September 2018 News

9-28-2018 GRITS CX Grants From GRITS (Trish’s Note: An awesome group of womxn!!) GRITS began in late 2017 as a lofty dream of creating a community of womxn across the Southeast who were stoked on building up this sport, building up themselves, building up the stoke, and building up each other. Here we are nearly a year later with a dedicated off road team of 8 amazing women, 7 rad companies on our back, and a countless number of supporters. We got here because of tireless hours spent building a place where everyone can feel welcome and included. Now it’s our time to give back what we can!

Introducing: GRITS Grants!
For the 2018-2019 cyclocross season, we’re covering the race fees for first time W/T/F racers in the southeast area. We want more women to have the opportunity to race their bikes, without worrying about the financial side of things. We’ve always loved the “run what ya brung” side of cyclocross. You don’t need any fancy equipment, bikes, or knowledge to show up to your first race!
Heck, we fondly remember one of our very dear now-elite racers who showed up to her first races in striped knee socks and flat pedals on a singlespeed.

To qualify for a GRITS Grant:
– Must be your first CX race
– Must be a W/T/F Cat 5 CX’r
– Must be located in the Southeastern US
– Must promise to have fun and high five us before/after/during your race

Our team and these grants are entirely grass roots supported through donations and merchandise sales (if ya bought a kit or a tshirt from us, you’ve made this possible!). We’re going to be doing this for as long as we can, but we can’t make any guarantees that these will always be available. If you would like to help support, you can donate to the team here. All funds donated will be going into the GRITS grants fund.

9-27-2018 North Carolina Cyclo-Cross kicks off 22nd Season Leading into USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross Nationals North Carolina Cyclo-Cross will kick off the 2018 race season with back-to-back races the weekend of October 13-14 in Sanford, North Carolina at O.T. Sloan Park and in Raleigh, North Carolina at Lions Park. 2018 marks the 22nd season of North Carolina Cyclo-Cross providing competitive and exciting cyclocross races across the state. North Carolina Cyclo-Cross (NCCX) remains the leader in southeast cyclocross with a 12 race season, culminating with the ProCX UCI C2 North Carolina Grand Prix (NCGP) on December 8-9, 2018 in Hendersonville, NC. The 14th Annual Hunter Subaru NCGP will be the final east coast stop for ProCX points before the 2018 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships takes place in Louisville, KY, attracting professional domestic and international racers, as well as regional amateurs to the competitive course in Jackson Park. NCCX is excited to welcome back OrthoCarolina as a presenting sponsor of the 2018 series. OrthoCarolina is one of the nation’s leading independent academic orthopedics practices serving the Southeast since 1922. NCCX also welcomes BMW Southern Region Centers as a new presenting sponsor for the series.

The North Carolina Cyclo-Cross Series was founded in 1997 and consists of 12-15 races each season across North Carolina. The full schedule and racer information can be found on the NCCX website at www.nccyclocross.com. The Grand Prix, presented by Hunter Subaru, is a UCI category II race, making it a valuable points stop for elite racers in pursuit of ranking points. Registration is open on USACycling.org for all races, including the 14th Annual NCGP.

9-26-2018 World Road Championships Congratulations to Michael Garrison of Decatur, GA who was 10th in the World Junior Time Trial Championship! Joey Rosskopf helped his Team BMC to a bronze medal in the World Team Time Trial this week as well. Well done, guys!

9-24-2018 Ride to Rescue 2018 Come out and ride for Animal Welfare in GA. on Oct 13, 2018! Ride to Rescue 7th annual charity bike ride! The ride is located in White GA with SAG at Sosebee bike park. There are 3 routes. Metric Century ride (62 mile), Half Metric Century ride (31) mile and an 8 mile weekend warrior route. Pontoon Brewery will be pouring and a free brew is included with registration. Julian’s Kitchen food truck will be at the event and Tito’s for dog people will have great dog items for sale. Our three participating charities this year are Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue, Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue and Trinity Rescue Horse Rescue. 100 percent of all proceeds will go to the participating charities and all donations and sponsorships are tax deductable. Join us in championing Animal Welfare in GA. and ride with us on Oct 13!

9-23-2018 Jonathan Page CX Clinic The news is out! Jonathan Page himself is coming down to Georgia to lead a cyclocross clinic October 12-14th. Jonathan Page is arguably the most decorated cyclocross mail racer America has ever seen. He won two U.S. Junior Cyclocross Championships and a U-23 Cyclocross Championship. In 2002, Jonathan moved to Belgium, the birthplace of cyclocross, to compete with the best in the world. He then went on to win four U.S. National Cyclocross Championships (2003-2004, 2007,2013) and a silver medal in the 2007 UCI World Cyclocross Championships. From 2002-2015, he podiumed every year of the U.S. National Cyclocross Championships. After an injuryplagued 2014 season, Jonathan proved he still had plenty of fight left—winning a silver medal at the 2015 U.S. National Cyclocross Championships (a flat tire holding him back from gold), followed by a number of podiums the following season. Check out all the details on the clinic here. Register for the clinic here.

Big Creek Meeting Come Support Big Creek at the Roswell Town Hall Meeting October 4th at 7PM TOGETHER we stopped the destruction of our treasured
Big Creek Park. TOGETHER we can preserve it as a “Trees and Trails” park for future generations. Wear Green and attend the Town Hall Meeting
The meeting is Thursday, October 4, at 7:00 PM in the East Roswell Park Community Activity Building. Discussion will focus on how the City handled the project, establishing a tennis center in another Roswell location, and exploration of the community’s vision for East Roswell area parks. We’ve discovered that East Roswell is passionate about its parks and that Big Creek Park is a thriving location which brings great benefit to the entire Roswell community. It provides a wide-variety of outdoor recreation, needed green space for quality of life and economic value. Cyclists come from all over the Southeast region to enjoy the park’s professionally maintained trails and events which support several established cycling shops that bring economic value to Roswell. • Call and Email the Mayor and City Council members with your wishes for the park 770-641-3757 RoswellMayorandCouncil@roswellgov.com (Trish’s Note: Keep it professional and positive.)

The Big Creek Park Community Alliance is a group of community leaders coordinating efforts to ensure the preservation of Roswell’s Big Creek Park for “Trees and Trails” through communication, education and respectful collaboration with city officials. We are making recommendations for an updated master plan and asking the City of Roswell for park enhancements which may include a redesigned entrance, additional paved parking, and entrance bathroom. Members include: 1) HOA representatives 2) Roswell business Leaders 3) cycling and other non-profits 4) environmentalists 5) advisory group of former Roswell Councilmember, Big Creek Alliance Officers, and New Town Coalition. For additional information contact BigCreekParkCA@gmail.com .

9-19-2018 Six Gap Crit Six Gap Criterium September 29, 2018 starting at 10:30am The Six Gap Criterium is a longtime favorite of the Six Gap community. The Criterium provides a one-kilometer, closed circuit for bicycle racers in the heart of downtown Dahlonega. This spectator-friendly event will have you on your feet and cheering as cyclists speed by at top speeds of 40 miles per hour. The start/finish line will be located directly in front of the famous Historic Holly Theatre. Start 2 Finish is teaming up with the Chamber to produce this exciting two-wheel event. While waiting for a race to start, be sure to work your way to the Six Gap Century Expo where you can find a variety of cycling attire, equipment, and nutrition from leading industry companies. All Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the day at the Expo.

Big Creek Fall Family Festival and Take a Kid MTB Day From RAMBO: Big Creek Fall Family Festival and Take a Kid MTB Day Sat., Oct. 6 10 am-2 pm. Join RAMBO as we host our annual Fall Family Festival at Big Creek Park in Roswell. We’ll have lots of cycling-themed games, rides, and a few timed races to make it a fantastic day in the park with kids and family. This year, we added a new hiking scavenger hunt and bouncy house, plus RAMBO will be serving lunch. All festivities will center around the lower parking lot by the Greenway. There is no cost to attend, so come meet your neighbors, learn a few new skills, and enjoy the day with us.

Silver Comet Expanding This article from the Marietta Daily Journal gives more information about the time frame for getting the Comet across the Chattahoochee and connecting it to the Beltline. ”The Silver Comet Trail could soon be getting a little longer, inching toward a connection with Atlanta and the Beltline there. The two trail systems are presently separated by about six miles, according to Eric Meyer, planning division manager for the Cobb Department of Transportation. There are several options under review about how best to bridge those miles, but part of the gap may soon close. On Sept. 4, rail company CSX agreed to convey to the state 2.3 miles of unused rail to be used to extend the 61.5-mile Silver Comet trail for $10. The portion of the unused rail line that will become part of the trail runs from the Silver Comet’s intersection with the East-West Connector to Plant Atkinson Road near Atlanta Road, is overgrown and unrecognizable as a rail in some spots. But once it is spruced up, it will be a step toward connecting Cobb with Atlanta for bikers and pedestrians. That’s big news, Meyer said. “Today, you’ve got thousands of folks who enjoy both the Silver Comet and the Beltline,” he said. “On any given weekend, you go to a trailhead at the Silver Comet and you’ll see Fulton County tags. We know folks from Fulton are going to Silver Comet. We know folks from Cobb are going to the Beltline. Connect the two and you’ll connect the two most popular trails in metro Atlanta.” “He said the goal at the moment is to have the trail go down to the Chattahoochee River by 2021. Atlanta and the Path foundation, a group that seeks to promote trails in metro Atlanta, will work on getting a path from the Chattahoochee to Centennial Olympic Park and the Beltline. The first step will be turning the newly acquired rail into a walkable trail, a project for which there is not yet a concrete timeline.”

9-18-2018 Blanket’s Creek 3 and 6 Hour Race Make plans to join us for the Blankets Creek 3 and 6 Hour Race presented by Van Michael Salons on October 6th. We have LOTS of good changes happening for this year’s event! First and foremost, we have a NEW COURSE! The race course will be approximately 6.5 miles and include a portion of the Dwelling Trail, including the new Flow Trail as well as a portion of the Van Michael Trail (VMT Race Cut, minus the 420 Climb). The course will run CLOCKWISE on both trails Solo, 2 and 3 person team categories are available in the 6 Hour Race and we have added additional categories for our Junior NICA racers!

Next we have moved the race to October to bring you all (hopefully) cooler temperatures as well as so we could join the Chainbuster Racing Southeastern Endurance Cup Series. The Blankets Creek Event is Race #6 of the SEC Series. Finally, we have a 3 Hour Option with a TON of categories, for those who would like to tackle a longer solo *All riders receive a super comfy and lightweight cotton/poly/rayon blend tee, perfect for those hot summer days! *First 200 to register will also receive a commemorative beverage glass! *Cash payout to 3/6 Hour Solo Expert Classes and 6 Hour 2 Person Expert Classes *Medals and Sponsor prizes 3 deep in all 6 Hour Categories, Medals 3 deep for all 3 Hour Categories. *Podium shirts for all 1st place finishers in 6 Hour event! *Instant lap times and standings viewable on your smartphone – You don’t even need to leave your pit to check results!

9-17-2018 I hope everyone stayed safe over the weekend in NC and SC! We didn’t see much from Hurricane Florence other than some breezes and light showers here in metro Atlanta. If I find out any information about trails, events, etc. in the Carolinas being affected I’ll post them as I can.

If you are in the path of Hurricane Florence please stay safe! I have only heard of the two event cancellations below, and there did not seem to be many this weekend. Events in GA and TN should be good to go for Sat. as Florence isn’t expected to make her appearance there until late Sunday and into Monday.

9-14-2018 The Tour De Cashiers is ON! From the Promoter: Join us for the annual Tour de Cashiers Mountain Cycling Experience across scenic mountain byways of western North Carolina. We continue to monitor the weather. After meeting with the local authorities and discussing the event, we plan to move forward with all rides and the 5k run at this time. We understand conditions can change and will keep you informed. The current weather forecast looks promising. Please check out Facebook page for the most up to date information.

Charlotte CX Cancelled From the Promoter Unfortunately, we have to cancel the 9/16 race due to the hurricane. USAC will be issuing refunds to all those who pre-registered online. We’re exploring a reschedule the weekend of 10/7 and I’ll share more information when we get it.

ATL Airport District Gears Up for First Round of “Spin the District” – ATL Airport District is counting down the days until welcoming cycling enthusiasts and spectators alike to Spin the District, the area’s first multi-faceted cycling experience that will transform the city streets into a premier cycling destination in Georgia and across the Southeast. Spin the District will offer entertainment for both spectators and cyclists during two separate events. Round one will take place over the course of a three-day weekend from Friday, September 21, to Sunday, September 23. ATL Airport District is also excited to announce its inaugural HandleBar Crawl, a celebration of the District’s culinary talent and community, throughout Spin the District.

East Point Velodrome Race | Friday, September 21, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Spin the District will kick off at the Dick Lane Velodrome – Georgia’s only concrete cycling track located in Sumner Park. From 7 to 10 p.m., attendees are invited to gather and cheer on cyclists as they conquer the fast-paced, no-brakes East Point Velodrome Race. Beyond the high-speed race, guests will enjoy exciting festivities, such as live entertainment courtesy of DJ Yvonne Monet, a variety of food options from the food truck court and plenty of local craft beer. For cyclists, four races in women’s and men’s pro fields with a 30-rider maximum. (Trish’s Note: USAC Cat. 1/2/3 track racers only. This is not an open category race. Contact Barman if you have questions.)

Hapeville Criterium | Saturday, September 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The following day, Spin the District will continue in downtown Hapeville with the Hapeville Criterium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Conveniently situated alongside Jess Lucas Park, the Hapeville course will give attendees nearby access to the 18th Annual LocalMotion Arts Festival during the race. Throughout the day, spectators can pull up a chair or lay out a blanket along the shaded, six-corner course and enjoy views of the start/finish line, while enjoying live music all day, local art vendors, refreshments and food trucks. The event is free for spectators.

College Park Criterium | Sunday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Spin the District will roll onto the historic streets of downtown College Park on Sunday to close out the three-day weekend with the College Park Criterium. From 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy family-friendly fun including live music, food trucks, mountain bike stunt show, wheelie seminar and a bike expo. Admission is free for spectators. Rider registration and details can be found here.

Union City Gran Fondo | Sunday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The cycling fun doesn’t stop after the three-day weekend in September! Spin the District will continue with a bonus Gran Fondo on Sunday, October 21. Beginning at 9 a.m., the final event will start in Union City, traveling roads and optional gravel paths through scenic Chattahoochee Hills and Serenbe. Costs to ride the event range from $20 to $40, with the option to choose from 10, 30, 60 or 100-mile road options, or a 60 or 100-mile mixed gravel and road option for those up to the challenge. The race will conclude back in Union City, with a barbecue celebration featuring live music, food trucks and a bicycling stunt show. The music, food and activities will begin at 11 a.m. The Gran Fondo will honor Karen Tinsley, a beloved University of Georgia professor and avid cyclist who passed away in a bicycle-vehicle accident last April.

9-13-2018 Perry Rotary Ride to End Polio From the Promoter Ride to End Polio will start at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, GA at 9am on November 3, 2018. Check in from 8am-8:45am. $35 Registration fee. All money raised goes to Rotary’s Polio Plus to eradicate Polio in the world and is matched dollar for dollar by the Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation.

Lake Normal 3 & 6 Hour Race Postponed From the promoter “Hey everyone. Well we knew it would happen and it did. We are postponing the race Sunday at Lake Norman because of old Florence. The park is actually completely shutting down on Friday. We have a make-up date set for Sunday, October 14. See everyone then.

9-11-2018 Tour De Cashiers Registration is still open!! There is still time to join the Tour de Cashiers Mountain Cycling Experience on September 15th. Join us for 25, 62 or 100 miles of fun and see what Western Carolina has to offer. Register here: https://tourdecashiers.com

US Elite Road World’s Team USA Cycling named the rosters for the women’s and men’s teams for the Road World Championship on Monday. From a press release: “In the men’s races, there are several stand-out names including Tejay Van Garderen (Aspen, Colo.; BMC Racing Team), who won the Time Trial at the 2018 Amgen Tour of California, back-to-back Time Trial National Champion Joey Rosskopf (Decatur, Ga.; BMC Racing Team), Sepp Kuss (Durango, Colo.; Team LottoNL – Jumbo) the 2018 Tour of Utah champion who has made waves in his inaugural World Tour season, and Ben King(Richmond Va.; Team Dimension Data) who has recently won two stages of La Vuelta a España.” Named to the roster for the road race were southeastern residents Brent Bookwalter (Asheville, N.C.; BMC Racing Team) and Reserve: Nate Brown (Nashville, Tenn.; EF Education First).  Joey will ride the Time Trial. Junior Men Time Trial: Michael Garrison (Decatur, Ga.; Holowesko/Citadel pb Hincapie Racing), U23 Road Race: Jonathan Brown (Knoxville, Tenn; Hagens Berman Axeon)

2018 Hellhole Gravel Grind Stage Race – POSTPONED From the Promoter: After much consideration, the desire to host a quality race, and the need to keep our participants out of trouble resulting from Hurricane Florence, we are postponing 2018 Hellhole Gravel Grind. At 2:30 PM today, the entire South Carolina coast was placed under mandatory evacuation orders with highway lane reversals beginning tomorrow, forcing our decision to postpone the race. We will be working with the National Forest Service to reschedule the event and will communicate the new date and details once they are known (a lot of this will depend on the outcome of the storm, among other things). We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and we share in your disappointment, however, we hope that you will understand that this situation is beyond our control. In the meantime, you may (1) retain your registration pending for the rescheduled date -OR- (2) obtain a full redund -OR- (3) wait and see. Should you want a refund, simply shoot us a DM or e-mail (to racedirector at mtpleasantvelo.org). Thanks in advance for your understanding. Please stay tuned to social media and/or our registration page for updates on the updated race date.

9-10-2018 Silver Comet to be Completed! It’s official–Cobb County–We are going to the Beltline! The State of Georgia has reached an agreement with CSX to abandon 2 miles of rail that the Silver Comet needs to be complete! There is still a mile or so that the State hopes to get access to, but the Comet can be detoured across existing roads and bridges. More details as they become available.

9-8-2018 Dick Lane Veldrome Cup Photos Photos from the Dick Lane Velodrome Pro Race – The Velodrome Cup are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. It was a really fun night of racing and one of the biggest Pro races of the last few years.

9-4-2018 Marietta Crit Time Change Time Change for the Marietta Crit: NOTICE THE NEW START TIME. 6:15 start for the remainder of the season. We’ll still do one hour plus 5 laps, but make adjustments as the days get shorter. $5 donation requested. Check in with Officer Dave at turn 1. (Trish’s Note: The $5 helps to pay for the police officer the business park require at the stop sign for safety reasons. Feel free to donate more!)

9-3-2018 2018 Brownwood Bike Rally Press Release Get your bikes in gear for the East Atlanta Kids Club’s 14th-annual Brownwood Bike Rally on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Brownwood Park in East Atlanta. The event features bike races for kids and adults. Two adult Crit-CX races cover both street and grassy terrain, and are open to beginner and advanced cyclists. This year’s festival also includes a bike safety rodeo for kids, a health fair, a food court and a festival area featuring family-friendly activities. Cash prizes are awarded for all adult races, and kids vie for ribbons, medals and trophies. Proceeds benefit the East Atlanta Kids Club, a nonprofit after-school tutoring and mentoring program for promising youth. Register and learn more about the course and race details.

When: Saturday, September 15, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Brownwood Park, 602 Brownwood Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (and surrounding streets in East Atlanta)
Time: Registration begins at 8:00 am; bike races and bike rodeo begin at 9:30 am and end at 2:00 pm.
Cost: Event admission is free for all. Races are free for children, $10-$20 for adults.

9-2-2018 Dick Lane Veldrome Cup Photos Photos from the Dick Lane Velodrome Pro Race – The Velodrome Cup are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. It was a really fun night of racing and one of the biggest Pro races of the last few years.


Willem Kaiser (SCAD) concentrates at the front of the Men’s DLV Cup A Race.


Heather Riniker (EPTC) moves up in the Women’s field at the DVL Velodrome Cup.

8-31-2018 It’s fall, and that means lots of trail work parties!

Six Gap News From the Promoter:  Six Gap Century Don’t miss out on the most epic ride of the Southeast! Fun, friends, and food will be waiting for you on September 30th, 2018! Registration Includes: Food & Drink at Rest Stops, Custom Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride T-Shirt, Post-ride Spaghetti Dinner (11:00 am – 6:00 pm), SAG, Tech Support and On-Course Communication, Official Participant Numbers, Hot Showers after the Ride, The Criterium is back for 2018! Don’t miss this spectacular event on Saturday, September 29th (along with our annual Six Gap Expo)! The roads by Woody Gap have been repaved, and are now as smooth as butter! We’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year!

Chicopee Work Party From SORBA Chicopee Work Party, 9 am-1 pm, Sat., Sept. 30. Join us September 30 as we welcome CST Tires to Chicopee! CST is sponsoring this workparty and our friends at Amici Pizza-Gainesville will provide lunch to those that RSVP before Sept 27. We will have a raffle for some CST tires. We will work from 9-1, then lunch. Tools are provided and everyone is welcome! Please RSVP to negasorba@gmail.com. We will meet at the tool shed in the upper parking lot at 9 a.m. for sign-in and a safety briefing. Please wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Bring water, snacks, and gloves. Safety glasses and bike helmet are recommended. Volunteer hours count toward a free annual Chicopee parking pass (16 hrs earn a pass). Any changes to the workparty due to weather will be posted here. For more info email negasorba@gmail.com.

Cochran Mill Work Party From MTB Atlanta Cochran Mill Work Party, Sat., Sept. 8, 9 am-noon Join us for our monthly work party at Cochran Mill Park. Meet at the main parking lot at 9 AM. Please wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring a helmet, gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We will see you there!

Sope Creek Work Party From MTB Atlanta, Sunday, Sept. 16, 9 am-noon, Join us for our monthly Work Party at Sope Creek and give back to the trails that you love to ride. We meet at the Columns Drive parking lot at 9 AM at the gate by the Fitness loop. Wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We will see you there.

8-29-2018 Big Creek Work Party From RAMBO Big Creek Trail Work Day Sat., Sept. 8 9 am-1 pm Big Creek is getting a little shaggy and could use some TLC. Come on out and help us trim back the summer growth, We will supply the tools, but if you have a pair of loppers or pruners bring em with. Bring gloves, closed toe shoes, water and a smile. RAMBO will provide lunch.

Allatoona Work Party From SORBA West Georgia Allatoona Work Party Sat., Sept. 15 9 am, Hey Toona Riders and Hikers, we could use some help! Come out this Saturday for the next work party. This is a great way to get involved in the Biking/hiking community and meet the local SORBA folks.

Clinton Work Party From SORBA West Georgia Clinton Work Party Sat., Sept. 8 at 8 am. It’s been awhile so let’s go show the trails some love. Let’s get the trails weed whacked and all the face slappers cut back. I know if we can get a good turn out we can make a huge impact in a short time. Please wear long pants and closed toe shoes. If you have a weed eater and some clippers that would help. Bring water, snacks and bug spray. We will provide lunch afterwards. Hope to see you there.

Charleston Park Work Day From RAMBO Charleston Park Work Day Sat., Sept. 8 9 am-1 pm, General trail maintenance day of trimming and clearing summer growth. RAMBO will supply tools but you can bring loppers or pruners if you have them. Bring gloves, closed toe shoes, water and a smile. RAMBO will provide lunch.

8-23-2018 Dick Lane Velodrome Velodrome Cup Races From the DLV: Are you ready for the Velodrome Cup? We are! Plan on finishing your action packed day off with some fast paced bike racing after you have enjoying the Dragon Con Parade or ridden the One Love Century. The Velodrome Cup will be closely related to the the “International Omnium” event held during the Olympic Games. The most consistent riders throughout the days racing will be rewarded with the overall victory. It’s a speed the whole family will enjoy, eat from our great concession stand and enjoy the home of track cycling in Atlanta and all of Georgia. It’s only time where cycling with NO BRAKES is considered fun! The DLV is a quick 10 miles from downtown Atlanta and is easy to get to via bike, car or MARTA.  Racing begins at 3 p.m. Saturday September 1st! Gates open at 2 p.m. and racing kicks off at 3 p.m. with the main events starting at 6 p.m. We’ll again have riders from around the country, women’s races and Youth Cycling League races. $5 entry or $10 for family of 5 We’ll be grilling hamburgers as well as other standard concession fare like potato and macaroni salad, chips, hot dogs and desserts from CakeHag. Don’t forget about the Need for Speed Sprints p/b Oz Pizza on Friday Night August 31st starting at 7 p.m. Friday night entry is free!

We will again be live-streaming our Friday and Saturday events on youtube.com/c/Dicklanevelodromelive. As always our Youth Cycling League racers will be out at the Pro Races showing off their skills learned during the Monday and Thursday sessions.

Brownwood Bike Rally Press Release Get your bikes in gear for the East Atlanta Kids Club’s 13th-annual Brownwood Bike Rally on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Brownwood Park in East Atlanta. The event features bike races for kids and adults. The two adult “crit-cross” races cover both street and dirt track terrain, and are open to beginner and advanced cyclists. This year’s festival also includes a bike safety rodeo for kids, a health fair, a food court and a festival area featuring family-friendly activities. Cash prizes are awarded for all adult races, and kids vie for ribbons, medals and trophies. Proceeds will benefit the East Atlanta Kids Club, a nonprofit after-school tutoring and mentoring program for promising youth. Register and learn more about the course and race details.

When: Saturday, September 15, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Brownwood Park, 602 Brownwood Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (and surrounding streets in East Atlanta)
Time: Registration begins at 8:00 am; bike races and bike rodeo begin at 9:30 am and end at 2:00 pm.
Cost: Event admission is free for all. Races are free for children, $10-$20 for adults.

 

August 2018 News

8-23-2018 Dick Lane Velodrome Velodrome Cup Races From the DLV: Are you ready for the Velodrome Cup? We are! Plan on finishing your action packed day off with some fast paced bike racing after you have enjoying the Dragon Con Parade or ridden the One Love Century. The Velodrome Cup will be closely related to the the “International Omnium” event held during the Olympic Games. The most consistent riders throughout the days racing will be rewarded with the overall victory. It’s a speed the whole family will enjoy, eat from our great concession stand and enjoy the home of track cycling in Atlanta and all of Georgia. It’s only time where cycling with NO BRAKES is considered fun! The DLV is a quick 10 miles from downtown Atlanta and is easy to get to via bike, car or MARTA.  Racing begins at 3 p.m. Saturday September 1st! Gates open at 2 p.m. and racing kicks off at 3 p.m. with the main events starting at 6 p.m. We’ll again have riders from around the country, women’s races and Youth Cycling League races. $5 entry or $10 for family of 5 We’ll be grilling hamburgers as well as other standard concession fare like potato and macaroni salad, chips, hot dogs and desserts from CakeHag. Don’t forget about the Need for Speed Sprints p/b Oz Pizza on Friday Night August 31st starting at 7 p.m. Friday night entry is free!

We will again be live-streaming our Friday and Saturday events on youtube.com/c/Dicklanevelodromelive. As always our Youth Cycling League racers will be out at the Pro Races showing off their skills learned during the Monday and Thursday sessions.

Brownwood Bike Rally Press Release Get your bikes in gear for the East Atlanta Kids Club’s 13th-annual Brownwood Bike Rally on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Brownwood Park in East Atlanta. The event features bike races for kids and adults. The two adult “crit-cross” races cover both street and dirt track terrain, and are open to beginner and advanced cyclists. This year’s festival also includes a bike safety rodeo for kids, a health fair, a food court and a festival area featuring family-friendly activities. Cash prizes are awarded for all adult races, and kids vie for ribbons, medals and trophies. Proceeds will benefit the East Atlanta Kids Club, a nonprofit after-school tutoring and mentoring program for promising youth. Register and learn more about the course and race details.

When: Saturday, September 15, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Brownwood Park, 602 Brownwood Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (and surrounding streets in East Atlanta)
Time: Registration begins at 8:00 am; bike races and bike rodeo begin at 9:30 am and end at 2:00 pm.
Cost: Event admission is free for all. Races are free for children, $10-$20 for adults.

8-22-2018 GA Cyclocross Clinic Join Trish for a free CX clinic on Monday, Aug. 27 at 6:15 pm. The venue is the beautiful North Cooper Lake Park in Smyrna, GA–home of the future NCLP MTB Park. Everyone is welcome! Ride what ya brung! Juniors 10+ are welcome, but a parent/someone responsible will need to remain onsite with them. We’ll cover dismounting, mounting, carrying the bike, barriers, and cornering. We may go over handups if time allows.

8-21-2018 Volunteers Needed at DLV Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Velodrome Cup at the Dick Lane Velodrome on Sept. 1. Volunteers will receive dinner from the Left Turn Cafe and free spectator entry for the evening! Contact Kim (link below) if you are interested.

THE VELOCUP COMING SEPT 1ST – Volunteers Needed

East Side Ride Updates From Mark L: Daylight Saving Time (DST) will end Sunday November 5. The FIRST Tuesday of September: Start times for Northlake (Tuesday) and Pizza (Thursday) will be 6:15 PM. The Northlake ride will be normal summer- 2 loops- Belgium Finish. The Pizza loop will be will be normal summer- 2 loops.

The First Tuesday of October until time change- Start times for Northlake (Tuesday) and Pizza (Thursday) will be 6:00 PM. The Northlake ride- we will do one counterclockwise intermediate loop- Belgium Finish (7.5 mile loop). The Pizza loop will be one large clockwise 8.75 mile loop.

Winter Pizza The First Thursday after Daylight Saving Time Ends- Every Thursday Winter Pizza until the time changes in the spring- Starts- 6:00PM- winter pace to the park, two small counterclockwise loops (approx 9.75 miles) at approximately 22-23.5 mph (winter pace to/from the park- in the park- no attacking, steady paceline, but final sprint allowed.) If you want to show how much power you can produce, please consider riding off the back of the group or choose a more suitable ride. Climbing segments, when leading the group, should be kept under 5.2 watts/Kg.

Northlake Ride Start– meet at the back of the parking lot of the Restaurants located at: 3900 Lavista Road, Tucker, GA. If you look at a map- meeting location is between Montreal Rd and Harobi Drive, East of Wendy’s/Popeyes across the street from Chevron Gas Station / McDonald’s. Distance- Approximately 30 miles round trip in Summer- then moves to 23 miles as ride gets shorter (shorter options available in the park).

Pizza Ride Start– meet in the old location (which is now closed and has become an outdoor Art Exhibit) Avondale Pizza Cafe parking lot: 70 North Avondale Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 Distance- Approximately 33 miles round trip in Summer- then moves to 26 miles as ride gets shorter (shorter options available in the park).

8-20-2018 Weekday Ride Times Sigh, it’s almost September, which means waning daylight for riding after work.* The Atlanta Cycling rides: Weekday Rides: September Weekday Rides start at 6:15; October-Time Change 6:00. EST November – March 4:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vinings. See the Atlanta Cycling rides calendar for the full list of winter rides. I’ll update other rides as I get info. *#crossiscoming, so it’s not all bad.

National Time Trial Champion Joey Rosskopf Re-signs with Continuum Sports Press Release Two-time US national time trial champion Joey Rosskopf is the latest rider to extend his contract with Continuum Sports after four successful years with team, currently operating as BMC Racing Team.
Rosskopf joined BMC Racing Team in 2015 and has gone from strength to strength in that time, General Manager Jim Ochowicz said. “Joey Rosskopf is an incredibly talented rider who often flies under the radar because of his selflessness and professionalism when it comes to supporting his teammates. He has played a key domestique role at stage races and Grand Tours over the years and can also make the most of his own opportunities. Joey’s time trialling has come a long way in the last four years and as we have seen, he is now one of the team’s best time trialists with two national titles to his name and most recently, second in the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah prologue. Joey has also played an important role in many of our team time trial victories over the years,” Ochowicz said. “At 28-years-old, Joey is still young and has the potential to keep developing as a rider so it is a pleasure to re-sign Joey for the 2019 season when Polish company CCC becomes title sponsor.”

Rosskopf acknowledged the team’s support as a key factor in extending his contract. “In my four years with BMC Racing Team, the team management has shown an incredible amount of patience and dedication in helping me find my most productive role within the team. Their support has enabled me to constantly continue improving as a bike racer, and I have faith that I can continue on this steady trajectory with their guidance. With that in mind, it was an easy decision to renew with the Continuum Sports organization,” Rosskopf explained.

8-18-2018 Hapeville Crit Photos My photos from Friday night’s Hapeville Crit are up! Plenty from a lot of races!

8-17-2018 NC Crit This Weekend From the Promoter: Join us this weekend for the Triad Criterium Series Finale in Kernersville, NC and Winston Salem, NC. We have added additional categories to the standard Tuesday night format. We will have a Juniors 9-13, Juniors 14-18, Women’s Category 4/5, Masters 35+, Masters 45+ and a Women’s Pro/Category 1/2/3. On Saturday, August 18th, racers will be treated to a great race at the Herbalife facility in Kernersville, NC. The course will be what was previously raced there as the CCA Championship course. This event is a Double Down format in which if you win your category race in the morning and the afternoon (course in reverse direction) then we will double your payout for the day! Additionally there will be a Taco truck. (Trish’s Note: Tacos are appropriate any time, not just on #tacotuesday) Sunday takes us over to the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston Salem, NC for the last Dixie Classic Criterium. This event will start at 10:00 am with the last race starting at 1:15 pm.

8-16-2018 Free Bikes 4 Kidz Form an email: “Come to Grant Park on Saturday 8/18. In addition to the Grant Park Criterium (which you should be racing in or supporting your mates from the Atlanta peloton), Free Bikes 4 Kids Atlanta is collecting gently-used bikes of all sizes to give for free to under-served kids in our city. Free Bikes 4 Kidz Atlanta is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so your donation is tax-deductible. In addition, anyone who donates a bike will get a good feeling in their heart plus a coupon for either a free beer at our Three Taverns Brewing beer tent or a free King of Pops product at their rainbow umbrella. Racing starts at 9:30am with Juniors and culminates with the Mens Pro/1/2 race at 5:50pm. And of course the Kids Race at 11:20am For more about the race,

CF Cycle for Life From the promoter: The 9th annual Cystic Fibrosis Cycle For Life ride is taking place on Saturday, October 13th 2018 in Senoia, GA. The non-competitive ride (15, 30, 50 & 65 mile routes) takes you through some of the most scenic terrain south of Atlanta. We feature well-stocked rest stops every 10-12 miles, bike mechanics along the route, BBQ, a beer garden, live DJ, massages, kid zone and more! In 2017, CF Cycle for Life raised nearly $3.5 million to help bring us closer to a cure, while adding tomorrows, for those struggling with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease.

8-14-2018 Atlanta Airport District Gears Up for “Spin the District” this Fall ATLANTA (Monday, August 13, 2018) – Atlanta Airport District – the official convention and visitors’ bureau for the cities of College Park, East Point, Hapeville and Union City, Ga. – is thrilled to welcome cycling enthusiasts and spectators alike to Spin the District, the area’s inaugural, multi-faceted experience that will transform the city streets into a premier cycling destination in Georgia and across the Southeast. Spin the District will offer cycling and entertainment for both spectators and cyclists during four separate events. Round one will take place over the course of a three-day weekend from Friday, September 21, to Sunday, September 23, with track cycling – one of the oldest and wildest forms of bike racing – and two criteriums in East Point, Hapeville and College Park, followed by a round two “Gran Fondo” in Union City on Sunday, October 21.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Spin the District to our community, visitors and cyclists this fall,” said Cookie Smoak, president of ATL Airport District. “This four-day cycling experience will not only celebrate the cities of College Park, East Point, Hapeville and Union City, but also shed light on the District as an emerging cycling destination and future home to one of the largest urban biking trails in the U.S.”

East Point Velodrome Race | Friday, September 21, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Spin the District will kick off at the Dick Lane Velodrome – Georgia’s only concrete cycling track located in Sumner Park. From 7 to 10 p.m., attendees are invited to gather and cheer on cyclists as they conquer the fast-paced, no-brakes East Point Velodrome Race. Beyond the high-speed race, guests can enjoy snacks from a variety of food trucks, local craft beer and wine and live entertainment courtesy of DJ Yvonne Monet. The grassy infield will play host to VIP guests, who can enjoy local beer, mingle with riders and enjoy a front show seat to the action. Various ticket options are available including $5 per person for spectator tickets, $15 per family pack, and $50 for a full VIP experience on the infield. For cyclists, four races in women’s and men’s fields with a 30-rider maximum are open for registration here.

Hapeville Criterium | Saturday, September 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The following day, Spin the District will continue in downtown Hapeville with the Hapeville Criterium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Conveniently situated alongside Jess Lucas Park, the Hapeville course will give attendees nearby access to the 18th Annual LocalMotion Arts Festival during the race. Throughout the day, spectators can pull up a chair or lay out a blanket along the shaded, six-corner course and enjoy views of the start/finish line, in addition to live music, local art vendors, refreshments and food trucks. The event is free for spectators. Rider registration and details can be accessed here.

College Park Criterium | Sunday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Spin the District will roll onto the historic streets of downtown College Park on Sunday to close out the three-day weekend with the College Park Criterium. From 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy family-friendly fun including live music, food trucks mountain bike trial demonstrations, wheelie seminar and a bike expo. Admission is free for spectators. Rider registration and details can be found here.

Union City Gran Fondo | Sunday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The cycling fun doesn’t stop after the three-day weekend in September! Spin the District will continue with a bonus Gran Fondo (Italian for “big ride”) on Sunday, October 21. Beginning at 9 a.m., the final event will start in Union City, traveling roads and optional gravel paths through scenic Chattahoochee Hills and Serenbe. The scenic ride through South Fulton will be reminiscent of the Gran Fondo’s Italian roots, celebrating the beginning of autumn with views of Georgia’s rolling hills. Participants can choose from 30- or 60-mile road options, or a 100-mile mixed gravel and road option for those willing to accept the challenge. The race will conclude back in Union City, with a barbecue celebration featuring live music, food trucks and a BMX stunt show. The Gran Fondo will honor Karen Tinsley, a beloved University of Georgia professor and avid cyclist who passed away in a bicycle-vehicle accident last April.

Each Spin the District trail is centrally located within the Atlanta Airport District and will in time, intersect as a part of MTB Atlanta’s Ride and Fly initiative, beginning with East Point and College Park. The goal is to create an extensive network of urban trails that will be seamlessly integrated in the heart of three populated downtown centers and 19 different schools throughout the Metro Atlanta area. As these trails expand and intersect, MTB Atlanta hopes to promote ecotourism, entertainment and community bonding within the Perimeter.

About ATL Airport District:

ATL Airport District is the official convention & visitors’ bureau for the cities of College Park, East Point, Hapeville and Union City, Ga. The mission of ATL Airport District is to generate economic development for the cities of College Park, East Point, Hapeville, and Union City by effectively marketing the community as a preferred tourism, convention and meeting destination. For more information, please visit www.ATLdistrict.com.

8-13-2018 BIG CREEK PARK IS SAFE! The Krause family have withdrawn their proposal. Major Lori Henry has confirmed this. Thanks to the mtb community, RAMBO, the neighborhood HOAs, other neighbors, Roswell citizens, and everyone that expressed their opposition. There are many people still expected to attend the Roswell City Council meeting Monday night to stand in solidarity with keeping green space in the city, so please go and wear red! I believe many of us would like the Krause family to be able to honor their late daughter, but this was not the right project or place to do so. Please see the full discussion and give your feedback on the Southeastern Cycling Facebook group.

From a Facebook post by the Krause family: “After discussions with a council person and others involved with our prospective project, AKTP&FC, we are in agreement that this project should not move forward at this time. We are hopeful that the mayor and council will schedule town hall meetings so that everyone can have a say, and a decision can be had as to what is the best use of their land know as Big Creek Park. We were told that the land was purchased to be an active park, as opposed to its current use as a passive park. With that information in mind, we felt as though a world class tennis, pickleball and fitness center would be a nice amenity for the citizens of Roswell. If this facility is not wanted by the majority of its citizens, we will look for another venture which will be a memorial for our daughter, Angela. For all off you that have expressed support, we thank you and hope that a positive resolution can be found in the near future.”

Mayor Lori Henry’s Statement: A Message from Mayor Lori Henry Good evening. After speaking with Vernon Krause of the Krause Foundation this afternoon, we have jointly decided not to move forward with the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Roswell and the Krause Foundation to locate the Angela Krause Tennis, Pickleball and Fitness Center in Big Creek Park. The item will be taken off the Monday, August 13, 2018 Mayor and Council agenda.

When Mr. Krause approached the Mayor’s office with the generous offer of investing upwards of $50 million in a world-class tennis facility for the east side of Roswell, we were very excited about the project. We believed it would have been an economic catalyst for the east side, drawing other investment into that area and being a driver for redevelopment along the Holcomb Bridge Road corridor east of GA-400. We thought the tennis center would have given the east side of Roswell a destination that would draw people from all over the region. We heard a clear message last year from east side residents during the Economic Development Forums that creating a destination place for the east side was a priority and key desire. However, the community has let us know over the past several days that they do not support this project for Big Creek Park. We want you to know we hear you again, so we will not be moving forward with it. In the coming months, we will hold a town hall meeting for further input from residents on the possibility and location of a tennis center in Roswell. I want to thank Mr. Krause and the Krause Foundation for wanting to invest millions of dollars into our community to honor his daughter. I hope our community will be able to assist him in the future with his dream to build a facility in memory of Angela.

https://www.facebook.com/KrauseLincoln/posts/329074714332099

Read all about #SaveBigCreek https://www.savebigcreekpark.org/at

8-11-2018 Roswell City Council Meeting Roswell City Council Meeting Wear RED to the if you can attend! (Sadly, I cannot as I have a conflict on Monday.)

HASHTAG #SaveBigCreek for your social media posts!

From Old Blind Dog Cycling Club New Info: “Write a cordial email ASAP to the Mayor and Council members. Be sure to put something in the Title like “Please Vote No for Tennis Courts.” and talk about “saving our greenspace” They will probably only read the titles in a lot of emails.

Here are their addresses: mzapata@roswellgov.com, mpalermo@roswellgov.com, sgroer@roswellgov.com, mwillsey@roswellgov.com, mtyser@roswellgov.com, mjudy@roswellgov.com, mayorhenry@roswellgov.com

Note: According to some local politicians I asked, emails are important to them and their voting processes. I suggest putting your address if you live in Roswell and if you don’t tell them how often you visit the city.”

8-10-2018 BIG CREEK TRAILS IN DANGER! From SORBA Atlanta

Help preserve the Big Creek MTB Trails and Support RAMBO !! Calling all Metro Atlanta Mountain Bikers, Cyclists, Hikers, Trail Runners, Passive Recreation, Forest Canopy, Green Space, Wildlife and Shared Use Trail Advocates! Join us Monday 8/13, 7pm at Roswell City Hall to hear the impact that a proposed MOU with the City of Roswell and the Krause Family Foundation will have on the existing hiking and biking trails at Big Creek Park. A council vote for the mayor to sign is on the docket. It’s time to have your voice heard. The current proposal calls for 65 of the 95 acres of park greenspace to be replaced with 135 tennis courts in a privately owned-facility. The impact could cause significant or total loss of hiking and biking trails at Big Creek Park. MTB Atlanta believes this would be a huge loss for mountain biking and recreational trails in Metro Atlanta.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Come to the City Council meeting, be seen and let your voice be heard respectfully if there is time for public comment.
When: Monday August 13th 7 PM, Where: Roswell City Hall 38 Hill St, Roswell, Georgia 30075 THE MEETING TIME IS NOW 5 PM!!!!!

2. Support RAMBO – Roswell Alpharetta Mountain Bike Organization
Facebook page and website http://www.rambo-mtb.org.

3. If you live in Roswell, contact your City Council member and let them know that you support the preservation of the shared use trails at Big Creek Park.

4. Sign the petition

Info on the proposed development We will continue to keep the ridership and membership of MTB Atlanta informed on this proposal at Big Creek Park as it develops. –The Board of MTB Atlanta

There will also be a support ride at the trails on Monday from 4-7 pm.

http://sorbaatlanta.org/action-alert-help-preserve-the-big-creek-mtb-trails-and-support-rambo/

8-9-2018 Cochran Mill Work Party From MTB Atlanta Cochran Mill Work Party This Saturday 9 am-Noon. Join us for our monthly work party at Cochran Mill Park. Meet at the main parking lot at 9 AM. Please wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring a helmet, gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We will see you there!

Wilson 100 Register now for the Wilson 100 at the beautiful Senoia City Park Marimac Park on September 8th! The Wilson100 is a most enjoyable day in the country, with some rolling hills and a lot of flat roads, passing through farmlands, quaint towns such as Luthersville, Greenville and Gay. Please make sure you thank all of our wonderful volunteers at the rest stops and doing SAG, as we could not provide a successful ride without them!! And, remember, any family or friends that would like to be a part of the ride without riding can join us, as there is always room for more volunteers. As you finish your ride you will be able to relax by the beautiful lake and enjoy a most delicious meal prepared by our local Katie Lou’s, with the best BBQ and brownies you’ll be sure to appreciate. Then have a cold one, compliments of Sweetwater Brewery.

8-8-2018 Crit State Championships So, there has been some confusion about the Georgia State Crit Championships coming up in a week and a half. Grant Park will have the CATEGORY (ie Cat. 2, Cat. 3, etc) State Championships. TopView will be hosting the AGE GROUP State Championships. The Hapeville Crit is just a good old fashioned twilight style crit! I hope this clears up any confusion.

GO CROSS  (Posting this as a promise to someone; VA is usually outside my coverage zone…but #UCICX #CrossisComing). Press release: UCI CX racing comes to the Virginia Cyclocross Series: September 1st & 2nd. Preregistration is open until August 29th for Deschutes Brewery’s GO Cross in Virginia’s Blue Ridge: www.bikereg.com/gocross Register now to save money! This year, we’re kicking off the UCI Cyclocross, USAC ProCX and VACX calendars! Come race and watch the fastest cyclocrossers in North America battle it out! We’re back at Roanoke’s Fallon Park cyclocross course featuring stairs, sand, barriers and the Avis Construction Flyover. Women can preregister for FREE courtesy of East Coasters Bike Shops and Trek Bicycle. The racing will be fast, fun and (probably) hot. We hope to see you this Labor Day weekend racing or spectating. It’ll be a big party with the Deschutes beer garden, fun activities for all, two food trucks and an ice cream truck!

8-6-2018 Georgia State Crit Age Group Championships  Topview Sports has announced that The Georgia State Crit Age Group Championships will be Sunday, Aug. 19 in Lawrenceville. See the full details on the event Facebook page. Don’t forget the Hapeville Crit on Friday, Aug. 17 and the Grant Park Crit on Saturday, Aug. 20! It’s Crit Madness Weekend!

SORBA Woodstock Trail Party From SORBA Woodstock “Join us for our monthly trail work party. Check the website and/or Facebook sites for the location. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring your own water. We provide the rest. This is a chance to help give back to the trails. We could not maintain these trails without generous volunteers like you.” Rope Mill Park, Sat., Aug. 18 9 am-Noon

8-1-2018 Silver Comet Clarification It looks like Representative Anulewicz is hopeful that the lease for the Silver Comet Connector to the Beltline is coming soon. Both the Marietta Daily Journal and Cobb County Courier clarified her statement from Monday.

7-31-2018 NCCX Clinic Cancelled NCCX cancelled the women’s clinic this weekend that was to take place in Hendersonville. Contact them for more information.

Comet Extension Official ?? From the Cobb County Courier “Official word is expected in the next few days on the Silver Comet Trail extension toward Atlanta. The famous 61.5-mile bike trail has sat unfinished for years, halting in front of the Publix on South Cobb Drive. But after a series of negotiations at the state capitol, the trail could soon extend east to the Chattahoochee River and Atlanta city limits, possibly further. “It’s imminent,” said Teri Anulewicz (D – Smyrna), during a Connect the Comet stakeholder meeting Sunday evening at Vinings Bank. “The lease is signed and an announcement is coming.”

While nothing is official as of this writing, speculation has been mounting that an official announcement is on the way. Just 6.2 miles separate the Silver Comet from planned Atlanta Beltline routes, and CSX Corp., which owns rights to the trail, has been negotiating a new lease with the state of Georgia. Anulewicz said Governor Nathan Deal hopes to finish the process before the end of his term.”

Boone Gran Fondo This Weekend From the Promoter Beat the heat and ride 100, 55, or 20 miles on Sunday, August 5 in the cool mountain air around Boone, NC. The Boone Gran Fondo is this weekend, and it’s not too late to register! There’s also an optional time trial on Saturday, August 4! Race the timed sections and then sit up and swap stories with your friends! The standings at the end of the day are based only on your times through the timed sections. You can regroup and ride with friends, stop at aid stations, and enjoy the scenery between sections! Come for the ride, stay for the prizes (and beer!).

7-30-2018 The Cyclocross Race Page is updated with all of the CX Race Series that have released dates so far. I’ll add more as they are announced.

https://sadlebred.com/SEC/cyclocross/

7-29-2018 Tour De Cashiers The 26th annual Tour de Cashiers Mountain Cycling and 5K Run Experience rolls out on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 8:00 A.M. from The Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center on Frank Allen Road. Riders from across the Southeast, and as far away as South America, make the pilgrimage to Cashiers for this annual event which has earned a reputation as one of the premier events in the southeast. The fresh mountain air, incredible mountain scenery and rush of adrenaline afforded by the more than 10,000 feet of elevation change make this race a favorite. More than 300 cyclists dedicate their day to the challenge of one of several routes: Quarter-Century (25 miles), Metric (62 miles), Century (100 miles). There is a challenging course for every rider.

Peak Racing Events have partnered to direct this event and they will be providing operational support throughout. The Mountain Cycling and Running Event promises a weekend of enjoyable activities for riders, runners and their families. In addition to the weekend race and rides, everyone should plan on attending the Baldaroo concert scheduled for the evening of 9/15, which benefits the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau. Joining them will be community volunteers and regional fire departments, rescue squads, and local law enforcement agencies who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of the riders.

-26-2018 Georgia CX Clinic Join Trish for a free CX clinic on Monday, Aug. 27 at 6:15 pm. The venue is the beautiful North Cooper Lake Park in Smyrna, GA–home of the future NCLP MTB Park. Everyone is welcome! Ride what ya brung! Juniors 10+ are welcome, but a parent/someone responsible will need to remain onsite with them. We’ll cover dismounting, mounting, carrying the bike, barriers, and cornering. We may go over handups if time allows.

Grant Park Crit From the Promoter The 13th Annual Grant Park Criterium is Saturday Aug 18th 2018, and it is the State Criterium Categories Championship. You can register on usacycling.com. Food trucks, beer stands, neutral race support, all day races, fun atmosphere and a big cash purse – with equal payouts for both Men and Women’s elite races. You don’t want to miss this year’s race!

Cohutta Wilderness Closed The Cohutta Wilderness experienced 4+ inches of rain in 2 hours and a straight-line wind (think like a straight tornado) on July 21. Much of the area is closed right now to all users-hikers, campers, mountain bikers, etc. See the Forest Service website for updates.

NCCX North Carolina Cyclocross has released their schedule. Oct. 13 Sanford NCCX, Oct. 14 Raleigh NCCX, Oct. 21 Davison NCCX, Oct. 27 Lenoir NCCX, Oct. 28 Boone NCCX, Nov. 10 Gibsonville NCCX, NC State CX Championships, Nov. 11 Winston-Salem NCCX, Nov. 12 Salisbury NCCX, Nov. 18 Charlotte NCCX, Dec. 2 Salisbury NCCX, Dec. 8-9 North Carolina Grand Prix UCI, Hendersonville, NC, Jan. 19 Adventure Cross NCCX, 4 Hour Team Race

Alabama Wheelman Race Weekend From the Promoter: On Sunday Morning we will be in beautiful Downtown Huntsville for the Banner Defense State Championship Criterium. We are excited to be hosting the Alabama State Crit Championship right here in Huntsville. The course has 4 right hand turns and one left hander mid way through. This course has one section that was recently repaved and like the other venues has great pavement for racing!

Bobby Labonte Charity Ride Press Release The Bobby Labonte Foundation Charity Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, September 8, with pre-ride events held on September 6 and 7 (in High Point, NC). The Charity Bike Ride began in 2011 to advance the Bobby Labonte Foundation’s mission to support children and families in the Triad area The Charity Bike Ride starts at 7:30 am Saturday, September 8 and includes 40 km, 60 km, and 100 km options. The High Point Hospital Heart & Sole 5k begins at 8 am, following a course through downtown High Point. New this year is Hi Fest, High Point’s fall festival in celebration of diversity. Runners, cyclists and their friends and family can enjoy Hi Fest’s live music, vendor booths, and celebration from 9 am to 4 pm on September 8. All of the proceeds from the charity bike ride, the brunch ride, and the silent auction and cocktail party will fund grants for local non-profit organizations who support children, parents, and families.

7-24-2018 Big Creek Greenway Closure From Facebook: The Big Creek Greenway (in Forsyth County) is closed from McFarland Parkway to Union Hill Rd. This part of the trail has damage from the recent storms and may be closed for one week or longer. The trail is open from Union Hill Rd. to Kelly Mill Rd.