8-27-2020 Calendar Updates I’m working on October and November calendar updates this week. After mid Sept. races are looking somewhat sparse. There is only ONE confirmed CX race in all of GA, SC, NC, AL, and TN. I expect to see a few more in the next couple of weeks. Georgia Cross has cancelled the series. I know of some races in GA happening but don’t have firm dates yet. No word on NCCX’s season. Alabama is expected to have a few more races. There are some mountain bike and gravel events, so please support those races! As usual, road events wrapped up around the end of August in the South.

Some have asked about charity/century rides happening this fall. I can tell you after talking with the promoters or those in the know that both Six Gap and Beautiful Backroads in Georgia are happening unless there is a major lockdown.

What changes in Georgia laws regarding cyclists would you like to see? From Mike Moss: State Senator, cyclist, and cycling advocate John Albers has reached out and invited all area cyclists to the Crabapple Green, across from the Milton City Hall, Thursday, Sept. 10, 5:30 pm. He wants talk with people regarding what additional changes we need in our state to better protect cyclists. According to John, this will be a “Physical distancing” outdoor gathering. There are a number of informal ride groups that leave the Crabapple Green between 6:00 and 6:30 pm. He plans to conclude the session before the informal rides start.
This is a unique chance to talk directly to someone with the power to make positive changes for cycling safety. John was responsible for getting the 3-foot law passed in the state of Georgia and is currently the Georgia Senate Chairman for Public Safety. All Georgia cycling clubs and cyclists are invited.

8-26-2020 Marietta Tuesday Night Crit There are only 2 dates left for the 2020 Marietta Tuesday Night Crit! Sept. 1 and Sept. 8! A donation of $5 is requested to cover the cost of the police officer at the corner.

8-21-2020 SORBA Woodstock Work Party From SORBA Woodstock Join us this Saturday the 22nd, 9AM at Blankets Creek for the August work party. We will be working on Gnarnia along with a few other projects. Lunch will be provided and thank you in advance. Register here.

Bull Mountain Work Party From Mountain Goat Adventures NE GA SORBA is hosting a work day on the Bull Mountain Trails this Saturday August 22nd. Meet at 9:30 at the Bull Mountain Parking Lot if you are interested in helping. They will be clearing drains to remove muddy spots on the Bull Mountain Trail. Bring your own lunch for after. Wear closed toed shoes and bring hard hat or bike helmet, gloves and water. Some folks ride after the work day, so this is a good reason to head up north and check out the trails that will be used for the Fool’s Gold 38 and 60 Mile Mountain Bike Race.

8-18-2020 Georgia Cross Cancelled From the Georgia Cyclocross Series Covid-19 has created a situation none of us could have ever imagined. It was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but the GACX Board has decided to cancel the 2020 GACX Series. Considering local, state, and CDC guidelines and the impact they have on how we interact at races we feel like this is the best decision for everyone involved. While we are incredibly disappointed to not have the series, we anticipate there will still be a handful of races this fall, just not under the GACX Series umbrella. In the meantime, stay safe so we can get back to some bike racing sooner rather than later! #crossiscomingin2021 #gacxturns21in2021

Chattooga Century The Chattooga Century has been rescheduled for Oct. 10! One of my favorite rides–don’t forget to stop for hot cookies at the second rest stop! Take a tour of the lovely North Georgia mountains with the option of 15M, 30M, Metric, Century and 125M rides. The rolling terrain will accommodate all riders with the Century and 125M options testing even the most experienced riders with a climb up beautiful Lookout Mountain. All routes will be SAG’d and rest stops plentiful. Registration: $35 (if registered by October 7th) Registration: $45 (if after October 7th).

8-11-2020 GA State of Gravel Discount From Topview Sports Good Afternoon and Happy Monday! Want to save $$? We hope to see you again at our Gravel events. Please register by August 13th to receive 20% off the GA Gravel Grinduro and the GA State of Gravel. CODE: 20RIDE – GA Gravel Grinduro CODE: 20GRAVEL – State of Gravel Below are the links to these awesome events. Check them out! We would love to see you there.

Allatoona Creek Park Workday from SORBA West Georgia Saturday, Aug. 15 at 9 am Join us for our monthly workday at Allatoona Creek Park where we’ll be putting the finishing touches on the first phase of the Flaming Wildcat Trail. We’ve been busy behind the scenes adding another half mile of fun and it’s time to open this new section up. You just need to bring water, work gloves, and a smile.

8-6-2020 Spin the District Cancelled From the promoter It is with sorrow and disappointment that we must announce the cancellation of all Spin the District events scheduled for the weekend of September 18–20, 2020, due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The Spin the District team has been hopeful that with carefully-enforced health safeguards in place, the events could proceed in some capacity in 2020. However, the latest uptick in positive tests and hospitalizations in Georgia has proven to be the final straw, as our insurer is now unable to provide the coverage that makes Spin possible. Planning and coordinating any event on this scale requires a lot of time, resources, volunteers, and constant communication with our city partners. While September is still a few months away and we hope that the pandemic will slow significantly by then, we can no longer justify the costs and resources needed to ensure the event can meet our own high standards. Instead, we’re turning our focus toward 2021.

Fools Gold From Mountain Goat Adventures We are excited to announce that under current conditions, the USFS in Georgia has given us the go ahead to proceed with the 2020 Maxxis Tires Fools Gold Mountain Bike Races with social distancing and CDC recommended procedures in place. The Maxxis Tires Fools Gold is scheduled for September 12, 2020 at the beautiful Montaluce Winery, in Dahlonega, GA. The 2020 Maxxis Fool’s Gold Mountain Bike Race will again offer riders a 38 mile or 60 mile course! Register by 8/10 to avoid the registration price increase! 300 combined rider limit – register early!

Both courses begin at Montaluce Winery and will have approximately 3 miles on pavement, then transition to gravel roads. The 60 mile course begins with a stout 3 mile gravel road climb and takes riders to some great “backcountry style” trails and lesser known roads. The 38 mile course heads directly to the Jones Creek Ridge Singletrack Trail along gravel roads, giving riders the opportunity to space out before hitting nearly 30 miles of fast singletrack. TONS of good stuff included:-Challenging course that features hard climbs, fast descents and sweet flowy singletrack that you will feel good about finishing.-Cash payout for the Open Men/Open Women’s classes in both the 38 and 60 mile race. -Cash prizes for all first place finishers in the non-open categories in 60 mile race. Full details on payouts/prizes can be found HERE. -Free Camping at Montaluce Winery! -Terrapin Beer and Moe’s boxed lunches for post-race calorie replenishment! -Highly visible Course Markings and Course Marshals -Finisher awards for all finishers in both races- Custom awards for all podium finishers in both races -Soft and comfy race shirt – size guaranteed if you register by the size deadline of August 28th. -Aid stations with plenty of calories, fluids, mechanical support and first aid supplies.

8-4-2020 Notes on Cyclocross Dates I’ve had few questions as to why I have not updated the cyclocross dates. Georgia Cross is currently looking at what the schedule will look like, and it may be modified based on the current COVID-19 situation. A decision will be made at a later day. Stay tuned! NCCX is also looking at changing the formats of the races and not having as large of a series. Tim has been posting regular updates on Facebook. I have heard that Alabama will have several CX races, and I’ll have the dates and venues once they are confirmed. TBRA does not have their CX schedule up yet.

Blanket’s Creek 3 and 6 Hour RAce From Mountain Goat Adventures Make plans to join us for the Blankets Creek 3 and 6 Hour Race presented by Free-Flite Bicycles on September 5th, 2020. The 2020 race course will be approximately 7.5+ miles and include the VMT “Race Loop” (no Kevorkian or 420 climb) Counter Clockwise. Then the course will run Dwelling Counter Clockwise up to the Rock and Roll Flow Trail, descend Rock and Roll, then climb back out on Chutes and Ladders to complete the Dwelling lap. None of the South Loop will be used in the 2020 event. This lap configuration maximizes the fun factor on each lap with long flowing descents, but also has some good climbs to spread the field out. The course will run COUNTER-CLOCKWISE on both trails Solo, 2 and 3 person team categories are available in the 6 Hour Race. The 3 Hour Option has a TON of categories, for those who would like to tackle a longer solo event.
IMPORTANT DATES: AUGUST 15th – EARLY REGISTRATION PRICING ENDS, AUGUST 22nd – T-SHIRT SIZE DEADLINE, LIMIT OF 200 RIDERS – REGISTER EARLY
Social Distancing protocol will be in effect for this event. Start waves will be staggered by category in small groups of less than 10 riders. NO MASS START. Face coverings must be worn to pick up your race number/swag and are recommended for awards, bathroom line, etc. Please help keep our cycling community healthy!
BC6HR Event Highlights!
*Tri-blend Shirt and beverage glass for all riders!
*Cash payout to 6 Hour Solo Expert Classes and 6 Hour 2 Person Expert Classes.
*Medals and Sponsor prizes 3 deep in all 6 Hour Categories, Medals 3 deep for all 3 Hour Categories.
*Podium shirts for all 1st place finishers in 6 Hour event!
*Instant lap times and standings viewable on your smartphone at Mgaresults.com! You don’t even need to leave your pit to check results!

7-31-2020 Six Gap News Press Release Just like the summer temperatures, training is heating up for individuals who want to complete the Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty bicycle ride on Sept. 27. For the ultra-competitive group, the race within the ride offers new categories for King of the Mountain and Queen of the Mountain recognition. Organizers have expanded the age divisions from three to five KOM & QOM categories on each of the Six Gap and Three Gap routes. There will be 20 total award winners. The KOM and QOM divisions are 29 years and under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 years and over. For the Three Gap Fifty, the KOM and QOM honors will be awarded based on lowest climb times on Wolfpen Gap. For the Six Gap Century, honors will be given for the lowest combined climb times on two climbs – Hogpen Gap and Wolf Pen Gap. Each winner receives a custom kit, jersey and bib shorts.

There is one standard fee, $86, for all three ride options at the Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty. A Summer Special offers a $10 discount through August 31. Each registration includes a custom T-shirt, snacks and beverages at rest stops, showers, and a post-ride meal. Online registration will close when the 2,500 rider limit is reached. If spots are available, on-site registration will take place Sept. 26-27 at the Expo, with an additional $10 late fee. The rides will take place rain or shine.

7-30-2020 Welcome Twisted Spokes Bicycles Welcome Twisted Spokes Bicycles as an advertiser on Southeastern Cycling! Twisted Spokes Bicycles in Johns Creek is a full service bike shop that also services handi-capable devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, physical therapy devices, scooters and other things like strollers, etc. Among the bikes they carry Bianchi, Marin, Rocky Mountain, Devinci, Niner, KHS and Raleigh as well as e-bikes (electric bikes). The shop also provides consultations, maintenance classes, and guided bike and hiking excursions. TSB also installs hitches and racks.

Organizer, Brent is a former aircraft biomed engineer and is a master wheel-builder. Brent, also an accomplished cycling racer across many genres, can fix any mechanical problem with a bike & does creative custom build work (& correction of others). Twisted Spokes is a bi-lingual shop as their 2nd level mechanic, who has been with them for 3 years, is displaced from Venezuela. TSB offers intern opportunities for youth and has anywhere from 3-5 in the mechanic bay on a regular basis.

Shellie, Co-Owner a former active duty United States Marine and multi-athlete, is a Bianchi Dama and Rocky Mountain Ambassador. Shellie provides one-on-one bike instruction for both kids and adults through RideWithShellie who want to learn to ride (both road & MTB), clinics and ride-a-longs to improve bike handling skills in addition to fitness & nutrition clinics. Shellie started bike clubs in Fulton County schools with the approval of Superintendent starting 4 years ago. Shellie is also involved with assisting Boy Scouts of America TSB serves as the bike shop of choice with the credited program for Alpharetta High School’s Outdoor Academic Program. TSB sponsors JCAAM team, HOOCH Gold Card and is a AAA Discount Partners. TSB is involved in community, safety & legislative awareness concerns regarding laws using Shellie’s knowledge & 25 year legal career. Shellie also started a Non-Profit AMindful Ride, Inc. after surviving being hit by a car over 2 ½ years ago. Sometimes you will also see Shellie in the mechanic bay or at events wrenching.

Brent and Shellie are also race promoters; and the first and only to this date, to own and operate as minorities in this genre of enduro, Third Coast Productions. 3rd Coast Enduro Series was the first to bring enduro to the southeast in 2014. For those who are familiar with the Big Creek Quick Six Enduro, they are ones who do the timing and scoring every year.

7-29-2020 Race Venue Lost this Weekend Because of Racer Behavior  This is why racers should behave themselves at races! This happened at TONGA2 this past past weekend. From Topview Sports WE LOST ANOTHER RACE COURSE! We lost another course because of cyclist behavior. This is unacceptable. Habersham High School will NO longer ever let TVS use their parking again due to behavior in the feed zone! The land owner from across the street was so upset about the behavior of the people in the feed zone that he took his concerns to the Superintendent of schools. Do you realize that this kicks us out of all Schools in this county?

1. Urinating in the owner’s yard! We know of one person whom has apologized profusely and others that the owner saw. There is a reason we provide $1500 in portos for our events!

2. Leaving over 40 water bottles and garbage (Topview Staff cleaned up your messes prior to leaving at the end of the day).
Not our responsibility but we do it in order to continue putting on races! Clean up your own garbage!

3. He mentioned dogs tied up to his fence and this really upset him…..

Act like you want to be in our cities and be kind to the locals or there will be no more bike races!

7-22-2020 Georgia Cross Survey From Georgia Cross: We all recognize that we are facing unprecedented times in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The GACX Board is continuing to monitor information from sources both within cycling and the more general guidelines being shared by the CDC, state and local governments. In order for us to make the best decision possible regarding hosting the series this fall we would appreciate your input in the following survey. We hope that you are all well and getting in plenty of riding!

Group Rides Hi everyone! I’ve been asked why I am not keeping track of which group rides in the Atlanta area have started or restarted in the last month or so. I generally do one big update on the Rides page in the spring over a few weeks and then small updates during the year as I get information about specific rides. The best advice I can give you is to join the Facebook page of your favorite ride and check on the shop/club’s website or contact them to see if it is going on. Some have started, then stopped again, then re-started. It’s humanly impossible to keep up with 100+ group rides weekly. If you do choose to go to a group ride, please use your own discretion. No one is responsible for you but yourself-whether you get sick, have a mechanical, or anything else.