Georgia Cross is Coming! Georgia Cross will be 21 in 2021, and we will be celebrating in big style! Planning has begun for the fall. We don’t know exactly like racing will look like or what venues we will be racing at, but there will be a series! We will be following all USAC and local COVID-19 guidelines at the time of the races, so things may look a little different. Roll with it and be flexible if there are changes as we go through the season; it’s a different experience for us, too. Keep your eyes here for some fun stuff coming later this spring and summer to get us pumped for CX! #crossiscoming
2-23-2021 Biking Bleckley Press Release Ride the scenic roads of Cochran & Bleckley County as the Cochran-Bleckley Chamber kicks off the biking season with one of the first ride of the year. With four (4) routes to choose from, there is something for everyone. Plus, we will have t-shirts, fun rest stops, lunch, snacks, drinks, goodie bags, SAG wagon and entertainment available for all riders. Registration link is available online at www.cochran-bleckley.com Registration fees increase after Friday, March 5, 2021. Please email info@cochran-bleckley.com with any questions.
Willeo and Riverside to be Closed for Bridge Replacement Willeo Road and Riverside Roads at the intersection of the City of Roswell and Cobb County will be closed for 4 months later this year for a bridge replacement. An exact timetable has not been given. This is a popular route for cyclists.
2-22-2021 Michael Garrison Interview Cyclingnews.com has a nice interview with Micheal Garrison from Decatur, GA. Michael races for Continental U 23 team Hagens Berman Axeon.
Dick Lane Velodrome Update From the DLV Website: The Dick Lane Velodrome is committed to promoting cycling in a safe and friendly environment. It was out of an abundance of caution for everyone’s health, state/local guidelines, and respect for the community that we temporarily shut down the Dick Lane Velodrome in 2020. We were all disappointed, but it was a necessary decision. For 2021, we are working on a plan to reopen on a limited basis. The obvious challenge is COVID-19 safety. Some insight into our racing plans for 2021: We are discussing that when racing starts, it will be one night a week. We are planning on just Wednesday nights to begin the season. This allows us to ease into the season and ensure our COVID-19 guidelines are being implemented properly, allowing us to make any necessary changes before the next race day. We will re-evaluate adding race nights on a regular basis to decide if/when we can expand programming.
Status of our regular programs:
• Wednesday adult racing or organized training – in planning phase. Start date to be determined.
• YCL – on hold. Evaluating our ability to restart in 2021
• Certification Classes – on hold. Evaluating our ability to restart in 2021
• Tuesday Racing – on hold till further notice
• Pro races – on hold till further notice
As a 100% volunteer organization, we are doing our best to get things going while taking care of our personal and professional lives outside the velodrome. If anyone wants to help, please email volunteer@dicklanevelodrome.com. Please check back for updates! Thanks, Gary Morgan President, East Point Velodrome Association
USAC Cancels Collegiate Road Nats in Augusta Press Release In order to ensure the safety of our members, USA Cycling has decided to cancel the 2021 Collegiate Road National Championships, due to take place May 7-9 in Augusta, GA, and Collegiate BMX National Championships, due to take place this spring. While the nation is seeing a downward trend of new COVID-19 cases and deaths, collegiate conference road seasons have been canceled, and universities and colleges across the country have travel restrictions in place. These circumstances make holding a collegiate road season with a National Championship at the finale impossible for many riders. After conversations with teams and the community, the decision to cancel rather than postpone was made based on a packed full fall semester of collegiate racing that includes track, mountain bike, and cyclocross. The Augusta Sports Council has been a valued partner throughout the last year as we have assessed holding Collegiate Road Nationals. We are excited to announce that Augusta, GA, will be the host for the 2022 USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships. “With a long and rich history of hosting elite-level events, Augusta and its cycling fans are obviously disappointed that the 2021 USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championship had to be canceled in 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic. We fully support USA Cycling in making this difficult decision and agree that the health and safety of their athletes is of the utmost importance. We are extremely excited to host the event again in 2022 when we look forward to welcoming back USA Cycling and its collegiate athletes to our community,” Brian Graham, CEO of Augusta Sports Council.
2-19-2021 Georgia 3 Foot Law Update From Bike Law Georgia’s Facebook post UPDATE ON GEORGIA’S 3 FOOT LAW. There’s a revised version of the law that was just approved by the House and is on it’s way to the Georgia Senate. We’re hoping that the revised version of O.C.G.A. 40-6-56 will (a) provide better protection for people who ride bikes and (b) be easier for law enforcement officers to understand and enforce. We’re also hoping that the new law will be accompanied by a widespread education campaign to make sure that drivers are aware of the law, since they routinely ignore the law that now exists. The current version that passed the House will require cars to change lanes when passing someone on a bike, if possible. If not readily possible, then the car is required to slow down and only pass the person on the bike if they can do so safely, leaving at least 3 feet when passing. The language of many bills gets changed before becoming finalized as a law, so stay tuned. If there’s a need for public comment or support, we will notify as many people as possible.
2-18-2021 Rope Mill Trail Party From SORBA Woodstock: Come join us for the February work party at Rope Mill park, Saturday, 2/20 at 9am. We will meet at the pavilion and provide tools and lunch. Please wear hiking boots and bring water/snacks. You can pre-register here and thank you in advance.
2-17-2021 Ayesha McGowan Steps Up to the World Tour!!! From Cyclingnews: “Liv Racing today announced the addition of American Ayesha McGowan as a ‘satellite rider’ for 2021. McGowan will train with the WorldTeam at an upcoming camp with the goal of racing after August 1 – the UCI’s date for teams to add trainees – according to a team press release. “Working with this world-class organization is a dream come true,” McGowan said. “I’m excited to spend more time with my teammates during team camp next month and training hard before setting race goals for August and beyond.” McGowan has been a member of Liv Racing while competing domestically in the US, and she will now move up to the Women’s WorldTeam with an aim to compete as a trainee with the squad as of August. She is also a member of the The Black Foxes, a group brought together by a love of the outdoors and a mission to welcome more Black people into outdoor spaces. In the US racing scene, McGowan has competed in top events such as the UCI 2.1 Joe Martin Stage Race finishing in the top 10 in a stage into Fayetteville and 33rd overall in the 2019 edition. She also raced at the women’s-only UCI 2.1 Colorado Classic in its last edition in 2019 before the race was postponed and then cancelled last year due to COVID-19.” Trish’s Note: I almost fell out of my chair when I read this! I know how hard Ayesha has worked and how much she has done for POC in cycling! I am so happy for her! Another ATL World Tour Rider!
Lake Russell Work Day From Biking Lake Russell Lake Russell Work Day Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 8:45 am – 1 pm The Northeast Georgia Chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) is hosting this work day. If you are not a member, I would encourage you to consider joining and/or donating to the chapter. We will continue working on the trail reroute at the beginning of the Ladyslipper Trail during this workday. We will be scheduling more work days for the winter/spring to continue working on trail projects near the Lake Russell Recreation Area. Hopefully one or two of these dates will fit your schedule. I also know we will probably lose a couple of dates to the weather. My hope is that everyone that sees this could come to at least one work day. If that happens, we can accomplish a lot. Please share this with your friends and other Lake Russell Trail users. All tools will be provided. We will NOT be providing lunch at this work day. Hopefully once the virus is no longer in play we can resume providing lunch.
2-15-2021 Drain the Toona Swamp From SORBA West Georgia Allatoona Creek Park Work Party Saturday, February 20, 2021 9 am, With all this gross weather we’ve had over the winter, It’s time to do some much needed maintenance. We’ll break up into small groups and walk each trail, clearing drains and fixing trouble spots. Dress appropriately and expect to get muddy and wet.
Park announces 2021 plan for Cades Cove vehicle-free days From The One Feather “Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are extending a pilot project in Cades Cove by continuing vehicle-free access on the Cades Cove Loop Road on Wednesdays from May 5 through Sept. 1. Park managers implemented this weekly, full-day opportunity in 2020 in an effort to improve the visitor experience and to reduce congestion associated with vehicle-free mornings that were previously offered until 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Park received 47 comments through mail, email, phone, and comment cards regarding the vehicle-free day pilot project. More than 60 percent of these comments were extremely positive, however, some campers were still impacted by early morning parking congestion and some visitors were disappointed by the lack of vehicle access on Wednesdays. Overall, the full-day opportunity provided a more enjoyable and safe experience for the nearly 30,000 bicyclists and pedestrians who participated in the vehicle-free day opportunities. During the 2020 season, 25 percent more pedestrians and cyclists participated in vehicle-free access periods per week as compared to the 2019 season, with an average of 1,800 participants each Wednesday.
Park managers continue to be concerned about parking congestion and will monitor use levels, parking availability, visitor experience, and congestion throughout the second year of the pilot project. According to data collected in 2020, parking lots were full during 30 percent of the observation period and roadside shoulders along Laurel Creek Road were utilized for parking during 60 percent of the observation period. Staff and volunteers will implement some changes in parking access this season to ease pressure on campground and picnic area parking lots and to prevent roadside parking along Laurel Creek Road. Roadside parking damages shoulders and creates unsafe conditions for visitors walking from their car to their destination.”
https://www.theonefeather.com/2021/02/park-announces-2021-plan-for-cades-cove-vehicle-free-days/
2-11-2021 Coweta Cycling Weekend Press Release Hundreds of cyclists from multiple disciplines will descend on Coweta County, Georgia April 17-18, 2021 to participate in one of two events. On April 17, the Tour of Coweta will kick off the weekend from Newnan’s Historic Train Depot. The ride will benefit the Newnan Rotary Club and the club’s community projects and grant program. The Tour will leave downtown Newnan at 8 a.m. and include 25, 45, 62, and 100 mile routes. Cyclists will enjoy many of the routes in Coweta made popular by other century rides including the Velocity Atlanta Century, MACC One Love Century, Wilson100 and Southside Century. Rest stops will be available in Grantville, Moreland, and Senoia and technical support will be available and an after party for cyclists when returning to Newnan.
The Squirrel Hunter Mountain Bike Race scheduled for Sunday, April 18 is a USA Cycling sanctioned event, Brown’s Mill Historic Site is 4 miles south of Newnan and will serve as the race venue. The event is the seventh race of ten scheduled for the Gonuts Biking 2021 Spring Series. Cyclists of all ages and skill levels will compete on a 6-7 mile closed circuit and an awards ceremony will be held at the completion of the event. The race is a family friendly event for all ages including races for children, juniors and adults. “We are excited to be facilitating this marquee cycling event for our community,” says Bike Coweta Board Member Chris Doane. “We are accomplishing our mission by promoting health and wellness to our community and also using cycling as a way to boost tourism and create local economic impact for Coweta businesses, which all demonstrates we’re truly a bicycle friendly community”.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park Build Party From MTB Atlanta Chattahoochee Bend State Park Build Party #1, Sunday, February 21, 10 am-1 pm Want to help build a new trail in Georgia’s 5th largest State Park? Join us as we do some major finishing work on our brand new trail at Chattahoochee Bend State Park dubbed the “Campground” loop. Follow directions to 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan, GA 30263 and meet at the Campground One parking lot past the Visitors Center and on the right. We will get started at 10. We will be working on clipping roots, raking tread and swamping roots. Have a mask, gloves, wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring water, and snacks. MTB Atlanta is resuming work parties in limited capacity this season and is using local regulations and CDC guidelines to conduct these events. We will adhere to mask requirements and social distancing at these events.
We are excited to get back at it and hope to see you there!
2-9-2021 ProCX Calendar Announced Press Release USA Cycling announced on Monday the Professional Cyclocross (ProCX) calendar with a dynamic 11-event program for 2021. The ProCX will offer spirited head-to-head competition among the top North American cyclocross athletes as the USA prepares to host the world’s best at the UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Fayetteville, Ark., to culminate the 2021-2022 racing season. In collaboration with multiple stakeholder groups, including our long-standing event organizers, elite athletes, and team managers, the 2021 ProCX calendar has been revitalized to support the long-term growth of cyclocross in the US.
“The ProCX event organizers and USA Cycling have stepped up to create a practical calendar. Having a concise, high profile calendar with no conflicting race weekends will be beneficial for U.S. cyclocross by allowing athletes the opportunity to compete at every event on the calendar and create increased focus on each event,” stated Stu Thorne owner of the Cannondale p/b CyclocrossWorld team. Individual champions are crowned in the elite categories at the conclusion of the calendar, which will culminate three weeks before the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships to be held December 7-12, location to be announced. “It will be nice to have a condensed schedule that will certainly push us all to be more consistent and strategic with our training and racing approach.” said defending Men’s ProCX Champion Kerry Werner of Kona/Maxxis/Shimano.
Trish’s Note: There is one southeast stop Nov. 13-14 at the North Carolina Grand Prix in Hendersonville, NC. NCCX will most likely run their full slate of races with something for every category. See the full schedule here.
2-8-2021 Castle Playground Build Party From MTB Atlanta MTB Castle Playground Build Party #3, Sunday, Feb. 14 10 am-1 pm, Tired of watching Youtube videos of John Q Internet Panhandler building a crappy berm by hand in their tiny back yards? Building trail on public land is a privilege of a lifetime and there are not a whole lot a chances to build a new trail (unless you have been hanging with us for the last 5 years.) Join us for BUILD PARTY #3 Sunday in Carrollton, GA on our brand new “Castle Playground ” trail build. We are almost ready to open this puppy up so come out and help get er done. We’re building a “pump track in the woods” and some greenway adjacent single track as a gateway project we will develop all along Carrollton’s incredible Greenbelt in the future. Meet up at the Castle Playground parking lot at 117 Carrollton Greenbelt Carrollton, GA 30117 at 10. We will be doing corridor clearing and finishing work for new trail construction. Have a mask, gloves, wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees.
Moore’s Bridge Build Party From MTB Atlanta Moore’s Bridge Build Party #6, Sat., Feb. 13 10 am-1 pm, Join us at we continue to clear the corridor and do finishing work for several miles of new trail at Moore’s Bridge Park. Tools provided. We are close to getting this trail open so I good turnout Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at Moore’s Bridge Park at 615 Black Dirt Road Whitesburg, GA 30185 and we will get started at 10.
2-1-2021 Allatoona is open! From SORBA West Georgia As of today, February 1st, bow hunting season at the park is over. This means all users can access the park anytime from dawn to dusk. Please remember that the singletrack does close due to inclement weather, but the double track gravel roads are always open. Using the singletrack trails while wet or muddy creates lots of work for our volunteer crew. Always check the trail status before heading out. The trail status is always up to date at https://www.sorbawestgeorgia.org/status.
Silver Comet Bridge Reopens From Cobb County The Silver Comet Trail bridge over the East-West Connector has been re-decked and will reopen at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2. Thank you to our Cobb Department of Transportation crews for completing this work on-time and within budget. The updated bridge decking with allow patrons to continue safely using the Silver Comet Trail for their leisure and mobility throughout Cobb County.
Belgian Waffle Ride Postpones Events From Velonews.com American gravel racers have a few new twists and turns on the 2021 competition calendar. On Monday promoters of San Diego’s Belgian Waffle Ride — with 4,000 participants one of the largest cycling races in the U.S. — announced the postponement of their marquee race from May 2 to July 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Belgian Waffle Ride will also postpone its event in Asheville, North Carolina from May 16 until August 21. The two delays come with news of a brand new Belgian Waffle Ride event, slated to run August 31 in Lawrence, Kansas. Now, Belgian Waffle Ride will have four races on the 2021 competition calendar: San Diego (July 18); Asheville, North Carolina (August 21); Cedar City, Utah (September 25); and Lawrence, Kansas (October 31). Read the entire article.
Belgian Waffle Ride postpones San Diego and Asheville events, adds race in Kansas
Mountain Goat Adventures Race News From MGA Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mile MTB Race presented by Van Michael Men – April 3, 2021 at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton, GA! The course includes most of the trails at Blankets Creek in a counter – clockwise direction for a total distance of 15 miles per lap. Each lap has 1400’+ of elevation gain, so this will be a challenging course. We have restructured the categories for 2021 to be age based, so that all riders can choose between the 15 mile course (1 lap) and 30 mile course (2 laps). You can see full details and a list of categories on the BLANKETS CREEK DIRTY 15/30 WEBSITE. Limit of 250 riders – please register early as all of our 2020 events sold out. All riders who register before March 20 will receive one of our super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirts and a commemorative pint glass for your post-race recovery drink. Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories, podium shirts for all first place finishers. Access to drop bags will be available at the half way point for riders participating in the 30 mile race. Small group staggered starts and social distancing measures in place for rider/volunteer safety. This event is a major fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock, so please come out and support your local trails!
Make plans to join us for the Blankets Creek 3 and 6 Hour Race presented by Free-Flite Bicycles on June 19th. 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 wish to ride 3 hours solo, as well as a one and two lap option for junior riders who aren’t ready for a full 3 hour event. You can check out the available Categories and FULL EVENT DETAILS HERE 250 Rider Limit – Please register early! Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories, podium shirts for all first place finishers. The 2021 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.
1-31-2021 Calendars Updated The mountain bike/gravel and road calendars have been updated. There seem to be almost as many off road races as normal years. Not so for road. There are very few events through March. It picks up a little bit in April in Georgia and South Carolina. Please note I have virtually NO races for the Carolinas other than the Hincapie series and the USA Crits events. I will keep checking and updating the calendars as I hear of events. I am moving back to my monthly update of all calendars. I update them about 3 weeks before the start of a month and go several months out. (ex. I just updated all dates for March and went out as far as July to see if I could find dates/information about any races I didn’t have that for) If a race isn’t listed or doesn’t have a 2021 date, check with the promoter. It didn’t have the information when I last updated the calendar. If you do decide to go to a race or event during the pandemic, use your best judgement! Wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands. Stay home, quarantine, and get tested if you are sick. If you aren’t sure if an event/race is happening or want to know what their COVID-19 protocols are, contact the promoter! Legal stuff: Southeastern Cycling and Trish Albert are not responsible or liable if you get sick or have complications from any illness, injury, or accident in any way, shape, or form.
Georgia High School League Leaves NICA Press Release The Georgia Interscholastic Cycling League has unveiled a new name, new logo, and new website as part of an extensive branding initiative designed to amplify the core mission of the youth cycling non-profit. The organization will now be known as the Georgia Cycling Association. Fueled by rapid growth over the past five years, including a record-setting 2020 season, the new name is designed to reinforce the organization’s commitment to improving the lives of Georgia’s youth through the lifelong sport of mountain biking. “While many of our student-athletes participate in our competitive racing series, not all do. Especially within our middle school program, we deemphasize competition to focus on fun, fitness, skills, and good sportsmanship. Our belief is that transitioning our name from League to Association more accurately reflects the true nature of our programs,” said Kenny Griffin, Executive Director of Georgia Cycling. “One thing that remains constant is our dedication to delivering best-in-class cycling programs that are open to all middle and high school students across Georgia regardless of ability. We remain committed to our current “no tryout” policy for student-athletes,” added Griffin.
Coinciding with the unveiling of a new logo, Georgia Cycling launched a new digital experience at georgiacycling.org. This brand-new website offers improved abilities to communicate with coaches, student-athletes, and their families. Also today, Georgia Cycling has announced its departure as an affiliate of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Effective immediately, the two organizations will no longer have a formal business relationship. However, since all programs are created and executed at the local level, this change is not expected to have any significant impact on the experience of student-athletes. “The time is right for this group to step out on its own. We believe this behind-the-scenes shift will enable us to better serve our Georgia-based audience and will ultimately position this non-profit to build on our success. Our riders can expect better programs, not equivalent,” stated Dan Brooks, Founder, and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
1-26-2021 Twice Baked Announces 2021 Date From the promoter The Twice Baked Century ride for mental health will be Sunday July 11th 2021! Psychsource hopes to use some of the proceeds to open a coffee house run exclusively by persons with mental illness. All of your favorite parts of the ride will be back! Registration opens soon!
Moore’s Bridge Trail Build Party From MTB Atlanta Moore’s Bridge Build Party # 5, Saturday, Jan. 30 10 am-1 pm. Join us at we continue to clear the corridor and do finishing work for several miles of new trail at Moore’s Bridge Park. Tools provided. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at Moore’s Bridge Park at 615 Black Dirt Road Whitesburg, GA 30185, and we will get started at 9. We will be working on privet removal and corridor clearing the new trail. Have a mask, gloves, wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. MTB Atlanta is resuming work parties in limited capacity this season and is using local regulations and CDC guidelines to conduct these events. We will adhere to mask requirements and social distancing at these events.
Sykes Build Party From MTB Atlanta Sykes Park Build Party Saturday, Feb. 6 10 am-1 pm, Love berms, jumps, doubles, rock gardens and rock drops? We are stoked to share our new skills trail build at Sykes Park in East Point. Join us as we do some major finishing work on our brand new in town skills trail dubbed the “Water Tower” loop. Meet at the main parking lot at 3224 Dodson Drive Connector, East Point, GA 30344 and we will get started at 10. We will be working on clipping roots, raking tread, packing berms and rollers, and doing rock work. Have a mask, gloves, wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring water, and snacks.
1-25-2021 Alabama Cycling Classic Press Release The Alabama Cycling Classic staff and organizing team are monitoring the trends of Covid19. The event has confirmed a new date in mid-summer to host the 2021 USA Cycling Professional Road Tour and amateur cycling events in Anniston, Alabama. While many of the USA Cycling Professional Road Tour events were scheduled to take place in spring of 2021, some are now seeking alternate summer and or fall dates to be clear of Covid19. These spring scheduled events are now being planned as far off as July, August or September. We are a part this trend and have confirmed a new event date of July 3-4th, 2021 for hosting the Alabama Cycling Classic’s, Sunny King Criterium and Piedmont Criterium. Being that the Sunny King Criterium is held on the same day as Main Street Anniston’s, Noble Street Festival, a large scale community event—which anticipates bringing together nearly 7,500-10,000 attendees and dozens of companies from across the greater Calhoun County areas—we’ve decided to play it safe, securing the summer date of July 3-4th, 2021.
Southeast Grave Announces New Pro Category From the Promoter: What is the new Pro Category for the Southeast Gravel events? One of the most talked about feedback we got last year was that if you were in the 19-39 category then you were scored against a lot of people who were full on bike racers. It can be discouraging to have your best event ever and realize that super fast guy who attacked 3 miles into the event was in your category. So we are splitting out a self-designated “Pro” category where the racers can do their thing. Who is eligible for the Pro Category? We are making this a self designation. If you feel like you are one of the fastest riders (whether you are 17 or 57 years old) you can enter the Pro race and be eligible for $1000 in prize money at each event. Note that if you enter the pro category, you are NOT eligible for podiums in your age group. How is the $1000 split up? We have equal payout for both men and women!! That means $1000 for men and $1000 for women. Each payout will go 5 places deep ($500, $200, $150, $100, $50). There is a minimum field size of 35 riders COMBINED in both the men’s and women’s field required for a full payout to be awarded.
1-22-2021 North Cooper Lake Work Party From MTB Atlanta North Cooper Lake Work Party and Clean Up, Saturday, January 23, 2021 9 am-Noon Join us at North Cooper Lake Park as we clean up the park and do trail work on the cross country trails. We will be working on clearing a significant amount of trash out of the old dump site. Have a mask, gloves, wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees.
MTB Atlanta awarded IMBA and Shimano’s Dig In Grant for Chattahoochee Bend State Park Press Release After years of planning with Georgia State Parks, IMBA Trail Solutions, the Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Blue Ridge Geographics and MTB Atlanta Pro Trails, Georgia State Parks has approved a concept plan for 15-20 miles of new mountain bike trails at the park. This conceptual trail design is configured in four distinct loops each with a different character of trail and progression.bIn 2017, IMBA Trail Solutions was hired by the Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park and MTB Atlanta to conduct a high level assessment of the park and concluded 20- 40 miles of quality recreational trails could be established and that the system could be a regional mountain bike trail destination in the Southeastern United States. In 2018, Brett Davidson of MTB Atlanta Pro Trails and Keith McFadden of Blue Ridge Geographic flagged the ” Campground” and “Intermediate” loops to be approved through the GEPA process with Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The planning process was financially supported by the Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park and an REI Community Grant. Chattahoochee Bend State Park is Georgia’s fifth largest state park, within the Metro-Atlanta area, and a short drive to other Southeastern trail systems. The park offers great campgrounds, newly constructed adventure cabins with hiking and blue water trails along the Chattahoochee River. The Chattahoochee Bend project has the potential to be a regionally significant trail system within the Southeast with 20-40 miles of trail developed.
The funds form the Dig In campaign will assist MTB Atlanta with equipment rentals and paid operators for trail construction of the “Campground Loop.” The trails will provide an opportunity for local NICA Students to train as well as provide a gateway (beginner) trail for users new to mountain biking. The trail is to built around one of the park’s campgrounds in order to provide easy access to families and users of all abilities to access the trail from their campsite. MTB Atlanta Pro Trails officially broke ground on the “Campground Loop” the second week of January thanks to an initial donation of five thousand dollars from Bike Coweta and construction is underway.
1-21-2021 Chattahoochee Bend State Park News From a Facebook post: The Black Racer Trail is currently closed until further notice due to new mountain bike trail construction in the area. All other mountain bike trails remain open for now. Please respect the closure and stay off the trails to ensure your safety. If you have any questions, please call the office at 770-254-7271. We are looking forward to the continual progress of adding new mountain biking trails to our system.
1-20-2021 Hincapie Spring Series Moving to….Spring From the Promoter: For more than 20 years, Rich Hincapie has kicked off the cycling season with the Hincapie Spring Series. The weekend of races, usually occurring February and March, provide benchmark training for competitive riders through road races, time trials, and criteriums. We’re moving to April this year for some warmer weather, so it will be a lot more fun to hang around for the podium ceremonies each day. Earn Your Bragging Rights The Hincapie Spring Series honors the top three performers in 6 categories for the overall omnium awards. All races follow USA Cycling rules and regulations. Weekends are April 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25.
Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race Press Release Pisgah Stage Race 76% Singletrack, 19% dirt road, 5% asphalt, April 12-17, 2-21, Brevard, NC. Pisgah has earned a growing reputation for having some of the best MTB trails in the USA, and this five-day, fully supported mountain bike endurance event delivers an unmatched sampler platter of some of the best singletrack in the country. The stage race course includes the Eastern United States’ most rugged trails. Come sample spring MTB riding in Pisgah National Forest with rhododendron tunnels, picturesque creek crossings, incredible leaf colors, and rooty, rocky singletrack. Race individually or as a duo team. All five days will count for an overall time to crown the top riders. Custom crafted awards to top 3 in every category. Leader’s jersey awarded to every category. The final top 3 in the open men and women categories win $750/$500/$250 cash! Cash purse to enduro top three men/ women $150, $130, $120!
The weeks’ events include 5 days of racing, a recovery zone with snacks and recovery drinks at the race finish, Leaders’ Awards Ceremony and Happy Hour following each evening with adult beverages, exquisite local catered dinner 6 nights, and a Closing Ceremony Celebration Party including a vendor expo, kids race, silent auction and live music. This is designed as a true race, not a test of survival. We have fully stocked rest stops, including Medical staff and mechanical assistance, however if you want to send anything extra to the rest stops we will shuttle your items each day. Timed Enduro Sections each day!
1-19-2021 UTC and Tony Serrano Rides Postponed The Tony Serrano Ride and Up the Creek promoters posted tonight that their rides will be postponed for 2021. Hopefully both of these great rides will happen next year! Trish Note: I enjoy both rides and hope to see them back!
Local Bike Shop Hours I’ve gotten a few private inquires about the hours for a couple of local bike shops. The reality is I have no idea. It’s best to check with your favorite shop to see if they have changed their hours. Quite a few shops close earlier in the winter or may be closed an extra day of the week when it’s cold out. Check Google, their Facebook/Instagram page, and their website. When in doubt, pick up the phone and call. One good thing I’ve heard from the bike shop folx I’ve talked to in the last week is that they are either caught up on or nearly caught up on the backlog of repairs. Parts still seem to be in short supply with no end in sight. Some shops are also getting in some of the bikes they have ordered.
Dauset Trails The mtb trails at Dauset Nature Center in Jackson, GA will be closed this Saturday for a running race and will reopen around noon.
