm clothes and hiking/work boots. Don't forget your work gloves, water, snacks and a friend. We'll work until 12:30 and lunch will be provided. Some of us meet at Curt's resturant in Oakwood (behind Sonny's BBQ) around 8:00 for breakfast if anyone would like to join us. Any questions PM or call Steve at 770-845-8738.

Welcome EMag Solutions! Welcome to the newest sponsor, EMag Solutions! Emag provices "proactive and reactive data management solutions for litigation, regulatory, and compliance matters." Emag is one of the world's leading data forensics companies. Please support Southeastern Cycling's Sponors!

3-30-2008  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 @ Blankets Creek Trailhead Woodstock Meeting Night Dinner & Ride With Pua http://www.outspokinbikes.com
April 15th 6pm @ 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 and
 

Hey Bike Shops! It's spring, and people will be getting ready to ride again as the weather warms up. Want to generate more business? Advertise on Southeastern Cycling! Ask me how at sttarlite@hotmail.com. Ad rates are very reasonable!

Cyclist Hit at Mt. Paran and Jett Rd. From Jeff Jones: "One of my neighbors called b/c a cyclist was hit at the 4 way stop at Mt. Paran and Jett Rd around 11:30 AM today. Apparently he was laying unconscious in the middle of the intersection. Not sure about any of the details but hopefully they are okay and not anyone we know. A word of caution about that intersection: people blow through the stop sign all the time – especially when they are traveling east on Mt. Paran from the country store. For some reason they don’t see the stop sign.

It’s a good time to take stock in your safety. A few things I try to do:
· Don’t ride two wide on busy roads – you are asking to get hit or cause an accident between a passing car and oncoming traffic.
· Don’t ride with your iPod. If you can’t hear cars behind, you increase the chances of getting hit.
· When you come to a stop light, don’t cut by all the cars to the front. First it’s illegal and second you make all the cars have to pass you again.
· Don’t take your safety for granted. Sharing the road works both ways. A lot of us get really cocky with motorists – I too am guilty. It only takes a split second for the idiot on the cell phone to end your life and it won’t matter who had the right of way when you end up in a box.

Ride safe. Jeffrey A. Jones"

Does anyone have any details about the accident? Email sttarlite@hotmail.com.

3-31-2008  N2Racing Charity Ride N2 racing will be having a series of charity events during the Tour De Georgia. Details are on the N2 Racing website. As a cool thing, Michael Ward (of the Wallflowers), author of Mike and the Bike will be performing on Wednesday, April 23.

Ride Reminder Just a reminder that most evening group rides move to 6:30 this week. Check with the ride leader of your favorite ride to confirm.

Bicycle Frame Art Show Sopo is hosting a Bicycle Art Frame show at the Radial Cafe through April 26th. There will be a closing reception on April 26th from 7-11 pm. You can bid on the unsold and for-auction-only frames. All funds raised will go to the Sopo Bike Coop.

Crit Start Time Here ye, here ye. The elders of Atlanta cycling have had a meeting of the mind(less) and heave decided that the Tuesday Night Weekly World Office Park Criterium Championships of the Lesser North-Western Townships of Atlanta shall return to the normal start time of 6:30 in the post meridiem of the Eastern Daylight Savings Time Zone, beginning on the 8th day of April in the 2008th Year of Our Lord (all hail Chris Hoy). This date would have, in the prior incarnations of Daylight Savings Time, been the first crit of the year (First Tuesday after the First Sunday in April). Therefore, it has been discussed, decided and proclimated. So let it be written. So shall it be done!