News for 2-15-2022
Bearing Bike Works Swap Meet
From Bearings
Bearings’ biggest cycling sale yet is less than two weeks away! Come shop our Swap Meet on February 25th from 9-12 and score amazing deals on new and used gear, apparel, parts, components, bikes, and more from Bearings and other local vendors. While you shop, you’ll have the chance to learn more about Bearings’ youth programs and 2023 events, grab some fresh coffee (first 50 shoppers get a free coffee on Bearings!), and spin our prize wheel to win fun swag!
Want to sell with us? Are you interested in selling your own gear or bikes to a large customer base? Are you part of a cycling group or bike shop that would like to share information and connect with attendees at this event? We’d love to have you participate! You can rent a table to sell your gear or parts for just $20, purchase a spot in our monitored bike corral to sell your bike for $10, or sign up to share info about your cycling group or club at no charge! Email jessi@bearingsbikeworks.org for more info, or click below to register now.
REGISTER Join us for a group ride! Hoping to get a ride in the morning of the Swap Meet? We’ve got you covered! Bearings friend and volunteer Axel is hosting a group ride for anyone interested! Wheels down from Bearings at 9:30am for an in-town no-drop 20-mile ride.
https://bearingsbikeworks.org/swap-meet
News for 2-14-2022
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I hope you got your bikes something nice!
Lake Russell Work Party
From Biking Lake Russell
Saturday, Feb. 18 8:45am-1:00 pm Lake Russell Work Party. We will be working on a new reroute on the Sourwood Trail from Nancytown Road down to the new bridge just completed by the Forest Service. The reroute will improve the trail sustainability and should create an improved user experience. We will be scheduling more work days for the winter/spring to continue working on this reroute of the Sourwood Trail. 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 be providing lunch at this work day…
News for 2-9-2023
Lauren De Crescenzo Races Chainbuster Gobbler 6/3 MTB Race
In her latest column in Velonews Lauren De Crescenzo highlights racing the Chainbuster Gobbler 6/3 hour MTB Race at the Georiga International Horse Park in Conyers, GA. Read the full article.
Twilight First in American Criterium Cup
Twilight will be the first race in the 2023 American Criterium Cup Series on April 23. Sunny King follows that as the 2nd race on May 6. The American Criterium Cup wraps up on Sept. 3 in St. Louis, MO.
WBL # 11 Gruber Images Lula Lobotomy World Cup
When: Saturday, February 11th
Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points)
Time: 10 a.m. (window open)
Length: 110 miles. 5.5 hours (103 without final Pink Church Loop)
Points 6: 1 per hour (must sign in)
Store Stop: Lula Mile 59
Pee Break: mile 23, 80
Intermediate Sprint: Moccasin Gap. Jackie Crowell Women’s Moccasin Gap Sprint**Non Pro Moccasin Gap Sprint** PRO Moccasin Gap Sprint
Final Attack Zone: Pink Church Loop.
https://www.facebook.com/winterbikeleague/
News for 2-3-2023
Spin for Special Ops
From Spin for Special Ops
The 2nd Annual SPIN FOR SPECIAL OPS (SFSO) charity ride will be on Saturday, May 27, 2023. SFSO volunteers are looking forward to hosting cyclists for a great day on the bike with post-ride lunch and festivities. The event will start at 8:15 am at 100 Busch Drive, NE (the Budweiser Plant) in Cartersville, GA. There will be 30, 63 and 100 mile options with SAG, mechanical support, rest stops, and T-shirts. Participants can also buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a Wahoo ELMNT ROAM bike computer and Wahoo POWRLINK pedals.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the 501c3 nonprofit “Operation One Voice” (O1V). O1V supports the needs of critically wounded or fallen Special Operations Forces and their families. Early registration discounts are available through Friday, March 31st.
News for 2-2-2023
Speedweek Dates Announced
From Swagger/Speed Week
Speed Week 2023 Schedule
April 21 – ATHENS, GEORGIA (Twilight) – KICK OFF
April 22 – ATHENS, GEORGIA
April 23 – LaGRANGE, GEORGIA
April 25 – UNION CITY, GEORGIA
April 26 – PEACHTREE CORNERS, GEORGIA
April 28 – SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
April 29 – HAPEVILLE, GEORGIA
April 30 – COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA
Joey Rosskopf Velonews Article
Georgian Joey Rosskopf talks about his new team Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team and his decision to get uncomfortable with making some changes in this Velonews article.
WBL # 9: The Team Type 1 Foundation Elberton Granite Festival
From the WBL
When: Saturday, 4th February Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points) Time: 10 a.m. (window open)
Length: 92 miles
Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41912610
Points 5: 1 per hour
Store Stop: Elberton- Mile 41 Pee Break: mile 23, 65
Intermediate Sprints:Jackie Crowell Women’s Sprint– Smithonia Historic District Sign (mile 15 ). 500 meter dash, Non Pro: Sander’s BBQ Restaurant Sign Sprint at Mile 52.5. Opens at mile 50 after crossing the Broad River. 2ish miles uphill.
PRO Sprint: Yo Simpson Presents the Gene Dixon Hill Jam (Mile 74 inside the final attack zone): WBL line in the road at the top of the third hump in the final attack zone (sponsored by Rob Yo Simpson) Final Attack Zone: 10 Miles / Gene Dixon’s)
News for 2-1-2023
Pedal Hilton Head
From Pedal Hilton Head
The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island will host their 16th annual cycling fundraiser, “Pedal Hilton Head”, on Sunday, May 7th, 2023. The event is the Club’s second largest annual fundraiser and is expected to raise over $100,000 and draw 700 cyclists. All proceeds go directly to support the Club’s mission to serve local youth.
There are six, staged route options for cyclists to choose from and ride in on Sunday morning starting as early as 7:30 AM. All routes start and finish at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Those ride options range from a 2-mile family-friendly option to a 62- mile Metric Century ride for avid cyclists (with several options in between).
“Riders of various levels of experience will enjoy carefully planned, safe, scenic routes through beautiful Hilton Head Island,” said Committee Co-Chair, Russell Whiteford. “It’s a fun ride with a great cause!” Pedal Hilton Head Island has exciting updates in 2023, including never-before access to Sea Pines Resort for the 62-mile ride. Pedal will also host a pre-party event at The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head on Saturday, May 6th complete with live music, beer & wine, and food options. This themed event will draw riders to the Club to bring a sense of community and purpose to the Sunday ride. Riders who register after April 2nd will also be able to pick up their t-shirts and ride package (those who register before will receive it in the mail.)
After the riding event Sunday, participants and the families will enjoy a light meal that is included in the cost of their event registration. All registered participants (except for the family registration) will receive a complimentary Pedal Hilton Head 2023 T-Shirt, backpack and other goodies provided by sponsors. Close to fifty percent of the nearly 700 registered riders of Pedal Hilton Head Island are expected to be from greater than 50 miles away. Pedal Hilton Head Island has partnered with two hotels to provide accommodations discounts for visitors. The town of Hilton Head and local businesses appreciate this welcome bump in hospitality the first weekend in May. For preferred hotels, please visit: www.pedalhhi.org/travel. Registration fees start as low as $50 for a family fun ride with up to five family members, or ride for a specific Club member for $300. Early registration for a single rider is $70 and ends 2/5/23. Registration is only at www.pedalhhi.org.
News for 1-31-2023
Help Identify Driver That Hits Cyclist Gwinett County, GA
If you know this drivers, please call the Gwinnett County GA PD! The case number is in the Fox5 article. This happened several days ago to a NCGA rider. Thankfully he is ok. You’ll notice they are legally riding 2 abreast.
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/cyclist-recovering-after-being-struck-by-vehicle-in-gwinnett-county
Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mile MTB Race presented by Van Michael Men
From Mountain Goat Adventures
Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mile MTB Race presented by Van Michael Men – April 1, 2023 at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton, GA! Are you ready to get shreddy?
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. The categories for 2023 are age based, so that all riders can choose between the 15 mile course (1 lap) and 30 mile course (2 laps). Junior categories available in both race distances. 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 so you do not miss out. No racing license required for any of our events! GUARANTEED SHIRT SIZE DEADLINE March 10th – Register by this date to guarantee shirt size All riders who register before March 10 will receive one of our super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirts and a commemorative surprise swag item. 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. Staggered starts by category for rider/volunteer safety.Have family members that like to run? We also have a 5 and 9 mile trail run before the bike race starts! This event is a major fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock, so please come out and support your local trails!
NEW EVENT!!! Rope Mill Fast+Furious 15 Mile Mountain Bike Race presented by Northside Hospital – Cherokee – May 27, 2023 at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock, GA! Make plans to join us for our newest event! This Fast+Furious 15 course features nearly all the trails at Rope Mill Park and will begin along the concrete path to allow riders to space out before entering the singletrack portion of the course. Riders will turn right at the bridge and complete Moore’s Pass, Power House, Raceway and Turbine all in a clockwise direction. These trails are farily wide and allow for passing. Riders will then return across the bridge and complete Explorer Loops 1, 2, and 3 counter-clockwise. The course returns to the start/finish via singletrack trail that links Explorer to the parking lot, crosses the parking lot, then heads onto the Avalanche Trail where riders will proceed counter-clockwise on the Avalance Trail Loops 1, 2, and 3 and then head back to the start/finish to complete the course.
The categories for 2023 are age based and the same as we are using for the Blankets Creek Dirty 15 Mile Race. You can see full details and a list of categories on the ROPE MILL FAST+FURIOUS 15 WEBSITE. All riders who register before May 5 will receive one of our super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirts and a commemorative surprise swag item. Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories, podium shirts for all first place finishers.
News for 1-30-2023
Roswell Mayor’s Ride
From Bike Roswell
Early Registration for the 2023 Roswell Mayor’s Ride is now open! Plan to attend this fun-filled local event that kicks-off the day of activities in downtown Roswell! See our Event Page for Details! We are offering the 19, 43 and 64 mile routes you have come to know and love. We will once again have the friendly and helpful support of local sponsors for our fully stocked rest-stops and we will have rolling SAG support as well. Pre-ride mechanical support will be available as it has been in the past and of course there will be T-Shirts for the first 500 pre-registered riders. The Rider Lunch at the Heart of Roswell Park and “Roswell Moves!” open street event will follow with live music, outdoor activities, kids events, food and fun for everyone!
Enjoy discounted rates for early registration through March 31st, 2023! Bike Roswell members will receive a $10 discount on their early registration! If you are not a current member, consider joining Bike Roswell and support the organization that worked to get Roswell the first Bicycle Friendly Community designation in Georgia! We will provide more information in the weeks to come – stay tuned!
News for 1-27-2023
Atlantan Aisha McGowen Back To Racing in the Women’s World Tour
Velonews.com
Ayesha McGowan finally achieved her dream last year by earning a WorldTour contract with Liv Racing Xstra, but it came to an abrupt stop less than two months in.
McGowan suffered from digestion issues for more than five years, but it came to a head early last year when she was struggling to eat what she needed to sustain herself.
Just six races, five of which had ended with DNFs, into her season, the 35-year-old had to pull the plug on her program.
After undergoing medical tests, McGowan was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, and underwent surgery in June. Now fully recovered and with another yearlong contract on the table with the team, which is now called Liv Racing TeqFind, she is raring to go.
“I’m really excited. I just want to get going. I feel like the past few years, I’ve had these huge training blocks to prepare for things, and then something happened. And so I really want to have a full season this year and finally show myself what I can do,” McGowan told VeloNews.
Read the full article:
https://www.velonews.com/news/road/back-from-the-brink-ayesha-mcgowan-ready-to-race-illness-ruined-her-full-worldtour-debut/
News for 1-26-2023
WBL #9
From the Winter Bike League
WBL # 9: The Parks Law Godfrey Classic in Memory of Alan Thompson
When: Saturday, 28th January, Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points), Time: 10 a.m. (window open), Length: 105 mules. 5 hours.
Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41862882
Points 5: 1 per hour (must sign in), Store Stop: Mile 59 Buckhead Grocery, Pee Break: mile 22, 83
Intermediate Sprints: Jackie Crowell Women’s Sprint (mile 29), Non Pro: Buckhead City Limit Sign Mile 58.5, PRO: “Flat” Rock Hill Grind (mile 92) inside the final attack zone.
News 1-25-2023
National Cycling League Races Announced
From Cyclingnews.com:
“Organisers of the newly-launched National Cycling League (NCL) disclosed the calendar dates of their four-city criterium racing series, opening at Miami Beach, Florida on Saturday, April 8. Atlanta, Georgia will host the second stop in its downtown corridor on May 14, with the final two stops in late summer, August 13 in Denver, Colorado and September 10 in Washington, D.C.
A field of 10 invitation-only teams, each with six men and six women, are expected to compete across the series to determine the winner of the 2023 NCL Cup in September, where a $1 million prize purse will be divided among the top five teams. Two teams, both owned by the NCL, have been confirmed for the series – Miami Nights and Denver Disruptors. Eight additional teams are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.”
Read the full article:
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/miami-beach-opens-national-cycling-league-series-april-8/
News for 1-24-2023
Silver Comet Connector
This tidbit was found by someone in a Silver Comet Facebook group. It looks like the Silver Comet Connector is scheduled to have construction bids start this spring and finished trail in the fall of 2024.
https://splost.cobbcounty.org/SPLOST_M_2016/mobile_Dot_FactSheet.aspx
Atlanta Business Journal Article
I can across this great article about Smyrna Bicycles (Tom Butler) and why they opened near the Silver Comet in the Atlanta Business Journal. The general article is about how bike trails attract businesses and homes along their paths. There are also some good quotes from Jeph Brugoon, who owns Comet Trail Cycles in Mableton.
News for 1-23-2023
Lauren De Crescenzo Column
Georgia Cyclocross Women’s Cat. 1/2 State Champion has a new column in Velonews about her decision to do the Lifetime Grand Prix in 2023. She and fellow gravel pro Ian Boswell will be at the Chainbuster Racing Gobbler 6/3 MTB race at the Georgia International Horse Park on Jan. 29.
