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May 2012

5-1-2012 Free Clinics Upcoming FREE Clinics at Free Flite:  Be sure to check out one of our upcoming free clinics! Please email clinics@freeflite.com  if you plan to attend any of our free clinics. Include the date and location of the clinic you plan to attend.
Flat Tire Repair*
May 15, 6 p.m. — Marietta
May 22, 6 p.m. — Canton
May 29, 6 p.m. — East Cobb
*Bring a wheel and tire from your bike.
Maintenance 101
May 5, 9 a.m. — All locations
How to Wash Your Bike
May 10, 6 p.m. — East Cobb
Intro to Clipless Pedals
May 17, 6 p.m. — Canton
Drivetrain Cleaning/Lubing
May 24, 6 p.m. — East Cobb
Effective Shifting
May 31, 6 p.m. — Canton
 

Cyclist Killed in Decatur Paul Taylor, a local avid cyclist, was killed Monday morning in Decatur as he was commuting. The Decatur Patch and the AJC have articles about the accident. Southeastern Cycling sends its condolences to the Taylor family.

West Point Tour De Lake
What: West Point Tour de Lake
Date: May 12, 2012
Start Time: Mass start at 8:30
Ending Time: Course closes at 4 pm
Where: West Point Lake, Earl Cook Park (Troup County, GA)
Description: This event provides a bicycle ride for people of all ages and skill levels consisting of 25, 50, 75 or 100 mile rides. Each route has rest stops every 10 to 15 miles as well as several SAG vehicles. This is an excellent ride to start your cycling season!
The scenic West Point Tour de Lake ride begins at the Earl Cook recreation area traveling around the West Point Lake and its surrounding areas while meeting some of the friendliest and most helpful volunteers! This wonderful family-oriented event provides a bicycle ride for people of all ages and skill levels consisting of 25, 50, 75 or 100 mile rides. The routes have been updated from previous years to provide new scenery and to keep things fresh. The new sponsors will ensure each route is supported by friendly staff stationed at rest stops every 10 to 15 miles. In addition, several SAG vehicles will be cruising the routes eager to provide any assistance needed… hopefully none will be needed. ☺ In addition to all of the many volunteers, law enforcement will be patrolling the roads and assisting at intersections as needed. This ride is sponsored by the non-profit LaGrange Amateur Radio Club, Inc. This club supports many events such as the Wheels of Fire ride, Blazing Saddles ride, MS Cox ride, March of Dimes walk, and the West Point Lake Triathlon. Proceeds from the West Point Tour de Lake event will be used to provide support to local Emergency Management Agencies, other public agencies, or the general public in times of emergencies, distress or disaster. Feel free to see our web page at www.lagrangeradioclub.org for more information about our club.

The Memorial Service for Paul Taylor: Oak Grove United Methodist Church extends its sympathy to Barbara, Ben, Rachel, Kelley, and Grace Taylor on the death of Paul Taylor, who passed away on April 30, 2012. A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 3, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at Oak Grove United Methodist Church.  There will be two times of visitation: Wednesday, May 2, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at A. S. Turner Funeral Home and Thursday, May 3, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Please note that these visitations are at different locations. There will be a private burial. Oak Grove United Methodist Church | 1722 Oak Grove Road | Decatur | GA | 30033

Roswell Crit Photos on Cyclingnews Southeastern Cycling has photos from the Historic Roswell Crit up on Cyclingnews!
I took over 700 photos and will be uploading them over the next day or two. Please be patient. 

http://www.velonews.com and http://www.cyclingnews.com have full coverage fo all of the weekend's racing action at Roswell and Twilight

Handcycle Races While Crit racers were in Roswell and Athens this weekend, hand cyclists were in Rome for the Clocktower Classic.

5-3-2012 Paul Taylor Funeral Arrangements The Patch has Paul Taylor's funeral arrangements.Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Oak Grove United Methodist Church Youth Ministry. http://northdruidhills.patch.com/articles/paul-taylor-1958-2012
 

5-4-2012 Pedalpalooza SORBA Woodstock is hosting their annual festival, Pedalpalooza, this weekend at Blanket's Creel. Check out the full schedule of rides, games, the reopening of the Van Michael Trail, and More!

Sandy Springs Challenge The Sandy Springs Challenge is on Sunday! The Northside Hospital Metric Century ride is open to all riders. The Sandy Springs Crit has races for all categories throughout the day. This year's event will raise money for the Sandy Springs Police and Fire Departments.

Pro Nats to Chattanooga! USA Cycling has announced that Chattanooga, TN will host the georgia. In even better news, the Women's Pro RR and TT Championships will move to coincide with the Men's events.

Trish's Notes: I've really enjoyed having the events in Greenville, SC. Ya'll may not know, but G'vlle is my hometown. I know every inch of that course. I went to Paris Mountain State Park many weekends as a kid. We'd have a picnic, play in the cool mountain creeks, catch minnows, and hike. I used to ride Saddlebreds (horses, yes, two d's) through Cleveland Park when Cleveland Park Stables was still operating. Ah, many memories of showing horses with them. Mom would take us downtown to shop when I was really little before the malls drove the businesses to the suburbs. I always see so many old friends when I go up there to the races even though I didn't ride (bikes) back then. Then again...I love Chattavegas! It's a great city also filled with memories of spending lots of time with the first mountain bike team I rode for. (Bet ya'll know one of the more famous racers that was on it.) Ok, who's spare bedroom can I sleep in in 2013 when I come up to photograph the races?

5-6-2012 Sandy Springs Photos I'm working on getting my Sandy Springs photos up, but I have almost 1000. I hope to have them all up in a few days. In the meantime, enjoy my photos on C Cyclingnews.com: http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/sandy-springs-criterium-2012/photos

Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) win the Pro Women's race at Sandy Springs.

The Pro Men's field comes towards turn 1 at Sandy Springs. Race goers enjoyed the Sandy Springs Food and Wine Festival that can be seen in the background.

"Interesting" Racing in Anderson Let's say that there was some "interesting" racing by some local Georgia racers Saturday at the Anderson, SC Speedweek Crit. I will not weigh in on the subject and will let everyone decide for themselves after reading the article on Velonews.
 

5-7-2012 Sandy Springs Photos Photos from Sandy Springs are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. There are plenty from the 2/3 Race, Pro Women, and Pro Men. 

5-9-2012 The Keirin at the DLV  From the DLV: This coming Saturday May 12th, Ethic, Inc. presents 'The Keirin'

Join us for our first of three Pro Race Series events, ‘The Keirin’. A Japanese event based on pure speed, the Keirin will feature six speedsters on the track at a time as the best sprinters go head to head on the track in a blur of speed and excitement. It’s a speed the whole family will enjoy, eat from our great concession stand and enjoy the home of track cycling in East Point.

Main program kicks off at 6pm, Preview events from 3pm. Races typically finish around 9pm. We do rider introductions at 6pm, so get there a bit early to get your spot before the action gets going. Food will be available onsite including main meals, snacks and dessert items, as well as drinks including soda's, Batdorf & Bronson iced coffee and bottled water.
Spectator entry fee $5
Family entry $10
Please note: At this time we are only able to accept cash for all transactions at the velodrome. City ordinances do not allow pets during events.
Friday night we'll host the Maxxis Need for Speed Sprint Tournament. This event kicks off at 7pm and is FREE for spectators
Link to spectator info is: http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/pages/proraceseries.html#spec

Beyond Allatoona Ride The Mission Source/NCGA team would like to remind everyone that the Beyond Allatoona ride on Saturdays is now starting at 8 am.

5-10-2012 Such a Tease...Giveaway Coming Stay tuned to Southeastern Cycling on Monday! We will be doing our first ever giveaway for a really cool prize by a local company!

Public Meeting About Yellow River From GATR: WHAT • Public input meeting to express ideas for improving the trail system at Yellow River Park.
WHEN • Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE • Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain 30087.
WHY • Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation has contracted with Foresite Group and Trail Dynamics to create the Yellow River Park Trail Sustainability Assessment and Redevelopment Plan. The assessment aims to formulate a plan to re-design the trail system, to reduce user confusion, and to improve visitor enjoyment. The goal is for the renovated trail system to benefit all park user types while protecting the natural resources of the park. Citizens can visit http://www.gwinnettparks.com for more information.

5-11-2012 Investigation Opened An investigation has been opened into the incident at the Anderson, SC Speedweek Race that involves a Georgia Rider.

5-13-2012 More on Speedweek Cyclingnews.com has an article on the Speedweek incident.

5-14-2012 Stuffit Review and a Giveaway!

Stuffitts. What are they you might be asking yourself, or you may have already discovered them at a running, tri, or cycling expo. I found the shoe Stuffitts a few years ago when researching a way to dry my cycling shoes after a rainy ride. The old newspaper trick works but sometimes will leave newsprint inside the shoe. Then it gets on your hands and your socks. From the Stuffitts website: "Stuffitts drying inserts are soft, lightweight forms that combat moisture and kill odor in personal wearable gear, including helmets, gloves, footwear, and activewear. Simply put them in your gear, leave them overnight, and remove them the next day to dry, fresh gear." Stuffitts contain cedar, so your gear will smell nice as well. The company is based in Marietta, GA.

Stuffitts sent me two items to test-the helmet Stuffitt and the Gear Bag. I'm also including the shoe Stuffitt since I've been using them for a few years. The shoe Stuffitts are one of the best, simplest things I've ever used. After my cycling shoes get wet, I put them in the shoes, leave them in overnight, and the shoes are dry. My shoes don't stink, and I don't have to deal with wet feet on my next ride. Simple. I've used them in mountain bike and road shoes, "running" shoes (err...the running shoes I power walk in), and sneakers. If your shoes stink and don't need to by dried, put the Stuffitt in for a few hours to help combat the odor.

Stuffitts Gear Bag

The Stuffitt Odor-Killing Gear Bag helps to keep activewear from stinking after use. I'm sure we've all had some smelly cycling clothes that we left in our car for a few hours after a hot, sweaty ride or a rainy, wet ride or worse yet a hot, sweaty, rainy ride. Coming back to the car, our noses are assaulted with the foul smell. For wet cycling clothes wring out the excess water and put them in the Gear Bag instead of the plastic grocery bag. When you take them out to wash them, they will not stink and might even smell good. You nose will thank you. I tried the Gear Bag with several scenarios. I put a wet cotton towel in the gear bag overnight. It was a little drier in the morning but still pretty wet. After a mountain bike race, I put my kit in the Gear Bag and left it in the hot car all day while I photographed a crit. When I took them out about 10 hours later, the clothing was mostly dry and not stinky. It prevented the car from getting smelly. (Disclaimer: I recommend washing any worn cycling clothing before wearing again.) For the last scenario, I put a jersey under running water until it was soaked. I wrung out the excess water and left it in the Gear Bag overnight. The next morning, the jersey was dry. The Gear Bag has a drawstring top and sturdy straps to carry it by. It also has two pockets on the outside for small items.

The Helmet Stuffit fits snugly in any standard size cycling helmet.


The Stuffitts Helmet Saver is made for any type of helmet. I tested it after getting rained on for 20 miles on a road ride. My helmet was wet and had road grime all over it. I rinsed it in the sink with warm water and gently got the grime off. After letting the excess water drip for about 15 minutes, I put the Helmet Stuffitt in and left it overnight. I came back the next morning, and my helmet was dry and smelled fresh. I plan to use it this summer with my horseback riding helmet as well.

A give away! A give away! The first ever for Southeastern Cycling.....

Go "Like" Southeastern Cycling on Facebook. Post on the Southeastern Cycling Facebook page why you would like to try the Stuffitts Glove dryers. One lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive a pair of Thin Layer Glove Stuffitts. The deadline for entering is at noon on Friday, May 18.

Photo courtesy of Stuffitss

Legal Stuff:

How to Enter:
No purchase necessary to enter the Giveaway.

Eligibility:
The Giveaway is open to residents of the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and Guam.

Winner Selection and Notification:
The prize winner of the Glove Stuffits will be selected, in a random drawing of all eligible entries received, no earlier 12:01 pm on May 18, 2012. Winners will be notified via email or Facebook message.

Prizes:
1 pair of Glove Stuffits. The winner must be at least 18 years of age.
The estimated retail value of the prize is approximately $14.95 (fourteen dollars and ninety-five cents)

Releases:
By participating, entrants agree that the Sponsors, those involved in the development, production (including prize suppliers), implementation and distribution of this promotion and their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, service providers, and agencies, and their directors, officers, agents, employees, attorneys, and any other person or entity associated with such entities and/or promotion shall not be liable for any and all claims, damages, losses or  injuries, including any third party claims, arising from or relating to, in whole or in part, this Giveaway, including entry and participation is this Giveaway and acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the prizes. All entrants further agree that in the event of any third party claims, damages, losses or injuries, arising from or relating to this Giveaway, they will indemnify Sponsors from any and all such claims, including the attorneys' fees related thereto. Sponsors shall not be liable for entries and winner notification responses that are delayed, lost, misdirected, mis-delivered, marked postage-due, illegible, mutilated, incorrect or incomplete, and such entries will be not be eligible for this Giveaway. The Sponsors shall not be responsible for any technical malfunctions of the telephone network, computer on-line system, computer equipment, software, program malfunctions or other failures, delayed computer transactions or network connections that are human, mechanical or technical in nature, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from downloading any part of this Giveaway. Any person attempting to defraud or in any way tamper with this Giveaway will be ineligible for prizes and may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to cancel or suspend this Giveaway should viruses, bugs or other causes beyond their control corrupt the administration, security or proper play of the Giveaway. The Sponsors further reserve the right to modify the rules of the Giveaway in any way or at any time, as long as reasonable notice is given.

Rules/Winners List:
The Winners' names will be posted on http://www.southeasterncycling.com and the Southeastern Cycling Facebook Page within seven (7) days of the winners' selection.

5-15-2012 Woodland Brook Closed Woodland Brook in Vinings will be closed from approximately May 24 until Aug. 13 to install a new drainage culvert.. The road is popular with cyclists in Buckhead and Vinings. It is used on such rides as the Buckhead Bellyache, the Tuesday World Cup, and Beyond Six Flats. The "cyclist detour" is from the Chattahoochee River heading north on Paces Ferry, turn left onto Randall Farm, Left onto Orchard Knob, right back onto Woodland Brook.

There is also a lot of paving going on in Buckhead. Last week sections of Mt. Paran and Dudley Road near Chastain Park were torn up. Remember to be careful no matter what part of town you are in if the roads are under construction. Pay extra attention to rough pavement, steel plates, sewer grates, gravel, etc.

IMBA-SORBA Announces the Coldwater Mountain Trail System Grand Opening
Introducing Coldwater Mountain, IMBA-SORBA’s newest trail system! The Grand Opening ceremony for Coldwater Mountain, located outside of Anniston, AL, is set for noon, June 1st, at the trailhead. Friday’s ceremony will include acknowledgements, a ribbon cutting, and rides led by the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association (NEABA), the local IMBA-SORBA chapter. The celebration continues on Saturday, June 2nd, with group and individual rides beginning at 8 a.m., with a complimentary lunch catered by Mellow Mushroom of Anniston. The rides traverse approximately 11 miles of trail that are laid out in a one-mile and ten-mile loop. “We are so very excited to be opening the first phase of this multi-year project. This trail is designed and built to optimize the terrain and bring mountain bicyclists the very best experience. This is a state-of-the art, made-for-fun, purpose-built mountain bike trail, and we invite everyone to come out and join us in this celebration,” says Robin Allen, IMBA-SORBA’s Communication Director.

The Coldwater Mountain Trail System is a testament to the power of partnerships and cooperation, bringing together the Forever Wild Land Trust, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Lands Division, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program,  NEABA International Mountain Bicycling Association, SORBA, Alabama Department of Transportation, Alabama Power Company, City of Anniston, and the Anniston Water Works and Sewer Board.

“The partnerships created to make this project a reality are second only to the health and economic benefits that will be derived from the trail,” said Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. “I am certain this trail will be a magnet to attract mountain bike enthusiasts throughout the Southeast and the nation, and will be a true asset to Alabama and Calhoun County.”

“The Forever Wild Land Trust and ADCNR State Lands Division have been committed for several years to develop public access on the Forever Wild Coldwater Mountain Doug Ghee Nature Preserve and Recreation Area. The current project began in 2009 and grew into the project as we know it today in the winter of 2010. A meeting between State Lands Division staff, ADECA’s State Trails Coordinator and SORBA set this in motion. Soon after that meeting, all the partners mentioned above were working hard to get to this point,” explains Chris Smith, State Lands Manager with the State Lands Division. “So many people have contributed so much to make this project happen,” adds Tom Sauret, IMBA-SORBA Regional Director, “I am grateful to them all, particularly Rob Grant, ADECA’s Recreation Programs Manager. Rob really got the ball rolling, and stayed on top of it throughout. It’s been so great to see the enthusiasm and dedication of all who have been involved in this project, a project that will change the future of this area in such a positive way. Coldwater Mountain is not only a trail system. It’s a mountain biking destination, and the grand opening is the beginning of something big”. Linda Hearn, Chamber Manager, expresses the local communities’ enthusiasm, “The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce is enthused about the Coldwater Mountain grand opening, and for the massive impact its presence will have on the local community as well as introducing us to new visitors.”

IMBA Trail Solutions designed and built the new loops at Coldwater Mountain. “I wish I had this in my backyard!” exclaims Rich Edwards, Project Supervisor. “One of the great features on the big loop is a 3.5-mile bike-optimized descent. We created it with the longest descent possible, so that you could ride it and not have to pedal. Move back off your seat, and just enjoy yourself. It’s an awesome ride. These two loops are a great start to what Coldwater Mountain will become. They showcase the incredible potential at this site. I’m looking forward to returning in the fall to build the beginner level trail,” says Rich. “Everybody in Trail Solutions connected with this project feels that this is their best work to date, and we’re proud of it. We hope the area riders enjoy and appreciate the work we’ve done, as we had them in mind throughout the design and construction,” explains Stephen Mullins, Project Manager.

To reach the Coldwater Mountain trails, take Interstate 20 to Exit 179. Head north on AL 202/109 Donald G. Holmes Bypass for approximately 2.1 miles. Turn right on Coldwater Road, and the new public access road to the trailhead will be on your right (approximately .2 miles). Follow that road til it ends at the trailhead.

National Bike Month Something would be amiss if I didn't mention that May is National Bike Month, and this is Bike to Work Week. The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is hosting Bike Trains to work this week. Several area cities including Atlanta and Marietta will be hosting a Ride of Silence. There are also Confident Cycling classes and True Beginner classes. More classes will be offered by the ABC in June.

5-16-2012 Giveaway! Don't forget to enter the Giveaway for Stuffits over on the Southeastern Cycling Facebook Page!

Bicycle Little League The DLV Little League was featured on the local CBS channel's weekly "Fit Kids" segment last week. Watch the video.
 

5-17-2012 Cochran Shoals (Sope Creek) Temporary Trail Closure From SORBA:  Note: This is not the mountain bike trail. It's the crushed gravel, wide multi-use trail that you may or may not use to get to the mtb trail.

Temporary Trail Closures at Cochran Shoals and Johnson Ferry North May 21 through June 1 SANDY SPRINGS, GA: From Monday, May 21 through Friday, June 1, sections of the Cochran Shoals multi-use loop trail will be intermittently closed. The closures will only occur on week days and only affect a one mile segment of the upland (northwest) side of the trail beginning at the Columns Drive parking lot. Over the same period of time, sections of the Johnson Ferry North riverside trail will also be intermittently closed on week days only. The purpose of the closures is to ensure visitor safety during required maintenance of the Colonial Pipeline gas transmission easement. The maintenance work will consist of mowing and tree trimming. For more information or updates, please contact the park’s visitor center at 678-538-1200 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chat.
 

5-22-2012 ...and the Winner Is.... The winner of the Stuffits Glove Savers is Bob Kuhn! Congratulations, Bob!

Bike to Work Day Falcon's General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and several area cyclists including Free Flite owner Dan Thornton and Outback Bikes owner Pete Wicker participated in Bike to Work Day last Friday. They rode about 40 miles from downtown to the Falcon's training facility in Flowery Branch. Fox 5 Sports covered the action.

Georgia Cycling Gran Prix The Georgia Cycling Gran Prix registration is open!

US Pro The US Professional Cycling Championships are being held for the final time in Greenville, SC this weekend. The Time Trial will be Friday at the CU-ICAR campus at 11:30. The Road Race is Monday at 11:30 am in the heart of downtown Greenville. There will be 115 miles of pain with several ascents up Paris Mountain. There are lots of other events going on in Greenville for the whole family!

Bull Mountain Work Party From David Muse: National Trails Day is June 2nd and that also just happens to fall on the date of the next Bull Mountain/Jake work party. Unless you're already committed to another work party on June 2nd, we could really use you ad Bull and Jake, so mark the date in your calendars and be there! We'll meet up at 9AM at the port-a-potty just past the Jake Lot. Please let me know if you're going to be there so we can get a good idea ahead of time how much lunch we'll need to make. We could especially use sawyers and anyone certified to operate a Ditch Witch in the Blue Ridge district but there's plenty of work for everyone. RVSP on their Facebook Page.

5-23-2012 Georgia Ranks.... The League of American Bicyclists ranks Georgia 23rd in the nation for being Bicycle Friendly. Georgia got high marks for its legislation and enforcement, including the 3 Feet Law. We got middle of the road marks for infrastructure and training and education and encouragement.

5-24-2012 From the promoter:

3rd Annual JACKSON COUNTY BREVET: 
DATE:  June 16, 2012
LOCATION:  Braselton, GA
TIME:  7:30 start
LARGEST EVENT in the entire USA for Aplastic Anemia (AA).  600 riders in 2010; 1,000 riders in 2011; 1,500 spots for 2012 (sellout expected).  I created the Jackson County Brevet b/c my wife Kelly (and many others) suffer from AA, a rare/deadly disease where the treatment has not changed since 1986.  This ride is literally about modernizing an outdated treatment, giving Kelly and others with AA, a chance to live a full life like you and me.  
Registration is tracking at over 100% growth compared to 2011.  Sellout is highly expected...   Click HERE to register NOW.
- BEST MARKED Routes
- HUGE Raffle with over $6,500 in prizes, including 2012 Cannondale CAAD 10 3 Ultegra road bike
- After-ride smorgasbord
- Venue only 300 yds off Interstate (all asphalt parking)
- Rest stops every 18 miles (avg)

5-25-2012 Race to Sunset From the promoter: Six Hour Race to Sunset at Blankets Creek - August 4, 2012 We are pleased to announce the second running of the 6 Hour Race to Sunset at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton, GA. The race will be begin at 3 pm and racers will ride off into the sunset and race until 9 pm. Solo, two, and three person divisions are available. The awards ceremony will follow the race at 10 pm. If the parking lot expansion is complete there are rumors of a misting station. We have shortened the course for 2012 so the lap will be approximately 7 miles. This will allow all racers to complete more laps of the course and will allow teams of three to still get in hopefully two laps each. We will also institute a firm 9 pm cutoff, meaning you need to be back by 9 pm or your last lap will not count. This will allow more ride time and give racers a chance to try to beat the clock to get that last lap in. The race course will include a portion of the Van Michael Trail and the entire Dwelling Loop. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit SORBA Woodstock for the continued maintenance of the Blankets Creek and Rope Mill Park Trails. The event is a joint effort between Mountain Goat Adventures LLC and SORBA Woodstock. Online Registration is open.

Racing in Georgia Racing in Georgia is a little light the next few weeks, especially road racing. This is a good excuse to get out to some mountain bike races in the GCS and SERC series or the venerable Bump N Grind or to the Dick Lane Velodrome. Even if you don't race, come out and cheer everyone on! For you roadies, the Healthy Newton Omnium is June 9-10, and the Peachtree Bikes TT Series Final at Serenbe is June 17th. 
 

5-26-2012 Letter from the Editor in Blue Ridge Glenn Harbison, the editor of the News Observer in Blue Ridge, GA, penned an inflammatory editorial article against cyclists and our rights to ride on the road. Georgia Bikes, our state advocacy organization, has responded with a great rebuke. It reminds all of us that we pay for and have the right to use the roads in Georgia as well as the other 49 states. There is a lot of discussion on Facebook about this. Please send Mr. Harbison an email about how his views are wrong (remember to be polite!). He can be reached at 706-632-2019 or by e-mail at glenn@thenewsobserver.com.

5-27-2012 Chicopee Work Party Gainesville SORBA will host a trail work party at Chicopee Woods on June 9. Meet in the trailhead parking lot at 9 am. Lunch will be provided, and there will be a raffle.

5-30-2012 US Pro Photos I have about 1000 photos of the US Pro Championships in Greenville, SC from this weekend up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. This was the last year for the event in Greenville. It moves to Chattanooga, TN for 2013-2014. The Pro Women will also have their national championships at the same time as the men.

Timmy Duggan (Liquigas-Cannondale) wins the US Pro Road Race Championship on Sunday in Greenville, SC. Photo by Trish Albert/Southeasterncyclng.com

Vote YES Tuesday's New-Observer (Blue Ridge, GA), they have a poll if bicycles should be allowed on roads w/a speed limit above 45 mph. Go vote Yes!
http://www.thenewsobserver.com/

Healthy Newton Omnium News USAC reported that the Healthy Newton Omnium is a Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series event. This is great news for the juniors who want points to go to camp.

Dauset/Indian Springs Trail Opening From the SORBA Forum: "We are finally opening the trail that connects Dauset Trails Nature Center with Indian Springs State Park! The trail will open on National Trails Day Saturday, June 2 at 9:00 a.m. We will have a brief "ceremony" at the trail entrance in the field beside ISSP at 9:00.

The trail is 3.25 miles long. The trail will be for hikers and mountain bikers. There are some fantastic views of Lake McIntosh all along the route. This section of trail closes at sunset along with Indian Springs State Park. There is NO night riding on this section. With the addition of this section, users will have the opportunity to enjoy over 20 miles of trails!

The trail starts on the Dauset side near marker 16 on our map. If you park inside the nature center remember that the walk-through gate and the cattle-gap gates close at 4:30. It will be best for trail users to park at the parking area 300 yards west of Dauset Trails' main entrance. You may also park in the field beside Indian Springs State Park to access the trail. Also on this day, we will start allowing trail users to enjoy the trails with their dogs. They MUST be on a 6' leash and they are NOT allowed inside the nature center fence. Come out Saturday and enjoy this spectacular new section of trail!

5-31-2012 Frazier Cycling News Frazier Cycling is very proud of our juniors who are ready to cat up to the next level.

Congratulations to Frazier Cycling Juniors 2012 High School graduates:
Andrew Hodges (cat 2, 4 yrs on team) - Georgia Tech
David Goodman (cat 2, 8 yrs on team) - Lees-McRae College
Russell Tindol (cat 3, 8yrs on team) - University of Georgia
Anna Zuver (cat 4, 2 yrs on team) - University of Georgia

Congratulations to Frazier Cycling Juniors Cycling Scholarship recipients:
Stephanie Cucaz (cat 2, 4 yrs on team) King College
Nicholas Frazier (cat 3, 10 yrs on team) Virginia Intermont College
David Goodman (cat 2, 8 yrs on team) Lees-McRae College
Ben Rothschild (cat 3, 4 years on team) Virginia Intermont College

GATR National Trails Day From GATR: Come out and celebrate National Trails day by helping GATR finish the section of trail that will eliminate two-way traffic and road entry during races. Grayson's own Ethan Quehl will be out to help with National Trails day. We will bench cut until folks get tired and then work on clearing trail and then break for lunch and nice cold beverages. We have a couple hundred yards of brand new trail to clear. If we have some energy to spare after lunch, we'll hit the trails for a group ride.  Meet at the Ozora Meadows Parking lot at 9 a.m. ready to "roll". Clint Walker, Tribble Mill trails coordinator, will have the GATR trailer parked on the side road near the normal race start area at 8 a.m. Bring plenty of bug repellent, gloves, water and trail building gusto! Note that GATRs main source of incomes is providing the race course setup and marshalling at Tribble Mill. More info; http://www.sorbagatr.org/2012/05/29/national-trails-day-at-tribble-mill-on-saturday-june-2nd/

Blanket's Creek Parking Lot  SORBA Woodstock reports that Cherokee County is coming out with gravel to repair the entrance to the Blanket's Creek parking lot on Monday 6/4/12 from 8 am to 1 pm. Cars will not be able to pass into the parking lot while they are working. Please park at the church and ride over.