5-23-2020 AP Challenge Bike Ride From the promoter: Join us for the upcoming AP Challenge Bike Ride on Saturday, August 15th! Bike Ride Registration begins at 6:45 AM & Bike Ride starts promptly at 8 AM. The meeting place is Assembly of Praise @ Lula. The scenic route will take cyclists through the wondrous landscapes including Apple Pie Ridge. The route options include the 20 mile, 50 mile, and the metric century. All routes are well marked with SAG vehicle support and have well stocked rest stops. Registrants also receive a delicious post-ride meal. Early registrants receive a free T-shirt and discounted registration fee of $35 if registration is completed by August 1st! (Registration/Event Waiver forms along with payment are needed for application process to be complete.) We look forward to meeting you at the AP Challenge Bike Ride and we are thankful in advance for your help with this most worthwhile cause. If you have questions about registration or would like to make a non-taxable donation to the AP Challenge Bike Ride, ple]
MTB Time Trial Series at Road Atlanta Come support our local middle and high school Georgia League mountain bike teams every Tuesday evening in June. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to ride the private Fox RaceFace XC Course at Road Atlanta which is only open to the public a few times a year. This is a 4 race series in June with an overall championship on June 30. See more information here.
https://www.facebook.com/PrimaTappaCycling/photos/gm.2524330014550481/1375614722598809/?type=3&theater
5-22-2020 Calendar Updates I’m putting the races back up at the top of the page. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE PROMOTER TO MAKE SURE THE RACE IS STILL HAPPENING. I’m trying to keep everything updated, but things change daily. All calendars are updated for the June races as of today. I’ll start updating July in a few days.
5-21-2020 Marietta Crit Returns The Marietta Crit will return Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 pm. $5 donation to pay for the police officer to watch the corner as required by the business park. 60 minutes. Fast.
Connect the Comet Update From Connect the Comet The first on-site steps toward extending the Silver Comet Trail into Atlanta have begun! Rails and ties are being removed by CSX from the 2.3 mile section of right of way donated by CSX to GDOT. Work started at Plant Atkinson Rd, which will be the southern end point of the trail on the former railroad right-of-way. Machines are working north and the clearing project will soon be visible at Oakdale Rd. GDOT and the PATH Foundation are in the process of executing an agreement that will allow for completion of the abandonment. Cobb County will then survey the corridor and PATH design work is scheduled for the fall of 2020 with trail construction in 2021. This segment will bring the trail on a safe and level route under the East West Connector, South Cobb Drive and I-285. This will be the first of two segments to get the trail to the Chattahoochee River. From Plant Atkinson Rd south, Cobb County plans to facilitate the construction of the trail to the Chattahoochee River within the Atlanta Rd right-of-way. Funding has not been approved by Cobb County for the Atlanta Rd segment but the Cobb Board of Commissioners will decide on whether it is part of the next SPLOST in early 2021. Once across the river via the Atlanta Rd bridge, the latest plan is to connect to the Whetstone Creek Trail and from there to the Atlanta BeltLine near Marietta Boulevard via a route TBD. While the State of GA has first right of refusal on the remaining 4.2 miles of track from Plant Atkinson Rd to Collier Rd, CSX currently has no plans to sell it and is actively using the line south of the Chattahoochee River for switching Howell yard. CSX just repaired its railroad bridge over Defoors Ferry Rd.
As previously announced on Sept 30th 2019, the PATH Foundation received its largest private donation yet; $6 million from the Atlanta based James M. Cox Foundation. The grant will go toward PATH’s “Mile 300” campaign, which aims to complete the organization’s 300th mile of trail by its 30th anniversary in 2021. Please consider a donation to the PATH Foundation. Rails have been on this right of way since the Seaboard Airline Railroad built its line from Atlanta to Birmingham in 1903. In 1988 much of it was abandoned and ultimately repurposed to the trail we have today. This remnant had rails for 117 years and was once the route of the “Silver Comet” passenger train.
5-19-2020 CRNRA Parking Update All parking lots for the CRNRA (including Sope Creek) area open including Columns Drive. I was out there last week, and there were bit boulders placed across the Columns lot. I assume they had to get a bulldozier in there to remove them.
Silver Comet Bathrooms Starting Thursday the bathrooms at Tara Drummond in Paulding County will be open. No word on the rest of the trailheads in Paulding. Cobb facilities remain closed.
5-14-2020 Six Gap News Press Release May is recognized across the U.S. as National Bike Month and organizers for the Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty bicycle ride want to motivate cyclists to register and train for the fall event. A new “no risk” refund policy has been adopted for 2020, and a $20 discount is in place to recognize Bike Month. As one of the most challenging “bucket list” rides in the U.S., the 32nd annual event continues as scheduled on Sunday, September 27. The featured 104-mile bicycle route offers 11,200 feet of elevation gain. During Bike Month, a $20 discount is being offered to encourage early registrations. The regular fee for each individual is $86. A new refund policy has been adopted to provide flexible options for participants. Should the event be cancelled later in the summer due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, participants can defer payments to 2021, request a refund, or donate the registration fee to the beneficiary partner, ConnectAbility.
The Six Gap Century’s challenging 104-mile route traverses six of the steepest climbs in the North Georgia Mountains. The toughest climb on the century, Hogpen Gap, averages a gradient of seven percent for 7 miles. Part of this segment along the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway reaches gradients of 15 percent. The Six Gap route also hugs the base of Brasstown Bald Mountain, the highest point in Georgia, using Jack’s Gap and crosses the Appalachian Trail three times. The Three Gap Fifty offers a 58-mile course with 6,385 vertical feet of climbing. This route includes Neels Gap, Wolf Pen Gap and Woody Gap. Wolf Pen Gap road is 11.8 miles long and has been called the most twisting road in the state. The 35-mile Valley Ride was added in 2010. This route provides undulating country roads to Turner’s Corner and back. One flat price applies for any of the three ride options. The Bike Month discounted registration is $66 – click here. Each registration includes a custom T-shirt, snacks and beverages at multiple rest stops, changing rooms and showers, and a post-ride spaghetti dinner (from 11am-6pm). One dollar from each registration will be donated to ConnectAbility, a Dahlonega-based community not for profit organization which encourages and enriches children and adults with disabilities. The Race for a Reason program empowers and equips individuals with disabilities to participate in sporting events, giving them the chance to train and compete in athletic events using racing wheelchairs, handcycles and a supportive group of teammates.
5-13-2020 Giordana Velodrome is Open From Facebook Starting today, Tuesday, May 12, 2020; the Giordana Velodrome will re-open, with new guidelines and safety measures. Programming is suspended until further notice. Only 5 riders/hour.
Fox Trail Days Support local NICA teams by riding the FOX Raceface XC Course at Road Atlanta! A $5 minimum donation is suggested. Trish’s Note: This trail is closed to the public except for a few days/year. It’s a lot of fun and worth the drive and donation!
5-11-2020 Sope Creek Opens Sope Creek MTB Trails open back up Monday according to the CRNRA. Warning: The bathrooms are closed. Parking fees are waived. As of today, I do not know of any metro area trails that will not be open starting 5-11-2020 unless they are closed because of rain or weather conditions. Most bathrooms & facilities are still closed. As always, check to see if you favorite trails are open before you ride.
Silver Comet Bathrooms As with mtb trails, bathrooms in Cobb and Paulding Counties remain closed as of 5-11-2020. I expect this to remain the situation for time to come. Bathrooms in Polk County are open, and all along the Chief Ladigra Trail are reported open. The Depot in Cedartown is closed.
5-8-2020 Mountain Bike Trail Update Most mtb trails in metro Atlanta and north Georgia have reopened. Facilities/bathrooms may be closed. Trails I know of that are still closed: Lost Mountain (Cobb County will open it May 11) and Sope Creek. All of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area remains closed. Random PortaPotties include Wild Horse Creek Trail (look left over the Noses Creek Bridge going west, and you’ll see it just beyond the parking lot), RAMBO parking lot, & Paulding County Chamber of Commerce. Trees are abundant off of the Silver Comet. Watch out for poison ivy.
St. Paddy O’Pedal Cancelled From OBDCC: (sad face-this is a great ride) The St Paddy O’Pedal Ride to Conquer Childhood Cancer benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has become a tradition on the early spring Atlanta cycling calendar. Noted for its great course, friendly and attractive volunteers, great food and beer, and for raising over $200,000 to help children and families affected by cancer. So, it is with great regret that we are announcing that the 2020 St Paddy O’Pedal, which had been postponed until June 14, 2020, is officially cancelled. We do not feel comfortable that we can put on a safe event during these uncertain times, given our past participants have exceeded 1,000 riders and supporters. See their Facebook page for information on picking up packets. Packets will be mailed to out of town riders.
5-7-2020 Truett McConnell University Hiring for Cycling Coach Truett McConnell University is looking for a for Cycling Coach for their intercollegiate mountain bike team. This is a part time position for the 2020-2021 school year with the potential to go full time. If you are interested, contact me, and I’ll send you a full job description and the university’s contact. See the job posting here.
5-6-2020 Atlanta Cycling Festival Virtual Press Release As the coronavirus continues to reshape daily life, we’re encouraged to focus on what we can control. Let’s take a moment to congratulate ourselves on keeping it together and maintaining positive mindsets, despite circumstances that, at times, seemed confusing and even impossible. From Saturday, May 9th –15th, we will release a few routes each day that we encourage everyone to ride solo, socially-distanced, and safely!
We have put together rides for every type of rider, from fast, hilly rides, to fun family scavenger hunts, rides are exploring the beautiful art of Atlanta, to exploring the beauty of Atlanta’s streets after dark! How this works: each day we will post different routes in the EVENTS section of our website, or you can stay updated through email or our social media platforms. After enjoying your ride, consider stopping by for some to-go orders from our partners! So you know, we are still planning #ACF2020 for the Fall of this year, but we thought a little safe and responsible fun in the interim wouldn’t hurt! There might even be some prizes in it for some lucky participants! Visit atlantacyclingfestival.com for event details.
5-4-2020 Race Updates Slowly new race dates are coming out while others have been cancelled entirely. I’m not updating the races at the top of the page until USAC reinstates permits since most races are held under their banner, and I only know of a couple of promoters that are not using USAC insurance. Plus, many states still have either Shelter-in-Place orders or states of emergency. I am updating the race calendars Road, MTB/Gravel, and Cyclocross as I come across races that have been rescheduled.
5-2-2020 Woodland Brook Closed The Cobb DOT says Woodland Brook in Vinings (Cobb County, GA) will be closed for road construction May 4-July 15, 2020. Woodland Brook is a popular cut through for road riders. Cyclists will need to either go up through Vinings (Paces Ferry to Cumberland) or use Moore’s Mill or Ridgewood to Moore’s Mill to go over to Atlanta Road. There are not many East-West routes in this area.
4-29-2020 Dunwoody (GA) Vulnerable Users Law From the AJC: Heads up, drivers. A new law protecting pedestrians — believed to be the first of its kind in Georgia — is set to go into effect this week in Dunwoody. The “vulnerable road users” ordinance goes further than state law in giving additional protections to walkers, runners, bicyclists, road workers and others. It also stiffens the fine against drivers who threaten their safety: Penalties for violating the law include up to six months in jail or probation, and up to a $1,000 fine. The ordinance — which goes into effect Friday, May 1 — mandates that vehicles must be at least 3 feet away from a bicycle when passing one. It also bans drivers from throwing things at vulnerable road users, making an unsafe turn in front of them or maneuvering a car in a way that could cause “intimidation or harassment.” Read the full article.
4-27-2020 Cherokee County Bridge Closure I’ve been told that Cherokee County, GA closed Union Hill Road at Mill Creek, in order to replace the bridge. This is a popular route in the area. It is not expected to re-open until mid-December 2020. The location of this bridge is midway between the intersection of East Cherokee Road (to the northwest) and Lower Union Hill Road (to the southeast). A possible detour is to turn right onto East Cherokee Road, at the Union Hill Road intersection, and then left onto Thomas Road, retracing the route back to Lower Union Hill (continuing to Union Hill).
4-26-2020 When Will Group Rides Resume? Most group rides in the Southeast have been put on indefinite hold. USAC has pulled all event permits until May 31 and has encouraged its clubs and race teams to cancel all group rides and gatherings until then. I’ve heard some rumblings by bike shops in Atlanta that they are going to evaluate the situation in mid-May after the Georgia Emergency Declaration ends May 13. I don’t think we’ll see huge group rides through the summer given most states seem to still not allowing “gatherings” of over 50 people. I’d encourage everyone to solo ride (let someone know where you are going & carry your phone!), ride with your #quarantinemate or household members, or grab a buddy or two and ride at a proper social distance. When group rides begin again, I’ll post the information!
Sasquatch Scrambler and Woods Mountain Press Release The Sasquatch Scrambler is a MTB race with a short enough course to make it a great first race in Pisgah. Rolling over rugged mining roads, classic Pisgah single track, cursing climbs and giggling descents, this course will test your skills and desire as you explore the intoxicating terrain of the Pisgah National Forest. Good food and brew will be at the finish to comfort you after a great ride! Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020 (Rain or Shine), Fee: $40 Until 5/17/20. $50 5/18/20 to 6/7/20. $60 on Race Day
Woods Mountain is an annual MTB race that puts you in the backcountry of the Pisgah National Forest. Rolling over rugged mining roads, classic Pisgah single track, cursing climbs and giggling descents, this course will test your skills and desire as you explore the intoxicating terrain of the Pisgah National Forest. Date: Sunday, June 14, 2020 (Rain or Shine) Fee: $80 Until 5/17/20. $90 5/18/20 to 6/7/20. $100 on Race Day
Amenities: Chip timing with instant results, categories, awesome rest stops, beer at finish with Feast (Meat or Vegetarian), well-marked route, restrooms, wicked NC singlet rack, t-shirt, and so much more. Both races are limited by the US Forest Service to 200 participants.
4-23-2020 Silver Comet and Allatoona Reopen Saturday The Silver Comet Trail in Cobb and Allatoona Creek Park MTB trails reopen on Saturday! Park users must practice social distancing and wear a mask. The Noonday Creek and Bob Callan trails will also reopen. Mt. Tabor and Sara Babb will reopen as will the Paulding County Silver Comet. Both counties will be keeping bathrooms and facilities closed for now.
