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December 2011

12-1-2011 Memorial Service From Mark's Family: (Trish's note: Mark was killed several weeks ago while riding east of Atlanta.) "As many of you know Mark Jidov was recently killed while doing what he loved to do, what each of us love to do. Mark’s family has reached out to the cycling community for a show of support. This Sunday, to honor a fellow cyclist, we would like to encourage all of you to attend his memorial service in your riding attire. Directly after the memorial we will depart as a group from Victory Baptist Church to ride the normal Sunday route. (30-35 miles-no drop, All area are cyclists are welcomed and encouraged to join the ride).
His memorial service is being held this Sunday, December 4, 2011 at:
Victory Baptist Church
88 Brand Rd SE
Loganville, GA 30052
Dec. 4 at 2:00 p.m (Tribute Ride to follow, approx 3pm)

Many of you may not have known Mark on a personal level, but you knew him when you saw him on that bike – home depot belt, orange safety vest, black socks, short black shorts and pleasant spirit. Mark deserves this tribute, even if you weren't fortunate enough to have had the chance to ride with him. Let us celebrate his life together by showing our sense of community as cyclists.
We hope that everyone reading this email will join us for Mark's service and the ride to follow on Sunday. If you have any questions please email Harvey Blanco at lifetimebikesloganville@yahoo.com."

Free Flite Holiday Sale Free Flite's holiday sale starts December 1st! They are offering $300 off all Trek Project One bikes and free gifts with select purchases. Gift cards are available for your favorite cyclist.

January Races I've updated the calendar at the top of the page with Jan. 2012 races. There are still cyclocross races going on then!

12-5-2011 Atlanta Cycling Christmas Lights Ride New Ride Location: Christmas Lights Toy Ride - Wednesday, December 14th, 6:30 pm. Yep, it's time for Atlanta Cycling's Annual Christmas Lights Toy Ride. As always, the gift of an unwrapped toy of any value to Peachtree Christian Church's Outreach Program is optional, but very much appreciated.The ride will be a one hour ride of approximately 12 miles at stay together pace with a sag vehicle. Please mount lights front and rear so that we may see each other or be seen by any other vehicles we might encounter. You should not need strong lights to see the roads - just lights to be seen. Following the ride, the Church has invited us to use one of their large dining halls for pizza and refreshments. Those interested, please indicate such with a $5 bill for each rider or non-rider before the start so that plenty of hot pizza will be awaiting our return. Refreshments will be provided by Atlanta Cycling. We'll meet the non-riders at 7:30. Peachtree Christian Church 1580 Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30309 Directions: The church is located at the intersection of Spring and Peachtree. Driving south on Peachtree toward downtown from Buckhead, turn right onto Spring St. Drive 100 yards on Spring St. and turn right into the church driveway. The driveway opens into a large, secure parking lot at the rear of the church.

12-6-2011 Georgia State CX Championship Photos My photos from the Georgia State Cyclocross Championships are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. There are lots of photos from the Masters, Men Cat. 4, Men Cat. 1/2, Women's B/Juniors, and Single Speed.

WBL Week 2 Zealots gearing up for week 2 in the WBL. Nerves shot and psyches frayed as contenders jockey for position. Details below. The WBL is in need of a Sag Driver this Saturday - email if interested. Looks great on resume! All the news at www.winterbikeleague.com

Next Ride: 10 December 2010: The Colbert Cruise:
Length:3.5 hours / 70 miles
When: Saturday: 10 a.m. (window open)
Where: Sunshine Cycles in Downtown Athens (West Washington Street)
Exit Route: Nowhere Road
Store Stops: tba (Mile )
Pee Break: approx. 1 hour(@ Mile )
Intermezzo Sprints: tba
Final Attack Zone: No Attack Zone
Interactive directions: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com?r=5209910
Text directions: coming
Points: 3 to all

12-7-2011 Augusta CX Course Preview Ross Douglas, the promoter of the Augusta CX Race, describes the course for Sunday's race: The course will be very similar to last year with some changes to make the course more spectator friendly and challenging at the same time. First of all the start/finish has been moved to the ball field, which will allow everyone to spectate what should be some great sprint finishes, and then the run/ride up from last year has been moved about 20 feet to the left to include some granite steps. So bring your A game and we'll look forward to seeing everyone in Augusta!!

Atlanta Cycling Special Atlanta Cycling is offering 12 months of financing on any Trek bike over $500 with 0% interest for 12 months! What a great way to treat yourself to a new bike for Christmas!

Wilkesboro Cyclocross Festival Presented by the Wilkesboro (NC) Tourism Development Agency Sunday, December 11 at the “SewerFest” campground, Wilkesboro, NC
FREE for Spectators FREE Parking FREE Kiddie Race Pirate Race Productions and the Wilkesboro Tourism Development Agency are excited to announce the Second Annual Wilkesboro Cyclocross Festival, a full day of bicycle racing on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at the “Sewerfest” campground in Wilkesboro. Part of the North Carolina Cyclocross Series, the race is only a two hour drive from the UCI Kingsport Cup professional race the prior day. The event will offer racing categories for every age and ability, including a free kiddie race and a special mountain bike category for only $10. For more information about participating in the event, being a spectator, or ways your business or non-profit group can get involved, contact race director Andrew Stackhouse at info@pirateraceproductions.com

12-8-2011 Lexus of South Atlanta Welcome to a new advertiser, Lexus of South Atlanta! Lexus South Atlanta is your premier luxury car dealer South of the city. They are located just minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on 85 South! They will locate ANY make or model and provide you with an excellent buying experience. Call (678-783-2700) or visit the New Lexus South Atlanta today to experience the finest luxury cars ever built! Find them at http://www.LexusSouthAtlanta.com or on Facebooke at http://www.Facebook.com/SouthAtlantaLexus.
 

12-9-2011 Yellow River Night Ride GATR will be hosting a night ride at Yellow River on Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 pm. Meet in the Yellow River mountain biking parking lot. Registration is required.

12-12-2011 New Georgia State Parks Fee From: Yargo Area Biking Association (YABA) To all our friends that use the trails at “ANY” Georgia State Park, we have some unfortunate news: Due to Georgia State Parks looking for ways to generate revenue, starting January 1st 2012, they will start charging to use the trails (people riding not running or walking). They’re still working out all the details, but for now this is what I understand they will be charging. $2.00 per person, per day or you will be able to purchase a “Trail” Annual Park Pass for $25.00 (in addition to your Park Pass). A regular Annual Park Pass is $50.00, plus the “Trail” Annual Park Pass of $25.00 = $75.00 a year, and the Park Passes will be good at all Georgia State Parks. There is a “Good” catch to the “Trail” Annual Park Pass, it will cover your immediate family, which will include You, your spouse and children.
We hope you will continue riding at Fort Yargo. Our passion at YABA has always been to provide a fun and challenging trail system, to give families a place to ride together, and to enjoy the great outdoors. As we are still finishing up the final touches to the 1- mile beginner loop, this news has dampened our spirits!

Trish's note: Talk on the SORBA forum is very negative towards the new fees. I plan to write the superintendent at Ft. Yargo State Park and let them know that I am not in favor of the new trail fees.
 

12-13-2011 Augusta Cross Photos My Augusta CX photos are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com.

Christmas Light the Night Ride Free Flite is having their annual Christmas Light the Night road ride on Dec. 18th. at 6:30.
Start: Free-Flite Bicycles @ 2949 Canton Rd, Marietta (Google map driving directions)
Distance: 18-20 mile ride
All bike types and riders welcome
Pace: 15-17 mph avg, easy
Ride duration: 1 hr 20 mins approx
Must have: front and rear lights for seeing and helmets.
Christmas decorations on bikes and or riders are optional.
Route: Go up Bells Ferry to Kennesaw Ave to the square., Parade lap and pics at the square., Ride down to the cemetary, over to the chicken plant, and down by Barnes mill. Back home to Free-Flite's parking lot. Free-Flite will provide sodas, water and snacks. Please contact Travis (travis@freeflite.com) if you need more details.

Reality Bikes Rides for Charity Come support team sponsor Reality Bikes in their clothing drive for needy children of Forsyth County. When: Saturday December 17 at 8:30 a.m. (doughnut and coffee time); Ride blast-off is 9:00 am SHARP, 30 & 60 mile routes at a casual pace. (I would expect that to mean somewhere in the 16-17mph pace)
Where: Dutch Monkey Doughnuts. 3075 Ronald Reagan Boulevard #502 Cumming, GA 30041
(404) 482-3650
Price of Admission: Bring a donation to support the Forsyth County Schools children in need. There is a drop box for new/unopened kids' clothes, underwear, socks, etc. at Dutch Monkey AND at Reality Bikes if you can't make the ride.

Augusta Cross Report Blue skies, cold temperatures, and windy conditions greeted racers at Lake Olmstead Park in Augusta, GA. The Augusta Cross Coalition put together a very fast, very Euro course. The start was moved up to the ball field's from previous year's location down on the road. This allowed for better spectator viewing and heckling of the racers. The hill climb was moved a few yard to the left. The strongest could ride it, and everyone else had to run it.

In the Masters 35+, Perry Thomas (New Leaf Adventures) got a small gap early and kept it for the win. Jay Wansley (Peachtree Bikes( was second. In the Masters 45+, Alan Burton (FFCC) took the initial lead followed closely by Bob Kuhn (HUP United), who took over pace making on the pavement on the return from the far end of the course. Bob proceeded to set a furious pace with Alan and Michael Schmid (Nouveau Velo) in tow. Going into lap two, the group of three pulled away from the chasing pack with Bob’s blistering pace eventually dispatching both Michael and Alan. On lap three, Michael and Alan re-connected and continued the unenviable task of chasing after Bob. With one lap to go Bob was in sight courtesy of a chain problem, making the chase appear fruitful. Bob demonstrated why he is state champion recovering from his mechanical issue to claim the solo win, followed by Alan and Michael in the sprint for the lower podium steps.

The Cat. 4 field was the largest of the day with nearly 30 riders. Series Leader Andrew Rytlewski (Ten Speed Drive) won followed by Joshua Bennett (ACC) in second. Three Under 14 Juniors fought hard in their race. Jack Phelan (ACC) took first. Joe Way (ACC) was second, and Palmer Kling was third. In the Women's B, Zoe Frasier (Frasier Cycling) took the win over Laura Andrews (Free Flite).

The Women's A field continues to set records. They are on track to have more than 10 women at all of the races for the first time in the series. State Champion Shannon Greenhill (Peachtree Bikes) took an early lead that she never relinquished. Elizabeth Lee (FFCC) and Hope Strode chased but could not catch her. Shannon held on for the win with Elizabeth in second. In the Men's Cat. 3 race Austin Hilliard (HUB Bicycles) won followed by Ian Prunier (Smyrna Bicycles) in second.

The Men's A field was small but competitive. Behind Thomas Turner (Jamis), one of the most exciting races of the day happened between Doug Ollerenshaw (Litespeed-BMW) and Tim Barrett (Roswell Bikes) for second place. They traded punches every lap. Tim would get a small lead in the technical sections and the Doug would take the lead on the fast parts of the course. Coming up the steep hill for the final time, Tim attacked and was able to hold onto a 5 second lead for second place.

In the Single Speed race, John Phelan (ACC) came back after 6 weeks off of racing and won. Michael James (Kona World) was second.

Tim Barrett (Roswell Bicycles) and Doug Ollerenshaw (Litespeed-BMW) battle it out in the Men's Cat. 1/2 race in Augusta.

Dave Marbut (FFCC) proves that not everyone could ride the hill.

Blue Ride Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway's newly released draft management plan could see it closed to cyclists. See what you can do to help.

Heritage Park Reopening Heritage Park in Oconee County near Athens is reopening to mountain bikers this weekend. It had been closed for a construction project. SORBA Athens is hosting a work party on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 am to 1 pm.
 

12-14-2011 Blanket's Creek Work Party From SORBA Woodstock:

Where: Blankets Creek
What: Trail Maintenance
When: Sat. Dec 17th. 9AM-1PM

12-15-2011 Cross Nationals 2014-2015 Asheville is one of the 3 finalist cities vying for the Cyclocross National Championships in 2014-2015. Austin, TX, and Boulder, CO are also in the running.

WBL #3 Ride # 3 (Dec. 17)
Next Ride (# 3): 17 December 2010: The The Spectacular Statham-Gratis Trek
Length:3.5 hours / 70 miles
When: Saturday: 10 a.m. (window open)
Where: Sunshine Cycles in Downtown Athens (West Washington Street)
Exit Route: Prince Avenue > Whitehead Rd. > Roberts Rd. > Tallassee Rad
Store Stops: Bostwick (Mile 46) *be prepared - store stop about 2.5 hrs into ride
Pee Break: approx. 1 hour()
Intermezzo Sprints: None!
Final Attack Zone: No Attack Zone
Interactive directions: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5216070
Text directions: Coming
Points: 3 to all
Post Ride Party: Ted’s Most Best (half-priced pints!) I’ll take 2!

12-16-2011 BRP Superintendent Interview Bicycle Retailer has an interview with the Blue Ride Parkway Park Superintendent about the proposed changes and "banning of bikes" along the Parkway.

Augusta CX Race The Augusta CX race got a little press time.

Lees-McRae Cyclist Killed Megan Babb, a cyclist for Lees-McRae College in NC was struck and killed by a car while on a training ride on Thursday.

12-19-2011 Georgia Cross Finale Photos My photos from the Georgia Cyclocross Finale race at Serenbe are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com.

Georgia Cross Coverage CX Magazine gave Georgia Cross some love with coverage of the series finale.

Michael Schmid (Nouveau Velo) leads Alan Burton (FFCC) at the Serenbe CX race in the Masters 45+.

12-20-2011 WBL Ride #4
Next Ride (# 4): 24 December 2011: Tba
Length: tba: 2-3 hours max depending on weather
When: Saturday: 10 a.m. (window open)
Where: Sunshine Cycles in Downtown Athens (West Washington Street)
Exit Route: tba
Store Stops: none
Pee Break: approx. 1 hour()
Intermezzo Sprints: None!
Final Attack Zone: No Attack Zone
Points: 3 to all (2 regular, 1 Christmas bonus point)
Post Ride Party: Ted’s Most Best (half-priced pints!) I’ll take 2!
Forecast: Pleeeze!

Airport Ride I've heard that the Airport Ride will go on Sunday. Come on out if you need to get away from your relatives for a few hours!

DNR Meetings Public Meetings Set to Discuss New Bike Trail Fees in State Parks
ATLANTA, December 20, 2011 -- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has scheduled two public meetings to discuss proposed mountain bike trail fees at three state parks. DNR officials are considering charging a $2 fee at Fort Yargo, Hard Labor Creek and Unicoi state parks to help offset operational and maintenance costs. The meetings are scheduled for:
• January 9, 7 p.m. at Ft. Yargo State Park in Winder. Camp Will-A-Way’s gymnasium.
• January 11, 7 p.m. at Unicoi State Park in Helen. Logo Meeting Room at the lodge.
During the past few years, Georgia’s State Parks have been challenged with finding ways to rely less on state funding while keeping parks open for public use. To meet this challenge, officials are looking at user fees and annual passes to cover activities such as horseback riding, disc golf, miniature golf and mountain biking. Revenue from equestrian and mountain bike trails could be especially useful since high-impact trails require more maintenance. Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth already charges a $3 bike trail fee, which is not expected to change. The new proposal includes a $2 bike trail fee for Fort Yargo, Hard Labor Creek and Unicoi state parks, as well as a $25 annual pass good for all state park bike trails. To learn more about biking in Georgia’s state parks, visit http://www.gastateparks.org/outdoors#biking.
For directions to the public meetings, go to http://www.georgiastateparks.org.
Written comments may be submitted to Director.GSPHS@dnr.state.ga.us before January 20, 2012.

12-23-2011 PATH News  PATH has started their 2012 Capital Campaign to raise money to build 34 miles worth of trails.

Chicopee Night Ride Last Tuesday's Night ride at Chicopee Woods has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 27.

12-24-2011 Beyond Allatoona Ride The Beyond Allatoona/Kennesaw Ride will happen Saturday! Same Santa time! 9:00 am! Same Santa location! Pacesetter Steel! 55 and 75 mile options. Two Santa sprints on tap!

WBL Rides! The WBL will host the Commerce Classic Saturday, 50 miles. The weather is looking great for Dec! http://www.winterbikeleague.com.
 

12-26-2011 Charlotte Dirt Divas The Charlotte Obvserver had a good article on Christmas Day on the Dirt Divas, an all women's Charlotte MTB club.

12-28-2011 WBL  From the WBL: As the WBL prepares to enter the next phase of the 2012 season, the sprints, we thought we’d take a look back at some of those Zealots who have stood out over the years for one reason or another and helped make us what we are today. While the list below is only a sampling of the 1250 Zealots who have signed in over the past seven years alone, it does contain a few of the original founders, several Overall Winners, a couple of rabble-rousers, at least one n’er do well, as well as others who have made an impact along the way. See www.winterbikeleague.com  for the complete list.

Next Ride (# 5): 31 December 2011: Cappy's Custom Cabinets Comer Classic
Length: tba: 3.5 hours / 70 Mules
When: Saturday: 10 a.m. (window open)
Where: Sunshine Cycles in Downtown Athens (West Washington Street)
Exit Route: Nowhere Road (da back way: Pulaski > MLK)
Store Stops: Paoli Junction (Mile 42)
Pee Break: approx. 1 hour()
Intermezzo Sprints: none
Final Attack Zone: Non Pro, 1, 2 sprint: 5 miles / Final Attack Zone opens at Mile 52.5 when group veers right on Beaverdam Road. Travel 3 miles and take right on Smithonia. Travel 1 mile and turn right on Melton Road. Finish line is @ 1.5 miles away at top of hill. (This is an old and well-known WBL final sprint – line in road) Pros, 1’s and 2’s may chase and give lead-outs but cross the line 1st and loose 10 pts. Pros 1’s and 2’s will not be placed in top 5.
Interactive directions: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com?r=5228048
Text directions: attached
Points: 3 to all

-Win: 10 pts / $100 bucks plus da box
-2nd: 8 pts
-3rd: 6 pts
-4th: 4 pts.
-5th: 2 pts

Post Ride Party: Ted’s Most Best (half-priced pints!) I’ll take 2!
Forecast: Superfragilastic!

Junior Flyers Development Team The Junior Flyers Development Cycling Team
* We teach the basics and the advanced techniques.
* Our Monday night practice is around a church with NO Traffic.
* Our Wednesday practice is in a neighborhood doing 1.2 mile loops and there is a hill.
* We encourage parents to ride with their child to build a bond and enjoy time together. It helps us all be safe and learn the proper rules of the road.
* We are training for local bike races, triathlons, and National competition.
* You don't have to join the team.
* We have spare bikes for those that just want to try a "skinny tire" bike at practice.
As a 501C(3) organization we offer a versatile program for any level of youth rider. We encourage active family lifestyle and often see parents joining their young racers at many rides and events.
http://www.juniorflyers.org/
http://www.facebook.com/sopobikes#!/JuniorFlyersCycling?sk=info

2012 Calendar I've updated the 2012 calendar, but there is still a lot missing. The Carolinas Cycling Association and TBRA have not released their 2012 schedules. They usually do before the end of January. I'll keep my eyes peeled for when the do and will update the Southeastern Cycling 2012 calendar.

More Trails Coming To Rope Mill  Thanks to the generosity of Free Flite and Dan Thornton, more trails will be coming to Rope Mill Park. Free Flite made at $10,000 donation for their construction to SORBA Woodstock this weekend.
 

12-29-2011 Southeastern Bike Expo The Southeastern Bike Expo has put up a new website at http://sebikex.wordpress.com/. It will be held Feb. 25-26 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.

 My Thanks for 2011

I'd like to thank everyone that supported me in 2011!
Tom, Brown, Mclean, and the crew at Smyrna Bikes. Thanks for all of the last minute requests taken care of on the spot!
Peachtree Bikes, especially Lee Redfern at the new Sandy Springs location for putting together my awesome Specialized Crux cyclocross bike and getting dialed in perfectly for me and for putting up with some pretty nutty questions along the way! Also thanks to Peachtree Bikes for sponsoring Sorella Cycling! We are so grateful for your support!
My fellow Georgia Cross Series Board of Directors and our promoters for a fantastic year! So many are already looking forward to 2012.
My wonderful Sorella Sisters! You make racing so much fun, and I love being a part of the team!
Don Dutson at Atlanta Cycling for your years of friendship, many rides, and many stories over lunch at the Vinings Deli.
Dan Thronton at Free Flite for his continued support of so many things in the metro Atlanta cycling community including Southeastern Cycling.
Pete Wicker at Outback Bikes; you always make me laugh.
Ken Roskopf at KenBikeLaw.com for the sage legal advice provided to all of us riders. Good luck to Ken's son Joey as he turns professional with Team Type 1 in 2012!
Atlanta Trek, the coolest LBS on the southside.
Masterlink Graphics for helping me over the years. Check them out if you need marketing or graphic arts work done.
And most of all....
My wonderful husband for putting up with all of my bike stuff and being understanding!

12-30-2011 Bull Mountain Work Party There will be a Bull Mountain Work Party on January 7th.

When: Arrive 8:30 , Start - 9:00 a.m. , Saturday 1/7/2012, Lunch - 1:00 at Jake Mtn camping area (
Where: Jake Mountain camping area (one of the campsites - TBD - follow the "CTHA Event ->" signs)
Who: anyone wanting to give back to the trails (all ages and abilities are welcome!)
What: we will continue to finish the Jake Mtn trail from where it connects to the Moss Creek Trail down to Jones Creek. We'll be hauling via vehicles to the worksite (I need drivers with vehicles please (preferably 4x4s).
Contact: Debbie Crowe, 404/316-7956