USA Crits Wrap Up Dawson win wraps up Speed Week; Hekman takes overall Atlanta, Ga. (May 5, 2008)—The final installment of the 2008 USA CRITS Speed Week series became a race within a race on Sunday, May 4. With a long-standing breakaway out in front of the field for most of the 55 laps that made up the inaugural Global Imports BMW Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge, the race for the overall Speed Week title was being watchfully contested in the pack. The numbers and sheer power of Mark Hekman’s TOSHIBA-Santo’s teammates, however, simply outgunned Jake Keough’s CRCA/Sakonnet Technology squad, which broke the first place series tie between the two and delivered Hekman the overall victory for the week.

“Since we ended up being tied before the start,” a breathless Hekman said at the finish,“all I had to do today was watch him and beat him over the line, so it was pretty exciting. Coming in the last corner, I jumped on the inside of him, got a big gap, and then just powered up this hill.”

A large crowd lined a hilly course in Sandy Springs to eventually watch Hekman’s triumph, but not before they got to cheer on a seven-man breakaway roll away from the main group early on in the race. That split comprised Christian Helmig (Metro Volkswagen), Michael Stoop (TIME), Bennet Van Der Genugten (Team Inferno Racing), Bruno Langlois (Myogenesis.com), Paul Martin (Texas Roadhouse), Rob White (ABD/GEARGRINDER) and eventual race winner Peter Dawson (Rock Racing). With two teammates supporting him in the field, including 2008 Athens Twilight Criterium champion Rahsaan Bahati, Dawson and the rest of his companions in the escape took turns at pulling their lead farther and farther away from the pack behind them.

“We had seven guys up there and, for the first amount of time that we were away, we all chopped off very hard.” Dawson said afterwards. “They were taking some pretty hard turns and managed to keep it out there.”

As the race for the win wound down, Dawson began to contribute less to the group’s effort and storing up the energy he needed to win the final sprint.

“I played it pretty foxy in the end,” said Dawson, fairly competent of his turn of speed, having been a multiple world team pursuit champion on the track. “I really had nothing left and, if they attacked me, I probably would have got dropped. But I managed to pull out on the right-hand side when they all fanned out across the course, and ran out of gas in front of me.”

In the women’s race, Tina Pic brought home an unsurprising victory for herself and her Colavita/Sutter Home teammates. Despite the entire women’s field being essentially decimated from a long week of continual racing, Pic not only easily won the uphill sprint finish ahead of chief rival Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), but clinched the overall series victory that she seemed destined to win virtually from the outset.

Results Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge

Pro Men

1. Peter Dawson, Rock Racing, 1:11:31.500
2. Bruno Langlois, Myogenesis.com, +0.200
3. Christan Helmig, Metro Volkswagen, +0.200
4. Paul Martin, Texas Roadhouse, +0.200
5. Bennet Van Der Genugten, Team Inferno, +0.500
6. Rob White, ABD/GEARGRINDER, +0.600
7. Mike Stoop, TIME Pro Cycling, +0.900
8. Mark Hekman, TOSHIBA-Santo, +26.500
9. Jake Keough, CRCA/Sakonnet Technology, +26.700
10. Jeff Hopkins, Team Inferno, +26.700

Pro Women

1. Tina Pic, Colavita/Sutter Home, 45:25.800
2. Laura Van Gilder, Cheerwine, +0.200
3. Kelly Benjamin, Cheerwine, +0.700
4. Catherine Cheatley, Cheerwine, +0.800
5. Holli Steelman, Juice Plus, +1.100
6. Julie Trew, Vanderkitten, +1.100
7. Shontelle Gauthier, Colavita/Sutter Home, +1.100
8. Tiffany Cromwell, Colavita/Sutter Home, +1.500
9. Rebecca Larson, Aarons, +1.800
10. Barnard Tamyra, Herbalife, +1.800

2008 USA CRITS Speed Week Overall

Pro Men

1. Mark Hekman, TOSHIBA-Santo, 1367
2. Jake Keough, CRCA/Sakonnet Technology, 1363
3. Jeff Hopkins, Team Inferno, 1302
4. David Guttenplan, TIME, 1258
5. Oscar Henao, Clinica Union, 1161
6. Rob White, ABD/GEARGRINDER,1092
7. Adam Myerson, TIME, 1058
8. Aldo Ilesic, Black Sheep Cartel, 1055
9. Juan Forero, Colombian National Team, 1040
10. Christan Helmig, Metro Volkswagen. 984

Pro Women

1. Tina Pic, Colavita/Sutter Home, 1487
2. Benjamin Kelly, Cheerwine, 1379
3. Laura Van Gilder, Cheerwine, 1355
4. Rebecca Larson, Aaron's, 1321
5. Shontelle Gauthier, Colavita/Sutter Home, 1307
6. Anna Lang, Aaron's, 1290
7. Tiffany Cromwell, Colavita/Sutter Home,1286
8. Catherine Cheatley, Cheerwine, 1240
9. Holli Steelman, Juice Plus/NC, 1190
10. Jenny Trew, Vanderkitten, 1172


About USA CRITS

USA CRITS National Criterium Series has been developed to feature a brand of cycling unique to the United States, the criterium. Criteriums are historically run on short laps through city streets. They offer spectators the opportunity to watch Olympians, world and national champions up-close as they ride at top speed. This has made the criterium format the most spectator-friendly form of cycling entertainment. Events on the USA CRITS series have the ideals that have made criterium racing an American legacy: Challenging courses that showcase arts and entertainment districts; a large and energized base of spectators; broad community support; and strong marketing opportunities for sponsors. For more information visit www.usacrits.com

5-7-2008 Later Peeps, I'm Outta Here! I've been very busy that last few weeks with the Tour De Georgia, Cohutta 35/100, Roswell, and Sunny King. I need a week off! So, I'm taking a week off. If you need anything, email it to me by 5:00 Wednesday night. I will not be responding to emails that are sent after then. SE Cycling will not be updated again until next Wednesday. I'm sure a lot of you know that I have a lot going on in my personal life, and I need some time to deal with it, decompress, and work on other things. Plus, I just need a break from the site for a week!

Sunny King and Roswell Photos I have all of my Sunny King photos up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. I should have Roswell up by Wed. night. I took over 1000 pictures this weekend, and it takes time to sort through them and upload them.

Cycling Accident with One of Our Own From Brady Rogers: "I’m sure you’ve heard through the cycling grapevine by now, but Ryan (T: Barnett) was in a serious accident on Saturday afternoon (T: near Buford Highway/Jimm Carter). He was hit by a truck and landscape trailer while riding. Right now, he is not in the best of shape….several skull fractures, broken ribs, chipped pelvis and a compression fracture of T3, which is causing some paralysis. He is being moved to Sheppard tomorrow. The prognosis from the doctors there is 60/40 ever walking again. Please keep him your prayers, and feel free to pass this along to any and everyone."

From Trish:  Many people know Ryan from his work at Blue and his racing adventures. He's been around cycling in Georgia for a long time. I got more tonight from Brady Rogers, a teammate, friend, and coworker of Ryan's and Mike, Ryan's good friend. Both have been to see Ryan in the hospital. Ryan will be transferred to Sheppard on Thursday and will have surgery on Friday to fuse the vertebrae to stabilize/repair the fracture. All things considered, he's doing well.. He's semi conscious. He had a CAT scan for his head injury, and according to Brady and Mike, the found "all the brain that was there to begin with." ;) ;) (You need to know Brady and Mike's sense of humor!) When Ryan is coherent, he's "still very much Ryan".

They are NOT sure exactly how it happened, but it was DEFINITELY an ACCIDENT. There was no malicious intent on the part of the driver. The driver stayed on the accident scene, and it's under investigation.

A benefit/charity ride/auction is already in the works. Contact Todd at Reality Bikes at 770-886-1175 if you want to donate auction/raffle items or help with planning the benefit.

Please keep Ryan in your thoughts and prayers. I'll have more updates as I get them. Feel free to contact Brady: brogers at psi-atlanta.com,
 

Saul Raisin's Email Address? Does anyone know Saul's email or phone number? Brady wants to let Saul know about Ryan's accident.

Beginner Mountain Bike Clinic Communicycle is hosting a beginner mountain bike clinic and ride at Yellow River on May 17, 9-11 am. The clinic and ride are open to anyone. The level will be based on who shows up, but is expected to be pretty basic beginner level. If there's anyone who's just getting into mountain biking and wants a little help getting started, you're welcome to come out. You can sign up at the Communicycle website, www.communicycle.us.

Roswell Video Someone posted a great video of the Cat. 3/4 race at Roswell. Here is another one.

Roswell Pics on Cyclingnews.com! My Roswell photos got on Cyclingnews.com. Woo Hoo! That and my Sunny King photos on Velonews in the same weekend. Does it get any better?? Just one correction...if anyone sees my photos credited to Kurt Jambretz of Action Images, both sites are wrong. Kurt takes amazing photos, but he was at the Tour of the Gila out west this past weekend.

Outspokin Rides From www.outspokinbikes.com: "Our Wednesday Night Hickory Flat Road Ride (6:30 pm, every Wednesday Night) is fast becoming our favorite ride of the week! We are having a great turnout and we have several different levels of riders showing up. To keep the groups of riders together (rather than have riders split all among the countryside!), we now have THREE great ride options for varying speeds and skill levels!

"A" Group - Very experienced riders, looking for a faster, more aggressive ride/workout on a somewhat hilly/rolling course. 31 miles with an average speed at or above 19 mph
"B" Group - Somewhat experienced riders, looking for a moderately paced group ride while still using group riding skills and techniques. 31 miles with an average speed between 16-18 mph.
"C" Group - Intermediate/seasoned riders looking for a casual-paced ride without trying to break any land speed records. 31 miles with an average speed of 15-16 mph.


The "C" Group ride is somewhat slower, but not considered a beginner ride. If you are looking for a beginner ride, we have an option for you! Our Saturday Morning Hickory Flat Beginner Ride (7am, Saturdays) is the one for you! We ride between 14-16 miles at a 14-16mph average. We meet back up with the 8am Intermediate group in case there are some riders who want to do both. At the 7am ride, we have more time to show you the ropes and introduce you to group riding and road etiquette than we do with the other rides.

For more information on any of these rides, please e-mail events@outspokinbikes.com. See you on the road!!!"

We also have a few other rides, as well:

# Tuesday, 6pm, Canton Bluffs Road Ride (31.26mi @ Intermediate/Advanced pace, very hilly)
# Wednesday, 6:30pm, Hickory Flat Road Ride (31.27mi, multiple groups/speeds, moderately hilly)
# Saturday, 7am, Hickory Flat Beginner Road Ride (~15-16mi @ Beginners' Pace [-16mph])
# Saturday, 8am, Hickory Flat Saturday AM Ride (same as Wednesday Hickory Flat Ride)"

5-8-2008 All Roswell and Sunny King Photos Are Up! All of the Roswell and Sunny King crit photos are up. Browse to your heart's content at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. I got ALL the races at Sunny King except the Juniors and the Men's 2/3, Masters, Pro Women, and Pro Men at Roswell.

State Crit Championships  From the GA Cup: LaGrange Announces the Criterium Georgia State Championships FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LaGrange, Ga. – On June 21, professional and amateur bicycle racers will converge on downtown LaGrange for the Georgia Cup State Championship criterium bike race. The state championship criterium will begin downtown at 12:15 p.m. Cyclists will race laps on a closed circuit course around Main, Broome, S. Lewis and E. Depot streets. The Downtown LaGrange Development Authority is currently planning events and activities to draw local attendance to watch the races.

Only the streets on the course will be closed for vehicle traffic until the race concludes at 9 p.m. Over 500 cyclists are planned to compete in the state championship criterium. Participants of any age, professional or amateur, may sign up to race in this event. Other races taking place this weekend include the time trial and road race. The time trial will take place on Saturday from 8-11:00 a.m. Racers will start at the intersection of Vernon St. and Forrest Ave. and head down Forrest towards the Hillside area and back.

The road race on Sunday takes place on a loop of county roads surrounding West Point Lake. The start/finish line will be set up at Earl Cook Park. This race will not close any roads, but traffic at intersections may be interrupted as the pack of racers moves around the course. The road race begins at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude at 3:00 p.m. Both professional and amateur racers may participate. The races held in LaGrange during the weekend of June 21-22 are part of the Georgia Cup Premier Series. Visit http://www.georgiacup.com/ for more details.
 

Correction Yesterday I posted regarding this regarding Ryan Barnett's accident: "They are sure exactly how it happened.." It should have been "They are NOT sure exactly how it happened." No one knows how the accident happened exactly, and it's under investigation by the appropriate police jurisdiction. I sincerely regret the typo error and have corrected it. Please keep Ryan in your thoughts and prayers.

Buh-Bye! I'm taking a week off. See you guys around! Remember that I won't be updating the site or responding to emails until next Wednesday!

Hogpen Townie Style Check out this video from the Boston Scientific/Northstar team riding Hogpen on Townies! If you have a good video link of cycling in Georgia, email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com.

AJC Article There is an AJC article that mentions Sorella Cycling.

5-14-2008 Gwinnett Daily Post Article The Gwinnett Daily Post has an article on the upcoming Tour of Atlanta.

Ryan's Webpage/Guest Book Category 1 racer Ryan Barnett is recovering in an Atlanta hospital from a collision with a car on May 3.

Barnett, who is the marketing manager for Blue Competition Cycles, was out for a quick spin prior to Sunday's Sandy Springs Classic criterium when the accident occurred, said Blue's Brady Rogers.

Barnett fractured his skull, broke ribs and his pelvis and fractured his back in the T3 and T4 vertebrae area, Rogers said. He said Barnett has some paralysis from the waist down. Barnett is at Atlanta's Shepherd Center, where cyclist Saul Raisin was treated after his 2006 accident. Rogers said doctors will operate on Barnett this week to try to relieve pressure on the spine and possibly reduce the paralysis. A Web site has been published to keep supporters up to date on Barnett's condition. It is at www.realitybikes.com/ryanbarnett.

WOMEN'S ONLY Beginner road ride/clinic by Sorella Cycling: Date: 5/17/08 Time: 10:00am RTR (Ready to Ride)
Location: Silver Comet Depot Parking Lot, 4342 Florence Rd
Distance: 30 miles, Pace: 12-14 mph
Details: Working on riding in a group, maintaining a double pace line, holding your line, calling obstacles, handling traffic and nutrition.

Come join Melissa Mathews and Anne Ledbetter to learn how to ride in a group. They'll will have a brief talk and practice on a 30 mile easy ride on the silver comet. All Beginner Women are Welcome!

Where Has Trish Been? Ah yes, everyone needs a vacation! Chris and I headed to Costa Rica for a short 5 day vacation. Of course, it involved a horseback ride down to Lake Arenal. The horses are wearing native Tico tack.

Bikefest on Wednesday 11am-2pm Bikefest – presented by the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign and the Downtown TMA
With gas prices at an all-time high and the city's traffic situation not much better, commuting to work via bike is becoming much more
attractive, not to mention eco-friendly and health-improving. Enter BikeFest. A partnership between The Atlanta Bicycle Campaign and the
Downtown Transportation Management Association, the three-hour outdoor event held in Downtown's Woodruff Park will be a chance for all
attendees to meet cyclists, visit bicycle experts and win prizes. BikeFest is an event for everyone; cyclists and non-cyclists can learn more about biking and the benefits it provides and enjoy the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow bikers.

Women's MTB ClinicWhen: 9am-1pm Saturday June 28 Where: Conyers (GA Int'l Horse Park)- meet in the main parking lot, steeplechase side

Who: Women who are interested in getting into endurance racing or MTB racing in general. You should be somewhat comfortable riding at least the steeplechase side of Conyers.

What: We need your input here. Let us know what you want to cover! Some ideas we had are: How to ride trail more efficiently (braking, cornering, switchbacks, climbing, descending, rocks, roots), On-trail nutrition for riding and racing, basic preparation for your first event, etc. The clinic will be a combination of outdoor classroom type Q&A and actual trail riding.

Your clinic leaders will be Sherri Stevens and Namrita O'Dea. Sherri is an excellent mtb clinic leader and has a great deal of experience working with women and beginner riders. Not to mention, she has some SKILLZ! Namrita specializes in endurance mountain bike racing and is finishing up her Masters degree in Sports Nutrition. To RSVP and request specific topics to cover, please email sherri.stevens at gmail dot com
There is a limit of 15 riders for this clinic. Please bring drinks and snacks with you. Thanks! Namrita & Sherri, www.55nineperformance.com.

Ride Of Silence The group is meeting on 5/21/08 @ 6:45pm @ the 10th Street entrance to Piedmont Park (10th St. & Charles Allen). The ride start time is @ 7pm & the ride organizers are requesting that riders wear a black armband. Ride of Silence website.

Route:: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Ride-of-Silence

5-15-2008 Upcoming Women's Cycling Clinics From Sorella Cycling:  WOMEN's ONLY Beginner road ride/clinic:
Saturday, May 17th
Time: 10:00am RTR (Ready to Ride)
Location: Silver Comet Depot Parking Lot, 4342 Florence Rd
Distance: 30 miles
Pace: 12-14 mph
Details: Working on riding in a group, maintaining a double pace line, holding your line, calling obstacles, handling traffic and nutrition. Come join Melissa Mathews and Anne Ledbetter to learn how to ride in a group. They'll will have a brief talk and practice on a 30 mile easy ride on the silver comet. Sorellas and Non Sorellas are invited RSVP to Anne Ledbetter anneledbetter@gmail.com.


Women's Only Intermediate Mountain Bike Skills Clinic
Saturday, May 17th 9am-11am
Location: Blankets Creek
Hosted by Jennifer Horn and Alison Lowry

Some of the skills we will cover are: visualization, cornering, vision, obstacles, body positioning - ascending and descending, etc. Non-Sorellas are welcome. Limit to 10 people, sign up by emailing Alison at anlowry00@gmail.com. After the clinic we will ride for approximately one hour, at a no drop pace to work on the skills we've learned.


Women's Only BEGINNER Road Biking Clinic
Thursday May 22, 6:30-8pm
Location Stone Mountain Park - meet at West Gate Parking Lot (at the base of the walking trail)
Hosted by Melissa Matthews and Linda Demma

Some of the skills we will cover are: group riding, drafting, cornering, vision, pedaling, etc.

10K in a Day for SORBA Woodstock Don't forget that 10K in a Day to benefit SORBA Woodstock is this Saturday at Free Flite in Marietta. Details are here.

Ryan Update Ryan is having surgery on Thursday to fuse the vertebrae. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Don't forget to sign his guestbook.

5-16-2008 AJC Article There is another article on cycling in today's AJC. It's a positive spin.

Bike Party Local Atlanta bicycle club and race team Faster Mustache is having a birthday party and fund raiser at Lenny's on May 31st at 6 pm.

The event will include tons of live music, great food like Jambalaya prepared by our guest chef from Baton Rouge, Chef Rock Steady, and a sprint competition INSIDE the bar! This is the bicycle party of the year.
Event info on Faster Mustache: www.fastermustache.org/node/5094 or http://kurtrampton.com/FLYER.jpg.

Ugh I just get back from vacation, get in 2 good rides, and now I'm getting sick. Sore throat, stuffy nose. I think I am getting a cold. Of course, this weekend will be 75 and sunny. I'll probably be stuck inside watching a movie and sleeping. Not fun!

Arrowhead Trails Unfortunately, it looks like the Arrowhead trails in Macon were decimated by the tornados the other week. According to Mark of SORBA OMBA, park officials said the Arrowhead Park will be closed "for the next year." Mark has some sad pictures on the SORBA forum. OMBA has worked countless hours on this trail, and it was one of the state's best race courses. This is a huge loss to mountain biking in Middle Georgia.

Benefit Raffle DIRTY SPOKES - VASSAGO CYCLES - TAYLOR BROOKS FOUNDATION!!!

Dirty Spokes friends and family we have an opportunity to help one of our racers Jeff Brooks. Jeff and his wife had a teenage daughter who just recently (April 1st, 2008) lost a battle with Childhood Cancer (Stage IV Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor Cancer). They have created the "Taylor Brooks Foundation", our staff at Dirty Spokes would like your help to raise money for the Taylor Brooks Foundation.

Dirty Spokes is teaming up with Vassago Cycles to help support the Taylor Brooks Foundation. Vassago Cycles has donated a frame to be raffled of between now and October 11th, 2008 at the Dirty Spokes 12/6 Hour Mountain Bike Race - Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, Ga (ALL proceeds from the raffle go to the Taylor Brooks Foundation)...
This is where we would like you to come in... we have an awesome frame donated by Vassago Cycles! Raffle tickets are $10.00 each! You may purchase as many tickets as you would like (each ticket is $10.00). You do not need to be present to win. If you will mail a check to us at Dirty Spokes along with the raffle form (see web-site:www.dirtyspokes.com - Taylor Brooks Foundation for ticket raffle form ) we will hold onto these and draw the winner on October 11th, 2008 at the Dirty Spokes 12/6 Hour Mountain Bike Race - Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, Ga.

How sweet is that! Get a chance to contribute to a great cause and an opportunity to win a sweet Vassago Frame at the same time!

Again, ALL proceeds go to the Taylor Brooks Foundation.
Make Checks Payable To: TAYLOR BROOKS FOUNDATION
Mail to:
Dirty Spokes Productions,LLC
1911 Carriage Brook Ct.
Dacula, Ga. 30019

Cleve Blackwell (Myogenesis), exhibiting a "Classic Cleve Expression" goes off the front early in the Men's 1/2 race at the Findlay Roofing Crit. (You really have no idea how many photos I have of Cleve over the years sticking his tongue out in a race.)

5-20-2008 Preride of Tour of Atlanta Stage Lifetime Bicycles will be preriding the Walton County/Monroe stage of the Tour of Atlanta on Tuesday. The ride will leave Lifetime Bikes at 6:00. Please plan to show up no later than 5:45.  The shop is located in Loganville at 3540 Hwy. 78 just past Maxie Price Chevrolet. Contact: Jason Chapman, Lifetime Bikes, 770 466 7110

Katie Reynolds (Team Medplan) chases down the break in the Women's 1/2/3 race at the Findlay Roofing Crit.

5-21-2008 Crit Reminders Tuesday was one of the strangest crits I've ever been at. Who knew a tornado may have touched down just a few miles from the business park!? We all were safe and called it an early night. Please remember a few guidelines about the crit:

1. Be discrete when changing. Use a towel or change in your car. The building tenants don't want to see your rear end and neither do your fellow riders.
2. If you need to use the bathroom, there is a port a potty on the downhill by the construction zone. Bonus! There is usually toilet paper in it. If you choose to use the bushes, do so waaaay on back in the woods.
3. The business park is used by other people exercising. Don't run over the runners, walker, pregnant ladies, the roller blader, and the strange guy in the knee socks.
4. If you have never done a group ride, the crit is NOT for you! There are many group rides in Atlanta where you can hone your skills before trying it.
5. Make sure your bike is in good working order. If you are having major mechanical issues, get them resolved before coming out. You risk crashing and taking out the entire field, including yourself
6. There is no insurance, no prize money, the ride is not sponsored by any shop, person, organization, website, or anyone else. You ride at YOUR OWN RISK.
7. Stay to the right of the double yellow line until the big bush on the left going down the hill. The people pulling out of the driveway CANNOT see you. Also, watch out for rough pavement after turn 1 and a few holes going up the hill.
8. If you get dropped, get in at the back of the main group! Do not hop in the break. Do not get in at the front of the pack...AT THE BACK. If you don't know how to do it, watch a few times before trying it.
9. If you get dropped, do everyone a favor and please marshall Turn 1 for a lap or two.
10. If there is a crash, STOP! Make sure there are no injuries and offer assistance, call 911, get a bandaid, if required. Make sure your fellow cyclists are not seriously injured. There are no EMT's on site. If you are still riding, MOVE OVER! Remember that you should not move an injured person. Give them room to either get up on their own time or receive medical attention. It won't kill you to be kind when they are injured.
11. Be patient with the dumb drivers that cut you off. Don't wave your middle finger at them. Yes, we know it was their fault. Foster goodwill anyway.
12. Technically, you should stop at the stop sign. That's why the corner marshall is important.
13. Did I forget everything?

Cartecay Memorial Day Ride From Cartecay Bikes: Come out and have a great ride with Cartecay Bike Shop on Monday, May 26th at 10am for the Annual Memorial Day Ride. We will park at the end of 90B near Pinhoti 2.
2 ride choices, B & C groups rides, no "A" hammerfest.

B ride = Pinhoti 2, shakerag, Bear Creek Loop, Pinhoti 1 and 90B. 25ish miles., C ride = Bear Creek Loop from 90B. 15ish miles

Expect to have Blast! Call Cartecay Bikes for additional info 706-635-2453, Thanks, Kevin

Demo At Heritage NINER DEMO DAY 29' Bikes at Heritage Park in Athens Demo Day with Niner @ Heritage Park in Athens from 10-5pm on Saturday

Come Meet The winner of Cohutta 100 & Dirt Sweat & Gears Champion DJ Birtch. Also meet the Man Single Speed Freak John Fuzzy Myilan and Family Also come hang with the 1st Place SSUSA CHAMPION of DSG & 2nd Place overall Winner in Italy two weeks ago Rebbecca Tomamaski of Wake & Bake Racing. Sunday come race with Gone Riding and hang with everybody in Athens for the weekend!!!! Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all and drive and ride Safe.

5-22-2008 New Ride KING & QUEEN RIDE OF DUNWOODY: 6:30 PM (3NE) Moderate, Strenuous: 24 Miles

Please join the SBL (Southern Bicycle League) in conjunction with support from the Concourse Athletic Club and Cousins Properties on our newest ride. The inaugural ride will begin Monday, June 2, 2008. We will be meeting at the Councourse Athletic Club roundabout at 8 Concourse Parkway. This route entails some of the best climbs, descents, and flats that Dunwoody has to offer. We expect both an A & B Group, and the ride will be no-drop for the B group. Ideally, riders should be able to maintain a 15mph pace for the B group. Social hour and beverages following the ride at the Courtside Grill inside the Concourse Athletic Club. No ride if raining. Helmets required. For more information, contact Robert Weaver or Sydney Weaver at (404) 434-2199 or 770-851-7727.

NEW RIDE LAUNCH PARTY! Please join the Southern Bicycle League with sponsorship from Cousins Properties and Concourse Athletic Club for our innaugural "KING & QUEEN RIDE OF DUNWOODY" PARTY on Monday June 2, 2008.
The Innaugural Ride Party & Social Hour will begin at approximately 8:30 inside the Concourse Athletic Club at the conclusion of the ride. We encourage all cycling enthusiasts, SBL Members and otherwise, to attend one or both of the events! Complimentary Beverages and appetizers will be sponsored by Cousins Properties and the Concourse Athletic Club. For information on the event or sponsorship please contact Tracy Meazell of the Concourse at (770) 853-5140, or Mark Wyan of SBL at (404) 663-1757.

Conyers Work Party  From SORBA and Faster Moustache: On July 13, Faster Mustache is teaming up with SORBA-Atlanta for a trail work day at Georgia International Horse Park Trails (Conyers). SORBA-Atlanta is using a grant from NORBA to reroute some trails and we are coming in after them on July 13 to do the hand tool work. Tools will be provided by SORBA-Atlanta. Lunch, drinks, and extras (more info soon!) will be provided by Faster Mustache. Please post on this thread or at http://fastermustache.org/node/5257  if you would like to attend so we have an idea of how much food to provide. The work party will be from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Ryan Update There is an update on Ryan Barnett's website: http://www.realitybikes.com/RyanBarnett/.

5-23-2008 Mountaintown Input Needed Mountaintown Trail needs to be rerouted because of the conflict with the road's home owners. Please see the thread on the SORBA forum for all the details. It's too long to post here.

Tiago Hit Disclaimer: Some of this info. is second hand and subject to correction/amendment. Another racer, Cat. 1 Tiago DePaula, was hit by a car on Tuesday. (Tiago already has a lawyer and is planning action against the driver. Apparently, it's a case of he said/she said as to whose fault it was right now.) From what I have been told by someone who talked to Tiago's girlfriend, his body and brain are fine. His face is not, and he is in the ICU and facing a surgery. He cannot have visitors at this time. Those are all the details I have. I'll post more when I have it. Get well soon, Tiago!!

5-25-2008 NC News From Charlotte Sports Cycling:
Wednesday, May 28 - 2008 Charlotte Summer Series at Beatty

Round two for the the summer series will kick off next Wednesday at Col Francis Beatty. 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 picked up another sponsor for the series, Gore. Gore sent a box full of goodies including a couple of their Windstopper Jackets and the Gore's Ride On Sealed Cable systems.

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

Sunday, June 1 The Maxxis Southern Classic MTB Series will visit USNWC

Catawba Riverfront Classic - Cross County Mountain Bike Race Info is posted on posted on www.charlottemtnbike.com.
FREE T-shirts to the first 150 people who register. Event will be held at the infamous US National Whitewater Center

June 14 & 15, 2008
NC RR Championships
Carolina Masters will host the North Carolina Road Race Championship. The Championship course is the same as last year's High Rock Lake Road
Race, a fast 13 mile loop featuring smooth, just paved, blacktop. Cheerwine will boost racers in the feedzone and start/finish area with Savage
Energym. All USAC racers may compete, visit www.carolinamasterscycling.com for Championship eligibility and other event details.
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Saturday, June 21
New Venue - Fisher Farm Park, Davidson, NC

Cowbell Challenge 12 Hour MTB Race
http://www.cowbellchallenge.org/
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July 25 - August 3 - 9 DAYS OF RACING IN NORTH CAROLINA Dates for the 8th Annual Crossroads Cycling Classic are posted.
Check out www.crossroadscyclingclassic.com  See you on the bike. Neal

Latest on Tiago  From Outspokin Bikes: Tiago de Paula, local Category 1 Road Racer, was severely injured on May 22nd, 2008, when a car abruptly turned in front of him while he was warming up for the Tour of Atlanta Time Trial in Buford, GA.

Here's the absolute latest word from his team, the Latino Cycling Team, per a conversation with Robert McConville at 1:35pm on the 23rd:

- Tiago broke the right side of his face, has a dislocated jaw, and multiple facial fractures. He is considered in critical condition and is still in the intensive care unit at Atlanta Medical Center.
- He was air-vac'd to Atlanta Medical Center.
- He is NOT covered by insurance.
-Several of his friends are working on the legal side of the accident. The team is taking care of the financial side of things.
- They are setting up the "Latino Cycling Rider Recovery Fund," to benefit Tiago's recovery. They have a bank account set up and are working diligently to get the PayPal connection set up.
If anyone has contributed to the link I have set up below, that money will be transferred to the Latino Cycling Fund. I am discontinuing that link as soon as their PayPal connection goes live. We are also still taking a collection at Out Spokin' Bicycles. Since the Fund will be a non-profit, you should be eligible for a tax write-off, as long as you leave your information for a receipt.
Any more information, I'll post as soon as I hear it. Thanks to Robert and the rest of the team for heading this up and getting all this information straight (snip) Thanks for supporting a fellow cyclist in his time of need.

Trish's note: I'll put the link for donations up as soon as I have it!

5-26-2008 Fool's Gold Festival and Race From SORBA: SORBA and 55nineperformance are teaming up together for the Fool's Gold Festival and Race, August 15-17, 2008. In place of the Nimblewill MTB Festival for 2008, SORBA is merging events with Fool's Gold. SORBA will be holding:
Friday--Night ride
Saturday--Bike games in afternoon and a movie in the evening
Sunday, Mystery Adventure ride in the morning
Come join the fun!!!
You can register for the race and/or festival at 55nineperformance. Weekend and one-day admission is available.

Stay Safe This was sent to me, and I think it's timely
$40 and Common Sense May Save Your Life

Unfortunately, there seems to have been a rash of cyclists getting hit by cars lately, and the first
thing I hear is blame being placed solely onto the drivers of the vehicle. After all, they were the
one not paying attention, so certainly….they are the party to blame, right? But you now what?
There are (2) two reasons accidents happens; (1) they don't see us, and (2) we don't see them
about to hit us. I think it’s time WE cyclists take some accountability for these accidents as well,
and take the necessary actions that we can do to help prevent them from happening.

There are (3) three ways for YOU to take action and help prevent these accidents.
1. Start taking accountability for your own safety.
2. Become more visible to motorists.
3. Become more aware of a potential collision before it occurs.

Start taking accountability for your own safety.
If all you’re doing while riding is listening for a car to approach, then move over a few inches…it’s
simply not enough. You’re sharing the road with motorists who… in this day an age….are too
busy talking or (God forbid) text messaging on their cell phones, tending to children in the car,
finding a station on their new satellite radio, or just daydreaming. The fact of the matter is, if
we’re sharing the roads with such drivers…..we need to step up, become more defensive, and
take accountability for our own safety. We’re relying far too much on the motorists for our safety,
and it’s wrong! Your safety is up to YOU! Become more accountable and take action to be
more defensive. Your life depends on it.

Become more visible to motorists.
I see it all the time; a rider in his/her favorite, dark colored jersey or team kit at dusk, with no
taillight. People…that’s just downright stupid! Buy a taillight, and wear a bright colored jersey.
It doesn’t get any easier than that. For $20, you can buy a very bright LED taillight that makes
ALL the difference at dusk, or when you’re riding into the setting sun. And while you don’t have
to buy the “high visibility” yellow jersey….please stick to a lighter color. Folks…it’s just makes
sense. Buy a taillight. Use it.

Become more aware of a potential collision before it occurs.
To increase your awareness and defensiveness of approaching cars from behind, a mirror is a
must. For $20, you can buy a mirror that suits your liking….whether it be sunglass, helmet, or
bike mounted. (I personally find the sunglass mounted mirrors offer less road vibration and best
vision). It’s quite simple actually; when you hear a car approaching, give a quick look in the
mirror to ensure they’re getting over. It REALLY IS that simple, folks. Now granted……just
because you wear a mirror doesn’t mean you’re safe. You HAVE to USE it, OK. I’ve personally
witnessed an accident where the rider was wearing yellow on a sunny day, taillight flashing, and
wearing a mirror. He was grazed by a passing motorist. Why? He didn’t check his mirror to
ENSURE the approaching vehicle was giving him enough room. Mirrors don’t come with
beeping alarm systems. Buy one. USE it.

Insurance cards and ID
I’ve witnessed two accidents. In both cases, neither cyclist had proper ID on them.
People……c’mon. Would you please be a bit more responsible? Always carry a debit card,
driver’s license, insurance card, a $5 bill, and a cell phone at all times. If you’re really
responsible, purchase a $20 Road ID bracelet, which contains pertinent medical and contact
information should you be unable to speak.


Again...there are two reasons accidents happens; they don't see us, and we don't see them about
to hit us. Yet I see very few cyclists taking the necessary precautions to avoid being struck, and
it’s ALWAYS the motorists fault. Guys…..believe me, I’m a diehard cyclist who loves the sport,
so I really am on your side. But damn….wake up and take some accountability for your own
safety. Not only take into account what I just discussed herein, but also consider WHERE and
WHEN you ride to increase your safety.

It’s YOUR responsibility to become more defensive and increase YOUR safety, so step up and do
it. And stop placing the blame SOLELY on others due to your lack of responsibility.

Trish's note: You HAVE to make yourself visible. I was hit in Roswell in 1999 in broad daylight, and since I've made sure I'm visible in all conditions. Thankfully, I was back on my bike within a few weeks. Be safe!

5-28-2008 Officials Clinic  There will be a USAC officials clinic ( Cat C license) scheduled for this Saturday, May 31st in Asheville, NC. There is also a motorcycle officials clinic scheduled for Sunday, June 1, also in Asheville. This would be an excellent time to obtain your USAC officials license.

Contact Vicki Lyons at dnovic@charter.net.

5-29-2008 Zig Zag Trail Closed From Gainesville SORBA: The Zig Zag trail at Chicopee will be closed for a few months in order to cut some reroutes and rehabilitate the bypassed sections of the trail. Please keep in mind that the trail is being rerouted in order to alleiviate some erosion issues and to make the trail more sustainable not to make it easier to ride! Please check http://www.GainesvilleSORBA.org  for updates on the Zig Zag project.

Tiago's Recovery Fund From the Latino Cycling Team: Tiago de Paula Recovery Fund Tiago de Paula, a local and national Category 1 racer and member of the Aero Cat / Latino Professional Cycling Team, was severely injured around 5pm on May 22nd, 2008, when a car abruptly turned in front of him while he was traveling at a high rate of speed in his warm-up for the opening time trial of the Tour of Atlanta in Buford, GA. Tiago was air-evac'd to Atlanta Medical Center.

In the collision, Tiago sustained multiple facial fractures and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit awaiting the first of several facial reconstructive surgeries. Several of his friends and members of the cycling community are working to raise money to aid his recovery and payment of what will be very significant medical expenses. His cycling team has set up a Riders Recovery Fund to benefit Tiago.

Your help is greatly needed! Anyone interested in donating money can make checks payable to: Latino Cycling Team / Memo: Tiago's Recovery Fund.
The fund is blanketed under non-profit status and all donations will be eligible for a tax deduction.
If you have any questions or would like to donate money, please send checks to Tiago's teammate:
Robert McConville
1704 Lord Ashley Drive
Sanford, NC 27330
If have any questions feel free to contact Robert at (919)770-1737 or rmcconnville@schsr.unc.edu

For further information you can view more at: www.outspokinbikes.com.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE FOR AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE!
We sincerely thank you for your support and prayers for Tiago's recovery.

Trish's Note: You can make a Paypal donation by going to the Aerocat website: http://www.aerocatbike.com/News.html

Goldsprint Races From Fixed Gear Fever:  This weekend, the three groups are getting together for GOLDSPRINTS! GOLDSPRINTS are stationary sprint racing, on rollers, in a bar. You don't have to bring a bike, and you don't have to know how to ride rollers (the forks are locked down). It sounds like a great time! These guys are a lot of fun!

Where: Lenny's (Atlanta Area)
When: May 31st - Racing starts @ 6:00 pm
Details? Click here.