4-26-2018 Jackie Crowell It is with great sadness that I pass along Jackie Crowell lost her brave 5 year battle with brain cancer on Wednesday. Jackie was a former professional cyclist with Team Type 1, Exergy-Twenty16, and United Health Care. She spent the last several years in Atlanta as one of the coaches for the Dick Lane Velodrome’s Youth Cycling League and as the coach for the Mission Source Devo Juniors. Jackie was an amazing, positive person that lived every day to its fullest. I had the privilege of knowing her; she will be missed by everyone.
My thoughts and love go out to her family during this time. No public services have been announced. Velonews reports that her husband and family have requested donations to the Dick Lane Velodrome Youth Cycling Program in lieu of flowers.
4-25-2018 Velo Girl Rides Announces Registration for the 2018 Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo is now open Asheville, NC – April 25, 2018 – Event Director, Velo Girl Rides®, announced today that registration for the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo is now open. Brent Bookwalter of BMC Racing Team will host the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo on October 27, 2018 at Warren Wilson College in Asheville NC.
The Bookwalter Binge is a relaxed Gran Fondo ride, studded with racing on timed segments of tough climbs that provide an epic challenge to all. Three routes of varying length traverse some of the most beautiful roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina: 7,000 ft of climbing in 87 miles, 5,800 ft in 72 miles, or 2,850 ft in 39 miles. This is a unique opportunity to ride alongside female and male pro cyclists as they celebrate the end of their season racing all over the world and the country. The accessible pros ride all three routes, and along with Brent, they are inspired by cyclists of all backgrounds and abilities.
Registration for the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo is limited to 300 riders. Register at Active.com. For more information, visit BookwalterBinge.com or call 828-412-4242.
4-24-2018 Speedweek It’s Speedweek here in the Southeast! – a series of 4 cries that will end with Athens Twilight on Saturday and in Commerce (GA) on Sunday. If you have never been to Twilight to spectate, I highly recommend going! The atmosphere with thousands of cycling fans and UGA students is electric and unlike anything you have ever experienced during a bike race! My only regret is that I can’t attend this year.
Speedweek schedule:
WALTERBORO, SC – Wednesday, April 25
SPARTANBURG, SC – Friday, April 27
ATHENS, GA – Saturday, April 28
COMMERCE, GA- Sunday, April 29
iCan Bike iCanShine and the Alpharetta (GA) Police Department will host iCan Bike in Alpharetta July 30-August 3. This camp teaches children 8 years and older with special needs how to ride a two wheeled bicycle. The Bike Patrol Unit in Alpharetta has been involved with this program for the past eight years, and has had the pleasure of hosting it for the past three years. The camp fills up every year (with a maximum of 40 children) and usually has a waiting list around the same size. The participants that come to the camp often travel from many states away just to get the chance to learn to ride; riding is not guaranteed when a rider attends our camp, but the success rate has historically been around 95%. In order to make this program a success, it takes a small army of volunteers usually numbering the hundreds. The way the camp works is by breaking every day of the week into five time slots or sessions. The session times are listed below: 8:30am-9:45am, 10:05am-11:20am, 11:40am-12:55pm, 2:00pm-3:15pm, 3:35pm-4:50pm
Riders and volunteer’s alike sign up for the time slot (or multiple slots if you are a volunteer) and only attend those time sessions Monday through Friday July 30th-August 3rd. If you are a first time, volunteer then we ask that you attend a brief training session on July 29th at Alpharetta City Hall at 5:00pm. All volunteers have to do is “spot” the riders as they learn to ride, it is extremely easy and very rewarding as our volunteers get to be a part of teaching a child to do something that they never thought was possible. Flyers and more information about the camp and volunteering are available by emailing Officer Clay aclay at alpharetta.ga.us.
4-23-2018 All For One Movie May 2 there will be a screening of the movie All for One at several theaters in GA. All For One is the story of GreenEdge, Australia’s first ProTour cycling team. My understanding is they have to pre-sell tickets, but that you are not charged if the movie is not shown. I’ve seen a few things like this the last couple of months for cycling movies. If you want me to post info. like this, LMK.
4-18-2018 Donate! I was on a road ride Saturday at a parking spot that asks for donations from cyclists. They graciously let us use their parking lot. There must have been 40 other cars there and not one person dropped $1 into the donation box. I hope they did when they got back. Remember that private properties that allow cyclists often use the donations to put back into the parking, or the trail, or their facility. It is through their generosity that we have a safe place to park when we ride. Put $2 or two in the donation box next time you see one!
Campbellton United Methodist Church– Silk Sheets
Sosebee Cycling Park – White, GA. The routes known as “the Bud Plant” or “Sosebee”.
Any SORBA maintained trail will usually have a donation kiosk! Remember that if parking is charged like at Chicopee, Ft. Yargo, or Cochran Mill Park, none of that money goes to the trails. Give an extra dollar to the SORBA donation bin!
Sosebee Closed Sosebee will be hosting the Clip in for Epilepsy Ride on Saturday and will not be open for public parking. You can park at the Bud Plant instead or support this good cause.
Big Creek Work Party From RAMBO Enduro Prep Work Party-Two Days!- April 28 &29 at 9 am. Join us for a large work party to prep the trails for the upcoming Big Creek Quick Six Enduro. Lots of hands are needed, so bring closed-toe shoes, water, sunscreen, and a smile. We’ll have the tools and serve lunch. Saturday – Meet in the lower lot by pumptracks Sunday – Meet in Freeride Area
https://www.facebook.com/events/1909535512670638/
4-17-2018 Mt. Tabor Work Party From SORBA West Georgia Mt. Tabor Spring Cleaning, Saturday, April 21 at 8:00 am Meet at the metal gate near the tennis courts. Priorities for the day will be: Cut back any overgrowth. We have a low hanger on the trail above the pond and a few areas in the meadow that grow fast! If anyone has a mower they don’t like, please bring it! Blow and clear pine needles from sections of Booger. Clean any drainage areas on Booger. Bring gloves and wear closed toe shoes, long pants. Tools and drinks will be provided.
4-16-2018 Open Streets Roswell – Bike Roswell! and the City of Roswell will launch the first “open streets” program in the city on Sunday, April 29 with Roswell Moves!. A five-block section of Canton Street in historic downtown Roswell will be used for complimentary fun, games, and demonstrations to promote healthy lifestyles. The popular tree-lined, commercial section of Canton Street between Woodstock Road and Elizabeth Way will be closed to motorized vehicles on Sunday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting at the south end of Canton Street to North Canton Street. Activities will take place from 11 a. m. to 3 p.m., using Canton Street, and sections of cross streets such as Webb Street, Elizabeth Way, Norcross Street, the New East Alley, Plum Street. Listed below is the schedule of events, with activities for all ages, and all abilities. There will be a bike parade, Mayor’s Ride (18, 42, and 64 mile options), and other activities.
4-14-2018 Blue Goose Race Postponed! BLUE GOOSE POSTPONED TO April 22nd If you have questions, please contact the race organizer: bristol.justin@gmail.com.
Pizza Ride Update Thursday Pizza Ride – The park loops for the remaining April Rides- two traditional large Pizza loops. Head into the park and turn LEFT. 6:30PM for all April Rides (2 loops in park); 6:30PM for May – late summer rides (2 loops in park) except for the: Summer Solstice Trifecta 6:30PM 3 loops in the park the week before, the week of (June 21), and the week after. Pizza Ride Start- meet in the old location Avondale Pizza Cafe parking lot-(which is now an outdoor Artist Park). 70 North Avondale Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 Distance- Approximately 33 miles+ round trip in Summer- then moves to 26 miles as ride gets shorter (shorter options available in the park).
Atlanta Hiring New Chief Bicycle Officer The first City of Atlanta CBO-Chief Bicycle Officer-Becky Katz is moving on. The city is looking to hire someone new! See the job description and Atlanta Bike blog entry for more information.
4-13-2018 Blanket’s Creek Closed Blanket’s Creek will be closed until mid afternoon on Saturday for the Dirty 15/30 race. Why not race and support the SORBA Woodstock organization that builds and maintains the trails!?
Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo The Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo has released the Athlete Itinerary for the events on May 5-6. Saturday there will be a time trial starting at Unicoi State Park. Registered riders can “show and go” from 2-4 pm. Awards and a social hour will happen that evening. Sunday is the main event-The Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo! Several segments on each route (1 on Piccolo) will be timed. This will be an awesome event and a great way to stretch your climbing legs
4-12-2018 24 Hours of Iron Maiden Postponed From the Promoter: With the rainfall predicted for Alabama, the 24 Hours of Iron Maiden is postponed. “The weather is expected to deteriorate beginning at near 3PM and worsen significantly until 3AM. Rainfall is expected to be in the range 2.5 inches. We understand that some of you have ridden in all types of conditions, but as stated on Monday, we hold rider safety and trail conservation as determinate factors in decisions like this….We have been working with Tannehill Historic State Park since Monday to schedule a new date. The earliest date that we can get is June 9, 2018. All current registrations will automatically transfer to that date. However, we are also willing to transfer those registrations to other (Chainbuster) races should the June 9th date conflict with your existing schedule. Thank you for your understanding in this! We look forward to seeing you soon!
4-10-2018 Fire Mountain Inferno MTB Race Weekend The inaugural weekend of mountain bike racing on the new Fire Mountain Trails in Cherokee, North Carolina will be held June 16-17, 2018 and hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The weekend will feature Enduro racing on Saturday and Cross Country racing on Sunday. The Fire Mountain Trails is a 10.5-mile system of mountain bike and hiking trails that was opened in 2017 to rave reviews. The trails have best been described as “flowy”, but riders will find stream crossings, long wooden bridges, burmed turns and plenty of places to let it loose before hitting that next climb. All of the Fire Mountain Inferno events will be based at the Fairgrounds in the heart of Cherokee. Events on both days will include music, great food, local beer, and both local and national vendors, including Cane Creek Cycling and Fox Factory. Both styles of racing will have categories for Expert, Sport, Beginner and Junior with a Single-Speed category added for Sunday’s cross-country race. Awards will go three deep for men and women and include Club Ride shirts and cash for the expert category. All participants receive an event shirt and gift. Of the event, Principal Chief Richard Sneed offered, “Inferno weekend will provide the perfect showcase celebration for this unique and exciting family attraction. We are eager to share our newest asset with the larger cycling community.”
Upcoming TopView Sports Races From TopView Sports: Upstate Cycling Classic April 14-15, 2018 Carolina bike racing at its finest. Racing for all USAC categories. Nice rolling Road Race and a super flat and easy Criterium, the stuff bike racers dream of.
Twilights @ AMP Dawsonville, GA There is finally a weekday training race just outside of Atlanta! Come join the fun at Atlanta Motorsports Park in Dawsonville. There will be two races per night. The course is amazing and the surface is perfect. Don’t miss the first one of the season on Apr 18th. Register
USAC Masters/Juniors Regional Championships- May 5-6 Master & Juniors… Here is your chance to shine. The Regional Champs offer you a chance to showcase your talents and to fine tune your fitness before nationals. The course are challenging and winners jersey will be awarded based on the omnium of the 3 events.
4-6-2018 CMS TT Series From the Promoter: The Charlotte Motor Speedway Time Trial Series is one of the most unique cycling events in the area! This event is held on the track of the Charlotte Motor Speedway and is open to anyone and everyone. The series includes one event per month for 6 months and is a great way to test your fitness throughout the season! Each series event begins at 5:45 PM with kids races. Following the kids waves, participants will ride in three different waves in order to be on the track with riders of similar ability levels. The Charlotte Motor Speedway is building a brand new road course oval for the first ever road course in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. We have the exciting opportunity to race the course BEFORE the pro’s! The second race in the CMS TTS will be raced on the outdoor road course. The Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL is a daunting, new 13-turn, 2.26-mile road course incorporating part of the infield and all but 400 feet of Charlotte’s iconic 1.5-mile oval on which drivers will race 500 kilometers over 130 laps. You don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
4-3-2018 Women’s Racing at the Dick Lane Velodrome The Dick Lane Velodrome will host women’s racing the first and third Tuesday of every month! A full slate of races, which means about 3 on a weeknight, for just women! Please come out and support it by racing or cheering! Spectator entry is free on weeknights. To race you must have taken the DLV track certification class or be certified at another track like the Giordana Velodrome to race for safety reasons. We’d LOVE to have some ladies from other tracks come race with us! We have several women that have offered host housing. There is a sample schedule up. Gates open around 5:30. Racing begins at 7 pm. The DLV will also be offering equal payout for the men and women at the Pro Races and Sprint Nights!
4-2-2018 April SORBA Work Parties I’m going to try something new since my “real life” stuff is going to be keeping me busy the next couple of months. I’m going to list all of the Atlanta area SORBA Trail Work Parties that I know of at the beginning of the month. If I can find a Facebook event, I’ll post a link to it. If not, I’ll link it back to the SORBA Chapter’s website. Let me know if you like this format.
SORBA Woodstock Trail Work Party–Blankets Creek, Saturday, April 7, 2018 9 am -noon, Join us for our monthly trail work party. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring your own water. We provide the rest. This is a chance to help give back to the trails. We could not maintain these trails without generous volunteers like you. We are getting the trails ready for the race next weekend.
SORBA West Georgia
Sara Babb Work Party April 21 8:00 am
Allatoona Creek Work Party April 21 9:00 am
MTB Atlanta (Formerly SORBA Atlanta)
Sykes Park, Ride, and Fly Trails Build Day 9:00 am – Noon Work includes continued trash pickup, new trail building, and cleanup of the existing walking trails.
Cochran Mill Work Party April 14 9:00 am-Noon Join us for our monthly work party at Cochran Mill Park. Meet at the main parking lot at 9 AM. Please wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring a helmet, gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We will see you there!
Sope Creek April 21 9:00 am-Noon Join us for our monthly Work Party at Sope Creek and give back to the trails that you love to ride. We meet at the Columns Drive parking lot at 9 AM at the gate by the Fitness loop. Wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We will see you there.
3-28-2018 US Pro Road Nats Press Release Knoxville, Tenn., March 27, 2018 – – For the very first time, all U.S. national champions in professional road cycling will be crowned the same week under the organizational umbrella of one host community. The 2018 USA Cycling Professional Road, Individual Time Trial and Criterium National Championships will be held in Knoxville, Tenn. from June 21-24. This is the second year for Knoxville to host the U.S. Pro Road and Individual Time Trial (ITT) championships. The U.S. Pro Criterium championships, held in Louisville, Ky., in 2017, were staged in conjunction with the U.S. Amateur Road National Championships in previous years.
3-26-2018 Road Racing Decline? Is it me or there is there no weekend road racing in the Carolinas this year? Did I miss something? I am trying to update the Road Calendar and can find very few weekend road races in NC/SC. AL, GA, and TN seem to have about as much road racing as the last 2 years. MTB, Gravel, and Cross are flourishing across the region. Join the discussion on the Southeastern Cycling Facebook page .
3-23-2018 Hincapie Finale Cancelled The Hincapie Spring Series finale in Hendersonville this weekend has been cancelled because of anticipated severe weather. (This is the second cancellation for the event).
3-22-2018 TYMBR MTB Series TYMBR Series (pronounced timber) Tennessee Youth Mountain Bike Racing Series. Offers discrete age grouping for youth categories with fun race course and low entry fees. The TYMBR Series also offers adult categories with very competitive races for cash and prizes. The next race 4/22/18 at Enterprise South Nature Park on the TNT loop. Follow Cohutta Adventures on Facebook.
Twilights at AMP Press Release The Atlanta Motorsports Park has invited TopView Sports and our bike racers back to race again. We are racing 6 different dates (April 18th, May 16th , June 13th, July 20th – Friday of GCGP, August 15th, September 12th). There are two waves of race times. The “B” race will begin at 6pm and the “A” race will begin at 6:45pm. The exception is on Friday, July 20th. The race will be part of the Georgia Cycling Gran Prix. Please come join the fun! We love spectators at our events.
3-21-2018 Cartersville Century “The 20th Annual Cartersville Century at Barnsley Resort will be held on June 16, 2018. This year’s ride begins and finishes at this world class resort, providing our Riders, guests, friends, and families an enhanced experience for 2018. This is the ultimate cycling and resort experience, whether just participating in the ride or making it a weekend-long getaway! After the Cartersville Century, riders and their guests enjoy lunch prepared by the resort’s talented chefs, a pop up beer garden featuring the Reformation Brewery Airstream, music and more in a relaxed outdoor setting.”
