12-7-2012 RAMBO Work Party From RAMBO: "Bring your bike and RIDE after the Work Party at Charleston Park in Forsyth County on Saturday, Dec 15th from 9am to 1pm. For our Dec 15th Work party at Charleston Park we will be clearing the leaves off of the Trail. Please if you have a backpack blower and the day off WE NEED YOU. If you would be so nice as to let us borrow your blower that would be great too. Or please just bring a rake and we'll get this done ASAP. As always lunch is provided and we'll do a group ride after lunch. Wear closed toed shoes and bring work gloves. Take GA 400 to Exit 17, turn right on 306 for 1 mile, at 2nd light turn right on 369, drive 1.5 miles, turn right onto Charleston Park Rd, go to parking lot and park to the left of the bathrooms."

12-8-2012 Adam Myerson Clinic Adam Myerson (Cyclocross Legend) will host a short clinic at the Hendersonville, NC UCI races next Saturday. I HIGHLY recommend doing this if you can. Adam is a legendary cyclocross clinic instructor. I only wish I could be there.

[When] Saturday, December 15, 2012
[Time] 4:00pm
[Where]  Hendersonville, NC NCCX Race Weekend

[Description] Mercury wheels and Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis pro Adam Myerson have teamed up to host a FREE course preview and evaluation session on Saturday, December 15th, from 4:00-5:15PM. We will meet at the start/finish. The clinic includes riding and inspecting the course, and then re-reading and dialing certain sections and developing a race strategy based on the course design and features. This is a great opportunity to get direct feedback and advice from one of the most experienced and insightful cyclocross racers in the country.

2013 Georgia State Criterium Championships From GBRA: "GBRA is proud to announce that the 2013 Georgia State Criterium Championship will once again be hosted by the Georgia Neurosurgical Institute team in Macon, GA on Saturday April 13th. The GBRA board is still working on the hosting of the Road Race championship and we hope to be able to announce those details very soon. Read about all of the state championships over here: http://gacycling.org/statechamps."

Atlanta Cycling Christmas Lights Toy Ride Christmas Lights Toy Ride - Wednesday, December 19th, 6:30 pm at Atlanta Cycling-Vinings Please join us at the Vinings store for a 12 mile ride at 12 mph through Buckhead and Sandy Springs to see the lights. Following the ride we'll gather for dinner. Non-riders should plan to meet us just past 7:30. Please mount front and rear lights so that we may see each other and been seen by motorists. Powerful lights are most welcome, but they are not necessary; we'll be able to see pretty well by the street lights and the few riders who will have lights. Optional as always - bring a toy of any value to exchange for a discount coupon from Atlanta Cycling. The toys will be presented to our riding friend, Pastor Barry McCarty's church - Peachtree Christian for their outreach program."

12-11-2012 Macon CX Photos My photos from the Georgia State Cyclocross Championships in Macon are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. There are also photos from the overall series awards.

New Night Ride Snyder Cycles is hosting a night ride on Tuesdays that will go through the winter: Chillaximo Dikov Ride. 8:00 pm. Easy. Named after the patron saint of taking it easy, Chillaximo Dikov, theTuesday night ride is a female-friendly, hour long jaunt on the roads of Atlanta aimed at beginner hybrid and road riders getting acquainted with the road or for experienced riders who need a recovery ride that REALLY takes it easy.12-14mph average for an hour through GT Tech, up Peachtree, through the Prado, the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Piedmont Park, and then along the Beltline before heading back through GSU to Elliott Street Pub for $2 hot dogs and beer. Headlights and tail lights are required. Regroups at all red lights. Leaves from Snyder Cycles.

Mt. Tabor Work Party  From SORBA Paulding: "Trail maintenance day at Mt. Tabor Sat. Dec. 15 at 9am. We will work on wet areas in the meadow. Please remember to bring water, snack, gloves and sturdy shoes. Meet in the upper parking lot near tennis courts. SORBA Paulding will supply the tools.

Racing This Weekend There are still cross races going on! KnoxVelo CX #1 is Dec. 15. The NC Grand Prix UCI races are Saturday and Sunday in Hendersonville, NC. BX#11 Sloss Furnace is the Bama Cross finale on Sunday

12-12-2012 Louis Garneau Factory Team Announces 2013 Roster The Louis Garneau Factory Team, a Domestic Elite women's cycling team based in GA, expanded their roster and race program for the upcoming 2013 road and track season. Several new women join a strong core of returning riders. The new development signings continue to provide opportunities for women to build the skills required to race at an elite level. .The Louis Garneau Factory Team’s mission is to build the sport of women's cycling by being positive role models, participating in women's beginner racing clinics and several charity events. More information can be found online at http://lgfactoryteam.com. The team generated numerous results in the 2012 season including 53 podiums, Five Georgia State Titles, and Five National medals.The expanded program for the 2013 season, as well as the extensive list of results from the 2012 season, resulted in an increase in team sponsors.  Louis Garneau continues as the title sponsor. Returning sponsors Fuji Bikes, Reality Bikes, Smith Optics, Dutch Monkey Donuts and JEOL Media Inc. and new sponsors Chastain Horse Park, FirstPro, Built to last Wheels, Catholic Bling, Ronnie Bratcher, and ULINE made it possible to have a roster of twelve
 

2013 Roster:
Cheryl Fuller Muller, Christina Panella, Elizabeth Lee, Janice Eirich, Jennie May, Katie Reynolds, Katie "K2" Herman, Kim Schaper, Lee Farabaugh, Leigh Hopkins, Melinda Spratt, and
Nancy Jones
Follow us on Twitter: @LGfactoryteam
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/LgFactoryTeam

Pro XCT Tour The Pro XCT tour is coming back to the Southeast for 2013. Bump N Grind in Birmingham, AL will host the 5th round of the Professional Cross Country Tour on June 2nd at Oak Mountain. It will be one of several non UCI races in the series.
 

12-13-2012 Pinhoti Trail Work Day Work on the Snake! NWGA SORBA is planning to work on the access road from Hurricane road into the Pinhoti trail in England Springs. They are also going to try and work on the washed out drop into England Springs off Hurricane Mtn. The plan is to meet at the cul de sac at the end of the dirt road access into England Springs at 9:00 am on 12/15/12. Bring gloves, hard hat if you have it, water and food. Bill Hester will be doing his ditch witch magic again! Directions to Cul de sac ( Pinhoti Trailhead at Hurricane Creek): To Hurricane Creek (GA12): I-75 Exit 336 Walnut Ave. , go west 3.1 miles. Turn left on Hurricane Road and proceed 1.4 miles. Turn left on Franklin Hill Road and proceed 0.2 miles. Turn left on dirt Forest Service Road 246 and proceed 0.5 mile to trailhead at end of road (5.2 miles total).

Ride to the Capitol Rumor has it the 2013 Ride to the Capitol will be Tuesday, March 26.
 

12-14-2013 Macon CX Report While Mother Nature did not grace Georgia Cross with any muddy, cold races this year, the weather was lovely for the series finale at Sandy Beach Park in Macon. Large turn outs in all fields vied for the State Championships jerseys and medals. Some riders were focused on keeping their lead in the series or trying to improve their points in order to get a coveted Georgia Cross cowbell. Spectators grilled out, heckled riders, and enjoyed the day. The course was similar to years past but with a few more switch back climbs in the back half of the race. The barriers in the field provided a dismount. There were also 2 sand sections that were rideable for many. Also spotted was a little bit of mud by the lower picnic shelter.

The Elite Masters races started off the day. In the 35+, a group of 5 broke away. By the final lap, two riders were off the front-Eric Neely (Sugoi) and Chris Wyatt (Peachtree Bikes). Chris put a small gap on Eric coming into the final climb that Eric could not close in the last 100 meters. Chris held on for the win with Eric in second. Shey Lindner (C Town Bikes) got third. In the Masters 45+, Michael Schmid (Deeds Publishing) got things strung out from the start with his typical fast start. After some jostling for position through the grass section, a trio of Bob Kuhn (HUP United), Mike, and Alan Burton (FFCC) gained a small gap on the rest of the field. The trio began to unravel the first trip through the beach with Alan lost contact. Bob then got a gap on Mike, and both began their solo rides to the first and second podium steps. Behind, Lamar Mauney (FFCC) bridged to Alan and rode together until Alan brought himself down on the drop in to the cereal bowl. Dub Smith (FFCC), who had been hovering a few seconds behind the two, took advantage of Alan’s mishap by catching and dropping him. Lamar stayed clear taking 3rd in the race and first for the 55+ State Championship and Dub taking 4th in the race and the final 45+ state championship podium step.

In the Juniors 15-18, it was a battle between Elliot Baring (Cycle Youth) and Brody Hartley (Florida Velo) with Elliot coming out on top for the win. Brody was second, and Fletcher Lydick (Frazier Cycling) was in third. In the Juniors 14 and under, Davis Branyon (Frazier Cycling) won with brothers Leon and Troy Waine (Junior Flyers) following for second and third. The Women's Cat. 4 race saw a small group form on the first lap with Kim Pounders (Smyrna Bicycles), Lori Ballestri (ALTX), and Jen Undutch (Sorella Cycling). Using her mountain bike skills on the technical parts of the course, Kim pulled away in the second lap. She would hold a 45 second advantage to take her first victory and the state championships jersey. Jen can in second, and series leader Lori was third.

In the Cat. 3 Men, Jake Andrews (Georgia Cycling) took the top step of the podium while Charles Lessing (RHR) was second and Fletcher Lydick was third. Owing to a flat first half of the course, Women's Cat. 1/2/3 the field was together for a good portion of the first of five laps. It began to break up on the second beach section. Soon three riders were clear of the group--Paula Burks (Team Mystique), Lisa Randall (Sorella Cycling), and Shannon Greenhill (Peachtree Bikes). Paula put a little distance between herself and the other two on the second lap. Going into the third lap, Lisa got a gap on Shannon, gaining more time with each pass through the sand. Shannon could not match Lisa in the technical sections. Paula won the race, but since she is from Tennessee she was not eligible for the state championship, which went to Lisa. Shannon was third.

The Men's Cat. 4 fields were once again large. In Cat. 4, the leaders stayed close the entire race. Matthew Reeves (Loose Nuts Cycles) came out on top with Kinzer Hewitt (Atomic Cycles) and Eric Kirk (Georgia State University) in 2nd and 3rd. In the Masters 35+ Cat. 4 there were calculations happening as the top 3 for the overall series points were close.Charlie Putnal (Big Ring Racing) took the win with Scott Morris (Lifetime/Loganville Ford) in second and Paul Linck in third.

In the Men's Cat. 1/2/3, a crash in the first lap took out a large portion of the field with mechanicals and flat tires. Thomas Turner (Team Jamis) and Frank Trevieso (Miami Chasis) switched to their mountain bikes in the pits. About three laps in, the race settled into its normal rhythm. Thomas worked his way up from the back of the pack, leaving everyone in his dust. Doug Ollernshaw (Litespeed-BMW) and teammate Artur Sagat took up the chase but could not hold his wheel. Thomas held on for the win and the state championship. Doug was second, and Artur was third.

The Single Speed race was the finale of the day as well as the day's largest field. Several riders showed up in costume. Dan McCarthy (Smyrna Bicycles) was the Incredible Bacon Fairy, and Muse Davis (ATLX) broke out his finest mullet. Much like a mullet, the Single Speed race was business up front and party in the back. Tim Barrett (Roswell Bikes) came out looking for the win. He would have to get past series leader Aaron Pyle (ACC) and last week's winner Mclean Harris (Smyrna Bicycles). The large pack launched with Tim, Aaron, and Mclean quickly going to the front. After one lap, Tim decided he had enough and took off, leaving the others battling other for second. Aaron and Mclean swapped places several times, but in the end Aaron took second and Mclean was third. Towards the back of the race, riders were having fun and spectators were chasing them through the sand.

After the day's races were over, overall awards were handed out. Congratulations to all of the series winners!

Elite Masters 35+ (CX 1,2,3)
1 Daryl Sawyer FFCC
2 Brady Rogers LITESPEED-BMW
3 Bob Kuhn Hup United

Elite Masters 45+ (CX 1,2,3)
1 Michael Schmid Deeds Publishing
2 Richard Mauney FFCC
3 William (Dub) Smith FFCC

Juniors 10-14
1 Leon Waine Junior Flyers
2 Troy Waine Junior Flyers
3 Davis Branyon Frazier Cycling Juniors

Juniors 15-18
1 Fletcher Lydick Frazier Cycling
2 Blake Johnson Cycle-Therapy GA
3 Tomas Petit

Womens 4
1 Lori Balistreri ATLX
2 Kim Pounders Smyrna Bicycles
3 Catherine Donnelly Smyrna Bicycles
Elite Women
1 Paula Burks Team Mystique
2 Shannon Greenhill Peachtree Bikes
3 Elizabeth Lee LG Factory Team

Mens CX 3
1 Fletcher Lydick Frazier Cycling
2 Jon Wienandt Team Fond Du Lac/Oshkosh Cyclery
3 Mikey Waine Junior Flyers

Mens CX 4
1 Charlie Putnal Big Ring Racing
2 Stephen LaVoie ATHCX
3 Tomas Petit

Mens CX 4 35+
1 Brian Murphy C Town Bikes
2 Scott Morris Lifetime/Loganville Ford
3 Lyle Lydick Frazier Cycling

Elite Men
1 Thomas Turner Team Jamis
2 Douglas Ollerenshaw Litespeed BMW
3 David Sagat Fuji Bikes

Single Speed
1 Aaron Pyle ACC
2 Jon Wienandt Team Fond Du Lac/Oshkosh Cyclery
3 Joshua Frank ATLX

 WBL  December 15: March through Maysville / WBL Ride # 3
Time: 10 a.m. (Window open)
Length: 75 miles / 4 hours
When: Saturday, December 15
Where: Sunsine Cycles / downtown Athens
Exit Route: Prince > Access Road > Pink Church > J River > Beyond
Store Stop: Maysville (Mile 35 / 2 hours)
Pee Break: 1 hour / Mile 20
Intermezzo Sprints: none
Interactive Map: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5757439
Text directions: hit "read more" link on WBL site (www.winterbikeleague.com) 
Final Attack Zone: Not Yet, but be ready, Freddy!
Points: 4 - (1 per hour)

In National News...Blue Competition Cycles has been bought by an investment group. Blue is based out of Norcross, GA. Georgia Based Competitive Cyclist (On The Rivet Management) and the Kenda-5 Hour Energy team will merge for 2013.