April 2009 Archive

3-31-2009 Eastside Ride Info. From Mark Lindberg: Northlake and Pizza Rides move to 6:30PM this WEEK- one loop in the park
The Pizza ride will go back to the original Pizza Ride location
Northlake Ride- for last weekday of March and all of April:
March 31, 2009 @ 6:30PM.
One 7 mile intermediate counterclockwise loop- going up Stonewall Jackson
Pizza Ride- for all of April:
Starts Thursday April 2, 2009 @ 6:30PM.
One 9 mile large clockwise loop

Intown Classics Rides Please note. This is the final week that the In-Town Classics – Sandy Springs , Peachtree Battle and Chastain – start at 06:15 PM ET. Next week, the Classics move to 06:30 PM ETs.

Also, please note that the Tucker Ride moves up one (1) hour to a 09:00 AM ET start effective this coming Saturday 04/04/09.

Rome Crit April 24th Rome Velo will be hosting the Clocktower Cycling Classic Criterium Friday, April 24th. http://www.racelistings.com/register/events/flyer.asp?ID=956 Yes, Friday!

DLV News Click to view this email in a browser
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/360532/3e81d89bbf/1818500713/fb4283f5d7/


2009 Racing season at the DLV Kicks Off This Week 4/1

This coming Wed, 1st of April marks the beginning of the 2009 racing season at the Dick Lane Velodrome. A new format for Wed racing will see a 3 week rotation of the races going down like this :  Wheelrace Night
Madison Night
Record Breaker Night
The record breaker night is new for 2009 and the feature event will be a Scratch Race record attempt by each category. Break the record, winmoney. Simple as that. Prizes supplied by Tifosi Optics, Outback Bikes, The Grange Public House, Twains Billiards and Tap and cash by the EPVA. Cost for racing has gone up to $15, $10 for riders with 2 volunteer days on the books. Make sure you've got your season pass in order to save, save, save!! Keep up with the schedule on the website,
www.dicklanevelodrome.com/schedule.htm and sign up for your season
pass here : www.dicklanevelodrome.com/fees.htm
 

Tuesday Nights Masters, Women and Beginners Tuesday nights will be running constantly this season with the night
being run rotationally between Melissa's 1st and 3rd Tuesdays and John
and Marty's 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Racing open for all Women, Masters
and for the beginners to get their feet wet.

Friday Nights Rotating Program

Friday night is the new night for Pursuits. Pursuits will be run every other Friday, so get you aero bars and get ready to ride. This is a great opportunity for beginners to get more time on the track to advance your category. Interspersed during the non-pursuit Friday's will be a mixture of Steve Hill's Friday Night Sprints and Jeff Hopkins' HopCoach Coaching series, details for both of those are TBD, but you'll find the details in the schedule when they are available :
dicklanevelodrome.com/schedule.htm

Beginners Class Regular Season Schedule for 2009

Thurday Night Class Schedule
Session 1 : April 2,9,16,23
Session 2 : May 7, 14, 21, 28
Session 3 : June 11, 18, 25, July 2
Session 4 : July 16, 23, 30, August 13
Session 5 : August 20, 27, September 3, 10
** Note: You take all the classes in a session row - not one from each
session.
Contact Brian, brian@dicklanevelodrome.com or sign-up at our fee's
page to join in th

Summer Bicycle Little League Starts This Thursday April 2nd

Bicycle Little League kicking into high gear on Monday and Thursday evenings, 6pm till 7:30pm. Open for all youth 9 and up.
Bikes and helmets are supplied; however, if you have your own helmet please bring it along. Program is free - but donations are always welcome.

Microwave Donation Needed

We got a fridge and one microwave, but we are still looking for another microwave to speed up the service in the kitchen for your
culinary enjoyment. If you have a microwave and would like to give it as a donation - please email jeff@dicklanevelodrome.com

2009 Pro Race Series(PRS) Dates(formerly Festival of Speed)

Friday May 8th - Need for Speed Sprints
Saturday May 9th - Kazane / NoBrakes presents “The Keirin”

Friday July 10th - Need for Speed Sprints
Saturday July 11th - Outback Bikes presents “The Wheelrace”

Friday September 18th - Need for Speed Sprints
Saturday September 19th - Thomsen, Ltd. presents “The Madison”

2009 Southeast Women's (SEW) Cycling Series

Dick Lane Velodrome and SEW Cycling have teamed up for 2009 to offer
our last PRS race of the season, Thomsen, Ltd. presents 'The Madison'
as the season finale of the SEW Cycling points series. We are offering
discounted beginners classes for all women who wish to compete in the
final event of the SEW Cycling series. Go to the SEW Cycling website
for more info and your discount coupon : sewcycling.squarespace.com

4-1-2009 Single Speed US Championships/Georgia Single Speed Championships The SSUSA/GSSC will be May 16-17th at Hawkes Creek in Athens. Clicky this: http://ssusa09.blogspot.com/ More details coming. No April Fools!

Cyclist Hit in SC A Canadian cyclist was hit in SC near Seneca over the weekend.

Nashville Bike Shop Robbed From Cyclingnews.com: Nashville bike shop robbed

Nashville bike shop Gran Fondo was targeted by thieves who stole up to US$50,000 of premium inventory.

The shop, owned by Vida and Lynn Greer, parents of TIBCO rider Katharine Carroll, is now missing nine bikes, although thieves left the cash drawer untouched and didn't vandalise the premises. The couple is now working with Metro Nashville detectives and State Farm to recover the inventory, and have released a list of the stolen stock to warn potential online auction buyers who may see it posted for sale.

Items stolen include:

*Pinarello FP6 – Campagnolo Chorus 11 speed, size 55, White, black, red, White Talon bar/stem, White Most Saddle and seatpost, Campy Eurus 2 way fit wheels
*Specialized Tarmac Expert Riva – Size 56, Black/Red, Ultegra SL, Ultegra wheels
*SW Roubaix SL – Ultegra SL, size 54, Blue/White, Ultegra SL, Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels, FSA stem, bar, Fizik Pave saddle, Spec seatpost
*Specialized Roubaix SL – SRAM Red, size 56 Black, Red/Force Mix, Roval Roubaix 350 wheels
*Specialized Tarmac SL – SRAM Force/Red Mix, size 54, White, Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels
*Orbea Ordu Rival – Size 51, Black/Red, SRAM Rival, Zipp 404's, Vittoria tires, Profile T2 Aero Bars, RC Stem
*Orbea Opal – Campagnolo Chorus 11 speed, Size 57, Black/Red/White, Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels, Selle Italia Flight Saddle, Zeus carbon post
*Orbea ORCA – Sammy Sánchez White & Gold, size 51, Campagnolo Super record, Zipp 202 wheels, Zeus carbon bar, stem, post, Vredistein tubulars
*Lynskey Helix – Campagnolo Centaur, Fulcrum 3 wheels, Fulcrum R3's, FSA stem, Wing Pro Compact Bar, Lynskey Ti post

4-2-2009 EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR HISTORIC ROSWELL TO HOST NATIONAL BICYCLE RACES

Popular Mayor's Ride Returns for Families at Georgia Event

ROSWELL, Ga. (April 1, 2009) - The 8th Annual Historic Roswell Criterium returns on Sunday, April 26, 2009 with a full schedule of events for professional cyclists and area residents. This year the event will be part of the USA Crits Speed Week racing series for elite athletes. Since 2001, the Historic Roswell Criterium has established itself firmly as one of the top single-day races in the United States, with 10 categorized contests for amateur and professional athletes. For local families and residents, the event has grown to a full-day festival, including a morning recreational adult bike ride with Mayor Jere Wood, an afternoon bicycle safety rodeo for children, and retail specials at local shops throughout the day.

"We are proud that the Historic Roswell Criterium continues to be a solid community event on the calendar in the metro area. The event attracts thousands of participants and spectators to this beautiful area each spring. It not only promotes healthy lifestyles, but it helps drive economic impact for Historic Roswell, bringing people back to eat and shop at local businesses throughout the year," said Michael Johnson, race director and member of Roswell Velo, Inc., the cycling club that handles logistics of the races.

Sunday, April 26, will begin with a recreational bicycle ride for all levels of cyclists, the Roswell Mayor's Ride. There are four ride options, ranging from six miles to 64 miles, with the start of the ride receiving an escort from Roswell Police. Rest stops are provided along the route, with commemorative t-shirts to all who register prior to April 20 Last year close to 350 people participated in the event, and raised awareness for Bike Roswell!, the grassroots organization that helped the city gain national recognition as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Advanced registration is $20 per individual, or $45 for a family of four. More information can be found at www.bikeroswell.com.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., a series of 10 bicycle races will take place on the one-mile route in Historic Roswell. The 2009 event will be part of the USA Crits Speed Week for professional cyclists from across North America, and the Georgia Cycling Grand Prix (a 12-race series). Speed Week, which offers $120,000 in prize money, is sanctioned by USA Cycling and is promoted by Swagger LLC, which also produces the Athens Twilight Criterium. Over $15,000 in prize money will be up for grabs in Roswell alone. The start line will again be in front of Founder's Hall on Canton Street and races will run from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

While there are registration fees to participate in the races (from $35 to $50), it will be complimentary for children to participate in the Bicycle Rodeo and for spectators to watch the races. The Children's Bicycle Safety Rodeo will be managed by the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell and is supported by Roswell Bicycles. Children can also participate in the Shimano Youth Series races. The youth races are complimentary to any children who complete the Rodeo and are held following the Women's Pro event, on the same race course. While not the fastest races of the day, the youth races are some of the most entertaining.

Registration and event information is available at www.roswellcriterium.com. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available for the Historic Roswell Criterium. For information on sponsorship packages contact Michael Johnson at mwjhome@gmail.com.

About the Historic Roswell Criterium:

Along with the City of Roswell, the Historic Roswell Criterium is supported by Roswell Bicycles, Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kiwanis Club of Roswell and Peloton Sports. The event is managed by Roswell Velo, Inc. The race format, a criterium, is the most common form of American bicycle racing. It is a multi-lap event of approximately 25 to 60 miles held on a closed course, generally a mile or less in length, that can see competitors exceed speeds of 30 miles per hour. For more information on the Historic Roswell Criterium, including race map, registration and local hotel discounts, visit the official web site, www.roswellcriterium.com.
 

Mt. Tabor Work Party From SORBA Paudling: Hello everyone, Paulding SORBA is at it once again, this time we've teamed up with Keep Paulding Beautiful, Comcast and Westridge Church to impact our community in a positive way. This event will take place on 4/25/2009 at Mt. Tabor Park from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. We'll be doing what we do best, building trails, except this time we're expecting 125-150 volunteers. Everyone can make a difference at this event by simply showing up and helping. With the amount of volunteers present we're sure to accomplish a bunch!

Comcast has stepped up to the plate and is providing lunch for everyone, so make no mistake, you work and you get to eat. Every entity involved is supplying volunteers. Our hope is to introduce our community to another form of recreation through awareness of our projects. The plan is for all volunteers to meet at West Ridge Church just down the road on Hwy. 92 for photos and registration between 8:30 and 9:00 then we will all depart to the 3 events. This event will be one of 3 that will be hosted on this day.

There is another event, "Touch a Truck", going on at Mt. Tabor the same weekend. I've been communicating with Michael Justice since this is will take up the majority of the parking at Mt. Tabor. We've been approved to park everyone at Roberts Elementary directly behind the park @ 1833 Mount Tabor Church Rd, Dallas, GA 30157.

We'd like to encourage everyone to bring a folding chair to have a place other than the ground to sit and eat. We're going to be focused on finishing up the beginner/intermediate loop and these areas are close to the meadow that everyone will be hiking in on. This area will serve as registration and where we'll meet for lunch.

Beginner Women's Skills Clinic From the SORBA forum: On May 2nd from 9am-1pm, join Out Spokin' Team riders Marcia and Alan Gibson, Derek Boyd, Kim Moore and a few others to learn how. All while supporting future trail construction at Blankets Creek!

Topics covered will include:
· Bike Set Up
· Simple Bike Maintenance
· Basic Riding Techniques
· Improving Balance
· Keeping your Momentum
· How to Pick a Line
· Riding Over Small Obstacles

This class is appropriate for beginners who want to learn more about their bike and improve riding skills to make mountain biking more enjoyable. We will spend the first half of the class discussing your bike and practicing skill drills. The second half will be spent on the trail as we ride the Dwelling Loop and discuss specific skills along the way.

Due to the demand for this event, participants must pre-register by emailing gibsonra@juno.com. A $20 donation at the clinic would be greatly appreciated, but not necessary to attend. All donations will go to SORBA-Woodstock to support trail construction.

Please note: Helmets Required. Bring plenty of food and water. The trails are closed if it's raining. If the trails are closed, the clinic will be rescheduled. Please check http://www.sorbawoodstock.org for trail open/closed status before heading out.
 

Belgian Beer Specials and One Day Cycling Classics From the Grange Public House in Decatur: One Day Cycling Classic Sundays with Belgian Beer Specials.

Trish's Note: Watch the Cycling Classics at a Bar. Yes, a real bar in Atlanta is showing bike racing! Known as THE cycling bar in Atlanta. One of the owners is a cyclist. He races. It's where all the cool cyclists hang out. (The tofu sandwiches are awesome! Hey--I love tofu!)

The Grange Public House will be featuring the following:

Ommegang Drafts $3 & Duvel Bottles $5 – and some great dipping sauces for those “frites”
Apr 5 - 5pm - Tour of Flanders
Apr 12 - 2.30pm "Road To Roubaix" by Masterlink Films, 4pm - Paris Roubaix
Apr 26 3pm - Liege - Bastogne- Liege & La Fleche Wallonne

www.thegrangepublichouse.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/inbox/#/group.php?gid=53329303349&ref=mf
 

4-6-2009 Nutrition Clinic Sorella Cycling Presents:

Sports Nutrition Clinic w/ Dr. Christine Rosenbloom
Java Monkey - 205 E Ponce De Leon, Decatur, GA
7:00pm, Wednesday, April 23rd

This event is open to everyone -guys and girls, please join us!

Dr. Rosenbloom is a Professor in the Division of Nutrition and Associate Dean for Academics in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Georgia State University in Atlanta. She is a certified specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD), a certification from the American Dietetic Association. She has been at Georgia State for 28 years and prior to a faculty appointment, she was a practicing dietitian, specializing in cardiovascular nutrition. She holds degrees from Kent State University, Georgia State University, and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota.

Her research interests include nutrition for athletes and active people. She publishes on nutrition assessment and nutrition knowledge of athletes and writes reviews on sports nutrition as contributing editor for Nutrition Today. She has published her research in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Clinics in Sports Medicine, and the Journals of Gerontology. She edited the American Dietetic Association’s, Sports Nutrition: A Guide for the Professional Working with Active People, 3rd edition, 2001. In 2006, she edited a CD-ROM (Sports Nutrition: Client Education Handouts) for athletes, coaches, and nutrition professionals.

Currently, she volunteers to provide sports nutrition services to the Georgia State Athletic Association. From 1989 to 2003, she provided nutrition consultation to the Georgia Tech Athletic Association.

Contact Julie Gaz with questions: jagazma@sph.emory.edu

Betsy Austin to the Courtesy Phone! If you know Betsy Austin and have her email address or phone number, please email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com. She won a prime at the Tsali mtb race, and I picked it up for her. I'd like to get it to her! Thanks!

Promotion Postponed Cycleworks has postponed the Nancy G's promotion that was set to take place on Tuesday. It will happen later in the summer. The 6:30 ride will go on!

Tsali Photos I got some photos of the White Wave at Tsali. Click here.

4-7-2009 Road to Roubaix Movie From an email I received. This benefits the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign and PATH. Atlanta Cycling Community,

HomeGrown Restaurants and Atlanta Cycling are proud to present the Atlanta premier of ROAD TOROUBAIX on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm at the Landmark Theater in Midtown.

The film chronicles the Paris-Roubaix race, one of the most historically relevant bicycle races in the world. Race footage, rare behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with current superstars and legends of the sport likeLance Armstrong, Fabian Cancellara, Tom Boonen, Sean Kelly and Stuart O’Grady give the viewer a rare look at Paris-Roubaix usually reserved for cycling insiders.

After the film, there will be an informal Q&A session with the film’s directors at Stella Restaurant located at 563 Memorial Drive. The theatre seats 300 viewers and we wanted to give members of the Atlanta cycling community the first opportunity to buy tickets before they are available to the public.  If you have a large group attending the film, let us know and we will reserve a section for you. We will reserve up to 150 seats for groups on a first come first serve basis. Tickets are $10 and a portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Path Foundation and Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. I look forward to seeing you at ROAD TO ROUBAIX.

Buy tickets here

Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=62163028548

Roswell Crit Host Housing Needed From Tim Renfroe: Hi All, It’s that time of the year again and this is another opportunity for you to help fellow some cyclist. If you would like to host one or more of the cyclist racing in the Historic Roswell Criterium please contact me. I can tell you that it is truly appreciated and is a tremendous help for a sport that has a very limited budget. The race is scheduled for April 26, but the requested dates for hosting are varied. Again, any help would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the race. Thanks, Tim Renfroe,  TRenfroe@mac.com

GA State RR From Team Cycleworks: We at Team Cycleworks p/b HDR are very much looking forward to hosting the State Road Race Championship weekend (05/16-05/17) and want to pass on some news and a few notes about the event:

1. We want to welcome ATLROOF.com as the title sponsor for Saturday's State Road Race Championships. ATLROOF.com has been providing residents of Atlanta and the state of Georgia superior service and top notch quality for two decades. And it doesn't hurt that they are cycling friendly!

2. We will be hosting the first annual NGCA swap meet on Sunday 05/17 at the John's Creek Criterium. For a nominal fee of $10 you can have a 10' x 10' space with a tent reserved for wheelin' (absolutely no pun intended) and dealin' some of that stuff that's been stored in your garage for months and months. If interested in reserving your space, email me directly.

3. Both the ATLROOF.com GA State Road Race Championship (05/16) and the John's Creek Criterium (05/17) are a part of the new Georgia Cycling Gran Prix series www.georgiacycling. net In addition to cash, prizes and State Jersey's up for grabs, series points will be awarded to participants at each event.

4. Please keep an eye on www.ngca.us for more details about our race weekend coming soon!

4-8-2009 Trek DemoTrek Bicycles Demo crew will be at Blankets Creek, Saturday, April 11 from 10am - 3pm and Chicopee Woods on Sunday, April 12 from 10am -3pm

Bikes on the demo:
Trek EX 9.9 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21
Trek Remedy 9 med , large
Trek 69er SS 15.5, 19.5

Fisher Roscoe med and 2 Large
Fisher Pro Caliber 17, 19
Fisher SuperFly 15.5,17.5, 19, 21
Fisher HiFi Pro 29er 16, 19, 21
Fisher HiFi Pro 26in Wheel 15.5,17.5, 19

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 17.5,18.5,19.5

Madone 5.5 Performance Fit 50,52,54x2, 56x2, 58x2, 60,62
Madone 6.9 Pro Fit 54, 56
Subject to rain out.

Beware InTown  From Todd Fryberger: We have received word that residents of the Hanover West neighborhood have expressed concern about cyclists at the intersection of Bohler Road NW and Hanover West Drive NW. This is at the base of the descent of the hill on Bohler Road NW, just beyond Cross Creek. Therein, the local homeowners association has engaged an off-duty policeman who will ticket cyclists who do not stop at the intersection.

We further understand that there has been some recent construction at the top section of Bohler Road NW on the descent, and there are several large steel plates in the road.

As such, until further notice, the tribal elders of the In-Town Classics hereby decree that henceforth, on the Thursday night Chastain Ride, Bohler Road NW , from the moment we take the left from Defoors Ferry Road NW , through the descent pst Cross Creek, through the intersection at Hanover West Drive NW, all the way to Peachtree Battle Avenue NW , will be neutral.

The pack will re-assemble at the top of Bohler Road NW after the Defoors Ferry Road NW climb, then descent as a group, and the group will honor the stop sign at Bohler Road NW and Hanover West Drive NW.

Let it be written, let it be said.

4-9-2009 Bellyache Parking Reminder Please park in the LOWER LOT tonight at St. Phillips for the Buckhead Bellyache. The church is having their Easter Week services and has asked us not to park in the main lot, just for tonight. Thank you!

4-10-2009 Ring in the Spring MTB Festival
Ring in the Spring at Chicopee Woods MTB Park on Saturday, April 18th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM! Gainesville SORBA will be hosting a mountain bike festival to kick off the spring with an official ribbon cutting celebrating the new trails and improvements at the MTB park. There will be a Discovery Ride that explores the unique history and environment of the Chicopee Woods area along with games and chances to win swag. There will also be a free swap meet area that you can drop off anything bike related you'd like to sell and a vendors midway. Smokehouse BBQ will be selling lunch on site. Continue reading for Event Schedule.
Ring in the Spring Event Schedule
10:00 AM - Swap Meet and Vendor Booths Open
10:30 AM - Opening Remarks and Ribbon Cutting (Trails Closed)
11:00 AM - Trails Open, Group Discovery Rides Head Out
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch Served by Smokehouse BBQ
12:30 PM - Bike Games Begin
2:30 PM - Raffle and SWAG giveaway
3:00 PM - Swap Meet and Vendor Booths Close

Trek Demo at Chicopee The Trek Demo Team will be at Chicopee Woods on Sunday, April 12th from 10am-3pm! Come out and check out some of the awesome new Trek and Gary Fisher mountain and road bikes!! If you haven't tried a 29er yet, well, you're missing out…

All you need to check out a bike is your driver's license, and to sign the waiver. I would also suggest bringing your own pedals to expedite things. They will have pedals, but the ones you need may be out on another bike when you want to ride…

Though it's subject to change, here's a rough idea of what will be on the trailer:

2009 Bike Model Sizes
Madone 5.5 Performance Fit 50, 52, 54×2, 56×2, 58×2, 60,62
Madone 6.9 Pro Fit 54, 56
Trek EX 9.9 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21
Trek Remedy 9 small , med , large
Trek 69er SS 15.5, 19.5
Fisher Roscoe Med (17.5) and 2 Large (19.5)
Fisher Pro Caliber 17, 19
Fisher SuperFly 15.5, 17.5, 19, 21
Fisher HiFi Pro 29er 16, 17.5, 19, 21
Fisher HiFi Pro 26in Wheel 15.5,17.5, 19
Trek Top Fuel 9.8 17.5,18.5,19. 5
Trek Top Fuel 9.9 21.5

The demo is subject to weather and trail closures. Let's hope for some great spring weather!

4-13-2009 Carolinas Happenings From Charlotte Sports Cycling

April 29- CMBS Kickoff
The 2009 Charlotte Mountain Bike Series is set to kick on April 29 @ Col Francis Beatty Park. The series will once again rotate between five of your favorite local mountain bike facilities around the Charlotte area, Col Francis Beatty, Renaissance Park, N Meck Park, Fisher Farm and US National Whitewater Center. Mike Perry and the crew from Ultimate Bicycle will be at the first race providing food for al race participants.

New for the Summer Series, the TEAM COMPETITION. The Team Competition was a huge hit in the Winter Series so we added it to the Summer Series. Look under "Rules" for info on the team points. We will be using the normal weekly points and taking top five finishers from each team. Get your teams set early, points will not be retroactive.
Once again, the last four races of the series will be double points. We try to give everyone the opportunity to race and get in shape, the have a four race showdown. We will be scoring the top 14 of 16 races during the 2009 Series.
For more info, visit www.charlottemtnbike.com
************************************
Saturday, May 2
36th Annual Dilworth Criterium
Charlotte, NC

The infamous 36th Annual Dilworth Criterium presented by Duke Energy and Giordana is set to take place on Saturday May 2, 2009. The event is held in conjunction with 2009 BIKE! Charlotte and is once again part of USA Crits Speedweek. The Dilworth Criterium is a bicycle race and festival designed to attract professional and amateur cyclists from all of the country to the beautiful Dilworth Neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. The cyclists will compete for over $10,000 during this exciting event.

For more info, visit the new website at
www.dilworthcrit.com
************************************
Other great cycling events around the area:

SOUTHERN CLASSIC MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES
Info on the 2009 Southern Classic Mountain Bike Series can be found at
http://m1e.net/c?44778155-GEcphWdbrOGfc%404147148-6C0qGgH3YpA9Q
************************************
April 18 and 19
Pivotal Fitness VW Race Weekend in Charleston

The tradition continues! Fast, springtime crit racing is back in Charleston. The Pivotal Fitness VW Race Weekend will be featured as the SC State Criterium Championships for the fifth year running.

SATURDAY - Come race through Old Antebellum Charleston in the prestigious I’On Development in Mount Pleasant on Saturday. Chad Andrews will be announcing the play by play action all day, and there will be a food/beverage festival running on the square by the Start/Finish line. Daytime host homes are back again by popular demand. Contact Steve Kwiatkowski @ stevekw@liqqid.com if you want a place to hang out, change, shower, rest during Saturday’s race. Do it sooner rather than later, as space is limited. The course is a 3-turn 1 mile course that’s fast, yet slightly technical in spots.

SUNDAY - The SC State Criterium Championships at Hampton Park in downtown Charleston on Sunday. A more laid back day as far as spectators go, this day is full-gas racing on a one-mile, four corner, pancake flat course. You can take all corners at full speed – riders love this race because it’s safe, yet fast.

www.lowcountryvwracing.com

Great time to bring your family and enjoy all that Charleston in the spring has to offer. Come stake your claim to some of the $7,500.00 in cash and primes!
************************************

May 1 - 10
2009 BIKE! Charlotte - Wheels of Opportunity
The theme for the 2009 edition of BIKE! Charlotte, “Wheels of Opportunity”, was developed to promote the many opportunities the citizens of the Queen City have to integrate the bicycle into their daily routine. These opportunities we have to incorporate the bike into your life may be as simple as a short trip to the bank, the grocery store or even the post office. Commuting to work by bicycle may be a sizeable undertaking for many people but a short trip to a frequently visited place is easily possible for everyone. Our goal with BIKE! Charlotte is to empower, educate and encourage the populace that integrating the bicycle into your life can be a very simple process and is quite rewarding. Incorporating the bike into you life will pedal your way to better health, saving money, cleaner air, more energy, losing weight, independence, and easier parking.

Tons of great events for all to enjoy!!!
Info on BIKE! Charlotte will be posted at www.bike-charlotte.org
www.charlottesportscycling.com

Roswell Online Registration Online registration for the Historic Roswell Criterium is now available.
There are two links depending on your race category.

Men's Pro/1/2 & Women's Pro/1/2 should go here
http://www.truesport.com/register/events/speedweek/index.htm

Amateurs should go here
http://www.racelistings.com/register/events/flyer.asp?ID=985

Sandy Springs Challenge Registration information for the Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge on May 3rd. In addition, Volunteers are badly needed to help with registration and as host/greeters in the VIP area for the USA CRITS Speed Week Finale. If interested in being a volunteer please contact dianne.fries@sandyspringsga.org thanks Alan Bragman.

Women's Road Clinics From Sorella: (Trish's note: Both of these are at Stone Mountain) Beginner Road Bike Clinic
April 30 @ 6 pm

Who: Beginner women
What: Beginner road biking clinic at stone mountain, focusing on climbing, descending, cornering, group riding.
Where: Meet at the parking lot at the base of the walk-up trail (West gate)

This will be a women's only beginner clinic- we will start with some basics, including drills, and then do some loops around the mountain to learn the climbing/descending/group riding skills.

Email Linda Demma at ldemma@gmail.com if you will be coming.

Advanced Road Bike Clinic
April 30 @ 6 pm

Who: Advanced women riders
What: Advanced road biking clinic focusing on better climbing techniques, descending, cornering in pack of rider, gearing options, and pack riding skills.
Where: Meet at the parking lot at the base of the walk-up trail (West gate) in Stone Mountain Park.
Why: We all want to become more proficient and better riders so bring your friends!

This will be a women's only advanced clinic- we will start with some basics skills and warm-up then we will proceed through more advanced level riding techniques and finally try them out on the open road. There will be a beginner road bike clinic being held at the same time so please choose wisely and according to your skill level. Both groups will start out together and the instructors will make sure the riders are placed into the appropriate group. There needs to multiple women for this clinic in order to teach the higher level riding skills like close pack riding and corning in groups so please tell you friends. You do not need to be a super fast rider, but you need to have your basic riding techniques down pat. See you there! Email Sarah Crawford at sec97reno@gmail.com if you will be attending, thanks!

Savannah Earth Day Wheelie The Savannah Bicycle Campaign will host the Earth Day Wheelie on April 18th. Details are here.
 

4-15-2009 Major Taylor Honored at the Cyclismo Crit From the promoter: BIRMINGHAM, AL—The Birmingham International Center is bringing back Cyclismo, Birmingham's first  internationally-themed bicycle race. The race will take place downtown at 1728 5th Ave North on April 18th, 2009 starting at 12pm. Cyclist from all over the region will converge to compete for a $3,000 prize purse. All cyclists can register at www.active.com. This year’s event will include fun-races for adults and children, as well as food and beverages. For more information, please visit www.bic-al.org. 

Pro Race named in honor of “Major” Taylor After setting numerous world records and over-coming  strong racial discrimination, Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor won the world one-mile track-cycling championship in 1899. Taylor became the second African-American athlete to achieve the level of world championship — after boxer  George Dixon. In honor of “Major” Taylor’s achievements, the Cyclismo men’s Pro Race will carry his name. The  winner’s name will be featured on a plaque inside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

The full press release is here.

Wednesday Ride A new ride is trying to get started on Wednesdays from Nancy G's on Roswell Rd. in Sandy Springs. Ladies, it's a women's friendly ride (speed: 17-18 mph). Start time: 6:30 from now til the end of May

Steel Magnolias II

Start at: Nancy G's
West Belle Isle Rd NE Atlanta , GA 30342

1. Head west on W Belle Isle Rd NE toward Lake Forrest Dr NE - 0.2 mi
2. Turn left at Lake Forrest Dr NE - 0.9 mi
3. Turn right at W Wieuca Rd NW - 0.6 mi
4. Turn right at Powers Ferry Rd NW - 0.1 mi
5. Turn left at Jett Rd NW - 0.8 mi
6. Turn left at Mount Paran Rd NW - 0.4 mi
7. Turn right at Northside Dr NW - 0.9 mi
8. Turn left at Garmon Rd NW - 0.7 mi
9. Turn right at Mount Paran Rd NW - 1.0 mi
10. Slight left to stay on Mount Paran Rd NW - 0.7 mi
11. Turn right at Paces Ferry Rd NW - 246 ft
12. Slight left at Ridgewood Rd NW - 2.8 mi
13. Turn right at Warren Rd NW - 413 ft
14. Turn left at Defoors Ferry Rd NW
15.. Sharp left at Bohler Rd NW - 1.1 mi
16. Turn left at W Wesley Rd NW - 1.2 mi
17. Turn right at Nancy Creek Rd NW - 1.1 mi
18. Turn right at Ridgewood Rd NW - 0.2 mi
19. Slight right at Paces Ferry Rd NW - 246 ft
20. Turn left at Mount Paran Rd NW - 1.5 mi
21. Turn left on Northside Dr NW at Country Store

22. Continue on Northside Drive to Mt. Vernon Hwy - 2.5 mi
23. Turn right at Long Island Dr NW - 1.3 mi
24. Turn left at Lake Forrest Dr NE - 341 ft
25. Turn right at W Belle Isle Rd NE - 0.2 mi

Arrive at: Nancy G's West Belle Isle Rd NE Atlanta , GA 30342

4-17-2009 DLV News
Kazane/No Brakes presents 'The Keirin' Saturday May 9th, 6pm

The big guns will be bringing the heat to the Dick lane Velodrome on May 9th. Come and watch Dick Lane's own Steve "Hitman" Hill take on Lanell "The Rock" Rockmore and his Pennsylvania crew in the battle of the titans event, 'The Keirin'. A field full of local and imported talent, including Collegiate National Sprint Champion, David "Goliath" Espinoza, and Team Type 1's "Blazin'" Joe Eldridge will battle it out over 4 heats of Keirin's to see who the top 6 riders will be to compete in the A-Final to take all the cash and bragging rights as Dick Lane Veldrome's 'The Keirin' Champion. Also catch our most
popular Bicycle Little League kids, and Men's and Women's categorized
racing. Food will once again be of the awesome variety as those who
have visited the DLV before will attest.

Afternoon program kicks off at 3pm with the main events beginning at
6pm.
Check out dicklanevelodrome.com for more info.

This race is proudly sponsored by :
No Brakes -> www.nobrakesatl.com
Kazane -> www.keirinculture.com
Twains Billiards and Tap -> www.twains.net
Vanderkitten -> www.vanderkitten.com
Tifosi Optics -> www.tifosioptics.com

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Volunteers and Host Housing needed for 'The Keirin'

We are looking for some volunteers to help on the day and some homes
to house some out of state riders for our first Pro Race Series event
of the year, the above mentioned Kazane/No Brakes presents 'The
Keirin'. If you are willing and able, we'd love to have you come and
help out or host some riders.

Please contact jeff@dicklanevelodrome.com if you'd like to volunteer
or host riders.

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Help us win a $2500 grant for our Kids Programs

Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports is offering a series of $2500 grants
to sports groups and club. Here's what they say :

"Liberty Mutual recognizes the importance of community investment in
youth sports. That’s why we created the Responsible Sports Community
Grant program. The more community support you can show for your
favorite youth sports organization through Responsible Sports by the
end of the grant period on May 31st, 2009, the better your chances of
earning $2,500."

So help us help our kids by signing up at the link below and
completing the course and show your support of Dick Lane Velodrome's
Bicycle Little League and Junior Racing Program. When you complete the
course, attribute your points to East Point Velodrome Association,
Inc. to help us win.

http://cts.vresp.com/c/?EastPointVelodromeAs/e9dcb25305/5f3c67c4a7/0c5aa30abc


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Junior Racing Program Starting up 5/2

Our brand new Junior Racing Program for kids aged 12-18 will be
starting up Saturday 5/2 at 3:00pm. We have a limited number of bikes
available for kids to borrow. Program is free of charge to
participants, but we do encourage donations to keep our fleet of bikes
and equipment in good working order. Check the website for more
details on the dates.

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EPVA Junior Development Road/Track Camp July 2009

Dates for the first ever EPVA Junior Development Road/Track camp are
yet to be determined, but with support from GABRA and the EPVA we will
be hosting a camp for kids aged 15-18. The camp will be co-ordinated
and head coached by Jeff Hopkins with support from Tim Henry and a yet
to be determined 3rd coach. Goals for the camp are :
1. Provide an opportunity for participants to be exposed to high
level coaching and training advice to further their skill-set and
knowledge of road cycling
2. Provide a group environment for participants to interact with
one-another, simulating a team environment.
3. Expose participants to track cycling and certify them to begin
track racing

Keep an eye on the website for more details as they become available.

4-20-2009 Chicopee Trails Closed Temporarily From Gainesville SORBA: The Chicopee MTB trails will be closed from 7:00 AM to around 1:00 PM on Saturday, 4/25/09 for the Xterra Trail Run.

4-21-2009 Specialized Demo on Friday Trish's note: This event is at Blanket's Creek. Specialized and Out Spokin' Bicycles are teaming up to bring you the biggest factory demo this year! We'll be at the trails from 10am to 4pm on Friday with all the best mountain bikes (and road and cross bikes, if you prefer...) for you to demo.

If you're in the market for a new bike, come "Test the Best" and see how it feels. If you're not in the market, stop by and see how the Specialized Bikes stack up against your current ride.

You should bring your helmet, riding gear, pedals of choice, drivers' license and credit card, and whatever else you need to ride. You must sign a liability waiver before test ride. No test rides for kids under 18 years of age.

DLV Juniors Dick Lane Velodrome will be hosting it's new Junior Racing Program on random Saturday's throughout the summer, with the first date coming up on the 2nd of May. Sessions will begin at 3pm and finish at 5pm. Riders need not have any track experience, we will have coaches there to teach them. Racing will be FREE of charge. We have a limited number of bikes available for use. Check out the website : http://dicklanevelodrome.com/youth.htm 
and the schedule : http://dicklanevelodrome.com/schedule.htm  
to find out more information, or if you have any questions, you can email me directly.
Thanks, Jeff Hopkins, Operations Manager, East Point Velodrome Association Inc., jeff@dicklanevelodrome.com

4-22-2009  Beaufort Memorial Cycling Classic Enters USA CRITS Speed Week Spotlight 
 
 
Atlanta, Ga. (April 21, 2009)–USA CRITS Speed Week is like no other event in the US, and the annual 
Beaufort Memorial Cycling Classic helps make it unique. On April 28, some of the world’s best male and 
female professional cyclists will compete in Beaufort, S.C., in the third race of a hard fought series that 
features 7 events in 7 cities in 7 days. $15,000 will be on the line for the Beaufort race alone: $10,000 for the 
men’s race and $5,000 for the women’s. The total series purse is $115,000.  
 
The Beaufort Memorial Cycling Classic gets its name from Beaufort Memorial Hospital, and event 
organizer Donald Veitch says the race helps the hospital promote good health and fitness throughout the 
community. Veitch, enthusiastic sponsors and local supporters will turn downtown Beaufort’s streets into a 
family friendly entertainment zone next Tuesday. The Classic also includes a kid’s bike race before the pro 
races. 
 
Beaufort, also known as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,” is the second oldest city in South 
Carolina and a short drive from scenic Charleston, Savannah and Hilton Head. USA CRITS organizer, Gene 
Dixon says, “Beaufort is a great place to race, and the pros enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere.” 
 
The winners of last year’s Classic were Tina Pic, Colavita/Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light and 
Hilton Clarke of the now‐defunct Toyota United, but only Pic will return to the start line this time. She will be 
joined by her formidable teammates, Erica Allar and Kelly Benjamin. Their perennial rivals, Vanderkitten 
Racing and Team Type 1 will work hard to keep Team Colavita off the winners’ rostrum.  
 
In the men’s line up, a new team called Champion Porsche will enter the fray with Cubans Yosvany 
Falcon and Frank Travieso from the now disbanded TOSHIBA Santo squad. They will face stiff competition 
from Rock Racing, Kelly Benefit, Team Hotel San Jose and Fly V Australia.  
  
Fly V boasts an impressive lineup that includes Bernie Sulzberger, the 2009 Australian Criterium 
Champion; and Jonathan Cantwell, who has racked up a lot of firsts recently: 1st Stage 3  San Dimas Stage 
Race 2009 (AUS); 1st Stage 3 Tour of Murrieta 2009; 1st Place 2008 Superweek. There are other champions 
racing for other teams, so Beaufort is in for a treat on Tuesday. 

Mt. Tabor work Party From SORBA Paulding Hello everyone,
Paulding SORBA is at it once again, this time we've teamed up with Keep Paulding Beautiful, Comcast and Westridge Church to impact our community in a positive way. This event will take place on 4/25/2009 at Mt. Tabor Park from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. We'll be doing what we do best, building trails, except this time we're expecting 125-150 volunteers. Everyone can make a difference at this event by simply showing up and helping. With the amount of volunteers present we're sure to accomplish a bunch!

Comcast has stepped up to the plate and is providing lunch for everyone, so make no mistake, you work and you get to eat. Every entity involved is supplying volunteers. Our hope is to introduce our community to another form of recreation through awareness of our projects. The plan is for all volunteers to meet at West Ridge Church just down the road on Hwy. 92 for photos and registration between 8:30 and 9:00 then we will all depart to the 3 events. This event will be one of 3 that will be hosted on this day.

There is another event, "Touch a Truck", going on at Mt. Tabor the same weekend. I've been communicating with Michael Justice since this is will take up the majority of the parking at Mt. Tabor. We've been approved to park everyone at Roberts Elementary directly behind the park @ 1833 Mount Tabor Church Rd, Dallas, GA 30157.

We'd like to encourage everyone to bring a folding chair to have a place other than the ground to sit and eat. We're going to be focused on finishing up the beginner/intermediate loop and these areas are close to the meadow that everyone will be hiking in on. This area will serve as registration and where we'll meet for lunch.

TOP PROFESSIONAL CYCLISTS RETURN TO GEORGIA FOR HISTORIC ROSWELL CRITERIUM
11 Races in One Day Include Children’s Event and Two Junior Races

ROSWELL, Ga. (April 21, 2009) - The 8th Annual Historic Roswell Criterium returns on Sunday, April 26, 2009 with a full day of bicycle racing that includes many of the nation's top professional cyclists. With the cancellation of the Tour de Georgia this year, the Historic Roswell Criterium remains the only national, spring-time bicycle race in metro Atlanta, and the best bet for race fans to watch these elite professionals in action.

Since the first event in 2001, the Historic Roswell Criterium has grown to hosting over 450 elite racers, 350 Mayor's Ride participants and 5,000 spectators. The event attracts some of the best cycling talent from across the Southeast and abroad. In 2003 American Jonas Carney won the men's Pro 1/2 category event (the top race for professional men), and no American has won the event since. Professional riders from Australia, New Zealand and Canada have dominated the podium in the eight-year history of the criterium, including Tour de Georgia stage winner Gord Fraser (CAN), who won twice for Health Net presented by Maxxis.

This year watch the front of the Peloton to include riders from national teams like OUCH, Fly V Australia, Team Type I, Team Hotel San Jose, and Kelly Benefit. Team OUCH features John Murphy, who lives in Athens, Ga., and finished 5th overall last year in the National Racing Calendar (NRC) points competition. His teammate, Karl Menzies of Australia, looks strong this year with a second-place finish this month in Tour of the Battenkill (N.Y.). The new Fly V Australia presented by Successful Living Foundation team is bringing Bernie Sulzberger, the reigning Australian Crit Champion, and Jonathan Cantwell (formerly with Jittery Joe's), a sprinter who won a stage at Redlands Bicycle Classic in March. Team Type 1 will bring a large team to Roswell, led by racers/team founders Joe Eldridge and Phil Southerland, both who live in Atlanta, Ga.

On the women's side, Georgia's own Tina Mayolo-Pic has mastered the field of the Women's Pro race by winning five out of seven years. Pic, who resides in Buford, Ga., is a five-time U.S. National Criterium champion and won the NRC women's title for a fifth time in 2008. Pic is expected to return this Sunday to defend her 2008 title, racing for Colavita/Sutter Home Pro Cycling. One of her top competitors will be two-time NRC winner and 2006 Historic Roswell champion Laura van Gilder, racing this week for Mellow Mushroom.

All races for the Historic Roswell Criterium will take place on the one-mile route that features a start/finish on Canton Street at Founder's Hall. This year's event will be part of the USA Crits Speed Week for professional cyclists from across North America, and the Georgia Cycling Grand Prix (a 12-race series). Speed Week, which offers $120,000 in prize money, is sanctioned by USA Cycling and is promoted by Swagger LLC, which also produces the Athens Twilight Criterium. Over $15,000 in prize money will be up for grabs in Roswell alone. Races in Roswell will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a Juniors event, and finish at 6:00 p.m. with the featured Men's Pro 1/2 event, which should finish close to 7:30 p.m.

The registration fees for junior, elite and professional races range from $35 to $50, and are for experienced cyclists only. The Children's Bicycle Safety Rodeo, managed by the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell, is free for children six to 12. Children who complete the Rodeo are invited to participate in the Shimano Youth Series races, held following the Women's Pro event on the pro race course. There are also recreational bicycle activities at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning, with ride options of six to 64 miles with the Mayor's Ride. The Family Ride at 8:00 a.m. from East Roswell Park is free.

Visit www.roswellkiwanis.org/BikeRodeo2008.html for more information on the Rodeo.

Visit wwww.bikeroswell.com for more information on Mayor's Ride.

Visit www.roswellcriterium.comfor more information on Pro Races.

About the Historic Roswell Criterium:

Along with the City of Roswell, the Historic Roswell Criterium is supported by Roswell Bicycles, Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kiwanis Club of Roswell and Peloton Sports. The event is managed by Roswell Velo, Inc. The race format, a criterium, is the most common form of American bicycle racing. It is a multi-lap event of approximately 25 to 60 miles held on a closed course, generally a mile or less in length, that can see competitors exceed speeds of 30 miles per hour. For more information on the Historic Roswell Criterium, including race map, registration and local hotel discounts, visit the official web site, www.roswellcriterium.com.

About BIKE ROSWELL!:

Bike Roswell! was established December 9, 2004 to serve in an advisory capacity to local government on issues relating to bicycle recreation, transportation, and safety. The group's mission is to actively promote safe cycling, provide an advocacy platform for Roswell citizens and implement programs to encourage participation in cycling with improved parks, roadways and private facilities. The official website is www.bikeroswell.com.
 

Twilight Article The Flagpole paper has a great article on Twilight.

4-23-2009 Sope Creek News From Charles Myrick: SORBA Atlanta partnered with NPS last Fall on a cost share grant where we committed $30k worth of volunteer labor (about 1700 hours) in conjunction with the CRNRA getting $30k cash. The news came in Friday that the grant was approved....for $50k!!! Also, the National Park Foundation advised that if we -- SORBA-- can raise $10k, they will match it. So...if you're doing your math at home, the $30k grant can become $70,000 -- all of which will be used on natural surface multi-use trails (including an 8-10 mile figure 8 mtn bike loop) at Sope Creek (and that's direct from the Park Super's mouth). Funny thing is, about 4 weeks ago I started a fund raising program through Team IMBA with a target to raise $10 so I'm glad the NPF agreed ;)

Now you want to know how you can help? Go to http://go.imba.com/goto/teamsopecreek  and make a donation between now and the Helen Fat Tire Festival. You can join the team and be eligible to win cool stuff from great sponsors too! Pass the word to your company, family, etc -- these trails are awesome trails in a National Park and the closest thing you'll get to hiking / biking backcountry trails in ATL. See you at the next work party May 16. Go here to register http://sopecreektrails.eventbrite.com

Twilight Videos from 1981 The Twilight website http://www.athenstwilight.com/ has some great Twilight videos from 1981! Be sure to watch the tech video. Very interesting.
 

4-24-2009 Facebook Don't forget to check out Southeastern Cycling on Facebook! Just search for Southeastern Cycling. Also, become a fan of Dumpsters. Search Dumpster!

Free Beer and Wine! From Cycleworks:  Come on out and help us celebrate a great contriburor to cycling and a great ride on Tuesday 04/28! The ride rolls at 6:30 from the Kroger shopping center parking lot and averages 18+mph. After the Nancy G's ride, the first 50 folks in the door will get a voucher redeemable that night only for a complimentary domestic beer or house glass of wine. And while you're there enjoying your adult beverage, sample some of Nancy's terrific food.

If you've never tried this Tuesday ride or Nancy's terrific food, this would be the week to give them both a whirl!http://www.nancygscafe.com/contact.html

4-28-2009 Thefts at Silver Comet There has been a report of auto break ins at the Powder Springs Silver Comet trailhead. Beware! Take your valuables with you!

Sunny King Special Offer Look in the article below for a special offer from Sunny King!

Sunny King Criterium (NRC) set for Saturday, May 2, in Anniston, AL The 7th Annual Sunny King Criterium will be Saturday, May 2nd in Anniston, AL, located 90 miles west of Atlanta on I-20 (Central Time Zone). As a 5 year NRC event, amateurs are joined by top pro teams in the U.S. to compete for more than $26,000 in cash. Past Pro Men winners include J.J. Haedo, Dave McCook, Frank Travieso, and Hilton Clarke. Past Pro Women winners include Michelle Scott, Tina Pick, Laura Van Gilder, and Jenn Green. Past amateur winners include A.J. Meyer, Patrick Allison, Jamie Oliver, Ben Gabardi, Steven Carpenter, Christine Roettger, and Lauren Edwards.

The 2009 edition of the NRC's Sunny King Crit will feature Pro Men teams from OUCH, Jelly Belly, Bissell, Kelly Benefits, Mtn. Khakis, Kenda, Colavita, and more. The Pro Women's race will feature Vanderkitten, Hub Racing, Colavita, ValueAct Capital, TIBCO, Team Type 1, Mellow Mushroom, and others.

Having just come off of the big spring NASCAR weekend at Talladega, Anniston fans are now ready for their annual "NASCAR on two wheels", with more than 5,000 fans lining the course for amateur and pro races. The race will again feature live TV action on the giant Red Diamond Jumbotron located at the Finish Venue--complete with slow motion replays and full course camera coverage for amateur and pro races. Frankie Andreu will announce all races from the giant E Box Race Stage in the middle of Noble Street. Bring your family/friends to enjoy the all-day Noble Street Festival, featuring 12 restaurants serving from tents in the Red Diamond Restaurant Tour (11am to 8pm), more than 20 healthy (and free) activities in the McWane KidZone, and Bike pARTs---bicycle sculptures created by artists from reclaimed bicycle parts and displayed all over Noble Street as part of the Bike pARTs sculpture contest. Bring your running shoes to participate in the Mellow Mushroom Mad Dash race (one for kids and one for adults)--a one mile dash around the bike race course.

Register and get more information at www.sunnykingcriterium.com

PRINT THIS ARTICLE FROM TRISH'S SOUTHEASTERN CYCLING WEB SITE AND PRESENT IT AT RACE REGISTRATION AND WE WILL WAIVE YOUR $5 LATE FEE!
 

Large Crowds enjoy the Sunny King Crit in Anniston, AL in 2008.

Heath Blackgrove Excites 30th Annual Athens Twilight Criterium With A Stunning Victory

By Daniel Carruthers

The atmosphere at the 30th Annual Athens Twilight was electric. Fans lined the entire course shouting their support for the pro racers. The Twilight, dubbed one of the world’s most insane criteriums, is one of the biggest events in the USA, and flagship of the USA CRITS Speed Week and National Series. Some might call the 2009 edition of the Twilight as insane as previous years, because of the fast and furious racing that lined up the 150 riders in single file for much of the race. Crashes were surprisingly few this year, with only one major crash in the middle of the peloton on lap two of the race.

New Zealander Heath Blackgrove (Team Hotel San Jose) took a stunning victory in what was a star-studded field of top U. S. criterium specialists and top international riders. Going into the final lap, Blackgrove was on third wheel of the three-man breakaway with Mark Hekman (Team Mtn. Khakis) leading the charge. Hekman was first to come out of the final corner, but lost steam, and Blackgrove easily over-powered him to register an exciting victory in his first Athens attempt.

How it unfolded

About 140 riders took to the start-line at 9:00 p.m. and, from the gun, the pace was unrelenting—stringing out riders in single file on the super-fast 1km circuit. Speeds were often in excess of 50km/h, rarely slowing down. A mid-pack crash on lap two took down a dozen or so riders, and this further compounded the problem with riders getting gapped out the back and then getting pulled from the race.

John Murphy (OUCH) and Kyle Walmsley (Colavita/Sutter Home) rolled out to the front early on, and built up a handy lead, which they maintained for almost half the race. On lap 46, it was all back together again and, several laps later, after numerous attacking moves from different teams, a five-rider breakaway jumped clear. This breakaway contained big names in Johnny Sundt (Kelly Benefit), Frank Travieso (Champion Porche), and John Murphy (OUCH), and they held a slender 17-second lead after 54 laps. This lead was reduced to six seconds when Bernie Sulzberger (Fly V Australia) got on the front and drove hard for three full laps. With the break within striking distance of being caught, riders were trying to leapfrog across. The break increased to eight riders, including Heath Blackgrove, who had shown super-human strength to bridge up on his own. There was also a chase group of five riders with the peloton fanning out and easing up slightly. The breakaway was strong and well oiled, working together seamlessly.

The chase group, with a rider from Team Kenda leading the way, caught the break and suddenly the front group had 13 strong riders with ten laps to go. For the type of course and the late stage of the race, the 13-man break was probably a bit too big to be successful. With about eight laps to go, while there was hesitation among the breakaway riders, Heath Blackgrove attacked with conviction and established the winning breakaway of three. Blackgrove was determined to ensure that this was the winning breakaway by taking long and strong pulls on the front. They established a commanding lead that kept increasing with every lap, and the rest of the 13-man breakaway sat up to be re-absorbed into the charging peloton.

With five laps to go, the break of three had an advantage of 23 seconds, and the win was guaranteed with the field racing for 4th place. Blackgrove, a former U23 New Zealand champion, is an extremely talented all-rounder, but he was acutely aware that his only chance of winning this prestigious race was from the breakaway. "I knew I had to win from a breakaway like that. I knew the race ends in a sprint, and that my only chance was a breakaway. I had teammates who could come through if I got caught. We had options. To win away from home is pretty awesome."

This was Blackgrove’s first competition in Athens, and he said he had heard a lot about the race and that it was very special. “Athens Twilight is now up there on [my] list of race wins--definitely up there, especially in front of such a great crowd. It was such an adrenalin rush."

Relatively unknown Adrian Hegyvary (Hagens-Berman LLP Cycling) burst onto the U.S. criterium scene with an outstanding performance to take third place after working very well in the final breakaway. Ken Hanson (Team Type 1) took the frenetic bunch sprint for fourth place.

Team Tibco’s Brooke Miller Wins 30th Annual Athens Twilight Criterium In Remarkable Team Effort
By Daniel Carruthers & Joan Thomas

Pro-Women

Brooke Miller (Team Tibco) wins the Athens Twilight Criterium, and takes the opening race of USA CRITS Speed Week in convincing fashion over Tina Pic (Colavita-Sutterhome) and Jen McRae (Team Type 1). Miller had the benefit of a flawless lead-out from teammates that set her up to finish the job. “With one lap to go, Meredith (Miller) set up the lead-out with Lauren (Tamayo) right behind her,” said Miller. “I was tucked in behind them with Jo (Kiesanowski) on my wheel and, with team-mates riding so strong, it made my job easy,” Miller added.

Pic and McRae are formidable sprinters, but they did not have the benefit of the same flawless team lead-out as Miller and, eventually, that made the difference.

How it unfolded

The opening stanzas of the criterium were lightning fast for the pro women, with Brooke Miller taking a solo run out the front for a number of laps. Colavita/Sutter Home was at the front of the pack, driving to keep the Tibco rider within striking distance. The high pace in the early stages of the race splintered the field so, that by the end of lap four, there was a group of 20 plus riders off the back. Then a prime was thrown into the mix and this further shattered the field.

After the Tibco rider was brought back into the fold, Jacquelyn Crowell (Team Type 1) and Lauren Tamayo (Team Tibco) took the opportunity to accelerate away for over 20 laps. This allowed McRae to cruise near the front of the peloton and Brooke Miller, the eventual winner, was also able to ride defensively.

If they were to stay in the race with a chance, Colavita/Sutter Home had to change the tactics and set up Tina Pic for the sprint. They got organized to chase the dynamic duo, seize control of the race, and bring it all back together—something they accomplished on the 24th lap. The game was on for all the teams still headed for the finale.

Understandably, Miller was thrilled with the victory. “The race was incredibly fun and the crowd was easily one of the biggest and most exciting that I have gotten a chance to race in front of,” she said. “That’s always additional motivation.” Miller also paid tribute to her teammates, saying that the race “was a pure team effort and, given that we had only four riders, we pulled it off.” It was a perfect race for the Tibco team who adhered to a good strategy, playing off each other. They also focused on racing defensively; saving energy and making their competitors work at critical times.