3-14-2010 3 Foot Bill Action Needed! SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION! http://hb988.epetitions.net/

From an email list:  PLEASE, PLEASE make some calls and send out emails
Sample Message copy/paste Dear Georgia State Legislature Representative & Senator,

Please support HB 988, to apply a 3-ft safe passing distance for cars passing bicycles. Please support this legislation as it presently stands, without altering any of the other existing statues that protect bicyclists’ rights on the road.

While overall biking is a pretty safe activity, we do hear about folks who get “buzzed” and knocked off their bikes, scared, or much worse, seriously injured or killed. Despite what many Georgia cyclists believe, state law makes no specific statements about how cars should pass bicycles. The portion of the Georgia code that refers to passing (40-6-42) says only:

“(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle;”

...noting of course that bicycles are vehicles under the law.

16 other states presently have laws that apply a 3 foot safe passing distance for cars passing bicycles, which works as an educational tool for drivers and a standard for enforcement (how close is too close? "I didn't hit him -- he just fell down after I passed").

Based on Georgia numbers from 2004-2006, more than half (55%) of recorded deaths from car vs bicycle crashes occurred when the car and bicycle were traveling in the same direction -- speeds tend to be higher and injuries more severe, highlighting the need for education and enforcement of a safe passing distance.
From: Fries, Dianne [mailto:dianne.fries@sandyspringsga.org]
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 2:26 PM

I need your help – we need to get a petition and an email campaign going to the State Representatives of the Rules Committee. The 3 foot pass rule has hit a wall. The issue is some Representatives say they have a concern about the current law (ride two abreast) and the amount of room that would be needed to pass with the additional 3 foot law. To me, one has nothing to do with the other – safety is the issue here. Does not matter if it is one or two riders side by side – they need to be passed safely. They have the law for pass safe law for 18 wheelers. Wendell suggests a large push to the committee – you will find their email and capitol phone numbers below. Please send out something that could be cut and pasted to all your riding buddies. Especially the ones in North Fulton and St. Simons area (constituents of members of the committee) – volume is what we need right now. Emails followed by a phone call. This needs to be done right a way!!!! Mail one mail all.
Jan Jones – 404-656-5072 – jan.jones@house.ga.gov – John’s Creek
Jerry Keen – 404 -656-5052 - jerry.keen@house.ga.gov – majority leader – St. Simons
James Mills – 404-656-5099 – james.mills@house.ga.gov - Gainesville
Bill Hembree – 404-656-5141 – bill.hembree@house.ga.gov - Winston
Wendell Willard – 404-656-5125 – Wendell.willard@house.ga.gov – Sandy Springs
Thanks – let’s get moving on this one
Dianne

Cheaha Challenge Looking for some hill training?? The 18th Annual Cheaha Challenge Century will be Sunday, April 18--the morning after the Sunny King Criterium. Sunny King is in Anniston, AL and the Cheaha Challenge is staged a few miles north of Anniston in Piedmont, AL--about 1.5 hours from Atlanta. The Cheaha Challenge has over 7600 feet of cumulative climbing and takes place almost entirely in the Talladega National Forest---climbing Cheaha Mountain (Alabama's highest). $35 entry gets you breakfast, fully equipped aid stations, lunch, a Specialized water bottle, and t-shirt. The ride proceeds go to the Chief Ladiga Rail Trail. While this is not a race, organizers provide ride finish times
for participants. The 102-mile course record is 4:40:32. Go to www.cheahachallenge.com . Arrive on Saturday for the Sunny King Criterium and larger Noble Street Festival---selected a Top 10 Event in Alabama by the state's tourism bureau. www.noblestreetfestival.com

Bear Creek Work Party Date: Saturday, March 20, 2010 Time: 9:30AM - 1:30PM Location: Bear Breek Trail Head (off of Gates Chapel Rd)

Bear Creek MTB trail needs our help. Please come out and help the big Dawg trim, water bar, tree removal, eat and ride after working. Bring a covered dish for a Pep rally. The trails of North Georgia need your help. Riders, promoters, folks who make money off of the trails should give some time back. I am calling for your help. The Forest Service needs our support for the future of Mountain biking. Thanks for your time. The Big Dawg.For more information go to http://www.cartecaybikes.com

Charlotte and NC Happenings  Saturday, March 27 CSC Spring Training Ride

The Giordana-Clif Bar Cycling team is once again hosting the ever exciting CSC Winter Training ride, with a little twist, we have moved the ride later in the year so its now the CSC Spring Training Ride. The event will be held on Saturday, March 27as we are hoping for much warmer weather. Spring weather is on the way! The CSC Spring Training Ride is a great ride for cyclists of all abilities. We have three exciting routes on lightly traveled roads that will offer participants three different route lengths: 30 miles, 55 miles and 70 miles. Each route will be colored coded, VERY well marked and supported with loaded rest stops and sag support vehicles. The rest stop on the 30 mile route and the last stop on the 55 and 70 mile route will have a restroom. After the event, stick around and enjoy food and fellowship with your riding pals. We will have tons of great food after the ride.
Harrisburg Elementary with indoor potties
Harrisburg, NC
30, 55 & 70 mile marked routes
Rest stops and sag support
Lots of great food to follow the ride. We have opened online registration for those who would like to save money and register online. http://www.sportoften.com/events/eventDetails.cfm?pEventId=5699 $15 for online registration and $20 at the event. For more info, visit www.charlottesportscycling.com 
 

Wednesday, April 28 Charlotte Summer Mountain Bike Series

We a very excited to announce the 10th Anniversary of the Charlotte Summer Mountain Bike Series will kick off on Wednesday Evening, April 28 at Col Francis Beatty Park. The series will once again rotate between five of our wonderful mountain bike trails every Wednesday night. Every fifth week, we will take a night off from the series.

Col Francis Beatty Park
Renaissance Park
N Meck Park or Fisher Farm Park
US National Whitewater Center
The series will total sixteen races with the last four races being double points.
For more info on the 2010 Charlotte Summer Mountain Bike Series visit
www.charlottemtnbike.com
 

Saturday, May 1
37th Annual Dilworth Criterium
The infamous 37th Annual Dilworth Criterium is set to take place on Saturday May 1, 2010. The event is held in conjunction with 2010 BIKE! Charlotte and is once again part of USA Crits Speedweek. The Dilworth Criterium is a bicycle race and festival designed to attract professional and amateur cyclists from all of the country to the beautiful Dilworth Neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. The cyclists will compete for over $10,000 during this exciting event.
We are working on updating the website for the 2010 event.
For more info, visit www.dilworthcrit.com
 

Saturday, May 8 6 Hour Grind on the Greenway Mountain Bike Challenge Anne Springs Close Greenway Ft Mill, SC
11:00AM to 5:00PM
Categories for ALL abilities!
Don't let the name fool you. The 6 Hour Grind on the "Greenway" is a 6 hour singletrack mountain bike race, with 805 ft of elevation per lap, that will challenge participants both physically and mentally. Discounted online early registration will be open until April 14. Standard online registration will be available April 15 - May 7
Day of registration will be available from 8:30AM to 10:30AM on race day. For online registration, visit http://www.charlottemtnbike.com/GrindontheGreenway/registration.htm
Camping is available Anne Springs Close Greenway but not at the race staging area.
For more info, visit www.charlottemtnbike.com

Uwharrie Wheelman Road Race Saturday, March 20
New London, NC
Register early and avoid long lines for one of North Carolinas best road races. For those who would like to race twice there will be a discount.
http://www.rms-events.com/Flyers/UwharryWheemen.pdf
Saturday, March 20 Hope for the Warriors Bike Tour
Team Little Guy is pleased to announce that the Northwest Chapter of the North Carolina Credit Union League & Mock Orange Bikes are finalizing plans for the first annual Hope for the Warriors Bike Tour! Here are the basics …

Date: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Time: 8:30 am until 2:30 pm
Start/finish: The Pavilion at Lewisville Town Square
Registration fee: $50 The ride includes three route options – 24, 35 or 68 miles. The ride includes snacks and drinks along the way as well as a post-ride meal! There will also be door prizes and a lot of other goodies for you as well!

Right now, we need riders to support this very worthy cause!
321 TT Series
Dates: 4/3, 5/22, 8/14
Start time: 9:00 a.m.
Distance options: 20k and 40k
Fantastic 4 lane, rolling 20k loop with chip timing
Less than 1 hour from Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC
LOCATIONS/MAP
White Oak Conference Center, White Oak, SC. Exit 46 on I-77; 8 miles west of the interstate
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Register online: www.strictlyrunning.com
Website: www.321ttseries.wordpress.com
Sunday, April 25
Sally's Y Ride and New Balance 5K Run

Blood, Sweat and Gears is hosting the 3rd annual Sally's Y Ride on April 25th @ 1pm with registration available online and in the shop. We are having 25k, 50k and 100k options and we are also having a New Balance 5k Run at the event as well.
For more info, visit www.bloodsweatgearslkn.com

Saturday, May 8
When you have one of the best metric centuries in the region, why change anything? The 4th Annual Cycle To Serve Bicycle Challenge will cover the same roads as last year. This is a very rural route, but unlike some, the roads are lightly trafficked and the pavement is smooth, much of it only a year old. There is no better way to test your legs early in the season than by riding underneath the mountains of Boone and Blowing Rock. There are several steep climbs, but none longer than 10-15 minutes, and all followed by fun, safe descents. The routes (62 m. and 40m.) travel in and out of the valleys to the north and east of Lenoir, beginning and ending in the renovated downtown of Lenoir, a 2008 All America City. Afterwards, refresh yourself in Hogwaller Square (registration site) with your fellow riders over big free covered dish lunch provided by Lenoir Rotarians.
For more information, go to: www.cycletoserve.com

May 29 - 30
10th Annual BURN 24 Hour Challenge
The 10th Annual BURN 24 Hour Challenge presented by Bikerumor.com is just around the corner. Early bird registration ends on 3/15. If you’re wondering what to do with that tax refund, spend it now on your entry to this fine event.
http://www.burn24hour.com/

3-12-2010 Perry Roubaix This Weekend! Perry Roubaix is this Weekend "Don't forget, go to www.twitter.com/georgiacup and follow us for up to the minute race info & race day play by play. www.georgiacup.com  Perry Race page: http://www.georgiacup.com/races.php?id=1  Online registration is open until 5pm Friday: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9677
Race Flier: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=t6NiQ3amqskvZgNLeluiCPg&output=html
Union City Georgia Cup & Twilight Music Fest is March 20 -21! Race Page: http://www.georgiacup.com/races.php?series=gc&id=2
Don't miss the Twilight Music Fest Saturday - Details: Register: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9677
Sponsorships are still available!

Experimental Bike Locks  Emory will be testing experimental bike locks.

Pizza Ride Update It looks like Stonewall Jackson drive (aka steep fish pond hill) will not be fixed until August 2010- possibly later.
Therefore- loops initially are as follows:
Tuesday's loop- starts at 6:15 and when we enter the park it will initially be 2 counterclockwise small loops (approx 10.5 miles)- that go by the police station and finish up the steep climb (finish sprint here). The small inside loop is open for those wanting to go shorter.
Thursday's loop starts at 6:15 and when we enter the park it will initially be an out and back loop (approx 9.5 miles)- to the turn around at bird sanctuary (this is right near the top of Stonewall Jackson Drive) and was the loop done in fall 2009. The small inside loop is open for those wanting to go shorter.

Free Junior Racing Clinic A free seminar for prospective juniors, ages 9-18, and their families will be held on Thursday, March 18th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at REI Atlanta, 1800 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Learn how the junior members of the Frazier Cycling team train, race and win National championships together through a year-round program that promotes overall fitness, safety, family participation, having fun and making new friends. Meet team members, their families and coaches, see their equipment and hear how you can get involved! Info or to RSVP ttomaka@fraziercycling.com  or 770-315-0675.
 

3-11-2010 Time Change Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night! Be sure to check the rides page for information about your favorite group rides. Times in March vary, and some rides don't start until April.

Smyrna Bicycles Monday Night Ride From Smyrna Bicycles: Smyrna Bicycles will kick off our Monday night ride on Monday the 15th. We will have an A and B group with the a's being a fast 25 miles, with KOM and sprint points. The b's will be doing a slightly  different and slower route ( no drop) Fortunato's Pizza is a sponsor
this year and will provide food prizes for the "a" winner, and beer specials for everyone else. Fuji Bicycles is bringing their demo  truck, so bicycles will be available for the ride, for those who wish to check out the latest from Fuji and Kestrel . To reserve a bike,  call Smyrna Bicycles at 770-436-3252 Ride leaves promptly at 6pm, those who reserve a bike should bring their own pedals and arrive at least 45 mins. before roll out. Smyrna  Bicycles friday night ride also kicks off this week. Roll out is at  6:15, pace is about 15 mph on the silver comet trail

Google Maps Yes, Google Maps has finally added a biking mapping feature!

Frazier Cycling Intown  Frazier Cycling expands to in-town Atlanta Contact: Susan O’Donnell, ODX Communications@comcast.net
Frazier Cycling of Suwanee is excited to announce F.I.T. (Frazier In Town) a junior cycling program inside of I-285. The FC club currently has 35 junior members ages 7-18 that focus on core fitness, weekly training rides, and racing. FIT makes it easier for in-town riders to participate in this program with new weekly practices and rides. Additionally, current members practicing and riding in Gwinnett are welcome to participate in FIT events and new FIT members are welcome to attend practices and rides in Gwinnett.

Frazier Cycling is able to expand their schedule due to a new 2010 sponsor, Dr. Mark Hutson M.D., Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, member of the Children's Medical Group. Doctor Hutson would like to promote the many benefits of junior cycling.

Tom Tomaka has joined the FC coaching staff to lead the FIT program. Tom is a Frazier Cycling Certified (FCC) Level 1 Junior Cycling Coach. He has reached this certification through his many years of cycling (road, off-road, and track), working with his son Sam and other juniors, and participating in the FC Club program for last three years.

A free seminar for prospective juniors, ages 9-18, and their families will be held on Thursday, March 18th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at REI Atlanta, 1800 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Learn how the junior members of the Frazier Cycling team train, race and win National championships together through a year-round program that promotes overall fitness, safety, family participation, having fun and making new friends. Meet team members, their families and coaches, see their equipment and hear how you can get involved! Info or to RSVP ttomaka @fraziercycling.com or 770-315-0675.
 

Heritage Park in Athens Announcement Official announcement from Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department Heritage Park Trails are now open to bike and horse riders every day.

All signage at the Heritage Park trail intersections have been completed. We will continue working on placement of signs at strategic locations along the trails to remind users which trail they are on and to keep users on the right trails. However, with the intersections complete the Odd/Even Use system has ended.
Please check our website regularly to determine if trails are closed due to a park event. Currently, the trails will be closed this Saturday, March 13 for an event. http://www.ocprd.com/
In addition, please remind your groups of the following etiquette and safety rules (see attached for all trail rules):
· Be courteous to all park users.
· Trails open during daylight hours only.
· Ride only on open and existing trails designated for horses/bikes.
· Avoid use of trails after heavy rains to prevent trail damage.
· Follow trail courtesy. Bikers yield to horses and hikers.
· Downhill riders yield to uphill riders.
· Always speak when approaching horses to alert rider and horse of your presence.
· Follow instructions of the horse rider when trail encounters occur.
· Slowly pass with care and indicate which side you will be passing.
· Ask if there are other horses on the trail.
· Leave no trace. Carry out litter and do not do not disturb historic structures and artifacts.
· Bring an adequate supply of water with you.
· Use proper safety gear.
· Use trails with others as a safety measure.
· Trails may not be altered unless in an organized effort approved by the Parks & Recreation Department.
Ride responsibly and enjoy your visit at Heritage Park

Ride to the Capitol This is for the East Cobb group (from a forum): I'm sure you all know about this great even on March 23rd. Bike Cobb is once again sponsoring a police-escorted option to start in East Cobb and join up with the riders from Roswell.
Join BikeCobb from the East Cobb Government Service Center, 4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta.
► Linkup with the Roswell Riders as they cross the Chattahoochee River
► Depart promptly at 8:45 am. Very comfortable 12 MPH pace
► Park across the street at the Mount Bethel church near the school busses
► Pre-ride shop wrenches will be available
► Local Press and Government Officials will give us a send-off
► Distance to link-up with the Roswell group on the Chattahoochee: 7 miles
► Total Distance to the Capitol: 26
For more info, please go to: http://www.bikecobb.org/grttc
Thanks!

Tentative 2010 GA CX Schedule
1 26-Sep-10 Life College, Marietta
2 3-Oct-10  Macon
3 10-Oct-10 Olmsted Park, Augusta
4 17-Oct-10 Monteluce Winery, Dahlonega
5 23-Oct-10  OSP, Savannah
6 24-Oct-10 OSP, Savannah
7 31-Oct-10 GIHP, Conyers
8 7-Nov-10 Paulding Meadows, Dallas
9 14-Nov-10  Cloudland Canyon
10 21-Nov-10 Ft. Yargo, Winder
11 28-Nov-10 Serenbe Inn, Palmetto
12 5-Dec-10 Elks-Aidemore, Conyers

Team Mountain Khakis More information on the festivities this weekend. Come ride with the Team Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe’s in a WBL sanctioned ride this Sunday, 14 March, for a 3 hour soiree through the nether regions of Oglethorpe County and beyond. Info below. One group will depart Jittery Joes in 5 Points at 10:15 and swing by the Jittery Joes Roaster for the rest of the crew at 10:30. Come one, come all for this moderate tempo WBL style ride. Sprint at the end with prize TBA.

Training Camp Sponsor & VIP Rides.
Team Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe’s is pleased to announce two opportunities to join at the team’s official training camp. While many teams like to restrict public access to the training sessions we cannot think of a better opportunity for you to get to know the team. Come out and join us on Saturday March 13th and Sunday March 14th for two Training Camp Sponsor & VIP Rides. All are welcome.

On Saturday the team will depart its team headquarters in Winston-Salem and venture forth for a moderate tempo training ride. The selected route will be the Winston areas most popular and well known, “The Triple Hump”. This 90 mile route features some of the state’s most beautiful rolling terrain and the well know climbs of Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain, and Sauratown Mountain road. Come out for some great training and a chance to meet the team. All actual climbs can be skipped so you come for one climb, or test yourself on all 3!

On Sunday the team will depart from the Jittery Joe's Coffee Roasting Company for a 60 mile ride. The ride will be led by Athens’ favorite ride leader, David Crowe and he is said to have the perfect route with other shorter route options. Following the ride the team will be host a “Meet and Greet” at the Roaster’s. This is a real opportunity for you to really meet the guys. And Bill Boonen will be on had signing autographs on of his now infamous "Beach Babe" photo. Get one while they last.

Saturday March 13th
Start and Finish: Team headquarters at 2300 Buena Vista Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27104
When: Ride will depart at 9:00AM
Route: ~90 mile “Triple Hump” http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nc/winston-salem/688833304

Sunday March 14th
Start and Finish: Jittery Joe's Coffee Roasting Co 780 East Broad Street Athens, GA 30605
When: Ride will depart at 10:30AM
Route: David Crowe led 60 mile route
Meet the team at the Roaster’s will be from 2:00 to 4:00

3-10-2010 Another Georgia Rider Goes Pro! From his public relations firm: Christian Parrett signed his first pro contract with Sprocket Pro Cycling, a pro team based in Wales. It is run by Paris-Roubaix winner by Magnus Bagstedt. Christian will be racing across Europe for the 2010 season, including FBD Insurance Ras and the Tour of the Pyrenees. Follow his season at his new website, www.ChristianParrett.com.

SORBA ATL Work Party & Peachtree Bikes Demo Sope Creek Trails 3/14/10 at 1:00 pm We will do a work party to repair some trail areas that need some TLC and
Peachtree Bikes will have bikes from Specialized available for demo. This will all happen from the Paper Mill Rd / Sope Creek car park.  If you plan to work, please wear sturdy shoes -- no sandals, bring your own water, snack, and work gloves. We'll have tools, but if you have a favorite shovel, hoe, rake, or pruners, please bring them as I'm sure you'll have opportunity to use it

Blanket's Creek Work Party From SORBA Woodstock:  Blankets Creek - Work Party this Sat, 3/13 @ 9am This Saturday we will be having a work party at Blankets Creek to resolve some loose ends. First, we will be constructing a new reroute at the beginning of South Loop to avoid a permanent trouble spot. This new section will be tight and twisty through a pine grove. After that we will be working on the Dragon's Tail Extension if which two machines will be cutting all morning. The new berms need to be sculpted.

Tribble Mill Work Parties  SORBA GATR is having several work parties at Tribble Mill this weekend.

North Georgia Rides I grabbed this from an email list.

Celebrate the time change by riding some of Northwest Georgia's fine cycling roads, with events every day from Saturday, March 20, to Sunday, March 28. With the unusually cool winter, your bicycle may have seen more service as a room divider than as a means of conveyance. No problem, these rides will be at a tourist pace.
Willie Weir (http://www.willieweir.com/) is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine, a frequent contributor to public radio station KUOW in Seattle and the author of Spokesongs and Travels with Willie. He is the recipient of gold and bronze Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers. His two-wheel adventures have taken him all over the globe — from the horse tracks of the highlands of Lesotho, to the war-torn roads of Bosnia, to the back roads of Colombia. Now he is here in Northwest Georgia. The events include three weekend rides, five evening rides highlighting some of the region's fine bike shops and three formal talks. The rides will all have informal social events afterward for some casual conversations with Willie. The rides and talks are free and sponsored by Bike! Walk! Northwest Georgia (except for the U-Ride).
Saturday, March 20, will feature a ride leaving at 10 AM from the Paulding Chamber of Commerce on US 278 just west of GA 61 near Dallas. We will ride the Silver Comet (http://www.silvercometga.com) to Rockmart for lunch. The roundtrip is about 40 miles and highlights include a trestle, a tunnel and Coots Lake. Sunday, March 21, the ride will leave at 2 PM from Don Lolo's Mexican Restaurant in LaFayette (321 N. Main St/Business US27, park at the back of the lot) and cycle to McLemore Cove. After a stop at the Cove store and a look around the historic grounds, we will return over the south tip of Pigeon Mountain for a ride of about 42 miles. Dinner will be at Don Lolo's
afterward. Monday, March 22, Willie will talk at noon in Evan's Auditorium at Berry College in Rome. The topic will be "A Frugal Cyclist’s Guide to the Universe". Call him cheap, frugal, a tightwad or an initiator of kindness, but Willie Weir knows how to get the most bang for his buck when it comes to traveling the world. Willie will have you chuckling and leave you wanting to chuck your day job and hit the road! At 6 PM Monday, Trey Smith will lead Willie and you for a tour of Rome and environs by bike. The ride will leave from Cycle Therapy (608 Broad Street, Rome, http://cycletherapy.us/). There will be a social hour afterward. Tuesday, March 23, Willie will sample bike-partisan politics Georgia-style as he participates in Georgia Rides To The Capitol (http://www.georgiaridestothecapitol.org/). We will ride with the group leaving from the north
parking lot of the East Lake MARTA rail station just west of downtown Decatur. The ride will be 5 miles one-way, with some hills, and ridden at a slow pace. Estimated departure time from Decatur is 10:45 a.m. Pre-register on the website for free to help GRTTC plan for the crowd size. At 6 PM Tuesday, Willie will get a tour of Chickamauga Battlefield. We will leave from the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center on LaFayette Road (old US 27) just south of Fort Oglethorpe. The ride will be about 18 miles and we will have dinner at Tony's Italian Restaurant afterward. Wednesday, March 24, at 6 PM Tim Jones and the Red Top Cycling Club (http://www.redtopcy cling.org/) will lead a ride from the Budweiser Brewery (http://hugeelvis.tripod.com/) in Cartersville. The ride will head toward Pine Log for a ride of about 20 miles.Thursday, March 25, at 6 PM, the ride will be from Bear Creek Bikes in Dalton (402 North Park Drive, http://www.bearcreekbikes.com). The ride of 20-26 miles will be lead by Shane Adams – expect a bit of traffic getting out of the city. Friday, March 26, the tour will move to Ellijay and the Cartecay River Bike Shop (131 North Main Street, http://www.cartecaybikes.com/). Mike Palmeri will lead the 20-26 mile ride starting at 5 PM. Saturday, March 27, will be in support of the U-Ride in Calhoun. The ride benefits the United Way of Gordon County and a registration fee is required for the ride (www.calhouncycling.org). Options are 14, 35 and 62 miles and start at 9 AM from the historic railroad Depot in downtown Calhoun. Willie will give a talk at 1 PM on "Cycling Beyond the Headlines: Colombia & Venezuela" Sunday, March 28, Willie will conclude his time in northwest Georgia with a talk on "The Bad Road: Cycling Turkey". The presentation will be at 2 PM in quaint Cave Spring at The Peddler (22 Alabama Street, http://www.thepeddlercavespring com/). Come out and enjoy the extra afternoon riding hour with Willie Weir in beautiful Northwest Georgia. For more information, contact Bill Moll at WHMoll@aol.com or 706-859-7726. Sponsored by Bike! Walk! Northwest Georgia (BWNWGA.org) , the bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee for the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission