THANK YOU! (Trish's Note: These are my personal thanks. Not affiliated w/SE Cycling....) I'd like to thank the following for their help this year in keeping me going through race season! I am sorry if I am forgetting someone!

My hubby, who doesn't mind that I'm gone so much, (ok, so he's off road racing somewhere while I'm at a mountain bike race....)

For helping me build my beautiful Blue TT Bike: Blue Competition Cycles, Peachtree Bikes, Outspokin Bikes, Boneshaker Bicycles

For my wonderful new Titus X Mountain bike: Randy and Hamlet at Boneshaker Bicycles. I love my new mountain bike!

For keeping my cyclocross bike "herd" going: Randy and Hamlet at Boneshaker Bicycles and to Smyrna Bicycles for their help with my pesky brake/wheel combo.

For keeping all of my bikes tuned up and ready to go: Boneshaker Bicycles

My beat up, battered-not-25-years-old-anymore- body: Dr. Travis Cross

....and to all of my wonderful teammates on Team Medplan. I will miss you! I will be racing for Sorella Cycling in 2010.

(Ya'll may have noticed a theme. I HIGHLY recommend Randy and Hamlet at Boneshaker Bicycles!! I've been going there for over 8 years!)

12-8-2009 Team Friends of Great Smoky Mountains (FGS) Cycling celebrates its team launch with two ebay auctions for exclusive team gear. Each auction winner will receive a free month of coaching from Hunter Allen's Peaks Coaching Group. Interested bidders can read about the contest and link to the auction from the team's website: http://www.fgscycling.com/page1.php

The Team is also proud to announce that we have signed elite triathlete Bryan Parker for the 2010 season. Bryan will allow FGS Cycling to increase sponsor exposure at multisport events across the map!

Free CX Race! Cycletherapy will be hosting a free cyclocross race Dec. 13 in Rome. Details are at http://www.cycletherapy.us.

Tenative Race start times and format:

9:00am Track opens for signup/practice
10:00am-10:45am Mens CX4
11:00am-12:00pm Mens A and B
12:15pm -1:00pm Womens A/B SS JR
1:15pm-2:00pm Masters 35/45 Open

Remember this is a FREE TRAINING/PRACTICE RACE NO CHARGE / SHOW UP SIGN RELEASE/WAIVER AND RIDE
Races with more than 1 Category will be started w/time delays Races will be scored and course marshalls w/radios will be onhand for
riders saftey.

Welcome to Share the D*mn Road Jerseys Welcome to a new advertiser, Share the D*mn Road Jerseys! They have several jersey designs available to remind drivers to share the road.

12-9-2009 Arrowhead Work Party From SORBA OMBA: Arrowhead Park - Macon, Ga. - 9:00am The Grand Rebuild begins!
www.sorbaomba.org

12-11-2009 WBL Update WBL Friday News: Saturday Loop most likely tweaked. Group will now do the AROUND ATHENS LOOP. This is still an 80 mile ride/4 hours, but the route travels in a semi-cirlce around Athens, giving plenty of bailout options if the rain comes. Rain expected to hold offuntil late afternoon: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3362641 Tearrapin Beer and Brewery sprint info will be posted on WBL site late Friday afternoon: www.winterbikeleague.com The Route Rougues
 

WBL News Earth shattering news: This Saturday (12-12): We Ride! The WBL is proud to announce the first sprint of the year, sponsored by Terrapin Beer and Brewery, for the Yellow Helmet Cover! Cats 4, 5 and Citizens only, Points: 5-3-1 (plus beer). Winner will be in Yellow. If you have ever held a Pro, Cat, 1, 2, or 3 license (road) or an expert (mountain bike) license you are not eligible for sprint. Details on sprint posted Friday (www.winterbikeleague.com) The WBL is pleased to give both a shout out and a Hale Yeas! to this year's growing list of sponsors who've been duped to the tune of Bernie Madoff proportions: Porterfield Tire, Atlantis Hydroponics, Pacesetter Steel, 55Nineperformance, Team Type 1, Full Circle Real Estate, USA Cycling, Jittery Joes, and Terrapin Beer and Brewery.
We Won't get Fooled Again! The WBL presents the REAL home opener of WBL 2010. Bring adequate clothing, tubes, money, ceel phone, and chicken claw. Print directions off this site (see below) and put it in yo pocket. Pick up your WBL training manual, Fables, Fictions and Fabrications. Please note this is a black tie affair. Slim Tim Henry to accept 1st Yellow Helmet Cover. Be sure and join the WBL on Facebook. And don't forget to write us into your will. We would like to remind all that leaving Carney and the WBL all your assets at death is a great way to show you care. Don't forget to tip the Sag Driver, who will be a newbie. Your life may depend on it.
Your Fearless leader, Briggsy

12-14-2009 CX Nats Congratulations to Savannah resident Ryan Leech (SCAD), who won the Division 2 Collegiate National Title at the Cyclocross National Championships this weekend in Bend, OR! Georgia was also represented by Jenn Horn (Sorella Cycling) in the Women's B and Masters 35-39 and Torre Smitherman (GTC) in the Masters 55-59.

Barnsley Cross Damage From the GA CX forum: 'It has come to my attention that in the interest of communal harmony, the promoters of the Barnsley Gardens race have agreed to contribute to the cost of repairs to the grounds. Lots of sod required. Enough to more than eliminate what meager profits they may have ended up with (if any). Anyway, if you can, please throw a few bucks their way.
Paypal to Trey from Cycle Therapy at smithcycles@comcast.net." Trish's note: There was over $2000 worth of damage. Please contribute if you can.

WBL News  Monroe
Date: 19 December 2009: Da 2nd One
Time: 10 a.m. (15 minute window).
Place: Sunshine Cycles (Athens, Georgia).
Ride: Homer the Back Way
Distance: 4 hours/80 mule (Estimated Avg. Speed: 20 mph)
Store Stop: Monroe (44 miles)
Points: 3 (sign in)
Pee Break: Mile 20
Route (updated): coming
Print Directions: coming
 

12-15-2009 New Store  www.daddymart.com , a new online bike store in Birmingham, will be opening soon. To celebrate our grand opening of the website, we have our specialty gourmet coffee that is available for purchase. The coffee is made by a local roaster, who also happens to be a cyclst. We have our special 12 oz “House” blend. $2 from every purchase goes to the Special Olympics of Georgia.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=190358139845&Category=58099&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2 

KK Massage Special  From KK Massage: Hello Friends, I have gift certificates available just in time for Christmas! I am discounting my gift certificates for the Holiday Season to $65 - $10 off of my regular rate! A massage gift certificate can make a great gift for so many people. Please keep in mind that I specialize in orthopedic/sports massage, but I am also trained in spa massage! If you know someone who just wants to relax, this gift certificate would be perfect for them as well as the athlete in your life! Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday!
Kelly Kennedy Diodati, kkmassagetherapy@gmail.com
 

GA State Championships Information From GABRA: 2010 Georgia Cycling Championships

Augusta - June 19 - State Road Race Championships (Fort Gordon)

Grant Park - Aug 22- State Criterium Championships

Location TBD - July 3rd? - State Time Trial Championships

12-17-2009 Rome CX Series Prizes HUP United CX has stepped up to provide series prizes for the Rome CX Series. The promoter also announced that part of the proceeds from the series will be used towards the turf damage at Barnsley Gardens. http://53x12.blogspot.com/2009/12/2009-rome-georgia-winter-series-prize.html

12-16-2009 Blanket's Creek Work Party From SORBA Woodstock: 9am to 12pm. Please bring:1) water & snacks
2) gloves 3) closed-toe shoes or boots We will be working on the Dragon's Tail addition. Thanks!  VP - SORBA Woodstock

Columbus Suit Remember the two cyclists that were struck in Columbus, GA in 2008? Unfortunately, one was killed. His wife, children, and estate were awarded $3.4 million in a recent settlement.

12-18-2009 Selling SE Cycling I've had an offer to buy Southeastern Cycling. I'd like YOUR opinion. SE Cycling Facebook fans have had a chance to voice their opinion directly to me. You can also email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com.

12-21-2009 Definition of the Week: TRAINER (tray nur). Latin, from the root word "rain". Meaning: to torture oneself by riding a bicycle in its unnatural state (indoors) while pretending to be distracted by loud hip-hop music and/or holiday movies (most effectively both at the same time).--Lee Farabaugh

Updated Calendar Merry Christmas! I spent 2 hours today updating the 2010 Calendar.

Masters 45+ Say Happy Holidays Happy Holidays from the CX Masters 45+ http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/HamCa2fGC8FlW1cx?cmpid=ey_fb_self

Bull Mountain News From the SORBA Forum: "This message just came to me from the USFS:

As part of the Etowah North project, about a half-mile section of trail 223P ("No-Tell Trail") between FDR 28-1 and where the trail turns downhill toward the stream valley will be used as a timber haul road. The operator will be doing some equipment work on the old road bed such as reworking the dips, clearing some encroaching brush, and possibly some graveling. The activity may begin around the first of the new year. We are going to post this section as closed during his use of the road, to reduce the chances of accidental encounters with mechanized equipment, log trucks, and horses or bikes. We will post signs on the Jake and Bull info boards about this as well. Would you please pass this information on to your members? Any questions can be directed to me or for specific project information to Alice Brown, our Timber Management Assistant. David G. Kuykendall Outdoor Recreation Planner Blue Ridge Ranger District P.O. Box 9
Blairsville GA 30514 (706) 745-6928 EXT 113"

12-22-2009 WBL News Date: 26 December 2009: Da 3rd One (Da Day After Christmas)
Time: 10 a.m. (15 minute window).
Place: Sunshine Cycles (Athens, Georgia).
Ride: Saint Peter
Distance: 3 hours/60 mule (Estimated Avg. Speed: 20 mph)
Store Stop: None (bring food in pocket)
Sprints: None
Exit Route: Weaver Ds to Olympic Drive
Points: 2 (sign in)
Pee Break: Mile 20 - 23

Stolen Bike  From Free Flite: "Happy Holidays everybody, While I was enjoying a cold wet ride at Blankets yesterday, we had a customer come in and take a 2009 Roscoe for an "extended" test ride. The perp was a very clean cut white male wearing a nice Marmot jacket, and was VERY knowledgable of the bikes he was wanting to "test ride". He mentioned he was from TN and spent a lot of time riding Tanasi, but he could be from anywhere between AL, FL, TN, NC, SC, etc. Our employees followed procedure, but this guy was an all out professional and came in with a plan. His DL, (fake left in a wallet insert GLUED shut with the clear plastic cover), had his actual picture on it and we are working to get a copy from the Canton PD to post up.

Here are the specifics: Bike: 2009 Gary Fisher Roscoe 1 - Matte Black - 19 inch frame - Serial # WTU257G0051D
Scum: White Male in his late 20's to early 30's - Dirty blond/light brown hair - 6'2" 185lbs (according to him when we set the suspension). He was wearing a dark blue marmot jacket with yellow writing.Call or email me with any info that I can pass on to the proper authorities.
770-479-7433 trey@freeflite.com" Trish's note: Only scumbags steal bikes! Let's catch this guy!

New Year's Day Ride A tradition from Cartecay Bikes! New Years Day Ride! 3 Loops! 01/01/2010
1) Buffalo Ranch Loop is 28 miles on smooth gravel roads with beautiful scenery.
Depart Time: 10:30 AM
Place: Big Creek Fire Station Ellijay GA.

2) Stanley Gap loop: 21 mile loop. Includes Flat Creek, Green Mountain, Long Branch.
Depart Time: 11:45 AM Stanley Gap Parking lot off of Rock creek road.
3) 44 Miles Departing from Big Creek Fire Station in Ellijay. Route includes gravel roads leading up to Stanley Gap loop, Flat Creek, Green Mountain, Long Branch and back.
Depart Time: 10:00 AM. This ride will take about 5.5 to 6 hours. Bring plenty of food/water.
After the long haul. Pot luck food after the ride. Bring a dish and let’s eat.
Happy New Year from The Big Dawg! Cartecay Bike Shop

12-24-2009 Short Break Ya'll, I'm going to take a short break from updating the site for a few days. It's Christmas, afterall! I'll be home but won't be on the computer as much. If you email me, it make take me a day or two to get back to you.

Stolen Bike Follow Up 11 Alive has the alleged thief's photo up.

TdG Officially Off for 2010 Bummer! http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-georgia-canceled-for-2010

Ride to the Capitol The Georgia Ride to the Capitol will be March 16, 2010.

Georgia Bikes Georgia Bikes Anew Georgia Bikes, with David Crites as executive director, has worked since 2003 to improve bicycling conditions and promote bicycling throughout Georgia. During 2009 it became clear that the nonprofit needed to reorganize and expand in order to take its efforts to the Capitol. A group of advocates, bicycle shop owners, and cyclists organized to take on this challenge. The Georgia Bikes Alliance is the result. A nonprofit with 501(c)(4) status pending, the Georgia Bikes Alliance is a sister organization to Georgia Bikes, whose 501(c)(3) status limited its ability to engage effectively on legislative issues. In 2010, for the first time, Georgia’s
bicyclists will have the benefit of a professional lobbyist working on their behalf during the legislative session. Georgia Bikes Alliance ispleased to announce it is contracting with Emily W. Ham Consulting for the upcoming session. Efforts during the session will include
facilitating contacts between bicycling communities across the state with their members and the annual “Georgia Rides to the Capitol” event, organized by Georgia Bikes! Thousands of cyclists converge on the Capitol each year for this ride to demonstrate to their legislators the
power and breadth of cycling. During 2010 we will build on this momentum and solidarity among Georgia cyclists to pursue better bicycling bills in the state of Georgia. Please visit our Legislative Agenda for more information. More about Georgia Bikes Georgia
Bikes! has provided a voice for all cyclists, interacted with government officials at all levels, and promoted safer and expanded facilities for cyclists. It has also educated cyclists, the general public, law enforcement and civic groups, and has supported training and seminars for planners and engineers. It has fostered local advocacy groups and encouraged cycling for health, transportation and economic
development. As Georgia’s cycling community grows, so has Georgia Bikes! Georgia Bikes! is pleased to announce the Board of Directors of has grown to thirteen to create more opportunities for communication with the growing cycling communities of Georgia.

12-28-2009 Cyclist Hit in Sandy Spring Does anyone have any more information on this?? http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/bicyclist-seriously-hurt-in-258477.html