May 2010 Archive

May 2010

5-2-2010 Sandy Springs Photos My photos of Sandy Springs will be up by Monday morning at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com.

My tribute to the sunflower photos during the Tour De France. "Pink Roses at Sandy Springs."

The Men's peloton stretches nearly 1/4 of the course in Sandy Springs.

Frank Trevioso (Jamis-Sutter Home) crashes with one lap to go in the Men's Pro/1/2 race at Sandy Springs.

May is Bike Month! May is Bike Month, and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition has many great activities planned. http://www.atlantabike.org/May

Augusta and Cycling The Augusta Chronicle has an interesting article on IMBA, Augusta, and cycling.

Intermediate MTB Skills Clinic From Lisa Randall: OutSpokin' Bicycles will be hosting an intermediate Skills Clinic at Blankets Creek on Sunday, May 23rd from 10 am to 1 pm. We'll cover various skills to help you ride faster and smoother including cornering, riding over and through obstacles, climbing efficiently, and descending with confidence.

We will practice in the skills area for the first two hours, and then head out for a group ride on the South Loop.

This class is open to men and women of all ages, however, in order to keep the group together, you should be able to complete the South Loop in 45 minutes or less.

Space is limited to 20 participants, so please RSVP by sending an email to:
lisa dot randall24 at gmail dot com

Class is FREE, but please consider a $10 trail donation to Blankets Creek Trails and SORBA Woodstock :thumbup: for the time they spend maintaining the trails.

Cheryl Fuller-Muller (Pedal Right) sits in the pack in the Women's 1/2/3 race at Sandy Springs.

Mt. Tabor Work Party From SORBA Paulding Who: All are invited! What: Trail Work (Corridor Clearing / Grubbing / Duff Removal) Where: Loop 3 @ Mt. Tabor Park
When: Saturday May 15th @ 0800 Why: To connect several sections that were started but weren't quite connected during our last work party. We'll probably work until 1 or until we're tired, whichever one comes 1st.
Reminder: Wear sturdy boots, bring (and consume) plenty of water and bring your gloves. We'll have plenty of tools to go around but if you have loppers bring them too.
Really looking forward to linking this all up so we can complete it in June.
Bring your bikes we'll ride once we're done. Scott Martin - Trail Director Paulding SORBA

5-4-2010 Photos On Cyclingnews Cyclingnews.com has some photos from Southeastern Cycling up from Sandy Springs.

Ride of Silence A 'Ride of Silence' to be held on Marietta Square
May is National Bicycle Month and the event "Ride of Silence" will be held Wednesday, May, 19, to honor cyclists who were struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles. Black armbands will be worn if riding in memory of someone killed and red if riding in honor of a survivor. All ages are invited to ride in this free event, but parental supervision is required for children. The about 8.5 mile ride will start promptly at 7 p.m., from the Marietta City Hall parking deck, 205 Lawrence St., Marietta. For more information, visit bikecobb.org, call 770-375-0010 or email celestehburr@yahoo.com.

Aflac Outdoor Games ww.aflacoutdoorgames.com

May 22 is a Historic Day for Southeastern Racing! We are very excited to present bike racing with a HUGE PRIZE PURSE as part of the AFLAC Outdoor Games. The weekend consists of dozens of exciting professional and Amateur events as well as music and fun for the entire family. AFLAC is one of Georgia's largest and most respected companies - to have AFLAC sponsoring cycling as part of the AFLAC Outdoor Games is wonderful for the sport.

The event weekend is produced by Outdoor Events a leader in the industry specializing in Golf and Festivals!

The Criterium is super fast with LOTS of CASH! Added to the overall cycling weekend is the PINE MOUNTAIN ROAD RACE. This race is one of the most popular cycling destinations in Georgia, with Calloway Gardens and the wonderful scenery.

EACH EVENT WINNER WILL RECEIVE A HUGE AFLAC DUCK TROPHY! Bring the whole family to Columbus, Georgia - May 22-23!

Register: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=10066
Race flier: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=teR4F0YB1VnWbdXLLwOzi1g&output=html

Eastside Ride Info From Mark Linenberg: Longer Loops in St Mt Park- Summer Distances start this week. May Ride Sunsets- 8:22pm-8:41pm
Tuesday's Northlake Ride- for all of May- through late summer 2010: Starts Tuesday May 4, 2010 @ 6:30PM.
NEW LOOP: A three quarter length counterclockwise small loop- turn off the small loop after you climb and crest carving hill/motel hill- by bearing to your right- and do the out and back bird sanctuary loop. Approx distance is 14 miles. Finish Sprint goes up/past auto museum hill.

Thursday's Pizza Ride- for all of May- through last summer 2010:
Starts Thursday May 6, 2010 @ 6:30PM.
NEW LOOP: Do a full out and back bird sanctuary loop (what we have been doing for the past several weeks), followed by a counterclockwise small loop. Approx distance is 15.5 miles. Finish Sprint goes up/past auto museum hill.

Disclaimer: Cycling is a dangerous sport. These rides are sponsored by no one and affiliated with no organization, group, business, club, team, individual, or any other entity. Mark Linenberg and anyone else are not responsible if you get lost or hurt while riding your bike. You ride at your own risk and assume all responsibility for yourself and your equipment.

5-5-2010 Trail Dedication Join us this Saturday May 8th at 10 AM for the ribbon cutting and dedication of the first loop at the all new Taylor Randahl Memorial Bike Trails located at Olde Rope Mill Park in Woodstock. After the ceremonies the 1.3 mile loop will be open for riding.

Alpha Bikes Sale Alpha Bikes is having a Mother's Day Sale! Take 10% off of ladies cycling clothing, helmets, shoes, and more!

John Murphy at the Giro Georgian John Murphy (BMC) is doing the Giro! Go John! Does anyone know if John is the first Georgian to ride a Grand Tour? I can't remember if Saul Raisin ever did.

FS Road Report Lisa Randall reports that the Forest Service service just ran the grader down FS 68 from the top of PotatoPatch to FS 90...expect loose, dusty powder until it rains and gets packed down a bit.

5-7-2010 Blanket's Creek Group Rides From SORBA Woodstock: There will be two group ride events in May at Blankets Creek. Group rides will begin by meeting at the kiosk in the parking lot at 10:30AM on the dates listed below.

May 8th Beginner Ride: This group ride is open to beginner level riders of all ages, and it will consist of two or three laps around Mosquito Flats and Mosquito Bite and a modified mini section of Dwelling. Please bring plenty of water, a bike, and your helmet. I know there are other events this weekend, such as the IMBA/SORBA World Summit and the dedication at Rope Mill, but most beginners or new riders will not be at either of these events. So, spread the word if you have neighbors or family who want to experience the trails.

May 22nd Are you ready for VMT? This group ride is open to any rider who has mastered Dwelling and is looking to venture out on an advanced trail. You should be able to ride at least one lap around Dwelling without stopping to join this group ride. It is also a great opportunity for riders who would like to brush up on their skills on VMT, such as cornering and climbing. We will break up into smaller groups on the ride depending on the number of participants and skill level. If you are an experienced rider, please feel free to join us and share your technical skills with others. If you have any questions, please send them to events@sorbawoodstock.org.

5-8-2010 Big Creek TT Series From RAMBO: (I'll be doing this one!) Roswell Bicycles & RAMBO will be hosting a Wednesday time trial series
at Big Creek this summer. Hold these dates: - June 9th - July 14th - Aug 11th (rain dates TBD) First riders start at 6 PM. Arrive early for registration. Trails will be closed to non-time trial participants. Entry is $10 per night, or all 3 for $25. IMBA/SORBA membership is required for insurance reasons. See http://www.imba.com/membership/benefits_indiv.html for other IMBA/SORBA member benefits and sign up online for as little as $30 per year ($20.00 for Youth/Student)
Select "Roswell/Alpharetta-GA (RAMBO)" as your local chapter when you signup to help out RAMBO (though membership in any chapter is suitable for event participation).
Categories: MEN's 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place 34 and under 35 and older WOMEN's 1st, 2nd, 3rd Places 34 and under 35 and older SINGLE SPEED - MEN's 1st Place
SINGLE SPEED - WOMEN's 1st Place

Upstate SC Ride of Silence Just a reminder that the Upstate Ride of Silence is coming up May 19. Take an easy day as you taper your Mt. Mitchell training. More importantly, take a stand for safer cycling and honor those who have been killed or injured in cycling incidents. Once again we will have the much appreciated support of the Spartanburg Sheriff's Department. Those who have participated in the past know that Sergeant James Bradley and crew provide the best traffic control available. We also have a great starting and ending point at Bellview Baptist Church thanks to the generosity of Pastor Ray Mims.

Details: HELMETS REQUIRED Held at Bellview Baptist Church, Hwy. 101-- Midway between Greenville and Spartanburg -- Midway between Greer and Woodruff. Same place as last year. Some local group rides are planning to ride to the ROS from their respective towns to get in a few extra miles. Our earlier start time is to accommodate them and get you home earlier. ROS is a combined effort of Greenville, Spartanburg, Greer, Woodruff, and surrounding cycling communities. (We understand there may be conflicts
with some other Greenville events.) No pre-registration. We'd like 100+ cyclists stretching single file for a mile. This will be a very easy "taper" a week before the Assault on Mt. Mitchell. Commiserate with your buddies on how tough/easy AOMM will be this year. Come out and support/promote the safety of our sport.

DATE: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Time: 6:15PM Place: Bellview Baptist Church Hwy 101 between Woodruff and Greer
Address: http://www.bellviewbaptistchurch.org/contact-us PARKING: Park away from the Family Life Center and Sanctuary if possible so we don't disrupt Wednesday church services. We may need to park on the grass near the baseball diamond. I think church members are going to park near the Family Life Center. Pace: Easy 3 to 12mph Bring the family! Course: Flat, Flat, Flat ROUTE: We will ride 5 miles from the church, on Hwy 101, to Reidville Road and return on the opposite side of Hwy. 101
Distance: 10 (easy) miles Perfect for the beginning cyclist and the veteran cyclist making a difference and supporting the cause. Support: Sheriff's escort and Support vehicle.

Charlotte Happenings From Charlotte Sports Cycling
2010 BIKE! Charlotte May 1 - 16 Grab Life by the Handlebars! 2010 BIKE! Charlotte features a diverse agenda of exciting activities for all to enjoy, many of which are free. The Charlotte Department of Transportation and Charlotte Sports Cycling have partnered with many local cycling clubs, bike shops and cycling enthusiast to offer a variety of events and promotions. This year’s festivities will feature the Mayor’s Ride/Bike to Breakfast in Uptown Charlotte on Friday, May 7. During the weekdays, many of the local bicycle shops are hosting bicycle maintenance clinics that address different ways to keep your bike in top shape. The third weekend of BIKE! Charlotte is once again full of great events and highlighted by Cycle Charlotte. Cycle Charlotte is a family friendly bicycle festival in Uptown Charlotte starting in Historic South End. A with three supported bike routes and live music. For more info, visit www.bike-charlotte.org

Wednesday, May 12
Charlotte Summer Mountain Bike Series - Celebrating 10 Years
The next race will be held at N Meck Park on May 5 www.charlottemtnbike.com
Col Francis Beatty Park
Renaissance Park
N Meck Park or Fisher Farm Park
US National Whitewater Center
For more info on the 2010 Charlotte Summer Mountain Bike Series visit www.charlottemtnbike.com

Cycle Charlotte presented by The Common Market and Red Hook Brewery Saturday, May 15 www.cyclecharlotte.org
Cycle Charlotte, held on the final weekend of BIKE! Charlotte, is an urban safe street bicycle ride and cycling festival that will attract friends and family from around the region to South End Charlotte. Historic South End will serve as the anchor for this exciting event. Cycle Charlotte is NOT your typical spandex bicycle ride. This ride is a family friendly ride designed to encourage anyone and everyone who owns a bicycle to "air up" the tires and EXPERIENCE CHARLOTTE WITHOUT A WINDSHIELD.

2010 Cycle Charlotte will be held on Saturday, May 15th from Noon to 6:00pm. The event will include a 14 mile and 25 mile URBAN bicycle ride with friends and family. The routes will start in South End Charlotte and first travel north through Uptown Charlotte. Each route will travel in a counter clockwise manor and visit several beautiful Charlotte neighborhoods. The two different routes will be color coded with arrows and maps will be provided. Support and gear vehicles will be provided at the ride. A festival atmosphere will be created with a variety of food, beer, live entertainment and other activities for all to enjoy. Time for the spandex crowd to get your friends, family and coworkers out on the bicycle. This event will be held on the final weekend of the sixteen-day 2010 BIKE! CHARLOTTE campaign. Valet bicycle parking will be provided by the Charlotte Area Bicycle Alliance. After the ride, the Dirt Divas will be help serve some cold brews from Red Hook Brewery. Event Schedule on May 15 Onsite Registration: Noon
Bike Trials Show: 1:30 pm & 3:00 pm Ride Start: 2 pm Food & Vendors: 1pm to 6 pm Live Bands: 2:30 pm to 6 pm

Catawba Riverfront Classic Hosted by the Tarheel Trailblazers and Charlotte Sports Cycling
The 2010 Catawba Riverfront Classic is set to take place at the US National Whitewater Center on Sunday, May 23. This event is held on some of the sweetest singletrack in the southeast. After the event, stick around and enjoy the US National Whitewater Center. This event is a fundraiser for the Tarheel Trailblazers and their efforts to build and maintain mountain bike trails in the Metro-Charlotte Region.
For more information on the new event schedule for 2010, visit www.charlottemtnbike.com OR http://www.charlottemtnbike.com/RiverfrontClassic/RiverBrochure.pdf

Saturday, June 5
The Collier Lilly Ride 4 Life The Collier Lilly Ride 4 Life is a recreational bike ride to honor the life of Collier Cobb Lilly, raise awareness and money for organ sharing, and to bring various communities together to celebrate life. Saturday, June 5, 2010 @ 8:00 AM For serious cyclists, the day kicks-off with a 100K (62 miles), a 50K (31 miles) or a 25K (15 miles) ride through the beautiful back roads of Mecklenburg, Iredell, Rowan, and Cabarrus counties. These rides will be fully supported with rest stops and SAG vehicles. The rides will begin and end at Baker Sports Complex on the campus of Davidson College in Davidson, NC. After your ride, hang around for a delicious lunch (included with your registration fee!!) and fun-filled activities for the whole family. This event benefits LifeShare Of The Carolinas
Registration is open: http://www.active.com/cycling/davidson-nc/collier-lilly-ride-4-life-2010

June 11 - 13 NC Championship Weekend in Salisbury, NC Hosted by Carolina Masters and Charlotte Sports Cycling Three days of great racing on two dynamic courses in beautiful Downtown Salisbury, NC. Friday night: category racing under the lights for the NC State Championships Saturday: age group racing for men and women starting in the afternoon and running into the evening. Sunday: enjoy racing and a beautiful day at City Park in Downtown Salisbury. The NC Championships are open to all amateur race participants in and outside of North Carolina. Registration will be open soon for this exciting event. For more info on this exciting event, visit:
http://www.charlottesportscycling.com/NCCritBrochure.pdf

Lowe's Motor Speedway Time Trial Series There will be 6 events in 2010 with the first event Wednesday, May 5. Riders ages 10 and older and of all ability levels are eligible to participate. There will be registration on-site starting at 5:00 pm with the first rider starting at 6:30 pm. The event consists of a 7 lap or 10 mile ride around the same track that NASCAR uses. Even if you do not plan to ride spectators are encouraged! For more information go to www.carolinatt.org..

Saturday, May 8 Cycle To Serve When you have one of the best metric centuries in the region, why change anything? The 4th Annual Cycle To Serve Bicycle Challenge will cover the same roads as last year. This is a very rural route, but unlike some, the roads are lightly trafficked and the pavement is smooth, much of it only a year old. There is no better way to test your legs early in the season than by riding underneath the mountains of Boone and Blowing Rock. There are several steep climbs, but none longer than 10-15 minutes, and all followed by fun, safe descents. The routes (62 m. and 40m.) travel in and out of the valleys to the north and east of Lenoir, beginning and ending in the renovated downtown of Lenoir, a 2008 All America City. Afterwards, refresh yourself in Hogwaller Square (registration site) with your fellow riders over big free covered dish lunch provided by Lenoir Rotarians. For more information, go to: www.cycletoserve.com

Saturday, May 8 and August 21 Paris Mountain Time Trial LOCATION Altamont Road, Greenville, SC 29609 Start: Intersection of Altamont and Old Buncombe Roads
Finish: Top of “The Wall” Distance: 2.2 miles, point to point. The climb has an average grade of 6.8% with a max of 14% at The Wall, and an elevation gain of 748 feet. Riders will return to their cars by descending back down Altamont Road. Reckless descending will result in disqualification. Yellow line and rules of the road apply in all instances. Helmets are required. REGISTRATION
www.pre-reg.com , $15 per entry through Mar. 26 at midnight $5 additional late fee for day-of registrations (on location). No refunds. USAC license not required!
PRIZES Cash prizes to the top three male and female finishers. SERIES GRAND PRIZE - anyone who rides in all three PMTTs will be eligible to win the grand prize - a Boyd Bikes Carbon Wheel Set. Drawing will be held Aug. 21. MORE INFO www.cycleforlife.biz/pmtt

May 29 - 30 10th Annual BURN 24 Hour Challenge The 10th Annual BURN 24 Hour Challenge presented by Bikerumor.com is just around the corner. Early bird registration ends on 3/15. If you’re wondering what to do with that tax refund, spend it now on your entry to this fine event. http://www.burn24hour.com/

Caesars Head Challenge brought to you by Cycle4life, llc Saturday, June 12th 2010 3 Distances Start Times : 7:30 am for 62/102 Miles, 8:00 am for 33 Miles
This is one of the most challenging event in the South East. A Gran Fondo Event is a scenic, mountainous course and add several thousand cyclists ranging from pros to eighty-year-old cycle tourists. Mix in roving and fixed mechanical and medical support, feed zones manned by cheerful volunteers serving up sandwiches, fruit, and drinks, and traffic halted at intersections to let you pass. Garnish with enthusiastic and supportive spectators lining the course. Top it off with coverage by major cycling magazines. Energy, excitement, atmosphere!-- this is gran fondo, a phenomenon that has taken Italy by storm. Gran fondo means long distance or great endurance. Some cyclists ride for the satisfaction and pride of just making it to the finish line. Others want to improve upon their previous times, and to challenge themselves, their friends, their teammates. And some ride to win! For more info, visit http://www.caesarsheadchallenge.com/

Saturday, June 19
Tour de Kale
TDK Update - FYI – Payout increased and Men go to a 10 deep payout. We will also have team discounts once again. http://www.tourdekale.com/

5-9-2010 DLV Photos Photos from Saturday night's Keirin at the Dick Lane Velodrome are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. I have photos from all of the divisions, Pros, B, C, and kids.

Atlanta Cycling Carrying Cervelo! Atlanta Cycling just added the exciting CERVELO bike line at both stores – Ansley and Vinings. Please stop by to see them. We’re very glad to add this brand to our other powerful lines – Wilier, Pinarello, Orbea, Merckx, Lynskey, Litespeed, Merlin, Storck, Rocky Mountain , Trek, Cannondale, and Scott.
Rental Bikes at Atlanta Cycling- If you have friends travelling to Atlanta , we have nicely detailed, Lynskey Ti road bikes for rent – all sizes. The excessive airline charges for bicycle transport make our rental program a less expensive and totally hassle-free experience for travelers. (Trish's note: The Lynskey's are sweet bikes! I got to tour the factory last summer. Very cool!)

Savannah Cycling The Savannah Paper had an interesting article about cycling in the city.

5-11-2010 Grant Park Crit News From the PromoterP If you haven't already, be sure to follow @grantparkcrit on Twitter. We'll be using that account for updates about the race, news about new and exciting sponsors that have signed on, general bike talk, etc. As a reminder, this year's race is on Aug 22nd and has been selected to be the Georgia State Criterium Championship. We're still actively recruiting sponsors, so if you or your company are interested in being a race sponsor, please either email me or send me a direct message via that Twitter acct. Thanks, Jim Bilotto Sponsorship Director, Grant Park Criterium

Southeastern Cycling on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter! @Sadlebred.

Mt. Tabor Work Party From SORBA Paulding Who: All are invited!
What: Trail Work (Corridor Clearing / Grubbing / Duff Removal)
Where: Loop 3 @ Mt. Tabor Park
When: Saturday May 15th @ 0800
Why: To connect several sections that were started but weren't quite connected during our last work party. We'll probably work until 1 or until we're tired, whichever one comes 1st. Reminder: Wear sturdy boots, bring (and consume) plenty of water and bring your gloves. We'll have plenty of tools to go around but if you have loppers bring them too. Really looking forward to linking this all up so we can complete it in June. Bring your bikes we'll ride once we're done.

5-12-2010 Group Ride Tips Eric Neely of Reality Bikes wrote a great article on Group Ride Tips! This applies to everyone with Group Ride Season in full swing! Please read it. Also, REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR HELMET! There was a future Darwin award winner at the Marietta Crit Tuesday night with no helmet on. None. Zero. Dumb.

MB5 Work Parties From GATR: GATR, GCPR and Steele & Associates need your help on MB5 – we have a long way to go before this final 6+ mile section of Harbins Trail System is ready. Wiith enough volunteers from GATR, it can be Ready to Ride much MUCH sooner! Steel & Associates will be leading crews of volunteers, and lunch will be provided by GATR and other sponsors. Please read on to see the schedule or work parties that runs through September.
Time: 9am – 3pm (unless stated differently below)
* Saturday May 15 * Saturday May 22 * Saturday May 29 * - Saturday June 05 – National Trails Day @ Yellow River Park * Saturday June 26 * Saturday July 10 * Saturday July 17 * Saturday August 14 * Saturday August 28 * Saturday September 04 * Saturday September 11 * Saturday September 18 Meet in the parking lot at Harbins (there's only one) and look for the Yellow vests and GATR Hats. We'll hit the trail with tools no later than 9:15 a.m.
Lunch will be provided, bring a good pair of close toe shoes or boots, a pair of gloves, eye protection/sunglasses, plenty of water and some snacks. Also don’t forget to bring your bike gear if you want to partake in a group ride of the trails afterward. We will have professional crew leaders with us from Steele & Associates, so if you don’t know how to build trail, then come learn! :) It goes without saying that the more volunteers we can get at these work parties, the quicker we can start riding MB5. Don't forget to visit the website for updates: http://www.sorbagatr.org/2010/05/06/work-parties-at-harbins-mb5/

Atlanta Ride of Silence The Atlanta Ride of Silence will be May 19.

Jackson Century 5 Days remain (to May 16th) to register for the Jackson County Brevet and have your name automatically entered into a drawing for some serious 'schwagg'. Some of the items up for grabs are: 12-month full maintenance (including crash repairs) 3 - bike tune-up plans 1 ea. - $50, $100, $150 & $200 shop gift certificates Yakima trunk mount rack Giro helmet Northwave road shoes and the list goes on....
Register and enjoy riding the flat/rolling terrain in Jackson County (Braselton area & beyond). Fast riders can finish 4 hrs or less!!! Buffet, ice cream & massage await you at the finish- ALL FREE!! Indoor bathrooms at start & some SAG stops. Online registration via Active.com event site all the way to event day. Pre-registration ends June 12th & fees increase by $10 the next day. Visit www.jacksonbrevet.com for all ride info, hotel specials, etc. & to register. Your participation helps to change (and modernize) a 25-yr old treatment for Aplastic Anemia!!!

Central Park Work Party From RAMBO: Help make our local MTB trail even better...a few hours with many hands goes a long way. RAMBO Work PartyCentral Park, Forsyth CountyFinish re-routes on Cross Country TrailSAT, May 15th 9am to 1pm Exit 17 GA 400, turn left off ramp, 1/2 mile turn left into Central Park, drive straight back to the last parking lot.Please bring water, gloves & closed toe shoes or boots. LUNCH IS PROVIDED.

Conyers GA International Horse Park Work Party From SORBA Atlanta: There will be a work party at Horse Park Saturday May 15th, 9:am to 12:00 noon, all are welcome. We will be working on the rocky creek bed on the Steeple Chase side, plus doing some trimming and maintenace issues to get ready for the up comming race in June.
Bring water & a snack, tools will be provided.

5-13-2010 Women's Beginner Road Race Clinic Beginner Road Race Clinic Saturday, May 22nd 1:00 PM Creekview High School 1550 Owens Store Road Canton, GA
This clinic is a beginner road racing clinic. It is free and open to both Sorellas and non-Sorellas. We will cover the basics of road racing. We will discuss preparation, warm-ups, feed zones, and basic road racing tactics. The clinic will conclude with a preview of the Cherokee County Road Race course (to be held on June 5th) which will include a beginner/Cat 4-only race. If you have thought about participating in a road race, this is your chance

RSVP to Jennifer Matjasko (jenmatj@austin.utexas.edu).

Cycle For Others Spartanburg, SC On Saturday, May 15 the Great Escape Bicycle Shop in Spartanburg will be hosting another "Cycling for Others" cycling extravaganza! As always, 100% of your $10 donation goes to a worthy/needy cause. We'll have preride munchies and coffee before the ride and finally, a traditional southern meal at the conclusion of the ride! Yep, we'll be having hamburgers, burnt chili dogs, baked beans, pasta salad, and some type of scrumptious dessert. As always, there will NOT be a shortage of food! You can decide whether you want to blast around our 35-mile loop or the 65-mile or set a relaxing pace. We'll have plenty of burnt burgers and hotdogs along with the fixins' when you return. Both the 35-mile loop and the 65-mile loop are extremely well marked with large white arrows and each loop has a turn by turn route sheet. A sag stop will be setup at the 20-mile mark and the 45-mile mark that will be loaded with power packed snacks! The bike shop will open the doors at 7:30 for any last minute adjustments and the mass start will leave at 8:30 AM. With the assault on Mount Mitchell rapidly approaching this will be a great way to get in a few last minute miles and make any last minute purchases at outrageous savings! Hope you'll join us for a day of "Southern Hospitality" Great Escape Bicycle Shop in Spartanburg 105 Franklin Ave Saturday, May 15 Doors open at 7:30 AM Mass start at 8:30 AM lunch served 10:45 until....... Questions: call Brooke or Amanda @ (864) 574-5273

5-14-2010 Cherokee County Road Race From NGCA: Brought to you by the same folks that hosted and organized the Roswell Criterium, NGCA-ATLroof. com is working hard to make this another terrific competitive cycling event on one of the most picturesque road race courses around! We've got a full schedule including separate category racing for men, two women's races and multiple juniors races. Registration is now open! https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/events/index.xhtml?categoryId=27848 Map can be found here: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ga/canton/739127230576313847 For more information see www.ngca.us

Oconee Ride of Silence http://www.mvillebikes.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?p=2001#post2001 Meet at Oconee Outfitters RTR at 7pm on Wed. 5/19/10 for a short, silent ride in honor of cyclists who have been injured or killed in collisions with automobiles. DATE: May 19, 2010 TIME: 7:00 pm
WHERE: Hundreds of locations world wide Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. HY DOES THIS ORGANIZATION EXIST?
To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

Hogpen Still Closed From the GA DOT: GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Teri Pope
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 (770) 718-3924 office (404) 274-6436 cell HIGHEST ELEVATIONS OF STATE ROUTE 348/RICHARD RUSSELL SCENIC PARKWAY CLOSED THROUGH MAY 21TH - REPAIR WORK CONTINUES IN WHITE AND UNION COUNTIES HOG PEN GAP - The Georgia Department of Transportation announces 0.6 miles of SR 348 is still closed to traffic due to pavement damage. Crews are working on SR 348 but cold wet weather has hampered their efforts.

"At Hog Pen Gap this year's wet, cold winter damaged the asphalt to the extent that traffic cannot use the roadway at all. Because of this damage, Georgia DOT closed part of Richard Russell Scenic Parkway. The damaged section of roadway has been removed. Crews are now rebuilding. We expect to finish the base by the end of this week. That just leaves paving for next week. Weather permitting, the repair work will be finished by May 21 and the roadway will reopen to traffic. Our preliminary cost estimate is $30,000 for
the repair work," explained DOT Interim District Engineer, Todd McDuffie. SR 348 will be open to traffic to provide access to the trailhead at Raven Cliff's and to the Appalachian Trail on the White County side of the state route. SR 348 in Union County will remain open to traffic to Tesnatee Gap. The apex of the mountain remains closed. Traffic cannot cross the mountain. Hog Pen Gap's elevation is 3,800 feet. It rates among one of Georgia's highest roadway elevations. Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

Chicopee Work Party From Gainesville SORBA: Join us for a work party at Chicopee on Saturday, May 22nd from 9 AM til 1 PM. Please bring enough water and snacks for 4 hours of work, work gloves and wear closed toe shoes, Work / Hiking boots recommended. Lunch and tools will be provided. Bring your bike - we'll ride afterwards.

Chicopee Closed May 15 From Gainesville SORBA: The MTB trails at Chicopee will be closed on Saturday, May 15th from 7 AM until 1PM or so for the Trillium Trek Adventure Race.

5-17-2010 Winter CX Series The Rome Winter CX Series will be back in 2011 http://romewintercross.wordpress.com/

GBRA Grant Proposals GBRA Calling for Grant Proposals
As part of the Georgia Bicycle Racing Associations role in promoting, developing and growing the sport of cycling in Georgia, the GBRA board is requesting grant proposals from any of it's members who have a program or idea that may need some help with funding. The funding available is limited and for the remainder of the year the GBRA board will be accepting and considering all grant proposals until the allotted funding for these grants has been exhausted. If you feel that your group would benefit from some funding for your project, please fill in the attached grant proposal form in full and submit it to gacycling@gmail.com . We will review your application and attempt top give you a determination as timely as possible.

Atlanta Bike Fest Atlanta Bike Fest is Tuesday, May 18th. ATLANTA, GA- Downtown Atlanta’s celebration of all things cycling is back for its third year. Whether you are a veteran cyclist, or haven’t ridden a bike since you were a pre-teen, the Atlanta BikeFest has something for you. This year’s outdoor event will be held in Woodruff Park and will feature information booths on bicycle safety, maintenance, and different types of bikes including which one is the best fit for you, new technology, and tips on how to maximize the health benefits of cycling. Bring your bike, show off your style, and take part in the bike-friendly fun!
What: 2010 Atlanta BikeFest presented by the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and the Downtown Transportation Management Association.
When: Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Where: Woodruff Park in Downtown Atlanta
Cost: FREE
For more information visit AtlantaDowntown.com.

5-18-2010 Oscar Clark Oscar Clark made the GSU news.

Bike to Work Week This is Atlanta Bike to Work Week. Are you riding to work this week?

Roswell Recovery Ride I wanted to let everyone know that North Georgia Cycling Association (NGCA) in conjunction with its new bike shop sponsor Roswell Bikes (RB) is leading a Monday recovery ride. Ride information is shown below:
Start Location : Roswell Bikes
Start Time : 6:30pm in the near future, check with RB)
Average Pace : 15-16 mph recovery pace – This is a No-Drop ride with several re-groups
Terrain : Mainly rolling, generally low traffic areas (1300 feet climbing on a Garmin)
Route : Approximately 21 miles (see Mapmyride link below)
http://www.mapmyride.com/user/172126713992454767/ngcaclub

Racing There is a lot of good racing this weekend! See the calendar for links to Elberton and the AFLAC Outdoor Games!

5-19-2010 Pave the Path Ride Come to Conyers this Saturday for our Pave the Path Event!
Here's the link: http://www.pavethepath.hostoi.com/ This is a different sort of event. The 10K Run is flat and fast. The Metric Century Ride is very hilly and challenging. This is our third time hosting the well organized event. Expect well marked roads, excellent SAG's & rolling support. We hope you plan to stick around afterwards to enjoy the discounts offered by the restaurants and bars in our historic Olde Town Conyers. This event benefits our local efforts to continue the construction of the multi-use path east-bound from Atlanta through our communities (hopefully to Savannah someday).

Ibis Bike Demo Outspokin Bikes is having a demo at Blanket's Creek on Sunday for Ibis Bicycles from 10 am to 4 pm. Contact the shop for more information.

Beginner Women's Race Clinic Don't forget about the clinic this weekend! Women's Beginner Road Race Clinic Beginner Road Race Clinic Saturday, May 22nd 1:00 PM Creekview High School 1550 Owens Store Road Canton, GA This clinic is a beginner road racing clinic. It is free and open to both Sorellas and non-Sorellas. We will cover the basics of road racing. We will discuss preparation, warm-ups, feed zones, and basic road racing tactics. The clinic will conclude with a preview of the Cherokee County Road Race course (to be held on June 5th) which will include a beginner/Cat 4-only race. If you have thought about participating in a road race, this is your chance

Aflac Grand Prix Info. The Aflac Grand Prix Criterium is part of the National Aflac Outdoor Games with expected crowd in excess of 10,000! All races will experience the electricity of huge crowds. www.aflacoutdoorgames.com!
Bring your whole family to Columbus for tons of fun or up to Callaway Gardens for the Pine Mountain Road Race!
Race Page: http://georgiacup.com/races.php?id=22
Aflac Grand Prix Primes
ProAm = $1,000. Elite = $500. Women ProAm = $250.

Jails and Landfills Ride From the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition: (Sunday, May 23) A NEW training ride from the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition! Starting at Manuel's Tavern, this intown tour will take us past multiple incarceration facilities, a landfill, and the little-known McAfee Road. Of the three, only McAfee poses a threat to you - with 6 steep hills packed into a straight-as-an-arrow 3.3 mile stretch. This ride has some great lightly-traveled sections of road, yet never ventures outside of I-285. Options of 22 and 39 miles. Expect the lead group to average 18 - 20 mph, with following groups as slow as 13 or 14 mph. The group will eat lunch at Manuel's Tavern, and afterward you can join a others to ride down to the Atlanta Streets Alive festival. Directions from Downtown Connector: East on North Avenue 2.1 miles, right on N. Highland, then park in the first parking lot on the right. Please find a spot closest to N. Highland Avenue. http://www.atlantabike.org

Pizza Ride Info. From Mark Linenberg (Trish's note: This ride is not organized or sponsored by any rider, person, or club.) This email is not a repost- but a new Thursday loop designed to avoid the playground and all stop signs, except one (located at Main East Gate near hwy 78). The st mt police have been giving citations to groups and individuals for the following: crossing double yellow, not stopping completely with foot down at stops, passing cars on the left or right, etc.
Thursday's Pizza Ride- for rest of May- through last summer 2010:
Enter Park- go left- go to Grist Mill turn around- head back up carving hill, loop clockwise around towards main East Entrance- go to turn around at Bird Sanctuary, head back- to Grist Mill turn around- head back up carving hill and finish up auto museum hill. Approx distance 14 miles or so.
Finish Sprint goes up/past auto museum hill.

5-20-2010 SORBA Paulding Work Parties Start Time: Friday, July 23, 2010 at 8:00am End Time: Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 9:00pm
We will be working about 6 hours each day. Location: Mt. Tabor Park and Austell MTB Trails Who and What: Paulding SORBA and Engage Atlanta are partnering up again for the 3rd annual Community Makeover. We are asking Engage Atlanta for close to 350 volunteers.
Crew Leaders are ENCOURAGED to attend because we'll need you!! Both days will be catered and I believe Sunday will be our traditional Mexican Fiesta. $5 donations are requested for the food. Description: Community Makeover is back and growing like never before. Over 60 churches have signed up to this point, and we are picking up steam. Volunteer registration will begin at all of our church partners beginning at the end of June. We will let you know when the registration website opens and volunteer registration begins! Once the website has gone live I will post it on this thread and send everyone an update. Please advise once you have registered on the Paulding SORBA FB wall.
Work Description: We will focus primarily on finish work on the 3rd and final loop at Mt. Tabor and Austell parks. Our intent is to have the corridor clearing completed prior to the actual CMO weekend so we can do nothing but focus on tilling, finishing and bridge building.
Mt. Tabor: There are about 5-6 bridges to be built and if tradition follows suit they will be completed within the 1st 1.5 hours. There will be about 4 tillers here focused on the 3rd loop which consist of of approximately 6 miles of single track that flows through beautiful Paulding County's hardwoods and pine thickets.
Austell MTB Park: Alot of the same here, the corridor is completely open and ready for some attention. We intend on having two tillers here on Saturday and close to 100 volunteers to complete the finish work. See you all on July 23rd - 25th.

GBRA BAR Competition The Georgia Bike Racing Association (GBRA) is pleased to announce the formation of a BAR Point Series for all riders. The 2010 series
started with the Regions event in Albany in March. Since then the series has moved to Athens, Roswell, Macon, Sandy Springs, and the next event is this weekend in Elberton. The Elberton Cup will be the scene of some exciting racing with riders coming from GA, TN, SC and AL to compete in the event this weekend. The entire 2010 schedule is
as follows:
March 6-7 Albany Race Weekend p/b Regions Bank
April 24 Athens Twilight
April 25 Historic Roswell Criterium
May 1 Macon Criterium
May 2 Sandy Springs Criterium
May 22-23 Elberton Cup
June 5 Cherokee County RR
June 19 GA RR State Championships, Augusta
July 3 GA State TT Championships, Calhoun
July 10-11 Georgia State Games
July 21-25 Gwinnett Bike Fest
August 22 GA State Crit Championships, Grant Park
September 4-5 US 10K Weekend

GBRA BAR rules:
http://www.gacycling.org/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=6
Current GBRA BAR standings
You can stay on top of the latest cycling news in the state of Georgia by going to http://www.gacycling.org

USAC MTB Camp Announcing USAC Mountain Bike Summer Camp Top Young Cyclists Gather at Cedar Mountain, NC, June 21- 26, 2010

The 2010 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Summer Camp will welcome some of the nation’s most promising and enthusiastic young mountain bikers to Cedar Mountain, North Carolina, June 21-26.

“USA Cycling’s mountain bike summer camps have become a great way for young cyclists to get into the USA Cycling pipeline,” says Andy Johnston, camp director and former professional rider. “The camp’s program is a long-standing development tool for identifying junior and U-23 athletes destined for the pro ranks and ultimately the Olympics,” he continues. “It’s also a great opportunity for young riders who want to learn the art of riding fast!”

Campers will be exposed to a range of topics including: preparing for your race, the mental game of racing, equipment selection, optimized nutrition, skills used on the World Cup circuit, the planning and execution of a training plan, and more!

The camp is centered on accomplishing goals in a safe, fun, and engaging environment. It is a fantastic opportunity for athletes to meet friends, extend networks and outlets for finding information, and have fun while pursuing personal goals. It’s important to note, that not every athlete will be focused on competition goals or becoming a professional racer, but everyone will have a shared desire to have fun while learning skills and participating in the sport and recreational activity they enjoy.

The camp is strategically located in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina, to access both the Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest – the region’s sweetest singletrack destinations. These trail riding opportunities are second to none, and offer diverse and challenging terrain for skill development. Lodging and activities will be based out of the Terra Nova Center.

Lead by Andy Johnston, the 2010 camp staff will be comprised of Andy Applegate, Jeremiah Bishop, Shey Lindner. Ride leaders Cory Rimmer and Wes Lamberson and other guest instructors will round out the fun. Johnston is a Level II USAC coach and has managed the camp for several years, and is also manager of CycleYouth, a team dedicated to nurturing talented young riders. Applegate is a Level I USAC coach and a CTS coach. Appelegate has years of experience as a talented cross racer and Masters National Champion on the road.

Jeremiah Bishop is a professional rider with Cannondale Factory Racing. Bishop may be best known from the film Off-Road to Athens. His racing experience is diverse and extensive, with national championship titles in both marathon and short track events, marathon and “ultra” endurance victories, cyclocross and even numerous road championships. Bishop is excited to share his knowledge with aspiring juniors. Camp attendees will have a unique opportunity to learn firsthand from this seasoned racer. The cost to attend is $750 and includes meals and lodging. Team discounts and financial aid are available. For more information and to register to attend, visit www.NorbaCamp.com.

5-21-2010 Kennesaw B Ride The Kennesaw/Beyond Allatoona "B" ride officially starts Saturday 05/22 at 8:15 am. The ride rolls from Pacesetter Steel parking lot - 3300 Townpoint Dr. Take I-75 to exit 271-Chastain Rd. Go west on Chastain Rd approximately ¼ mile and take a left on Town Point Dr. Bear right at first intersection. Watch out for the low-clearance bar! From I-75 and 285 expect about a 15 minute drive to the start of the ride. The no-drop "B" ride will be approximately 60 miles and average will be between 16-17 mph. Rolling terrain from Kennesaw towards Cartersville. Course is well marked with white "CW"s. One restroom break and one store stop.

Piedmont Wildlife Refuge From a forum: The Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge is taking public comment until June 14 on their plan for the next 15 years. If you are a Middle GA cyclist who enjoys the Piedmont NWR and would like further access to the trails there, please read the commentary linked to below and consider adding
your name to the letter via the rest of the form.

Central Park Trails Closed From RAMBO: Sorry Forsyth County Mt. Bikers but Forsyth County Officials had to close all of the Central Park Trails today for probably 2 weeks or more. The contractor doing the water plant expansion needs more room for the next few weeks to get all of the constuction fencing and such in. We'll let you know ASAP when it will reopen. Please let me know if you have any questions. I'd be gald to answer them for you. Joe Baker RAMBO VP

Hogpen is OPEN! RICHARD RUSSELL SCENIC PARKWAY OPEN TO TRAFFIC LATER TODAY AS REPAIR WORK DRAWS TO A CLOSE HOG PEN GAP — The Georgia Department of Transportation announces that State Route (SR) 348 also known as Richard Russell Scenic Parkway will be open back to traffic this evening as crews complete their repair work on the winter-damaged pavement of the Parkway. This year’s wet cold winter had damaged the asphalt and forced Georgia DOT to close a portion of the roadway at its highest elevations (Hog Pen Gap) the second week of March. The reopening of the Parkway to traffic this evening will provide access to the apex of the mountains, the trailhead at Raven Cliff’s, and to the Appalachian Trail on the White County side of the state route. SR 348 in Union County has been open to traffic to Tesnatee Gap. Hog Pen Gap’s elevation is 3,800 feet. It is considered one of Georgia’s highest roadway elevations.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

RAAM Team Fox 5 did a story on Good Day Atlanta on Thursday about a RAAM team from Atlanta.

National Bike Week Article The Rockdale Citizen had an article on National Bike Week earlier this week.

5-22-2010 Intermediate MTB Skills Clinic OutSpokin' Bicycles will be hosting an intermediate Skills Clinic at Blankets Creek on Sunday, May 23rd from 10 am to 1 pm. We'll cover various skills to help you ride faster and smoother including cornering, riding over and through obstacles, climbing efficiently, and descending with confidence.

We will practice in the skills area for the first two hours, and then head out for a group ride on the South Loop. This class is open to men and women of all ages, however, in order to keep the group together, you should be able to complete the South Loop in 45 minutes or less. Space is limited to 20 participants, so please RSVP by sending an email to:
lisa dot randall24 at gmail dot com

Class is FREE, but please consider a $10 trail donation to Blankets Creek Trails and SORBA Woodstock :thumbup: for the time they spend maintaining the trails.

NC Hit and Run A man was charged with 6 counts of felony hit and run in a recent cycling-car accident in NC.

5-23-2010

Free Flite hosted demo on Sunday at Blanket's Creek. I saw plenty of riders lined up to try the fleet!

5-26-2010 Allatoona Creek Park National Trails Day From SORBA: We'll be clearing more corridor to make room for the Ditch Witch. Its fairly easy work, no digging, just cutting saplings, vines and such - the bigger stuff will be cut with a chain saw. 9AM to 1PM

Please bring:
1. water & snacks
2. gloves
3. closed-toe shoes or boots
4. Tools provided - but bring loppers if you have them
Lunch provided., 2450 Pitner Road Acworth, GA

Nationals Trails Day at Yellow River From SORBA GATR: Saturday, June 5th at Yellow River starting at 9 a.m. with a work party and followed by skills clinics and group rides. Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation is calling the even "National Trails Parknership Day".
Schedule of Events:
* 9 a.m. to noon – trail work
* noon – free lunch
* 1 p.m. – skills clinic (with local race team members)
* 1 p.m. – group rides for all ages

We will be collecting donations and having a raffle (including a Thomson Seatpost) to help raise funds for a GATR Trailer to haul and store our trail building tools.

5-27-2010 Note From Trish If you try to contact me, and I don't get back to you within 24 hours, or you don't see your update on Southeastern Cycling within 48 hours, please note that I've been having problems with my DSL this week. It's an AT&T problem that my DSL provider is aware of. Southeastern Cycling is hosted with a commercial service, so it will not affect anyone trying to access the site. Thanks for you understanding!

Cycling Neighborhood This is an interesting concept, a bike only neighborhood/community outside of Columbia, SC.

Tour of Atlanta Info From the GA Cup: 2010 Tour of Atlanta is this week! ONLINE registration closes at 5pm Thursday. With the ToA being Road Races race day registration will be busy for those who do not register ONLINE. Remember, if you take the time to register online you can save time at registration by just signing your waiver. If not, please give yourself an additional 30 minutes for registration. Example: You are not racing ALL6 and "think" you want to do 3 or maybe 4 events but want to wait to see how you feel...... Register for 1,2 or 3 of them in order to get your waiver and rental chip in the system - Then when you come to registration all you have to do is sign your waiver, pick up your BIB and Chip. You then just pay for additional races - continue to use your current BIB and Chip #.
NUMBERS on the LEFT FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND!!!
MASTERS 40+ & 50+ are separate categories.
Race Page with Maps: http://georgiacup.com/races.php?id=19
PROAM RACE UPDATE: Because of the forecast being H O T we have adjusted the miles. See flier
Course details:
Stage 1: 6.5 mile Time Trial out and back with a couple nice rollers
Stage 2: Same RR as 2009 ToA Stage 7. Med to High difficulty with a steep .65 mile climb each lap to an up hill finish!
Stage 3: Medium Difficulty. Fun for all levels with wonderful rolling terrain.
Stage 4: Medium Difficulty. Laps with twist and turns, ups and downs.... Great Sprinters Finish!
Stage 5: Medium Difficulty. 5 mile laps - Wonderful opportunity for BREAK AWAYS!
Stage 6: High Difficulty! Climb the West side of Burnt mountain and flat finish. Climbers beware - it's a long ride back to finish!
Hope to see you in Dawsonville!

NGCA Race News From NGCA: Top 5 things you need to know about the Cherokee County Road Race:
5. This is one of the prettiest courses you ever had the pleasure to pedal across
4. We have a beginners race for both men (Cat 5 only) and women (Cat 4 only) AND we are a LAJRS event. (Trish's Note: This is awesome!!!)
3. All the information you need and the necessary links are right here: www.ngca.us
2. The Cherokee County Road Race is put on by a local USAC club.
And the number one thing you need to know about the 2010 Cherokee County Road Race is.....drum roll....
1. Online registration ( https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/events/index.xhtml?categoryId=27848 ) will be closing Thursday 06/03!
So come on out and support a terrific race!

US Pro News GREENVILLE GEARS UP TO HOST USA CYCLING PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS George Hincapie and event partners kick off countdown to 2010 event GREENVILLE (SC): The Greenville Hospital System USA Cycling Professional Championships will return to Greenville for the fifth consecutive year during the weekend of September 18 - 19. George Hincapie, three-time U.S. Professional Road Race National Champion and Greenville resident, announced that he will be back to defend his 2009 title at a news conference held today in downtown Greenville. Hincapie was joined by event organizers and representatives from the event’s many partners, including Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center (GHS), which marks its fifth year in partnership and fourth year as the event’s title sponsor; Duke Energy,
which returns for a second year as the Presenting Sponsor of the Individual Time Trial Championships; GE Energy, which returns for a fifth year in partnership and Presenting Sponsor of the Post Summary Show on WYFF-4; the City of Greenville; Greenville County; Medalist Sports and the Palmetto Peloton Project. The Individual Time Trial Championships will be held on Saturday, September 18 at CU-ICAR, where cyclists will compete against the clock on a 6.9 mile course (completed 3three times). The Road Race Championships will be held on Sunday, September 19, with the start/finish in downtown Greenville. The 112-mile course will include four passes over Paris Mountain.
In addition to the dual championships, the Roger C. Peace U.S. Handcycling National Criterium Championship is once again scheduled. This is the season finale event for the U.S. Handcycling Series, presented by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and will return for the second year in a row with a time trial on Saturday and the National Handcycling Criterium Championships on Sunday. The Stars and Stripes Challenge, a recreational and fundraising cycling event to support local cancer research, will also take place on Sunday.

According to Chris Aronhalt, Managing Partner of Medalist Sports, the USA Cycling Professional Championships have continued to gain popularity with each passing year, and last year, drew nearly 75,000 spectators over the course of the event weekend. Aronhalt attributes the Championships’ popularity to several factors: level of competition and terrain, community and sponsor support and the variety of events and activities that take place over the course of the weekend. “There is no question that this event offers fans an opportunity to see the nation’s best professional cyclists compete and that Greenville provides an ideal setting to host the Championships,” said Aronhalt. “In addition to that, however, I think the fact that fans are not kept at arm’s length, but rather can be actively engaged in the event, is a significant aspect of its appeal.” The Stars and Stripes Challenge is one way that fans can literally be a part of the action. Presented by the Palmetto Peloton Project, which promotes the advancement of cancer research through fundraising fitness events, the Stars and Stripes Challenge not only allows participants to ride the same road course as the pro cyclists, but also raises money to support local cancer programs and research at Greenville Hospital System as well as the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Approximately 800 riders from across the United states participated in last year’s
Stars and Stripes Challenge, and to date, the event has raised more than $400,000 for cancer research. According to Michael Riordan, GHS President and CEO, providing the region’s most comprehensive and innovative medical treatment is only part of the hospital system’s mission. GHS is also committed to prevention, education
and research and strives to help the community to be healthy, making them a perfect partner for the USA Cycling Professional Championships. “GHS is pleased to serve as title sponsor of the USA Cycling Professional Championships for a fifth year and to be a recipient of the Palmetto Peloton Project (P3),” said Riordan. “We are grateful for P3’s gift to cancer research because it not only impacts the people in our community but people across the county and around the world. In ddition, P3 events, such as the Stars and Stripes bicycle ride, offer our community an opportunity to get out and be active, which reinforces our commitment to total health.”

With the championships only a few months away, the excitement is already building and organizers expect this year’s event to be the largest ever. Route maps and race details can be found on the event website, which also offers online registration for volunteers. Fans are encouraged to visit http://www.usacyclingchampionships.com/default.aspx to stay up-to-date on race news and events and can also follow the event on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/usacyclingchampionships and Twitter at
http://twitter.com/USAProCycling. A schedule of events is provided on the following page.

2010 GREENVILLE HOSPITAL SYSTEM
USA CYCLING PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Individual Time Trial Championships
Start Time: 11:30 a.m.
Start/Finish Line: CU-ICAR
Estimated Finish Time: 1:30 p.m. (awards following)

Ancillary Events
US Handcycling Series, Individual Time Trial
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Start/Finish Line: CU-ICAR

Stars and Stripes Challenge, Individual Time Trial
Start Time: 9:30 a.m.
Start/Finish Line: CU-ICAR

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Road Race Championships
Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
Start/Finish Line: Downtown Greenville
Estimated Finish Time: 5:00 p.m. (awards following)

Ancillary Events
Stars and Stripes Challenge
Start Time: 7:30 a.m.
Start/Finish Line: Downtown Greenville

Family Fun Ride
Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Cleveland Park

US Handcycling Series, Criterium
Start Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Greenville

Duke Energy Kids’ Races
Start Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Greenville

5-28-2010 Atlanta Cycling Examiner This is an interesting article on the state of cycling in Atlanta.

Welsh Cycling National Championship Congratulations to Atlanta resident Brendan Sullivan! He placed 3rd in the Welsh ProAm Road Race Championships racing for his Welsh team Cardiff-Ajax. The championships were held on an 80 mile course. Brendan races in Georgia for Iron Data.

National Trails Day at Bear Creek From the SORBA Forum: Our NTD 2010 event on Saturday, June 5th, fast approaches. As most of you know, NTD is one of our biggest volunteer trail events of the year. The Bear Creek Trail is the site we have selected for maintenance where our primary task will be maintaining water dips. Bear Creek is one of our most popular trails, particularly with mountain biker riders. We need you for this event to be successful. Come be a part of something great.

We will be meeting at 9:00 AM. Please remember to bring work gloves, lunch/snacks, plenty of drinking water, and a day pack to carry it in. To sign up, please contact Larry Thomas.
Directions from Chatsworth:
•At the courthouse on US 411, take Highway 52 east over Fort Mountain and drive about 13.8 miles (look for a green Lake Conasauga directional sign)
•Turn left onto Conasauga county road and go about 1.3 miles
•At the forks in the road, take the right fork which is Shake Rag road and drive about 2 miles
•Continue straight on the paved Gates Chapel county road and drive about 0.2 miles to the meeting site at the intersection of Gates Chapel county road and Forest Road 241. You may park on the road shoulder on either side of Gates Chapel Road.

Directions from Ellijay:
•At the town square, take Highway 52 west and go about 4.9 miles (look for a brown Bear Creek directional sign)
•Turn right onto the Gates Chapel county road and drive about 5.3 miles to the meeting site at the intersection of Gates Chapel county road and Forest Road 241. You may park on the road shoulder on either side of Gates Chapel Road.
Larry Thomas, Operations Team Leader, Conasauga Ranger District, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Phone: 706 / 695-6736 Ext. 103

BBC BEAUTIFUL BACKROADS CENTURY Date: Saturday, September 18, 2010 @ 8:00 AM
Address: Anheuser Busch Brewery - 100 Busch Drive, Cartersville, GA
Fees: $30 until Sept. 1, 2010, $40 thereafter
Registration Closing Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010 @ 11:59 PM
Brief Description You MUST bring a picture ID with you to the event if you want to sample the Anheuser Busch products. No Exceptions! The Beautiful Backroads Century (BBC) ride intensity is moderate to strenuous with the increased mileage. This year we are planning a feast after the ride with music and sampling of fine Anheuser Busch products. Contact Sarah Husser at 770-296-7103 or UGA08@aol.com for additional information. Additional contact, Jim Edwards - 770-547-9438 BikeBBC@Hotmail.com

Additional Information New for 2010! Preferred parking and a custom BBC 2010 jersey. See registration for details. The ride includes a t-shirt to riders preregistered before Sept 1st, a wonderful meal, end of ride celebration and fabulous rest stops. The Anheuser Busch Brewery in Cartersville is located in the beautiful rolling hills of north Georgia.
Ride Information: The fully sagged rides begin and end at the brewery with a meal at the finish. The rides are approximately 15 miles, 33 miles, 44 miles, 64 miles and a century, 100 miles. Rest stops every 15- 20 miles with sports drink or fresh spring water to drink and goodies to eat.
Registration Pre-register or register event day at 0700. T-shirts for preregistered riders before Sept 1st are guaranteed on the event date. Limited sizes may be available for day-of-event registration. Note - Registration is limited to 1500 cyclists this year. Get your app in early!!!

5-31-2010 Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone has a happy Memorial Day! Remember the brave men and women that serve our country fighting for our freedom and the veterans that preceded them.

Commuter Article The MDJ has an article on a Cobb County Commuter.

Atlanta Beach Work Party Just a small work party to tidy things up before it get real hot. When: Thursday June 10 2010.from 1pm- 7 pm (come by and lend a hand after work)
Where: The Trails at Atlanta Beach of Hwy 138 in Jonesboro Ga. Why Routine work and if enough people show up we will reroute two sections suffering from erosion.
Bring water and gloves and if you have any, a shovel or hard rake.

Racing Reports? Does anyone have any racing reports or photos from the weekend? Email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com.