5-31-2014 DLV News From the DLV: “June Certification Classes Start on the 12th If you didn’t make it to one of our weekend certification classes in the spring, you’ll still be able to get certified in one of our regular season classes Those classes run over 4 consecutive Thursday evenings.”

Saturday July 12th, 2014 Join us for our second of three Pro Race Series events, when Outback Bikes presents ‘The Omnium’. You can expect to see a great battle out on the track. The best sprinters will do battle against the best endurance riders throughout the evening to see who is the best all-rounder at the Dick Lane Velodrome. It’s a speed the whole family will enjoy, eat from our great concession stand and enjoy the home of track cycling in Atlanta. The only time where cycling with NO BRAKES is considered fun! Racing starts at 3pm for racers, Main Events kick off from 6pm for spectators. $5 Spectator Entry 10 for Families, This year Outback Bikes will once again be offering free tickets, which will require sign-up on our website for, so keep an eye on our website for the sign-up form for those.

Friday July 11th, 7pm – Parks Law Need for speed Sprints, Free for spectators

5-30-2014 Group Ride Etiquette This is a great read from Reality Bikes about how to behave on a group ride.

Georgia Games MTB Race Press Release: The Georgia Games would like to formally invite you to our 2014 Mountain Biking Championships. This year’s meet will be held at Tribble Mill Park in Lawrenceville, GA on Sunday July 13, 2014.  We are having a professional timing company. All athletes who medal will have the opportunity to represent the state of Georgia at the 2015 State Games of America held in Lincoln, Nebraska. You don’t want to miss out on this exciting opportunity for you to improve your riding skills and have some fun! For information and to register, visit www.georgiagames.org.

5-29-2014 Racing This Weekend There are only a few things going on this weekend: May 31 All that Jazz Crit, May 31 Junior Track Championships DLV, May 31 Canal Crown MTB TT, May 31-June 1 Rockabilly Gran Prix, June 1 Bicycle Post Crit,  Saturday and Sunday is the long running mountain bike race Bump N Grind at Oak Mountain State Park in AL. DH and STXC is on Saturday, and XC is on Sunday.

5-28-2014 Silver Comet Paving Paving on the Silver Comet will begin June 2. From the PATH: “The Silver Comet Bridge Repairs are now complete and soon the Cobb DOT will be repaving the Cobb County portion of the Silver Comet Trail starting June 2nd. This will affect the entire stretch of the Silver Comet Trail within Cobb County. Resurfacing will begin in early June and is scheduled for completion before the Labor Day weekend.

The 12.8 mile trail will be repaired and resurfaced in 4 or 5 sections. Each 2 to 3 mile long section will be closed to all traffic for 2 to 3 weeks. Work will include pavement repair, resurfacing, restriping and shoulder restoration making the entire trail look like a brand new trail. Each section will be completely finished and opened before the next 2 to 3 mile section is started and closed. While the Silver Comet will be closed at these construction sites during this time frame, the entire Trail will be completely open on all weekends and Holidays.”

5-26-2014 US Pro Road Race Photos US Pro is done! It was a great weekend of getting to photograph from the Photo Moto! Thanks to everyone for following on Twitter and Facebook! I’m looking forward to 2015! Photos from the road race will be up on my photo site when I have a chance to go through them and to sleep.

With her win in the Road Race, Alison Powers (UHC Pro Cycling) is the first rider ever to hold the crit, TT, and RR National Championships at the same time.

The Men’s break crossing the bridge at the US Pro RR.

5-24-2014 US Pro TT Photos I’m working on getting photos from the US Pro Time Trial up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. In the meantime, enjoy these….

Alison Powers (UHC) on her way to winning the US Pro Women’s TT.

Carmen Small (Specialized-lululemon) was unable to defend her 2013 TT win and was 2nd.

Taylor Phinney (BMC) won the Men’s TT National Championship.

5-23-2014 Arrest Made in Alabama Cycling Threats “Calhoun County sheriff’s deputies arrested a Piedmont man Thursday after he posted videos of himself online allegedly endangering bicyclists on the roadway, clips that enraged cycling enthusiasts across the country….” Read more at the Anniston Star.

5-22-2014 Hello! Hello to all of you that are new to Southeastern Cycling! We cover racing in the Southeast—road, mountain, and cyclocross. Join us this weekend on @Sadlebred on Twitter and on Facebook as we provide color commentary and photography of the Pro Time Trials on Saturday and the Road Race on Monday.

5-21-2014 US Pro Trish’s Note: OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER SOUTHEASTERN CYCLING will be providing color commentary and social media updates. Follow us at @Sadlebred on Twitter and on Facebook.

Press Release Pro Road Nationals return to Chattanooga this weekend Colorado Springs Colo. (May 21, 2014) — The 2014 Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional Road & Time Trial National Championships return to Chattanooga, May 24-26, for the second year of a three-year run. The event will crown men’s and women’s national champions in both the road race and time trial. Last year, Tom Zirbel (Boulder, Colo./Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) and Carmen Small (Durango, Colo./Specialized-Lululemon) won the men’s and women’s time trials to earn the Stars-and-Stripes jersey, while Jade Wilcoxson (Talent, Ore./Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) and Freddie Rodriguez (Berkeley, Calif./Jelly Belly Pro Cycling) each topped their respective podiums in the road race. All four riders are back in Chattanooga this weekend to defend their titles.

Plus, there is an added incentive…This year, the winners of the men’s and women’s road races on Monday, May 26, will each receive a one-year loan of a 2015 Volkswagen GTI. The all-new seventh generation GTI will be available for sale in the U.S. this summer, featuring a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and an available roof rack for cyclists.

The time trial course will once again be held adjacent to the Volkswagen factory and feature rolling terrain with few turns. Riders will complete two out-and-back runs of 9.5 miles each for a total of 19 miles. The course layout has four turnarounds which will allow spectators to see each rider multiple times.

A challenging new section has been added to the road race course, but downtown Chattanooga and the tough climb up Lookout Mountain will be featured prominently as they were in 2013. The men’s and women’s races will begin with a 5.1-mile start circuit — three circuits for the women and four for the men. The course then takes the riders on a relatively flat run out Broad Street to begin the climb up Ochs Highway. The ascent up Ochs Highway is approximately 2.75 miles and climbs over 1100 feet each lap. The race will pass through Lookout Mountain to Scenic Highway, and return to downtown via Broad Street. Men will complete four laps up the climb, while the women will do two laps. The “long lap” is 16.5 miles in distance.

New for the race this year is the “wall” in North Chattanooga up Kent Street, a one-block section of road with grades of up to 20 percent. The men and women will face this challenge on each of the “long laps” as well as on three shorter 5.4-mile finishing circuits. The course will cross the Market Street Bridge and Veterans Bridge each lap, and spectators will see the riders cross through the start/finish line 11 times during the men’s race and eight times during the women’s race.

WOMEN’S RACES

The top three women in last year’s time trial and road races are all returning to Chattanooga in search of more hardware. In the time trial, Small, the reigning world championship bronze medalist, will be challenged by 2013 silver medalist Kristin McGrath (Boise, Idaho/TWENTY16 Pro Cycling) and 2013 bronze medalist Allison Powers (Pinecliffe, Colo./UnitedHealthcare). Also figuring to be in the mix in the race against the clock is 2012 Olympian and 2012 world championship silver medalist Evelyn Stevens (Dennis, Mass./Specialized-lululemon).

In the women’s road race, Wilcoxson and teammate Lauren Hall (Dolores, Colo./Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) finished in the top two spots last year and will again make a formidable duo on the streets of Chattanooga. Other top competitors include Powers, defending Queen of the Mountain Mara Abbott (Boulder, Colo./UnitedHealthcare), who was leading last year’s race until a flat tire in the final kilometers derailed her chances, 2013 Most Courageous Rider Taylor Wiles (Fairfax, Calif./Specialized-lululemon), McGrath, Allison Tetrick (Mill Valley, Calif./TWENTY16 Pro Cycling) and 2013 world championship team members Stevens, Andrea Dvorak (Crozet, Va./Team TIBCO-To the Top) and Megan Guarnier (Mountain View, Calif./Boels Dolmans Cycling Team).

MEN’S RACES

Zirbel will face a stiff challenge in defending his time trial title from 2010 national champion and 2012 world silver medalist Taylor Phinney (Boulder, Colo./BMC Racing Team), who did not participate in last year’s race. Also figuring to be near the top of the standings is Joey Rosskopf (Athens, Ga./Hincapie Sportswear Development Team) who is fresh off a silver medal at the Pan American Continental Championships.

Phinney should also challenge defending road race champ Rodriguez on Monday. Other riders who could don the Stars-and-Stripes jersey include defending bronze medalist Kiel Reijnen (Boulder, Colo./UnitedHealthcare), Tom Danielson (Tucson, Ariz.), Ben King (North Garden, Va.) and 2013 world championship team members Matthew Busche (Brevard, N.C./Trek Factory Racing), Peter Stetina (Santa Rosa, Calif./BMC Racing Team) and Alex Howes (Boulder, Colo./Garmin-Sharp).

SCHEDULE

The racing begins Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with the U.S. Paralympics Para-cycling Time Trial. The elite women are slated to contest the 30.9-kilometer time trial beginning at 11 a.m., with the elite men starting immediately after the women’s race.

The women’s road race opens Monday’s racing at 9 a.m., when they’ll begin their 104-kilometer contest. The USA Cycling Handcycling National Criterium Championship is slated to begin at 12:30 p.m. The 165-kilometer pro men’s road race, which begins at 1:30 p.m., caps the event.

5-20-2014 Racing This Weekend Not doing anything this weekend? Come to the US Professional Championship races in Chattanooga! The Rail City Crit is also this weekend in Alabama. Juniors from all over the Southeast will be at Junior Regionals, Metro Atlanta. The SERC #6/GSC #4 heads to the Dauset Trails in Jackson, GA on Sunday. There is also a XC race at Uwharrie in NC.

Atlanta Cycling Festival The Ride and Event Calendar for the Atlanta Cycling Festival has been released! There are rides for all riders and abilities! There are also classes, parties, and more! Oh, yes…and and Alleycat! Southeastern Cycling is a proud sponsor of the Atlanta Cycling Festival!

5-19-2014 US Pro Tour Tracker Follow the 2014 US Pro Championships this weekend LIVE on the Tour Tracker on your phone!

5-18-2014 Silver Comet Ride to AL and Back My friend David “Trini” Magloire is putting together a Silver Comet Ride to the Alabama State Line and back on June 21st. The start will be at the Mavel Rd. trailhead at 7 am. All riders are welcome! Email Trini at david dot magloire at comcast.net for more information.

Looking Glass Tour & Jerdon Mountain Challenge Press Release:  June 21, 2014 . 50 or 100 mile routes to choose from. Starting and ending in beautiful downtown Brevard, North Carolina, the Looking Glass Tour will lead riders on a fully guided and supported tour of some Transylvania County’s finest roads! Chip timing with King of the Mountain segments, fully supported rest stops with medical and mechanical, and SAG wagons. More information and registration at http://www.blueridgeadventures.net/lgt/.

Jerndon Mountain Challenge July 26th, 2014. New Course for 2014 – 24 Miles – 3,000′ of elevation gain. This is backcountry racing at its finest with a shorter course and still all the amenities of a long distance endurance race. This race will run on some of the same trails as the ever popular Off Road Assault on Mt Mitchell. The race will still tackle 3,000′ of climbing over 24 miles as you hit some ORAMM highlights like Kitsuma, Star Gap, Heartbreak Ridge and Jarrett Creek. Celebrate with a huge after party on the picturesque Gateway Museum grounds. More information and registration at http://www.blueridgeadventures.net/jerdon/.

5-17-2014 Silver Comet Resurfacing From the Cobb County DOT:  Cobb DOT will be coordinating a resurfacing effort, funded by the 2011 SPLOST, which will affect the entire stretch of the Silver Comet Trail within Cobb County. Resurfacing begins June 2 and will run through Aug. 29. The 12.8 mile trail will be repaired and resurfaced in 4 or 5 sections. Each 2 to 3 mile long section will be closed to all traffic for 2 to 3 weeks. Work will include pavement repair, resurfacing, restriping and shoulder restoration making the entire trail look like a brand new trail. Each section will be completely finished and opened before the next 2 to 3 mile section is started and closed. While the Silver Comet will be closed at these construction sites during this time frame, the entire Trail will be completely open on all weekends and Holidays.

ALL WEEKENDS WILL BE OPEN FOR COMPLETE TRAIL USE. Resurfacing and shoulder repairs will be completed in sections before moving to another section. The first section will be from the Mavell Road Trail head at Mile Post 0 to about Floyd Road Trail head. All work within one closed section must be completed before the contractor is allowed to move into and close the next section. The sections will range from 2 to 5 miles in length depending on access points for equipment and supplies like asphalt and shoulder material.

5-15-2014 Racing This Week Gone Riding heads to Bryson City, NC on Saturday for the 12 Hours of Tsali, MA bit closer to Athens, GA, Chainbuster Racing is putting on the 3 Hours of Hi 5  at Heritage Park. The Southeastern Regional Series (SRS) kicks off with Albany at the SB&T Bike Race Weekend, Two more races for mountain bikers are happening: Skyway Epic 60 Mile Race and the venerable Riverfront Classic XC in Charlotte.

Marietta Ride of Silence From Bike Cobb The Marietta Ride of Silence will be held on May 21st at 7:00 p.m. in honor of or in memory of those who have been struck by a vehicle while riding their bike.  We will again be starting at the Parking Deck just off of the square in Marietta at 191 Lawrence Stree. We need to gather at 6:30 p.m. for the prompt ride start at 7:00 p.m.  The Marietta Police Department will again be escorting us. The Marietta Fire Department will be honoring Sgt.Guinn as we ride by Fire Stations No. 1 and 2 during this event. Among others, this year we will be riding in memory of Sgt.Frank Guinn of the Atlanta Fire Department, and in honor of his Brother-in-law, Andrew Powell.  They were struck by a car while riding their bicycles in preparation for the 70.3 Ironman event in New Orleans.  Andrew is now in rehab at Shepherd Spinal Center here in Atlanta. Members of the Atlanta Fire Department will also be riding with us. I hope that you will come ride with us as we try to convey to and impress upon motorists that they/we need to be more careful of and alert for cyclists as we drive the roads. Trish’s Note: Quite a few other southeastern cities are hosting Rides of Silence. Details can be found here.

5-14-2014 SORBA Woodstock Fundraising From Mountain Goat Adventures: “Dan Thornton Challenged us to raise $4K by the end of June. I’m (Lisa Randall) pitching in $1000 and will pledge another $500 or $50 per SORBA Woodstock volunteer that wants to help out at the June 14th Mountain Goat Adventures Rope Mill Half Marathon. Tasks include the usual stuff…parking, bike patrol/course marshaling, possibly an aid station and maybe a couple of sweeps. Contact me directly if you are interested in helping out. Thanks!” Contact Lisa at lisa at mountaingoatadventures.com  if you want to help out! Dan and Free Flite Bicycles will match the $4000 if it is raised by $4000!

5-13-2014 SRS Series Kick Off Press Release: We are proud to announce the 2014 Southeast Regional Series! It is no mystery that the Southeast states house some of the best riders and teams in the country. The Southeast Regional Series (SRS) provides you, the undiscovered talent of the Southeast, a stage to shine and, well, be discovered! SRS allows modestly budgeted Elite & Amateur level cycling teams the opportunity to focus on an affordable series and chase a Championship. With the full backing of USA Cycling, reasonable driving distances and challenging courses designed to attract National level competition, we have made it easy for Team Directors to plan their 2014 calendar.

Event Schedule: May 17-18: Albany, GA, June 14-15: Huntsville, AL, July 19-20: Asheville, NC, August 9-10: Knoxville, TN, September 13-14: Greenville, SC

SRS Event Categories:
Men: Pro 1/2, Category 3, Category 4, Category 5
Women: Pro 1/2/3, Category 4
Masters Categories: 35+ 1/2/3, 35+ (4/5), 50+ (open)
Juniors (boys and girls): 10-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18

Begin, Believe, Become in Albany, GA! The City of Albany has returned as the kickoff host city for SRS in 2014! A city steeped in cycling tradition, Albany will welcome you with a flat and fast criterium course covering the sweet spot of downtown, followed by Sunday’s road race routing through the rolling terrain of Leesburg, GA with smooth paved roads and beautiful southern scenery.

Road Titans 300 Cycling Challenge Press Release This November, a premiere cycling experience promises to turn the tough into Titans, combining one of the most ambitious cycling challenges south of the Mason-Dixon Line with a course that winds through one of National Geographic’s “Destinations of a Lifetime”. The ROAD TITANS 300+ CYCLING CHALLENGE in South Carolina’s Oconee County will offer participants –elite professionals and amateur enthusiasts alike- an opportunity to contest the limits of their endurance and explore one of the nation’s most beautiful places. In recent years, the world of endurance events has been swept by a wave of innovative outdoor race- like experiences, where both weekend warriors and hardcore elites share road and trail and -by feet or tire- they push their physical limits. With a passion for healthy living, fitness, and endurance sports, Jan Michael Ramery, Event Producer for C-Com Group envisioned creating something that was much more than a bike ride. “With ROAD TITANS 300+ CYCLING CHALLENGE we wanted to create a personal as well as a collective journey, so riders could connect and share the experience of attesting to their limits of endurance,” says Ramery. “What’s truly unique about this cycling event is that it offers amateurs a professional-level experience and atmosphere with a challenging route fit for elite athletes and a spectacular course in the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Alex Kellum, Captain of Clemson University’s Elite Cycling Team, designed the course with the professional cyclist in mind, assuring it was filled with natural beauty, carving through Oconee’s most beautiful places, like the 400-foot Whitewater Falls and the Jocassee Gorges, among many other sights.

The participants of ROAD TITANS 300+ CYCLING CHALLENGE WILL be tested in threes -three days, more than 300 miles, and reaching an elevation of over 30,000 ft. The event will be held on November 7-9 and will offer family and friends an opportunity to explore South Carolina’s quaint towns and entertainment scene, as well as celebrate with their Titans at the finish line. There will be food and festivities for all to enjoy, while excelling participants will receive prizes which include cash awards. Event organizers forewarn that spots are limited; early registration is recommended. For more information and to register today.

5-12-2014 Ride with the Falcons GM Ride with the Falcons GM (Directeur Sportif for us cyclists) on Friday for Bike to Work Day. The ride is about 40 miles to the Falcons Training Camp in Hall County. Sign up here. “Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff will participate in National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16. Dimitroff will ride from Buckhead at 7:30 a.m. and arrive at the Falcons Flowery Branch Practice Facility between 10 and 11 a.m., covering approximately 40 miles. The Falcons will also host a shorter ride covering approximately nine miles from Buckhead to the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta. Both routes will begin at the Peach Shopping Center at 2900 Peachtree Rd NW. Dimitroff will lead the long route with members of the Falcons front office and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition leading the short route. Riders can join Dimitroff and the Falcons by signing up at https://nationalbikechallenge.org/ and posting a comment under the local challenge (https://nationalbikechallenge.org/local/feeds) indicating whether they plan on joining the long or short route. Registration is encouraged for planning purposes: the long route will end with a Rookie Mini Camp practice viewing, lunch, and a van ride back to Buckhead. The short route will make stops at the Midtown and Downtown bike to work day energizer stations and end with music and snacks at the Georgia Dome.”

5-8-2014 Racing This Week Since Sunday is Mother’s Day, the racing calendar is a bit light this weekend. Saturday is the  The Keirin East Point at the DLV, The Keirin is always entertaining! Entry is $5/person or $10/family. There will be food available for sale, and it’s yummy! Saturday is a fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock– Blanket’s Creek XC.

5-7-2014 Bike to Work Week It’s National Bike Month, and this week is National Bike to Work Week. May 16th the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition will celebrate with several events. They will be offering “bike trains” and “energizer stations” with refreshments at Woodruff Park, Decatur, and the Midtown Alliance.

5-6-2014 Topview Sports Update From Topview Sports: Junior Regional Championships New race for 2014 that will pit the top riders from the Southeast against each other in a winner takes all format. The Junior Flyers and Frazier Cycling have partnered together with TopView Sports to deliver the Southeast Junior Regional Championship.  This championship will feature two days of racing, and will give riders the opportunity to test themselves before the USA Cycling Amateur National Championships in July.  The Regional Championship will see competitors as young as 9 years old and go all the way to age limit of 18 years of age. The USA Cycling sanctioned event will offer a criterium on Saturday, May 24th.  The West Oak course is one of the most popular group ride locations in the Atlanta area, and will deliver a fast race course for the riders to race on.  The road race on Sunday, May 25th will feature a rolling route that will challenge riders and crown a worthy champion.  The road race will also serve as the state road race championship for juniors in the state of Georgia.

July 23-27 Georgia Cycling Gran Prix TopView Sports again returns to the Roads of Georgia for the 8th Annual Georgia Cycling Gran Prix.  We are pleased to bring back all of our same venues from 2012 and 2013. We have improved some of the categories so that Cat 3 riders will race alone each day. We have increased some race distances for all categories so make this week long race experience even better in 2014. We are pleased to bring back the FAMOUS Road Atlanta Circuit race as the signature course for the GCGP. This week

Aug 2-3 Duluth Twilight –  Road Race Gwinnett TopView Sports again returns to the Roads of Georgia for the 8th Annual Georgia Cycling Gran Prix. We are pleased to bring back all of our same venues from 2012 and 2013.

5-5-2014 Blanket’s Creek XC From Mountain Goat Adventures: The weather is looking good for the second running of the Blankets Creek Cross Country Mountain Bike Race, presented by Free-Flite Bicycles, on May 10th. We will offer first timer, beginner, sport and expert categories with prizes a minimum of three deep in each category/age division. You may pre-register in person on Thursday May 8th from 4 pm to 7 pm at Free-Flite Bicycles in Marietta (Canton Rd Location) and still receive a tech shirt with your entry. Those who prefer to register on race day will also pay $40, however NO SHIRT is included in the race day registration. Please help us plan for your attendance by pre-registering.

We are working to raise the bar on XC mountain bike racing. Pre-registration includes one of our sweet wicking tech shirts – one you’ll actually want to wear (not use as a chain rag), as well as chip timing with INSTANT results (Trish’s note: results really are instant! Lisa and Co. have tablets set up that you can see results on the second you cross the finish line!), great sponsor prizes and sponsor swag, enthusiastic SORBA volunteers and bike patrol support, and post race snacks. No special racing license is required to participate in this event. Cash Payout for minimum of Top 5 Overall Expert Men and Top 3 Overall Expert Women! Loads of great sponsor prizes and gift cards as well so come help take it off our hands!  Please help us help SORBA Woodstock by making plans to attend this event. Your participation ensures that we are able to keep attracting high level sponsors and to keep monetary donations high to support trail maintenance and construction at Blankets Creek and Rope Mill Park.

Chainbuster Racing 3 Hours of Hi-5 – May 17th at Heritage Park Our friends at Chainbuster Racing have a new challenge for you! The brand new 3 Hours of Hi-5 Mountain Bike Series will kick off at Heritage Park in Watkinsville GA. The race course consists of twisty, single track that loops around unique Georgia forest. This course will present you with technical downhills and wide creek crossings. Chain Buster is proud to be partnered with the SORBA Athens Chapter on this event and fundraiser. The Heritage Park event is the first in a series of four races. Solo and team divisions are available.

Pedal for Pets From the Promoter: Preregistration is progressing for the 2014 Pedal For Pets ride from Senoia. This year the ride is on Saturday July 12, and starts from the UMC on Bridge Street in Senoia. The 100 mile route has been revamped somewhat. It is still scenic and has some rolling hills in southern Coweta County. The 30 mile route has been redone as well and riders will find that there are far fewer hills and less traveled roads. The 66 mile route remains the same. The family friendly 8 mile route will have a ride leader. Roll out times are 7:00 for the 100, 8:00 for the 30 & 66. 8:30 for the Family Friendly route. To register go to the Southside Cycling web site at www.southsidecycling.com. Click the Pedal for Pets icon and follow the steps.

5-4-2014 Girls Mountain Bike Clinic Prissy Tomboy and Sorella Cycling will be hosting a mountain bike clinic for girls in high school and younger. It will be May 24th 9 am to noon at Blanket’s Creek in Canton, GA. Emails Sharon Anderson sharonmanderson at gmail.com for more information.

Oakwood Circuit Race The Healthy Newton Omnium (GA) has been cancelled. Feed Your Dingo will have a circuit race on Sat., June 7th in Oakwood, GA, which is near Gainesville. Details are now up!

5-2-2014 Tour De Oconee Press Release: The 2014 Tour d’Oconee – Ride The Lion is Back! On Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 8:00 AM try out your whip on the Lion of Oconee. The ride: 62 miles with 2,850 ft of climbs! There are optional routes of 17, 25, & 35 miles all with great SAG stops. A portion of the course is timed. If you want to be timed you MUST let them know when you register. The Td’O Central party (start & finish) returns to Tifosi Optics world headquarters with the big tent and and La Parrilla will be there with a Fajita Bar ($5 per plate … cash only)! Kids are FREE! We allow kids (under 17 years of age as of 5/10/14) to ride and run the Tour d’Oconee for free as long as they’re accompanied by at least 1 paying adult!  A t-shirt is only guaranteed for pre-registered riders. Hats are also available this year. Bring your own cooler / Parking is free at the event 9:00 AM – Ride

Trek Demo There will be a Trek Factory Mountain Bike Demo Saturday, May 10th, 9:00 am-3:00 pm – Trek Factory MTB Demo, Allatoona Creek, 5690 Old Stilesboro Rd., Acworth, GA. – 5690 Old Stilesboro Rd., Acworth, GA  …  Take I-75N to Exit 267B, second Canton Conn exit, Hwy 5, exit circle in 2/10’s exit RIGHT onto N Cobb, US-41N; drive 9.4 mi turn LEFT onto Mars Hill; drive 1.5 mi turn RIGHT onto County Line/Old Stilesboro; drive 8/10 to FIRST RIGHT onto Old Stilesboro; destination on right.

5-1-2014 Racing This Week Speedweek Crits continue on Thursday with the Beaufort Criterium, Friday with the Downtown Spartanburg Criterium  Saturday with the Gaffney Crit.  Dirty Spokes puts on their annual 3/6 Hour Ft. Yargo race on Saturday. Also on Saturday is the  Pisgah MTB Adventure Race.  Cross country races this weekend include AMBS Attack on Swayback,  Harbison State Forest XC, abd CCORS Henderson Pond Trail XC. Sunday roadies head to NC for the NoDa Grand Prix.

Morgan Brown (Novo Nordisk) leads the Women’s pack on the backside of the Roswell course.

4-27-2014 Roswell Photos Photos from the Roswell Crit will be up by Tuesday morning at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com.

Tina Pic (Fearless Femme wins the Roswell Pro Women’s Crit.

5-2-2014 Tour De Oconee Press Release: The 2014 Tour d’Oconee – Ride The Lion is Back! On Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 8:00 AM try out your whip on the Lion of Oconee. The ride: 62 miles with 2,850 ft of climbs! There are optional routes of 17, 25, & 35 miles all with great SAG stops. A portion of the course is timed. If you want to be timed you MUST let them know when you register. The Td’O Central party (start & finish) returns to Tifosi Optics world headquarters with the big tent and and La Parrilla will be there with a Fajita Bar ($5 per plate … cash only)! Kids are FREE! We allow kids (under 17 years of age as of 5/10/14) to ride and run the Tour d’Oconee for free as long as they’re accompanied by at least 1 paying adult!  A t-shirt is only guaranteed for pre-registered riders. Hats are also available this year. Bring your own cooler / Parking is free at the event 9:00 AM – Ride

Trek Demo There will be a Trek Factory Mountain Bike Demo Saturday, May 10th, 9:00 am-3:00 pm – Trek Factory MTB Demo, Allatoona Creek, 5690 Old Stilesboro Rd., Acworth, GA. – 5690 Old Stilesboro Rd., Acworth, GA  …  Take I-75N to Exit 267B, second Canton Conn exit, Hwy 5, exit circle in 2/10’s exit RIGHT onto N Cobb, US-41N; drive 9.4 mi turn LEFT onto Mars Hill; drive 1.5 mi turn RIGHT onto County Line/Old Stilesboro; drive 8/10 to FIRST RIGHT onto Old Stilesboro; destination on right.

5-1-2014 Racing This Week Speedweek Crits continue on Thursday with the Beaufort Criterium, Friday with the Downtown Spartanburg Criterium  Saturday with the Gaffney Crit.  Dirty Spokes puts on their annual 3/6 Hour Ft. Yargo race on Saturday. Also on Saturday is the  Pisgah MTB Adventure Race.  Cross country races this weekend include AMBS Attack on Swayback,  Harbison State Forest XC, abd CCORS Henderson Pond Trail XC. Sunday roadies head to NC for the NoDa Grand Prix.

Morgan Brown (Novo Nordisk) leads the Women’s pack on the backside of the Roswell course.

4-27-2014 Roswell Photos Photos from the Roswell Crit will be up by Tuesday morning at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com.

Tina Pic (Fearless Femme wins the Roswell Pro Women’s Crit.

4-26-2014 Twilight Live Stream Twilight will be live streaming tonight if you can’t  make it over to Athens! Twilight Live Stream! Women at 7:45 pm and Men at 9:00 pm.
http://velonews.competitor.com/live-2

4-25-2014  Silver Comet Open! The Cobb DOT reports that the entire Silver Comet Trail is open! Lucille Bridge, the last of the six bridges needing repair, is now done.

4-24-2014 Racing This Week TWILIGHT! Saturday is the Terrapin Twilight Criterium, which is southern crit racing at its best! All of the big teams will be in Athens! Sunday is the Historic Roswell Criterium. Whoever has recovered from Twilight will have their chance to shine! Mountain bikers have several races to choose from: 6 Hour Gear Grinder, April 26 Cohutta 65/100, and SERC #4/GSC #3 Ft. Yargo. The Ft. Yargo race is a US National Mountain Biking Championships qualifier.

Handcycling Races Not going to Twilight or Roswell this weekend but still looking for something fun to do? The Clock Tower Hand Cycling races are this weekend in Rome! The crit Saturday night in downtown Rome is fun to watch!

Roswell Crit Press Release The Roswell Cycling Festival enters its 13th year as a spring tradition of family-friendly activities along Canton Street in Historic Roswell.  On Sunday, April 27, this event features 10 elite and professional races for the nation’s best cyclists, the Historic Roswell Criterium.  This year’s Historic Roswell Criterium is part of the USA CRITS Speed Week, six races in six southeastern cities offering the biggest prize purse in American Criterium racing of $125,000.  Live streaming of the Historic Roswell Criterium races will be broadcast at usacrits.com.  These races are sanctioned by USA Cycling, and have attracted more than 8,000 junior and adult cyclists since 2002.

This year’s Roswell Cycling Festival, presented by Hennessy Automobile Companies and Roswell Bicycles, features the Roswell Mayor’s Ride, Kid’s Bicycle Safety Rodeo, Kid’s Zone, Bicycle Expo and 10 races in the Historic Roswell Criterium.  A full schedule of events can be found at www.roswellcyclingfestival.com.

The popular Roswell Mayor’s Ride will kick off the Festival for a 10th year at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning at Roswell Area Park.  There are four ride options, a free family six-mile ride that has a police escort, as well as 20, 40 & 62-mile options.  This gives cyclists of all abilities, from unicycles to recumbent and even beach bikes, the opportunity to take in the beauty of Historic Roswell along the tree-lined streets at a casual pace.  Registered riders will be provided a VIP post-post-ride lunch and viewing area for the criterium races with the Mayor. Many of the event sponsors will be part of the VIP area, including 24 Hours of Booty of Atlanta and New Belgium Brewing. All routes begin and end at Roswell Area Park (10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075). The Family 6-mile option is free.  Registration is $40 for the 20 & 40 mile options for individuals and $45 for the Metric Century.  Group discounts are available. More information can be found at www.bikeroswell.com.

A complimentary bicycle skills clinic will be hosted for a 13th year by the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell. Registration begins at 2 p.m. as part of the Roswell Cycling Festival expo, with the Kid’s Bicycle Safety Rodeo in the Roswell United Methodist Church parking lot on the corner of Mimosa and Magnolia. The children who participate in the rodeo will get to test their skills and speed from 5-5:50 p.m. on the criterium race course in the Kid’s Races presented by Moncrief Heating and Air Conditioning. This will be followed by a bicycle/tricycle parade.

State of the art bicycles and accessories will be on display, and for sale, at the Bicycle Expo Area, managed by Roswell Bicycles and its vendors. Roswell Bicycles has been involved with the Roswell Cycling Festival and Roswell Mayor’s Ride every year since 2002. They are also selling $5 raffle tickets at the store for fans to win new bicycles, which include a Giant TCR Advanced 1 road racing bike ($3200 value), a Specialized Sirrus Elite fitness bike ($820 value), a Specialized Vita Elite fitness bike ($820 value), and a Raleigh Mountain Scout children’s bike ($330 value). Winners will be announced just before the men’s pro race on Sunday. Proceeds go back to Bike Roswell!, a non-profit 501(c)4 bicycle advocacy organization, to support the community.

4-23-2014 Southeast Regional Series Press Release: 2014 marks the second year for the Southeast Regional Series presented by Stan’s NoTubes (SRS). This is the only road racing series for amateur and elite cycling teams which offers points competitions spanning multiple states in one region. SRS returns to Albany, Georgia the weekend of May 17-18 with the Begin, Believe, Become Albany Criterium & Road Race. More than 600 cyclists, men, women and juniors, are expected in Albany for race weekend. Team PCP, is the only USAC-licensed cycling team based in Albany, Ga. and has a regional roster from three states. The Pecan City Pedalers have been the major bicycle club in Southwest Georgia for close to 30 years, sponsoring the Nut Roll Century, held annually in mid-September, and supporting the Albany SRS race weekend. Look for PCP to bring a large number of competitors for the women’s races, as well as men’s Cat 4, Cat 5 and Masters divisions.
“We are proud of our team’s affiliation with the Southeast Racing Series. With Albany being the home of the Marine Corp Logistics Base, the race has been a great way for our club to get to know Marines and their families while stationed here,” said Chip Battle, current Vice President of the Pecan City Pedalers.
Last year’s Albany Road Race men’s champion in the Pro/Cat 1 / 2 category was Tallahassee-resident David Guttenplan of AG Bicycles/ Guttenplan Coaching, now racing in 2014 for SeaSucker / Guttenplan Coaching (Miami, Fla.). The winner of last year’s Albany Criterium was Sarasota-based Shawn Gravois of UnitedHealthcare of Georgia powered by 706 Project. Racing for Lupus Racing Team in 2014, Gravois has four podium finishes in his seven races. On the women’s side in the Pro/Cat 1/2/3 category, Arden Stelly, who is from Americus, Ga., swept both Albany races for her Pain Pathways (Asheville, N.C.) squad. On March 2, 2014 she continued her winning ways with the top spot in the road race of the Greenville Spring Series.

SRS presented by Stan’s NoTubes offers 10 road cycling races on five different weekends in five states. Last year SRS showcased 1,800 elite athletes in road racing and criterium disciplines, providing more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. The 2014 Southeast Regional Series presented by Stan’s NoTubes concludes with the series championships in Greenville, S.C. September 13-14. Four of the southeast cities on the schedule were part of the inaugural series last year, with Huntsville, Ala. added as a new host venue in June. Each series stop offers a unique Saturday downtown criterium paired with a Sunday road race.
ALBANY, GEORGIA May 17 – SB&T Criterium May 18 – Albany Road Race
HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA June 14 – Huntsville Criterium June 15 – Huntsville Road Race
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA July 19 – French Broad Cycling Classic July 20 – Asheville Road Race
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE August 9 – Knoxville Criterium August 10 -Knoxville Road Race
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA September 13 – Greenville Championships September 14 – Greenville Road Race
Teams and individuals can register for the full series or single races. The fees begin at $125 for juniors who register for all five criterium events in the series. For adults, full series registration is $350 for each category – three Master’s divisions, four regular men’s divisions (Pro 1/ 2 to Cat 5) and two regular women’s division (Pro 1/2/3 and Cat 4). Registration information, the complete SRS schedule and event updates are available online.

Hendersonville Short Track Series Press Release: Mountain bike racing returns to Jackson Park in Hendersonville, NC for the second summer in a row with the Summer Short Track Series sponsored by Henderson County Parks & Recreation Department and Sycamore Cycles. The series features six races, starting on Wednesday, June 18 and held alternating Wednesdays through August 27. Race nights are family affairs with a free youth race at 5:30pm. There are also play areas set up for kids while their parents race later in the evening!

Category 3 and Junior races start at 6pm and run for approximately 20 minutes on the 1 mile gravel, dirt, grass and singletrack course.  Category 2 starts at 6:30 and will race for 25 minutes, followed by the Pro/Category 1 races at 7:10pm with a 30 minute race. Points are accumulated throughout the series to crown the male and female champion in each category, as well as in individual age groups. The series provides a fun and low-key opportunity to try short track racing for the first time, while also presenting a challenge for more experienced riders.

The series will be partnering with local businesses and organizations to put awesome prize packages on the line for series winners, as well as support other local cycling projects. The series will also be hosting a women’s intro to racing course before the start of the series. Details will be announced at a later date. Pre-registration: $10, Day-of: $15, One-day license: $10, Register at USAC’s website. Facebook page.

4-22-2014 Garneau Factory Team Ride Join the Garneau Factory Team this Wed. at the Reality Bikes Ride. Help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and get free donuts! Raffle tickets will be for sale, and the winner gets half the pot! Plus, you get in a good ride with the Reality Bikes crew! The weekly ride as A, B, and C groups.

Roswell Cycling Festival The Roswell Cycling Festival is this Sunday! They are still looking for volunteers. Go here to see what positions are available and to sign up.

New Section of Pinhoti Opens SORBA has announced that a new section of the Pinhoti trail is opening this Saturday. “The  Georgia Pinhoti Trail Association is hosting a grand opening of a brand new section of the Pinhoti Trail on Saturday afternoon May 3^rd at 3 p.m. The celebration will be at the new parking lot on Dennis Mill Road on land that was purchased by the Conservation Fund so the trail could be built. The Georgia section of the Pinhoti is the longest blazed trail in Georgia, running from the Alabama line in Polk County, GA to the Benton MacKaye Trail near the Cohutta Wilderness. The new section adds approximately 20 miles of blazed trail. The Pinhoti is a multi-use trail open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians along much of its route. This new section of trail is the result of many years of work by several groups. Many of these groups will be present at the grand opening. Please join us for the opening and meet many of the people that have made this a reality.”

4-21-2014  Velo Girl Rides Tours From Southeastern Cycling’s new advertiser: Velo Girl Rides, organizer of the Cycle to Farm® tour of local farms by bicycle, today announced that just four (4) spots remain in their popular End-to-End tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway in September, an experience that many cyclists place high on their “bucket list” and which the Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine placed #1 on their Ultimate 100 Challenge. The Velo Girl Rides tour starts on September 16, and additional information can be found at http://velogirlrides.com/blue-ridge-cycling.

Velo Girl Rides also offers Short Escape tours, with four days of luxury accommodations, daily rides with van support, and evening activities. All meals are included, with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and unique venues. Tours are usually limited to just 10 clients to ensure a comfortable and customized experience. Jennifer Billstrom founded Velo Girl Rides to introduce small groups of cyclists to beautiful places that combine challenging riding with opportunities to pause long enough to see amazing sights, eat fabulous local food, and enjoy the culture of the area. She grew up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and these tours offer a treasure trove of cultural jewels – art, farms with local food, and world-renowned musicians. One-day tours, training series, and coaching are also available upon request. Jennifer also created the Cycle to Farm events, which bring 300 cyclists to local farms for tasty samples, purchases, and a farm-to-table meal at the finish.

For more information, see Velo Girl Rides. Cycle to Farm is a registered trademark of Velo Girl Rides, LLC. Velo Girl Rides is a trademark of Velo Girl Rides, LLC. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.

4-20-2014 Win VIP Passes to US Pro From VW:”Fans of cycling: we are giving away five VIP packages to the Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional Road & Time Trial National Championships in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Memorial Day. Come in for a test drive at a participating dealer before May 11 for a chance to win!

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The USA Cycling VW Test Drive Experience Sweepstakes is sponsored by Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. Open only to legal U.S. residents residing in AL, GA, SC, NC, TN or KY, who are 21 years of age or older, have a valid U.S. driver’s license & auto insurance at time of entry. Ends 5/11/14. For official rules including alternate method of entry, ask a participating dealership representative or visit www.vwtestdrive.dja.com.”

4-17-2014 Live Coverage Of The Winston-Salem Cycling Classic Press Release: Cycling fans around the globe can watch the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic road races on Friday and Saturday’s criteriums via the USA CRITS Championship Series YouTube channel. Friday’s 50.4-mile UCI/NRC road race for women begins at 9:30 a.m. EDT, followed by the men’s UCI/NRC 120-mile road race at 12:30 p.m. Live streaming of both races will feature announcing by former professional cyclists Bob Roll and Robbie Ventura. Saturday’s 60-minute NCC/USA CRITS series criterium for women starts at 4:45 p.m. EDT. The pro men’s NCC/USA CRITS series criterium is 75 minutes, beginning at 6 p.m.

4-16-2014  Volkswagen 2014 USA Cycling National Championships Chattanooga, Tenn. is again hosting the Volkswagen USA Cycling National Championships on Memorial Day Weekend 2014, May 24-26. There are a total of six races resulting in five National Championships. In addition to the pro cycling championships, the National Handcycling Championships will be held in Chattanooga the same weekend.

More than 400 volunteers are needed to put on an event of this caliber. So get close to the action one day as a course marshal, member of safety crew or hospitality check-in assistant. Click here to visit the Volunteer Facebook page. Visit Outdoor Chattanooga website to sign up as a volunteer. Follow updates on Twitter – @usacycling #USPRO. Photo Courtesy of Jason Els

4-15-2014 Atlanta Velocity Magazine Atlanta Velocity Magazine did an article on Southeastern Cycling in this month’s issue. Printed copies will be in bike shops soon. In the meantime, read it online.

Allatoona Work Party From SORBA West Georgia: There will be a work party at Allatoona on Sat., April 26 from 9 am til 1 pm. “We will be getting some help from KSU students to get back to the construction of the new 4 mile trail. Please meet at the Old Stilesboro bathroom building located at 5690 Old Stilesboro Road, Acworth GA 30301. Please wear closed toe shoes and bring water and snacks for your consumption while on the trail. Lunch will be served at the conclusion of work. All required tools will be provided.”

Blanket’s Creek Work Party SORBA Woodstock will host a work party at Blanket’s Creek on Sat., April 19 at 9 am. They will be working on several different things.

4-14-2014 Blanket’s Creek XC Race From MGA: “We are making preparations for the second running of the Blankets Creek Cross Country Mountain Bike Challenge on May 10th. Register on or before 4/19 and pay just $35 (includes wicking t-shirt!). Online pre-registration after 4/19 will be $40 and will remain open until Thursday, May 8th at 10 pm and also includes a wicking shirt. Those who prefer to register on race day will also pay $40, however NO SHIRT is included in the race day registration. Please help us plan for your attendance by pre-registering. We will offer first timer, beginner, sport and expert categories. Course descriptions and maps can be found here on the event website.

We are working to raise the bar on XC mountain bike racing. Early registration is $35 and includes one of our sweet wicking tech shirts – one you’ll actually want to wear (not use as a chain rag), as well as chip timing with instant results, great prizes and sponsor swag, enthusiastic SORBA volunteers, and post race snacks. No special racing license is required to participate in this event. We offer a first-timer friendly course that is both challenging and doable for first-time racers. Cash Payout for minimum of Top 5 Overall Expert Men and Top 3 Overall Expert Women! Loads of great sponsor prizes and gift cards as well so come help take it off our hands!”

4-12-2014 Silver Comet Closures Cobb County has updated the Silver Comet Closures. The Ewing Road Bridge will be closed from April 14-20^th for further repairs and paving under the bridge. The Lucille Creek Bridge is closed until April 30^th. The good news is that bridge repairs will be done by the end of this month. The other good/bad news is that parts of the Comet will be closed for resurfacing something in early June. During that time, the entire Comet will be open on all holidays and weekends.

AMP Cycling Series Dingo Race Productions as announced that weekday racing at the AMP Cycling Series is back this summer! It starts May 6^th in Dawsonville.

 4-10-2014 Racing This Weekend The historic Dilworth Criterium is taking place on Saturday.   The Dilworth Criterium will once again be held in conjunction with the Novant Health Invitational Criterium in Uptown Charlotte in the evening and the Belmont Criterium on Sunday. Georgia riders vie for the state crit championships in Macon on Saturday. Sunday is the 2nd annual Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo. With distances of 33, 69, and 108 miles, there is a ride for everyone! There are prizes for the 108 mile’s 4 timed sections as well as for the other distances. Sunday is the DLV Women’s Challenge with 4 divisions for Women, Juniors, and tandems. Two endurance mountain bike races happening are the 12 Ocho 8 Hour,  and the  Night Shift/6 Hours of TNT Night Race.

4-8-2014 TN State TT Championship The TN State Championship TT has been rescheduled for June 14. It will be in Lascassas, TN.

Bull Mountain Work Party From SORBA and CTHA There will be a work party at Bull Mountain on April 12. Meet at the Jake Mountain parking lot at 9 am to sign in and to carpool to the work site. “The plan is to clean out turnouts to divert the water off the trail at the FS28-1 end of the connector trail 223F (heading over toward Bull Mtn road). Please RSVP by Thursday 4/10.

SORBA and CTHA are teaming up to offer some incentives for trail volunteers this year. Below are the details for each incentive. Suffice to say – the more trail workdays you attend, the better your chances to win. The schedule of trail workdays for 2014 is attached.
1. Lisa Randall of Mountain Goat Adventures is giving $25 off your Fools Gold race entry fee for each work party you attend between 1/1/2014 and 9/6/2014 – with a limit of $75 savings per person. So, if you attend 3 CTHA/SORBA sponsored trail workdays at Jake & Bull Mtn – you will get $75 off your Fools Gold registration cost.

2. Bike Tours Direct is donating a $200 gift certificate towards one of their tours to be given away based on work party participation. For each CTHA/SORBA sponsored trail workday at Jake & Bull Mtn – bikers will get 1 entry into this drawing. Lisa Randall will do the drawing for this prize at Fools Gold later in September. Thanks to Richie Daigle of Bike Tours Direct! http://www.biketours.com/

3. IMBA/REI Teaming for Trails program will provide free Cliff bars and some swag to hand out at work parties. They will also give a 30-day membership in ProMotive (super discounts on bike stuff) to volunteers who work a minimum of 20 hours.

Georgia Riders Winning Nationally I normally don’t post race results or such, but I have to brag about a few Georgia riders who were tearing up the national scene this weekend. Brandon Pruett got 2nd in his race at Battenkill, NY. It’s a large NE regional race that is billed as America’s Biggest One Day Race. It’s like a pave ride with gravel and dirt road sections.

Joey Rosskopf (Hincapie Sportswear) took the win on the final stage of Redlands in California. With the win Joey took the overall GC as well. Welcome to the Big Time, Joey! Redlands has been the launching pad for many riders going to Europe and the ProTour.

Sawnee-Burnt Mountain Challenge From the promoter: The 9th Annual Sawnee-Burnt Mountain Century Challenge will be held Saturday, May 3rd in Cumming. This ride has 25, 46, 75 & 100 mile options. The 75 &100 mile options climb Burnt Mountain. All routes include great rest stops and SAG support. An end of the ride meal will also be provided in the Kiwanis Building. All registrations will be entered into several raffle prize drawings, donated by Reality Bikes & Pearl Izumi. This is a major fundraising event for the Cumming Kiwanis Club, with the proceeds to benefit Sponsored Youth Programs. $1.00 of each registration will also be donated to Georgia Bikes, a nonprofit bicycling advocacy organization. Registration begins at 7:00am. 75 & 100 mile rides begin at 8:00am. 25 & 46 mile rides begin at 8:30am.

4-5-2014 US Pro Media Partner It’s official! Southeastern Cycling is an official media partner of the US Pro Championships! US Pro will be held Memorial Day Weekend in Chattanooga, TN! Look for updates on US Pro SE Cycling and social media!

4-4-2014 US Pro Seeks Volunteers  The US Pro Championships in Chattanooga, TN is looking for volunteers Memorial Day Weekend! Register to volunteer here: http://USProVolunteer2014.edgereg.com.

DLV News From the DLV Womens Velodrome Challenge, Sunday April 13th 2014, 3pm, Hosted by LWalkerCycling and the East Point Track Club, this will be a USAC insured event A brand new event for 2014, we’re introducing our Womens Velodrome Challenge, which will include 4 different categories for women, racing for junior riders, and a chance for those with track tandems to dust them off and bring them down to get racing in our open tandem category. You can read more about it over here:

Regular Certification Classes are Underway If you didn’t make it to one of our weekend certification classes, you’ll still be able to get certified in one of our regular season classes, the first of which starts tonight. Those classes run over 4 consecutive Thursday evenings.

2014 Pro Race Series Schedule
Saturday May 10th – Merial presents ‘The Keirin’
Friday May 9th – Maxxis Tires Need for Speed Sprints
Tweet all about it: #merialkeirin
Saturday July 12th – Outback Bikes presents ‘The Omnium’
Friday July 11th – Parks Law Need for Speed Sprints
Tweet all about it: #outbackomnium
Saturday September 6th – Saucebox Velodrome Cup
Friday September 5th – Loose Nuts Cycles Need for Speed Sprints
Tweet all about it: #sauceboxcup

4-3-2014 Racing This Weekend There is a lot of racing going on this weekend around the Southeast! The venerable Sunny King Crit is Saturday in Anniston, AL. It is followed on Sunday by the Foothills RR. Spring racing begins in the Carolinas with the Rock Hill Cycling Classic. Mountain bikers head to Tsali for SERC #3. Endurance racers can choose between 6 Hours of Warrior Creek and Curse at the Crab 6 Hour

Women’s Clinic/Q&A in NC From the Promoter: Attention Female Racers and Female Cyclists We have another exciting opportunity to highlight and support women’s racing in the Carolinas AND give new racers a chance to learn from the pros! Thad Fischer, Race Director for the Novant Health Invitational Criterium and Belmont Criterium p/b Carolina’s HealthCare System along with South Main Cycles in Belmont and the Carolinas Cycling Women’s Development Program have arranged a get together with some of the top pro women that will be in town for the races. To be held on Sunday, April 13th at 11 am at South Main Cycles located at 4 North Main Street in Belmont, NC, this will be an up close and personal discussion with the pro racers. Hear about their experiences, learn how they use their unique strengths to win bike races and ask that burning question you’ve always wanted to ask. USA National Criterium Champion Alison Powers and Multi Time USA National Champion Cari Higgins from the Women’s United Healthcare team are confirmed to attend and possibly others.

South Main Cycles is located at 4 North Main Street in Belmont, right on the criterium course. With the Women’s 3/4 race beginning at 2:20pm, there will plenty of time to get all of your questions answered and still have time to warm-up for your race! Light refreshments will be served. Please share with others that you think might be interested in attending. Additional information can be found at: http://www.belmontcrit.org/Home.php, http://southmaincycles.com/ and http://uhcprocycling.com/womens-team/, Information regarding other races taking place this weekend can be found at: http://www.charlottecriterium.org/ and http://www.dilworthcrit.com/.
Please contact- Marianne Holt for more information and to reserve your spot! marianne57 at windstream.net

Team Engine / MRI Endurance.com News Update Come out and Ride this Saturday up in Ellijay for the Italian Road Bike Festival with Team Engine and Friends.  Cartecy River Bicycles is hosting this event and has described the event as follows: For over fifteen years, the Italian Festival Road Bike Festival has brought cyclists from all over the country to tour the challenging countryside of Gilmer, Fannin and Murray Counties in North Georgia. Start your riding season with some of the best scenic road riding that the Southeast has to offer!

Gianni Bugno 43 miler: rolling hills, about 3000ft of climb, this is an Intermediate Ride. Marco Pantani 70 miler: rolling hills to a 7 mile mountain climb, about 6,500ft of climb, this is an Avanced/Difficult Ride. Giro de Ellijay 104 miler: about 10,853ft of climb, two mountain climbs, this is an Extremely Difficult Ride (no joke, do not attempt unless you are an advanced rider). All rides will have a Que Sheet/Map, Well Marked Roads, Supported Sag Stops (water, sport drinks, fruit), and Broom Wagon. Fees $40.00 Mass start at 9:00AM, Same day registration 7:30AM

Atlanta WBL The final Atlanta WBL of the season is on Saturday. The ride time is 4 hours, 20 minutes.

4-2-2014 Outback Ride Outback Bikes in Little 5 Points will have a casual ride on Wednesdays at 6:15. Distance will vary according to who shows up.

Georgia Gran Fondo The Georgia Gran Fondo is April 13th! There is only 1 more day before the price increases. Current price – $95, $75, $50
10 day out price – $110, $90, $65,  Day of registration price – $120, $100, $75  *T-Shirt included only for registrations received more than 10 days in advance of event date. Maps and GPS Files of the routes are now available! There are options of  33, 69, and 108 miles!

New SORBA-IMBA Regional Director From SORBA/IMBA: “The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and the Southern Off-Road Mountain Bicycle Association (SORBA), IMBA’s Southeast Region, have jointly hired a full-time professional advocate in the role of IMBA’s Associate Regional Director.  Terry Palmeri will work closely with Tom Sauret, IMBA Regional Director and SORBA Executive Director, helping serve the 38 SORBA chapters in his territory of Alabama, Florida, Georgia,  Mississippi , North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee.” Read More. Trish’s Note: Terry is Mrs. Mike Palmeri, owner of Cartecay Bikes in Ellijay. She is very well known for her work as president of EMBA.

4-1-2014 New Sponsor for Charlotte Crit Cyclingnews.com reports that Novant Health is the new sponsor of the Charlotte Criterium. “The state of North Carolina will play host to two rounds of the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar next month, when the April 12 Charlotte Criterium, with new sponsor Novant Health, is joined by the Belmont Criterium the following day to create the Charlotte-Belmont omnium.”

DLV Work Party The final DLV Work Party will be on Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm.

Get Your Guts in Gear Press Rlease: The Ride for Crohn’s & Colitis (“GYGIG”), is an independent, national, nonprofit organization that raises awareness of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and related conditions through cycling events that benefit and support IBD organizations and patient advocacy groups.  GYGIG creates and produces well-organized, participant-centric events so that participants feel empowered, accomplished and part of a greater community. Since our founding in 2003 and our first Ride in 2004, GYGIG has empowered the IBD community, while raising awareness and funds for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and ostomy-related issues.

This year our Georgia ride will start and finish at the Lebanon Baptist Church in Roswell GA on May 3rd.  Besides our bike ride we are having a festival type event at the end of the ride at the Lebanon Church with a bike-a-thon for the kids.  We have partnered with Waffle house to have a truck and donated food.  We have a blue grass band The Hot Boiled Peanuts and an Ice Cream truck as well as vendors with kid friendly activities.  We anticipate 200 attendees. There will be options of 30, 62.5, and 100 miles. Our routes are fully supported with rest stops approximately every 12-15 miles of the way, providing restrooms, hydration (sports drinks and water), energy  bars, and food.  Sweep vehicles will sweep the route to ensure that all of our cyclists are well taken care of.

3-31-2014 Tony Serrano Century The early registration fee of $35 ends tomorrow night, March 31. There is no added on “convenience” fee. You can register at PreRace.com.

Group Rides Remember that a lot of the after work group rides in Atlanta move to 6:30 beginning either April 1 or the first full week of April. If you are unsure what time your favorite rides leaves, be sure to check with the club, shop, or ride leader. Blinkies are still recommended if you will be getting in close to dark. Dusk is still around 7:40 this week with sunset about 7:56 pm.

Shop News Atlanta Cycling has 50% off all winter clothing! All of their weekday shop rides at both locations move to 6:30 this week. Outback Bicycles has a new casual ride on Wednesdays starting at the shop in Little 5 Points.

3-29-2014 Wildwood Games  Press Release: The Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today the inaugural “Wildwood Games” sports festival will take place August 23 and 24, 2014, at Wildwood Park in Appling, Georgia. The multi-sport event will feature marathon mountain bike races, trail running races, and outdoors expo.

The mountain bike race will offer two distance options. The shorter race will take place mainly on the Bartram Trail and cover approximately 32 miles, beginning at Wildwood Park, heading toward the West Dam area, then returning to finish at Wildwood Park. The long option will cover approximately 62 miles. The course will utilize the Bartram Trail, Keg Creek Trail, Mistletoe State Park trails, and some connector roads. This race will serve as a test run for the proposed course for the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships which will take place here in 2015 and 2016.

The Wildwood Games will be managed and marketed by SixSpeed, a Minneapolis-based agency with extensive experience in producing and marketing action sports events. Their clients include Red Bull, Cannondale Bicycles, the X Games, Trek Bicycles, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Event registration information and a detailed schedule for this year’s Wildwood Games will be released in late-April.

3-27-2014 Racing This Weekend This weekend in racing….The  Gran Prix of Gainesville is Friday-Sunday in Gainesville, GA. Street sprints will be featured Friday night. Saturday is RAMBO’s Big Creek Quick Six Enduro stage race at Big Creek in Roswell, GA.  The  24 Hours of Iron Maiden, takes place in Alabama for the endurance mountain bike racers.  On Sunday the SERC Series holds a race at the GIHP in Conyers. This round also serves as the GCS #2.

Fouche Gap RR Postponed The Fouche Gap RR that was supposed to be held on April 19 has been postponed. Rome Velo says they hope to hold it at a later date.

3-25-2014 Georgia Rider Suspension USA Cycling has issued a Rider Suspension Notice for Georgia rider Eddie Murray for racing in an inappropriate Masters age category. The suspension runs March 1-30, 2014.

 3-24-2014 Dirty Duathlon Don’t worry! I haven’t started running (reference my 2 knee surgeries last fall and my bad back). I teamed up with Renee Lowe (Team Herbal Intentions), an ultramarathoner, to do the Dirty Duathlon at Blanket’s Creek on Saturday. We won the women’s 2 person division! I was very happy with my bike time considering it’s March, and I haven’t started training yet. As usual, Mountain Goat Adventures put on a great race! They offer live results on tablets in the results tent. No more waiting for results! Also, thanks to Van Michael Salons for the awesome prizes for the ladies! Cycling ladies love our VM!! Now back to your regularly scheduled cycling stuff…..

Trish Albert (Sorella Cycling) and Renee Lowe (Herbal Intentions) win the 2 person female division at the Dirty Du.

Missing Zip Wheel From Cathy Frazier: “If anyone found a Zipp front wheel at the intersection of Marshall Clark and Jackson Trail outside of Hoschton< GA on Saturday afternoon, March 22, please contact  Cathy Frazier, cfrazier at fraziercycling.com, 770-513-8640.  I am hoping that someone found it there and took it in hopes of finding the owner somehow. ”