News for 3-24-2024
Bearings Bike Works News
From Bearings Bike Work
Win a pair of e-bikes! Picture this: spring in Atlanta has arrived, the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and you’re leisurely rolling down the BeltLine on your new e-bike with a friend. Grab a raffle ticket for this pair of Momentum e-bikes and this could be your future! Tickets are on sale now for $25 each or 6 for $125. One lucky winner will be drawn at our upcoming Speed Week Cycle & Supper event on May 2 – more details below! All proceeds from this raffle will support Bearings’ youth skills development programs for youth in 2024. Thanks to our friends at Outback Bikes for sponsoring this raffle!
Tickets are on sale now for this fun new spring event at Bearings! Join us along with the Paceline Project pro race team for an evening of cycling, socializing, and supper at Bearings’ southwest Atlanta campus. We’re celebrating the excitement of Speed Week and Spin the District’s cycling events while raising funds and awareness for important skills development programming for youth. We hope to see you there!
JOIN US
Fox Race Face Trails Openings
From Prima Tappa Athletic Club
Saturday Fox Race Face Trail Openings – Team Fundraisers Minimum $5.00 Donation per rider. (Suggested Donation $10.00) Students and Coaches registered in the Georgia Cycling Association CCN in 2023 may ride for free. Course Opening Dates: Saturdays, April 13th & 27th and May 11th & 25th. Time: 8AM – 12PM (No entry after 12pm) Full course will be opened = Performance + Turbine + Factory Trails. Helmet required. All riders must stay on trail (No Exploring). Course is counter clockwise. This event takes place from the field out front and not inside the track. Ride within your ability. No riders entering trail after 12 noon. 100% proceeds go to your local middle & high school mountain bike teams! Trish’s Note: These trails are in Braselton, GA and normally closed to the public. Great opportunity to ride them and support Georgia MS and HS MTB teams!
News for 3-20-2024
Sope Creek Parking Lot Closed
From the CNRA
The entrance to Interstate North is CLOSED until further notice, due to an ongoing paving project moving from Powers Island to Interstate North. There will be NO access at this entrance during the project’s duration. Please visit Cochran Shoals at Sope Creek or Columns Drive as alternatives. Please note that there will be NO pedestrian or bicycle entrance to this unit from Interstate North Parkway or connection to the trail system in Cumberland Community Improvement District.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience as we work towards improving our parking lots. Trish’s Note: The workers said it would take about 2 week or longer if there is bad weather. It is closed, closed. You can park at Paper Mill Rd. or Columns Dr. to access the trails at Sope Creek.
Dick Lane Velodrome Workday
From the DLV
Hello DLV enthusiasts! We have our first DLV work day scheduled for Sat March 30th at 10am to 4pm. We have 3 projects to undertake:1)Concession and Bathroom Cleanout 2)Concrete track repair Two workdays equals $50 off a DLV season pass! Please feel free to join us any part of the day! We can use the help! Also we are looking for 2 crew leaders! Please email barmancoach2013 at œgmail if you have an area of expertise in these assignments and feel comfortable leading a group of volunteers. https://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/2024/03/18/work-day-saturday-march-30th-10am
News for 3-19-2024
Georgia Cycling Association Adds Elementary School MTB Program
Press Release
BLUE RIDGE, GA – March 8, 2024 – The Georgia Cycling Association announced today the creation of the ‘Trail Rangers’, a youth mountain bike program for students in grades 3 through 5. This program will be open to all public, private, and home school students and will be activated by community volunteers across the state. “We changed the face of youth mountain biking in Georgia over ten years ago when we announced the creation of our mountain bike league. Today, we do it again as we introduce the Trail Rangers program. Through this program, we aim to introduce kids to the thrills of mountain biking in an environment tailored specifically to elementary-aged children. The result will be a community of young riders who will carry their love for cycling forward in life,” stated Kenny Griffin, Executive Director of the Georgia Cycling Association.
The new elementary school program is designed to provide a mindful and fun environment for children to learn, play, and connect with others through the joys of mountain biking. With a focus on skill development through gameplay, making new friends, and fostering a love of the outdoors, the Trail Rangers emphasizes “play and connect” as its core theme.
The Trail Rangers launch is being made possible through grants from the Chestnut Family Foundation and Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund (AFYF), an associate-led fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Griffin added, “Without the support of these two amazing community-minded organizations, we would not be able to launch this program next year. Georgia is fortunate to have these two foundations that lead with compassion and are dedicated to improving the lives of families across our state.” Ben Chestnut, Trustee of the Chestnut Family Foundation said, “We believe that all children should have access to resources that enable them to be healthy, build self-confidence, and enjoy life. The Trail Rangers program will become exactly that resource in communities throughout Georgia. We are thrilled to support this statewide program which aims to help children develop healthy habits at a young age that can last a lifetime.”
“I had the pleasure of attending a Georgia Cycling Association event and was struck by the remarkable dedication displayed by both youth and parents, despite the promise of little to no lucrative rewards. This dedication speaks volumes about the importance of such events to those involved. The high-energy level activities required at these events align perfectly with AFYF’s guiding theme, ensuring that children remain active for the betterment of their future. Organizations like Georgia Cycling not only promote physical health but also instill invaluable character qualities from an early age,” said Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund Committee Member, Obi Cheyney.
Additional details including the locations of Trail Rangers programs and registration information are expected to be released in the second half of 2024. The inaugural Trail Rangers season is scheduled to begin March 3, 2025. Those who are interested in receiving updates regarding the Trail Rangers launch can sign up at trailrangers.georgiacycling.org
About Georgia Cycling Association The Georgia Cycling Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people across the state of Georgia through the active and healthy lifestyle of cycling. With a mission to inspire Georgians to get outside and ride a mountain bike, the Georgia Cycling Association activates inclusive programs that champion the interests of everyone who rides or wants to ride a bicycle in Georgia. A “no tryout” philosophy ensures programs are open to all Georgia students. For more information, visit georgiacycling.org.
Bull Mountain Work Party
From Northeast Georgia SORBA
Bull Mountain MTB trails, Sat., March 30 9:30 am-1:30 pm Meet at the parking area on Winding Stair Road (FS77) just north of FS 28-1. This is the old Gamecheck location. Here are the coordinates for the meeting parking lot(34.5860330, -84.1247250) We will carpool over to Lance Creek area. Sign-in at 9:30. We will bring the tools. Lunch will be provided to those that RSVP. Send email to negasorba@gmail.com no later than March 27 if you want lunch. Stick around for social time afterwards. We are planning to work on Bare Hare trail. Check back here for updates/changes due to weather. USFS requires you wear a hard hat or bike helmet. Bring gloves, wear long pants, closed toed shoes, personal items (water, snacks, etc). We really need some help to fix some problem spots here. No experience necessary. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please RSVP so we can have enough tools on hand for the work day.
News for 3-18-2024
Atlanta Cycling Festival
From the ACF
2024 Atlanta Cycling Festival! Saturday, May 11, 2024 8:00 AM-Saturday, May 18, 2024 10:00 PM We are back for our 10th Year! Eight days of amazing cycling rides and events all over the city and beyond. We are building the schedule right now so keep checking back!! What’s coming up? Bicycle Fashion Show, Dirty Sheets Ride, Bicycle Speed Dating, And so much more! You can look forward to classics like: Opening Bash, Intercontinental Cocktail Ride, Black Coffee, Viewpoints, Donut Ride, Closing Bash at Halfway Crooks!
Roswell Mayor’s Ride
From Roswell City Hall
Early Registration for the 2024 Roswell Mayor’s Ride is open! Plan to attend this fun-filled local event that kicks off the day of activities in downtown Roswell! We are offering the 18, 43, and 60-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 rolling SAG support from Regal INEOS Grenadier. Pre-ride mechanical support will be available from Roswell Bicycles and of course, there will be T-shirts for the first 500 pre-registered riders! The rider lunch from Lucky’s Burger and Brew at the Heart of Roswell Park will feature beverages courtesy of Gate City Brewing Co. served by our friends at Top Job Beverage and Event! Roswell Moves! An Open Street event will follow with live music from Rock N’ Taco and Mojo Vinyl, outdoor activities, kids’ events, food and fun for everyone! EARLY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – Enjoy discounted rates for early registration through March 31st, 2024! 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!
VOLUNTEER! Did you know to put on events like Roswell Moves and the Mayor’s Ride takes nearly 100 volunteer spots? Even if you are riding we have plenty of opportunities for volunteering before and after the ride. Invite your family and friends to volunteer as well. Volunteers make the event happen so we need your help!
News for 3-15-2024
Pedal Hilton Head Island Coming Up Soon!
From Pedal HHI:
The deadline for registering to receive your packets in the mail for Pedal Hilton Head Island is this Sunday, March 17! If riders register after 3/17, they have to come to The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head to pick up their ride packets.
News for 3-12-2024
Mt. Tabor Work Party
From MTB Atlanta
Saturday, March 16 9am-Noon We have 3 projects at Mt Tabor that we can make quick work of.
1 Booger extension. Tom Hutcheson has laid out a pretty sweet extension that utilizes more of the interior of Booger and adds almost a half mile to Booger! Needs to be blown, raked and cleared in spots.
2 Rocks of Doom reroute bridge. Theres a small creek crossing that JK land has donated several long pallets for us to build a bridge over the this crossing.
3 if we have time and enough people. We have laid out a brand new trail that goes around the baseball fields that need to be cleared in the CCW direction. Lots a fallen pines and small Trees that need to be cleared.
All of this, weather permitting, would be a great start in our plan to return Tabor to its former glory.
News for 3-10-2024
Fire Mountain Inferno Race
Press Release
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Announces Dates for 2024 Fire Mountain Inferno: Voted Best Bike Race
Cherokee, NC – February 8, 2024 – The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians proudly announces the dates for the highly anticipated 2024 Fire Mountain Inferno, a premier mountain biking event set in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Hosted at the Cherokee Welcome Center and traversing the exhilarating Fire Mountain Trails in Cherokee, NC, this event promises two days of adrenaline-pumping action.
Scheduled to take place from May 4th to May 5th, 2024, the Fire Mountain Inferno is poised to captivate riders and spectators alike with its breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain. Organized by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this year’s event will feature riders of all skill levels.
Divided into four categories – expert, sport, beginner, and junior – participants will tackle a variety of challenges, from thrilling descents to grueling cross-country routes, as they navigate the renowned Fire Mountain Trails. With the full support of the Eastern Band, attendees can anticipate an unparalleled experience celebrating the rich heritage and natural wonders of Cherokee.
“We are thrilled to unveil the dates for the 2024 Fire Mountain Inferno,” said Sean Ross, Secretary of Commerce of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “This event not only showcases the extraordinary talent and skill of mountain bikers but also underscores the beauty and vitality of our community. Being voted the Best Bike Race is a testament to the dedication of our participants and the enduring spirit of Cherokee. We eagerly anticipate welcoming riders and spectators for an unforgettable weekend of racing and celebration.”
For more information about the 2024 Fire Mountain Inferno, including registration details and event updates, please visit Fire Mountain Inferno Enduro Weekend – Glory Hound Events. Event Information.
Woodall Silver Comet-Beltline Connector Breaks Ground
From the Sapporta Report
Trish’s Note: This is in the City of Atlanta and is being built by the city. Not to be confused with the real Silver Comet Connector being built by PATH in Cobb County/Smyrna.
“The first section of the Silver Comet Trail Connector is coming to fruition. The Woodall Rail Trail broke ground in late February and when completed early next year, it will connect the future Northwest BeltLine trail to an area near The Works on Atlanta’s Westside.
It’s the first section of a larger connector that looks to join the two popular biking paths, the Atlanta BeltLine and Silver Comet Trail. Currently, Silver Comet Trail spans nearly 100 miles and connects Metro Atlanta with parts of Alabama. The Atlanta Beltline continues to be developing beyond the popular Eastside Trail, which connects Ponce City Market with other destinations like Piedmont Park and Krog Street Market.
Elizabeth Hollister, Executive Director, Upper Westside Community Improvement District (CID), believes the Woodall Rail Tail project will help the residents of the Westside.
“The goal of the Woodall Rail Trail was to connect density and nature so the trail serves residents and workers on weekdays and, on weekends, welcomes visitors, too,” said Hollister.” Read the full article below.
News for 3-5-2024
Barn Quilt Round Up
From MTB Atlanta
Sat., March 16 1-4:30 pm Join us for the second annual Barn Quilt Round Up, a mixed surface gravel bicycle ride/adventure/scavenger hunt and a fundraiser for MTB Atlanta on Saturday March 16th at 1 PM.
Based on the Barn Quilt Trail of Chattahoochee Hills, we will give you a map and a 2.5 hour time limit for you to gather up pictures of as many of Barn Quilts as you can muster. When you get done present your pictures for points for raffle tickets that we will draw for $700 plus value in prizes. You choose your route, you choose your bike. The ride will start at MTB Atlanta’s “Goode Camp.” (Trish’s Note: Near Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills, GA) We will stage out of a field with ports johns with plenty of parking and we will have food trucks and a fire pit. Registration is a $45 donation through Bikereg to MTB Atlanta. Register here: https://www.bikereg.com/barn-quilt-round-up-24
Mountain Goat Adventures News
From Mountain Goat Adventures
Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mile MTB Race presented by Van Michael Men – March 30, 2024 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 2024 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 8th – Register by this date to guarantee shirt size. $50 Entry Fee through March 9th!! All riders who register before March 8 will receive one of our super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirts and FREE RACE PHOTO DOWNLOADS from Dashing Images. 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 10 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!
Rope Mill Fast+Furious 15 Mile Mountain Bike Race presented by Northside Hospital – Cherokee – May 25, 2024 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 2024 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 3 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. HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO RUN? We are also offering a separate 10k or half marathon trail run on a similar course in the morning before the bike race!
Blankets Creek 3 and 6 Hour Mountain Bike Race presented by Free-Flite Bicycles – September 28, 2024 at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton, GA!
Make plans to join us for the Blankets Creek 3 and 6 Hour Race presented by Free-Flite Bicycles on September 28th! 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. Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories, podium shirts for all first place finishers. The 2024 race course will be ridden CLOCKWISE on both Dwelling and VMT.
Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon and Trail Run presented by Northside Hospital – Cherokee – November 9, 2024 at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock, GA!
This is everyone’s favorite event where you can race as a solo or on a team. Pair up with your spouse or kids! The opening bike loop will be 5.5 miles on the Mill Trails, followed by a 3.3 mile trail run on Explorer, and finally a 5.5 mile bike on the Avalanche Trails. The course covers all the trails at Rope Mill Park! Solo, 2 and 3 person beginner/family team categories are available in the duathlon. We will be using traditional mountain bike race categories, as we have done in the past, to help alleviate congestion on the opening bike loop. The run is short enough that those who do not typically run still have plenty of time to start training! All participants receive a super comfy t-shirt and those that register by October 18th also receive a commemorative swag item. Prizes and awards presented to the top 3 in each duathlon category. Post race snacks and drinks available. HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ONLY WANT TO RUN? We are also offering a separate 3.3 mile trail run on the Explorer Trails at this event for those who would prefer to just participate in a run.
Volunteer Opportunities and Trail Work Parties!
We are partnering with SORBA Woodstock to bring you these events. SORBA Woodstock has built and maintains the trails at both Blankets Creek and Rope Mill Park. These events serve as major fundraisersfor the Chapter – please come out and show your support by either racing or volunteering! Want to volunteer at these events for SORBA Woodstock? We need you! Please send an email directly to lisa@mountaingoatadventures.com with your shirt size and availability. Volunteers are needed for registration, parking, course marshaling and bike patrol. Want to help work on your local trails? Visit the SORBA Woodstock Website and view the calendar for work party dates and locations. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring your own water. SORBA Woodstock provides the rest. This is a chance to help give back to the trails. SORBA Woodstock could not maintain our wonderful trails without the help of a small army of generous volunteers like you!
News for 3-4-2024
Charleston Park Work Party
From RAMBO
It’s about to be Charleston Park’s turn again for some fixing and refinement! Join us on Saturday, March 16th from 10am to 1pm. There will be tools, pizza, and lots of camaraderie as we continue to get the trails ready for the season. Please RSVP to rambomtb@gmail.com and let us know if you are coming!
Silver Comet Trail Connector
From the Marietta Daily Journal
“SMYRNA — Construction is bringing the Silver Comet Trail closer to the Chattahoochee River and toward the ultimate goal of connecting with the Atlanta Beltline.
Two Cobb projects will help shrink that gap.
The first, being constructed and financed by the PATH Foundation at a cost of just over $1 million, extends the Silver Comet Trail on 2.3 miles of railway that CSX abandoned in 2023. That former railway is now owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation and leads to Plant Atkinson Road.
The second project, which is by the Cobb County Department of Transportation at a cost of $3 million, will pick up at Plant Atkinson Road and be constructed along Atlanta Road to the Chattahoochee River.” Read the full article. Trish’s Note: The article goes into detail about the construction and is worth a read. From my views (as in actually looking at the Connector from driving and riding by it) I believe PATH’s estimate of late summer/early fall to have it done.
News for 3-1-2024
Topview Sports News
From Topview Sports
Hey Racers, Its time to start getting ready for SpeedWeek and Topview Sports has you covered. We have 3 Downtown Crits coming as part of 3 great race weekends in March-April. The NorthBeast Cycling Classic in Cornelia, GA, The Outdoor Capital Classic in Jackson, GA and the Tiger Town Omnium in Clemson, SC. Each of these weekends will have a Road Race, Time Trial and a Downtown Criterium. Don’t wait until Speedweek to go fast or to see how fast your rivals are going. Get prepared early. Another great event coming this weekend also in Mobile, AL with another RR, TT and Crit on tap. Come down and enjoy the fun at the Mobile Cycling Classic.
The NorthBeast will feature New Road Race courses. Thats right 2 courses, Long and Short. Long course will be ONLY for Men and Women Collegiate A, Pro 1-3 Men and Masters 40+/50+. Both maps are on our website. The short course is just under 4 miles long with a couple of short climbs. Only one is small chainring, but maybe large ring on raceday. The long course features a gravel ¾ mile climb just like you’d see in Strada Bianche or other famous Euro races. Its not steep at only 5.5% Avg Grade. And the road is very hard packed tree covered and not dusty at this time of year. This course is tough for sure and won’t be a sprinters delight but when the skinny guys try to escape on the climb they can get brought back on the long fast downhill. Test your comfort zone and try something challenging and not easy. Bring your A game for sure. Are you still reading? Use the coupon code “KeptReading” on BikeReg to save 10% on any one of these three great events… NorthBeast ~ Outdoor Capital ~ Tiger Town
View all of our race calendar and details… https://www.topviewsports.com/ See you at the races, Tim- Dayna and the Topview Crew
News for 2-26-2024
Magnet Man
From Georgia Public Broadcasting Television
“If you’ve ever gotten a flat tire from a rusty nail, you know roads are full of unseen hazards. One Atlanta man has taken it upon himself to do something about those hazards: Alex Benigno, also known on Instagram as Atlanta Magnet Man. Using a bike trailer equipped with magnets, he canvases Atlanta roads, picking up all manner of debris.” Read the full article. Trish’s Note: Alex has been in the news all over Atlanta the last few weeks be sure to check out his Instagram for some cool stuff!
News for 2-23-2024
Road to Unbound for Lauren DeCrescenzo Begins at Border Wars
From Cyclingnews.com:
Lauren De Crescenzo hits the reset button in a big way this weekend to begin a fourth season dedicated to gravel. She’s raced for 13 years, most recently with a multiple-discipline programme with Cinch Rise, but the 2021 Unbound Gravel 200 champion now proudly declares herself as a professional gravel cyclist with ‘a side of road’.
De Crescenzo left Cinch over the winter to pursue a solo privateer career. It’s not unfamiliar territory for the 33-year-old, who excels in time trials and hits the gas for solo efforts in just about any type of race.
“Starting a new phase of my career as an independent athlete has brought a whole new set of challenges as well as a new excitement and freedom to racing my bike,” she told Cyclingnews. Read the full article. Trish’s Note: Border Wars is this Saturday in Franklin, GA.
Spin for Special Ops
Press release
The 3rd Annual SPIN FOR SPECIAL OPS (SFSO) charity ride will be on Saturday, May 25, 2024. SFSO volunteers look 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. Sign up now.
