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. ”

3-22-2014 Gainesville Gran Prix  Press Release:  Gainesville, GA – Dingo Race Productions, LLC Announces The 3rd Annual Gainesville Gran Prix, USAC sanctioned Omnium Cycling Race. The Omnium Event will be held on March 29 & 30th, with a Friday, March 28, bonus event: The Wahoo Fitness Kickr Races and Friday Night Street Sprints, p/b Wrenched Bicycles. This Friday night addition will serve to kick off the 3rd Annual Gainesville Gran Prix, a 2-day, 3-event USAC Sanctioned Omnium, Bicycle race with over $6000 in cash and prizes.

The Gainesville Gran Prix is an omnium bicycle race events that includes a Time Trial & Circuit Race on Saturday, and an EPIC road-race course on Sunday, as well as over $6000 in cash and prizes. The Gainesville Gran Prix had a 250% increase in participation in its 2013 edition. This year, the 3rd Annual Gran Prix will host the first 2 races of the Georgia Championship Series calendar: the Saturday Clermont Circuit and Sunday Clermont Highlands Road Race, and expect to see another increase in participation.
This year’s edition includes an intermission charity 5k/fun run that will occur between the Time Trial and the Circuit Race, (approx. 10:30) Saturday, all proceeds benefitting the Concord Baptist Church, Mexico Family Mission. JOIN US!! Watch exciting racing, Run a 5k for charity, or Volunteer!

Location of Events: • Friday evening: Wrenched Bicycles, 328 Bradford St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501 • Saturday:  Concord Baptist Church, 640 Main St, Clermont, GA 30527 • Sunday: Downtown Clermont, Dean St @Main, Clermont, GA 30527

Schedule of Events:  Friday, March 28th, Wahoo Fitness Kickr Races & Friday Night Street Sprints p/b Wrenched Bicycles • Saturday, March 29th USAC Pro/AM Clermont Time Trial, beginning @8am,  Free Kid’s Bike Race (short course) USAC Pro/AM Clermont Circuit Race, beginning @11:30am,
• Sunday, March 30th  USAC Pro/AM Clermont Highlands Road Race, Sunday, beginning @8:45am. Visit the website for additional information.

3-20-2014 US Pro Championships USA Cycling has announced the courses for the 2014 US Pro Championships in Chattanooga, TN May 24-26. The TT course will be near the VW plant, and the road race course will include the big climb up Lookout Mountain.

Ride to the Capital Tuesday Southeastern Cycling participated in Georgia Rides to the Capital. About 600 cyclists rode for cycling rights and complete streets in Georgia. Several local mayors including Jere Wood of Roswell and Governor Nathan Deal spoke about their support for cycling. Georgia Bikes, Connect the Comet, and other organizations were on hand with refreshments and information.

A view from inside the Ride to the Capital peloton on Courtland Ave.

Winston Salem Classic Press Release:  Winston-Salem, N.C. – This year’s Winston-Salem Cycling Classic will feature more racing and more visibility for the event that features one of only two UCI women’s races in the United States. National Racing Calendar/UCI road races for men and women take place Friday, April 18, with National Criterium Calendar/USA CRITS Series races for both the following day. Interspersed between those events are USA Cycling-sanctioned criteriums, the return of last year’s popular gran fondo and plans for live, online streaming of select races. “We heard a lot of feedback from participants last year who said these races were some of the toughest in America,” Race Director Ray Boden said. “They loved the intense competition of our races and the downtown courses. Our goal this time is to make everything bigger and better.” Friday’s 50.4-mile road race for women rolls out at 9:30 a.m., followed by the men’s 120-mile road race at 12:30 p.m. USA Cycling criterium races on a new, 1.5-mile course near Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude before the finish of the pro men’s road race. Winston-Salem Competition Director Kurt Stockton, who raced professionally himself and has directed several men’s and women’s pro teams, said the goal in the event’s second year was to attract top talent and make the UCI 1.2 races a must-stop on the U.S. racing circuit.

“The Winston-Salem Cycling Classic has already confirmed the top tier of UCI-registered, U.S.-based men’s and women’s teams to compete against a quality foreign contingent, which no doubt will make for very dynamic and exciting racing,” Stockton said. “As one of only two UCI events for women in the U.S., we wanted to give the women a chance to compete at an international level – with home soil advantage – and an opportunity to earn coveted UCI points.”

Saturday’s pro criterium for women begins at 4:45 p.m. and at 6 p.m. for pro men, both on a 0.9-mile loop through downtown. A 50-mile and 80-mile gran fondo in the morning and a special USA Cycling criterium in the afternoon precede both pro races. Live music from three bands will provide additional entertainment, Boden said. “The three biggest criterium bike races in America will take place three weekends in a row, beginning with Charlotte the week before and wrapping up in Athens a week after our races,” Boden said. “Within a couple years, I am confident that the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic will emerge as one of the premier cycling events in America.”

Boone-Roubaix: The Hell of the High Country Press Release: Boone-Roubaix, the “Hell of the High Country,” returns for the fifth year on Sunday, March 30, offering cyclists from around the country a chance to take on the dirt roads and steep climbs of the North Carolina High Country. Once again, Pirate Race Productions is partnering with the Appalachian State University Wine to Water Club to raise funds to bring clean drinking water to needy communities around the world. Boone-Roubaix offers both age-based race categories for men and women, as well as a recreational Gravel FUNdo for folks who want to face the challenge at a more relaxed pace.  Pirate Race Productions’ commitment to fun and fair competition attracts amateur cyclists of all stripes who prefer racing without the hassle and attitude of sanctioned events. With a generous overall winners’ prize purse and equal prize money for top women, some of the region’s best race teams are already signed up. Thanks to its infamous climbs and unpaved roads, Boone-Roubaix is one of the fastest growing road races in America, last year attracting over 200 riders from 14 states.

3-18-2014 Ride to the Capitol  The Georgia Rides to the Capital is TODAY! There are rides leaving from all over Atlanta!

Reality Bikes Wednesday Ride The first Reality Bikes Wed. Ride is this week! From RB: “Celebrate the first Wednesday ride of the season with us. After the ride there will be delicious Italian food catered by Marie’s, the Brand Mortgage beer truck serving cold refreshments, and a great time socializing with your fellow cyclists. We hope to see you there!”

3-14-2014 Sandy Springs Challenge In this week’s sad news, the Sandy Springs Challenge crit has been cancelled for this year. They say it will be back in 2015.

Silver Comet Closure Update From the Cobb DOT:  “Silver Comet Trail Users, please note there is a change in the construction schedule.
The Lucille Creek Bridge construction has been rescheduled to APRIL 7 with a new completion date of APRIL 30. The Powder Springs Creek Bridge construction has an earlier construction start beginning MARCH 24 with a completion date of MARCH 28.”

Atlanta WBL The next Atlanta WBL will be Sat., March 15. DATE:  Saturday, March 15th, 2014 START TIME:  9:30AM   (Ride Mtg 9:20am) PLACE:  253 Peters St, Atlanta, GA 30317  (Map Link) RIDE TIME:  4 hrs 20min. There is a $5 fee to cover the sag car.

Roswell Thursday Night Ride From Bike Roswell:  “Come join us in Roswell, the first bicycle friendly community in Georgia. Beautiful flats along the Chattahoochee coupled with spectacular homes along climbs  that can challenge the best rider.  Four groups to choose from; 6:00 PM from Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell, GA 30075
SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE
We start at 6:00PM until May.
A Group 20-23 mph average – 25 miles  6:00 Sharp
B Group 18-21 mph average – 20 or 25 miles  6:00 departure
C Group 16-18 mph average – 20 or 25 miles no drop 6:00 Roll-off
D Group 12    mph average – 12 miles 6:05 partial paved trail, partial road – come ride the casual ride! Kids are welcome.

Average means that is what your computer will say is average when you return.  If you average 18 then you spent 50% over 18 and 50% below 18 mph.  Be ready to go hard that’s why you are coming to ride with the group (other than safety) is to get motivation and to ride with someone to share your pain with.  Then you live longer and are happier
the rest of the week and weekend and we don’t bill your insurance. Our goal is to have a safe, friendly and challenging ride for all.
. We support those with mechanical problems and flats. B, C & D groups
. We do not use Aero Bars unless riding in the rear or front of the pack.
. We do not use ear phones or ear plugs ever.
. We obey traffic rules and try at all times to be courteous to motorist.
. We always wear helmets.
. We always invite our friends, kids and spouses to ride

Tour of Georgia Gran FondoTour of Georgia Gran Fondo – 2014 GFNCS Round #2 The Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, offers three distances. Like all GFNCS events, the race  is not a start to finish race, rather the competition focuses on highlighted time sections.  The 108 mile route has four time sections, the 69 mile route has two time sections, and the 33 mile route has one time section.  It starts in Downtown Clayton, GA. under the shadow of Black Rock Mt. State Park. Riders will pass through Unicoi State Park and climb Unicoi Gap, which was made famous in the Tour De Georgia race. Next up is the final time section up Hogpen Gap. Within 6.5 miles and another 1500ft, riders will reach the highest point on the course at 3469ft with ramps of 12%.

Register by March 17^th to get a complimentary custom Descente event  jersey.  Visit  www.GFNCS.com for more details.

Duluth Race From the promoter: The Georgia Cupr will now be a single race, “The Georgia Cup – Duluth on August 2.  There will be a $15,000 prize purse.  All races will be in Downtown Duluth, Georgia beginning at noon with the main event under the lights at 8:30pm! Categories will include: Women 1/2, Women 3/4, Masters 1/2/3, Masters 4/5, Cat. 3, Cat. 4, Cat. 5,  ProAm (Invitation Only) Visit www.GeorgiaCup.com for details to be announced soon!

3-13-2014 DLV Paving Update The DLV will reopen Tuesday, March 18 after paving repairs are complete.

3-12-2014 Charleston Park MTB Update RAMBO has posted an update about the long awaited trails at Charleston Park in Forsyth County. Construction is set to begin on the new facilities and bridge access very shortly. During that time, there will be no riding in the park.

3-11-2014 Mt. Tabor Work Party From SORBA West Georgia Mt. Tabor Work Party: Come help us get the trails in shape for the upcoming trailrace, we will be working on fixing some turns , muddy spots and deburming plus general maintenance of trail. Location:1550 East Paulding Drive, Dallas , GA 30132, Time: 9 am to 1 pm, Date: March 15, Water, snacks and lunch provided. Wear appropriate clothing , bring gloves.

Marietta Crit The Marietta Crit starts again this week, presumably at 6:30. Occasionally, the group will start by popular vote at 6:15 for the first few weeks. Find out when you get there. Don’t forget $5 to help cover the cost of the Marietta Police Officer, who stops traffic at the stop sign at the bottom of the hill.

3-10-2014 DLV Closed for Repairs The DLV will be closed for about a week for repairs to the track. Keep an eye on their website the reopening date.

3-9-2014 Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time is here! Remember that a lot of Atlanta group rides after work start at 6 or 6:15 through March and move to 6:30 in April. If you don’t see it listed on the Rides page, check with the sponsoring club or bike shop or the ride leader. Southeastern Cycling is not responsible if you show up to a ride at the wrong time. While I try to maintain a listing as accurate as possible, it’s difficult with so many rides listed.

Always be prepared on a group ride. Let someone know where you will be going and what time you will be back. Carry ID or wear something like a Road ID. Carry your cell phone. Bring a spare tube, pump/CO2 inflator, and tire levers as well as a multitool. Know how to use them. If you don’t, see if your favorite bike shop is offering a tire change clinic this year or ask a more experienced rider to show you how to change a tub. Put a blinkie on the front and back of your bike, so that cars can see you. Use your common sense!

Dunwoody See and Be Seen Ride From Dunwoody Cycilng: TBD — Mellow Mushroom offering FREE first slice of Pizza after the ride and/or more discounts for this kickoff ride of the season—**IF** we get at least 20 people to stay after the ride. (If you’re staying for dinner afterwards — or having a friend meet you afterwards, send an email with a count to jseconder at yahoo.com.) Bring a Headlight & Tail Light, Promptly Roll at 6:30 pm, Mellow Mushroom Dunwoody Village. Meet behind Mellow Mushroom (parking lot to the right of the entrance), 5575 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, 24 Miles., Average Pace on flats 17 – 19 MPH, ALWAYS Regroup at key points along the way – including A & B Groups. “A’s wait for A’s & B’s Wait for B’s” B Group will have designated sweep, (Trish’s note; This is not a no drop ride. You should be able to average 16-17 mph on hilly terrain.) Intent of this GROUP ride: How many rides have you been on where you’ve gotten dropped, left behind & ended up riding on your own? That does not happen on this ride. Joe & Rob started this ride 4 years ago with the purpose of riding TOGETHER and offering options for different levels of riders. We’ve seen many cyclists progress from “barely hanging on”, to leading with the A group. How so? Because we looked out for those just starting out, swept & gave them an opportunity to come out and ride. TOGETHER. The continued success of this ride – and one that makes it special in Metro Atlanta – is that we will ALWAYS have regroup points and will look out for our fellow cyclists.

Ride Etiquette: We are bicycling ambassadors out on the street. We obey traffic laws & stop lights. We do not “swarm” around stopped vehicles at lights, and are courteous to motorists at all times. Maximum of two abreast on clear roads, single file on Chamblee-Dunwoody & Ashford Dunwoody and if the situation is at all questionable. When “car back” is heard, merge to the right. POINT OUT potholes & debris to others.

3-7-2014 Atlanta Cycling Festival Southeastern Cycling is a sponsor of the first Atlanta Cycling Festival. Find out why and leave a comment!  “About The Atlanta Cycling Festival The Atlanta Cycling Festival will be a week long festival all around bicycling from Saturday, June 7th – Saturday, June 14th, 2014! Cycling classes, events and, of course, rides. This will be Atlanta’s first ever cycling festival!
The ACF has Four Goals for this festival:
-For the new and curious rider, we want you to fall in love with cycling and the city.
-For the seasoned and the convinced rider, we want to connect you to each other and the city.
-For participating bike orgs/nonprofits, connect you to 1 and 2 above.
-For local businesses (cycling and non-cycling), connect you to 1, 2, and 3 above.
Our Mission: To connect cyclists of all experience levels to the Atlanta Community.
Our Vision: To provide a creative space for all cyclists of all experience levels to celebrate their culture together.

DLV Women’s Velodrome Challenge From the DLV: Sunday April 13th 2014, 3pm, Hosted by LWalkerCycling and the East Point Track Club
This will be a USAC insured event, 2014 Race Flier *No pre-registration, no rain date *Bring your normal DLV race numbers, you will not be issued a new one A brand new event for 2014, we’re introducing our Womens Velodrome Challenge, which will include 4 different categories for women, racing for tandems, and racing for junior riders. Here is the breakdown:
Categories:
Women Under 30(including junior women)
Women 30+
Women 40+
Women 50+
Open Tandem
Junior Under 14 Men
Junior 15-18 Men

3-6-2014 Daylight Saving Time! Daylight Saving Time will be here this Sunday morning! Don’t forget to SPRING AHEAD! Set your clocks ahead one hour! GROUP RIDE SEASON IS HERE! CYCLISTS REJOICE!!!!!!

Rope Mill Work Party SORBA Woodstock will be hosting a trail work party on Saturday at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock, GA. Plan to work from 9 am til 1 pm. Bring gloves and water. Tools and lunch will be provided.

DLV Work Party The Dick Lane Velodrome will have a work party on Saturday to spruce up the track for the upcoming season. Help is needed as there is much to do.

Central Florida Gran Fondo – From the GFNS: 2014 GFNCS Round #1  Who says Florida is flat! Centered in the rolling orange groves of Pasco County, the Central Florida ran Fondo starts and ends at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in downtown Dade City, Florida. The race follows, in part, the proposed Olympic road race course that was part of Tampa’s bid to host the Summer Olympic Games. It travels along rural rolling hills, past horse farms and crystal clear springs, briefly going through Withlacoochee State Forest and the hills surrounding Brooksville, Florida. At the 89 mile mark you will enter a piece of US cycling history along Darby road, once home to the famous Darby Road Race that has seen the likes of Tour De France winner Lauren Figon. This area is and has been the winter training site of some of the top triathletes in the world including members of the TIMEX team and the hometown former US National Cycling team members Josh Thornton and Derek Wilkerson.

Come ride/race the first 2014 event of the Gran Fondo National Championship Series on March 16^th starting at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 14136 7th St  Dade City, FL and choose between a 40, 64, or 102 mile course.  Primes will be awarded for the best times in each of the four timed sections of the 102 mile course, with overall and age group placement determined by adding together the time sections splits. CASH payout for top three overall male and female.  Every entrant will have a chance to win a Specialized Roubaix SL4 or Ruby Comp.  Registration is available online at www.gfncs.com or in person on race day Sunday, March 16th from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 14136 7th Street, Dade City, FL.

The Gran Fondo National Championship SeriesSM, established in 2012, is comprised of six European style ride/races staged in the United States and is sponsored by Specialized Bicycle Components, Bertucci Performance Field Watches, Hammer Nutrition, Descente Ltd, Polar Bottle and ProGold.  Founder and President Reuben Kline has over 22 years of experience in the bicycle industry, including five years as a professional mountain bike rider, six years as a full‐time race director and 17 years as promoter of the Michaux Endurance Series. In 2010 Reuben was featured in the award winning documentary film Ride The Divide. The company is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area. For more information visit www.gfncs.com or call 765-247-BIKE

3-5-2014 Pan Am Mountain Bike Championships Ethan Quehl from Loganville, GA was selected to represent the US at the 2014 Pan Am Championships in Downhill. The competition begins March 27^th in Barbacena, Brazil. Ethan is well known in the southeast cycling community for helping build trails including Quehl Holler at Blanket’s Creek.

Allatoona Work Party From SORBA-West Georgia “Our primary focus will be to complete adequate repairs and or rerouting on the Turtle Back Trail to allow it to be reopened. We will meet at the Old Stilesboro parking lot bathroom building at 9:00. Location:  Allatoona Creek Trails 5690 Old Stilesboro Rd. Acworth, GA 30101 Date:  Saturday, March 8, 2014, Time:  9:00am-1:00pm, Lunch will be served at 1:00, Bring gloves, water, & snacks. Wear closed-toe shoes. Tools will be provided. www.imbasorbawestga.org

3-3-2014  5 Hour Energy Team Presentation The 5 Hour Energy p/b Kenda Professional Cycling Team Presentation was held on Friday, February 28th at the Jekyll Brewery in Alpharetta, GA. Director Sportif Frankie Andreu introduced the team and interviewed the key riders. 5 Hour Energy plans to focus on the overall for domestic US stage races as well as going after individual stage wins. After good performances at the 2013 Tour of Utah, they are hoping for a return invitation for the highlight of their season. After the team introduction, Bruno Langois’s birthday was celebrated with cupcakes. Attendees were able to enjoy brews from Jekyll Brewing as well as brewery tours. View the Photo Gallery.

The 2014 5 Hour Energy p/b Kenda Professional Cycling Team.

2-28-2014 Carter’s Lake Break Ins Several cars have been broken into around Carter’s Lake in Ellijay recently, including a cyclist’s car. Use common sense. Take your wallet, hide your stuff, or don’t bring it. Always carry your cell phone and any important things with you when you ride.

 2-27-2014 Gone Riding News From Gone Riding: – The first round of the Georgia State Championship series has been moved to the Thomson Trails near Macon, GA due to the harsh winter effects on the Arrowhead trail system.
– The fourth round of the SERC series on 4-27-2014 in Winder, GA will be a USAC sanctioned national qualifier (a top 15 will automatically qualify a rider to the nationals in PA in July and an AMBC (double ranking points).  If you plan to make it to the nationals this is your chance.
– New this year Gone Riding is now offering a membership for $30 and includes a t-shirt, sticker and a $5 discount off regular entry prices. This membership can be purchased at any Gone Riding event or online at First Place Racing.com. Also USAC licenses will also be honored at all cross country events (sanctioned or not) and receive the same $5 discount.

In-Town Classic Rides Daylight Saving Time resumes again on Sunday 03/09/14 at 02:00 AM.  Therein, we are approaching the advent of the In-Town Classics.

Effective the week of 03/10/14, the Sandy Springs (Tuesday), “Peachtree Battle (Wednesday)” and Chastain (Thursday) rides will commence at 06:00 PM EDT.  Please note – these rides will be Winter Pace until the week of 03/31/14.  The Italians call riders who violate this rule “testa di cazzo”.  The Sandy Springs ride will be Short Option.

Effective the week of 03/31/14, the Sandy Springs, “Peachtree Battle”, and Chastain rides will start at 06:30 PM EDT.  This is the week that restrictor plates will be removed from all bikes.  Therein, “Show Me What You’ve Got Night” on the Sandy Springs Ride will be 04/01/14.  The Sandy Springs ride will remain Short Option.

Effective 04/29/14, the Sandy Springs ride will initiate Long Option until Labor Day.  Testa di cazzo status will be awarded to those who attempt to go Long Option prior to this date.  This distinction will also readily be awarded to the usual suspect(s) who persist to screw-up the Chastain ride.

2-25-2014 Gainesville Grand Prix The Gainesville Gran Prix is back for 2014 on March 28-30. There will be Street Sprints on Friday night for prizes and bragging rights! Saturday is the GGC Time Trial and Circuit Races. Sunday is the Clermont Highlands RR on a new 10 mile loop with 910 feet of climbing per lap. There will also be a KOM/QOM on Clermont Heights Rd.

2-24-2014 Eastside Spring Rides Update 

Airport Ride– Sundays- 10:00AM through – end of March 30. Airport Ride Start- meet at Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, just west of Forsyth St SW.  Approximate address- Trinity Lofts- 249 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

The Sunday Ride– Starts- First Sunday in April, this is a 9:00AM roving Sunday Ride- approximately 65-75 miles, often at a steady 22-23.5 mph.  Want more details? Subscribe to   sundayride@yahoogroups.com.

Tucker– goes back to 9:00AM the first Saturday in April (April 5) // B Tucker Group (AKA Baby Tucker) goes to 8:30AM April 5. Tucker Ride Start- meet at the intersection Lynburn Drive and Main St, Tucker, GA, Approximately 46 miles (shortcut options available).

Tuesday Northlake Ride – Kicks off March 11 @ 6:15PM. Northlake Ride Start- meet at the back of the parking lot of the Indian Restaurant 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 across the street from 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 – Daylight Schedule Kicks off March 13 @ 6:15PM. Pizza Ride Start- meet in the old location (which is now closed and a deserted building) 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).

6:15PM for all March Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for all April Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for May – late summer rides (2 loops in park)

Up The Creek Century From CVCA:  Route options of 28,50,68,101, and 105 miles Come enjoy one of Northwest Georgia’s “must do” rides on May 1Oth in Rome, GA. The ride offers 28, 50, 68, 101 & 105 mile route options, all on scenic rural roads with very little traffic. All routes, except the 28 mile, will take riders through the “Pocket area” on one of the “best cycling roads in Georgia.” The 28 mile route is revised this year and will have less hills. The 50 and 68 mile routes are mostly flat to gently rolling with a few moderate hills.
The 101 and 105 mile options have also been revised this year, resulting in fewer hills(faster). The 105 mile option includes a short climb over Little Sand Mt. The 101 mile option will NOT include the climb. All routes will OFFICIALLY end behind the State Mutual Stadium. Riders will be offered drinks/snacks before following the park trail system approximately 3 miles back to Citizens First Bank. These last 3 miles will be a “cool down” ride. Riders must exercise extreme caution on this section and defer to joggers/walkers on the path. Please ride single file on this section! The trail will take you around “The Town Green” and fountains. Take advantage of the fountains to cool off, if it is a hot day.

All routes are fully sagged with well-stocked rest stops approximately every 15-18 miles. Tech support, Ham radio operators, medical, and police support will provide a safe ride for all participants. TIMING CHIPS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A $5 FEE. UTC has a NEW downtown Rome start/finish at Citizens First Bank/Synovus on Broad St. Dri-balance T-shirts are an OPTION this year for pre-registered participants and WHILE AVAILABLE after the 4/15 deadline.

The post-ride meal will be your choice of a pre-determined “cyclist’s special” meal at various restaurants on Broad St. and the surrounding area. Tax and gratuity will be included in your voucher. More information will be posted here as it becomes available. After ride activities include, the “Roman Roast on the River,” with BBQ tasting, arts & crafts, music, food and beer, and a Rome Braves baseball game that evening. Bring the family for a fun day in Rome. Families can ride on the park trails for free. Local charities such as Boy Scouts, Community Kitchen, Humane Society, and TRED(trails)will be the beneficiaries of the event. Participants may register by downloading a form from www.cvca.org or by registering on www.Active.com. Cycling Clubs with 20 or more participants are eligible for a rate of $30/rider before 4/15. This does not include a T-shirt.

2-28-2014 Carter’s Lake Break Ins Several cars have been broken into around Carter’s Lake in Ellijay recently, including a cyclist’s car. Use common sense. Take your wallet, hide your stuff, or don’t bring it. Always carry your cell phone and any important things with you when you ride.

 2-27-2014 Gone Riding News From Gone Riding: – The first round of the Georgia State Championship series has been moved to the Thomson Trails near Macon, GA due to the harsh winter effects on the Arrowhead trail system.
– The fourth round of the SERC series on 4-27-2014 in Winder, GA will be a USAC sanctioned national qualifier (a top 15 will automatically qualify a rider to the nationals in PA in July and an AMBC (double ranking points).  If you plan to make it to the nationals this is your chance.
– New this year Gone Riding is now offering a membership for $30 and includes a t-shirt, sticker and a $5 discount off regular entry prices. This membership can be purchased at any Gone Riding event or online at First Place Racing.com. Also USAC licenses will also be honored at all cross country events (sanctioned or not) and receive the same $5 discount.

In-Town Classic Rides Daylight Saving Time resumes again on Sunday 03/09/14 at 02:00 AM.  Therein, we are approaching the advent of the In-Town Classics.

Effective the week of 03/10/14, the Sandy Springs (Tuesday), “Peachtree Battle (Wednesday)” and Chastain (Thursday) rides will commence at 06:00 PM EDT.  Please note – these rides will be Winter Pace until the week of 03/31/14.  The Italians call riders who violate this rule “testa di cazzo”.  The Sandy Springs ride will be Short Option.

Effective the week of 03/31/14, the Sandy Springs, “Peachtree Battle”, and Chastain rides will start at 06:30 PM EDT.  This is the week that restrictor plates will be removed from all bikes.  Therein, “Show Me What You’ve Got Night” on the Sandy Springs Ride will be 04/01/14.  The Sandy Springs ride will remain Short Option.

Effective 04/29/14, the Sandy Springs ride will initiate Long Option until Labor Day.  Testa di cazzo status will be awarded to those who attempt to go Long Option prior to this date.  This distinction will also readily be awarded to the usual suspect(s) who persist to screw-up the Chastain ride.

2-25-2014 Gainesville Grand Prix The Gainesville Gran Prix is back for 2014 on March 28-30. There will be Street Sprints on Friday night for prizes and bragging rights! Saturday is the GGC Time Trial and Circuit Races. Sunday is the Clermont Highlands RR on a new 10 mile loop with 910 feet of climbing per lap. There will also be a KOM/QOM on Clermont Heights Rd.

2-24-2014 Eastside Spring Rides Update 

Airport Ride– Sundays- 10:00AM through – end of March 30. Airport Ride Start- meet at Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, just west of Forsyth St SW.  Approximate address- Trinity Lofts- 249 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

The Sunday Ride– Starts- First Sunday in April, this is a 9:00AM roving Sunday Ride- approximately 65-75 miles, often at a steady 22-23.5 mph.  Want more details? Subscribe to   sundayride@yahoogroups.com.

Tucker– goes back to 9:00AM the first Saturday in April (April 5) // B Tucker Group (AKA Baby Tucker) goes to 8:30AM April 5. Tucker Ride Start- meet at the intersection Lynburn Drive and Main St, Tucker, GA, Approximately 46 miles (shortcut options available).

Tuesday Northlake Ride – Kicks off March 11 @ 6:15PM. Northlake Ride Start- meet at the back of the parking lot of the Indian Restaurant 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 across the street from 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 – Daylight Schedule Kicks off March 13 @ 6:15PM. Pizza Ride Start- meet in the old location (which is now closed and a deserted building) 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).

6:15PM for all March Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for all April Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for May – late summer rides (2 loops in park)

Up The Creek Century From CVCA:  Route options of 28,50,68,101, and 105 miles Come enjoy one of Northwest Georgia’s “must do” rides on May 1Oth in Rome, GA. The ride offers 28, 50, 68, 101 & 105 mile route options, all on scenic rural roads with very little traffic. All routes, except the 28 mile, will take riders through the “Pocket area” on one of the “best cycling roads in Georgia.” The 28 mile route is revised this year and will have less hills. The 50 and 68 mile routes are mostly flat to gently rolling with a few moderate hills.
The 101 and 105 mile options have also been revised this year, resulting in fewer hills(faster). The 105 mile option includes a short climb over Little Sand Mt. The 101 mile option will NOT include the climb. All routes will OFFICIALLY end behind the State Mutual Stadium. Riders will be offered drinks/snacks before following the park trail system approximately 3 miles back to Citizens First Bank. These last 3 miles will be a “cool down” ride. Riders must exercise extreme caution on this section and defer to joggers/walkers on the path. Please ride single file on this section! The trail will take you around “The Town Green” and fountains. Take advantage of the fountains to cool off, if it is a hot day.

All routes are fully sagged with well-stocked rest stops approximately every 15-18 miles. Tech support, Ham radio operators, medical, and police support will provide a safe ride for all participants. TIMING CHIPS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A $5 FEE. UTC has a NEW downtown Rome start/finish at Citizens First Bank/Synovus on Broad St. Dri-balance T-shirts are an OPTION this year for pre-registered participants and WHILE AVAILABLE after the 4/15 deadline.

The post-ride meal will be your choice of a pre-determined “cyclist’s special” meal at various restaurants on Broad St. and the surrounding area. Tax and gratuity will be included in your voucher. More information will be posted here as it becomes available. After ride activities include, the “Roman Roast on the River,” with BBQ tasting, arts & crafts, music, food and beer, and a Rome Braves baseball game that evening. Bring the family for a fun day in Rome. Families can ride on the park trails for free. Local charities such as Boy Scouts, Community Kitchen, Humane Society, and TRED(trails)will be the beneficiaries of the event. Participants may register by downloading a form from www.cvca.org or by registering on www.Active.com. Cycling Clubs with 20 or more participants are eligible for a rate of $30/rider before 4/15. This does not include a T-shirt.

2-23-2014 Tony Serrano Century From the promoter: The Tony Serrano Century is April 12th!  Routes are 10, 37, 62 and 100 miles. The terrain is gently rolling through low traffic, rural, scenic back roads. Rest stops by the “Rest Stop Queen,” Joyce Jones. Most items are home made with a wide variety of dishes, changing at each stop. Full sag support and well marked routes. Cue sheets will be available at the start. Maps, cue sheets and GPS files are available for download at www.tonyserranoride.com, Special offer!!! When you register online, you have the opportunity to become a member of Georgia Bikes! for half price. That is $15 for an individual, $25 for a family. Nobody is looking out for cyclists in the state of Georgia like Georgia Bikes! Registration is $35 through March 31, $45 afterwards and at the event. There is no added on “convenience” fee when you register on line. Registration includes the ride, rest stops, light lunch afterwards and either an event T shirt or a Specialized Purist water bottle and a Jersey Bin.

Trish’s Note: If you have not had Joyce’s cooking at rest stops, you don’t know what you are missing! It’s hard to control yourself with so many yummy things! PEANUT.BUTTER.BALLS–that’s my final thought.

2-22-2014 Atlanta Cycling Rides From Atlanta Cycling: DST returns March 9th The weekday rides begin at 6:15 in March
Mondays – Recovery Ride
Tuesdays – Women’s Only (splits; ride lead with not drop)
– Conversation Ride (Men’s/Mixed – a different route)
Wednesdays – Silver Lake (fast)
Thursdays – Vinings Loop – moderate
Saturdays – Six Flags, fast 40-60 (Feb,Mar 10:00; Apr 9:00)
– Vinings Loop – 23, moderate- year round 10:00 am

Silver Comet Bridges Update From Cobb DOT: “Five Silver Comet Trail Pedestrian Bridges will be closed for repair from January to April 2014. Cobb DOT contractors will construct new bridge ends at the Silver Comet Trail bridges over: Powder Springs Creek, Lucille Creek, Noses Creek, Olley Creek and Cooper Lake Road. Beginning February 21, 2014, Cobb County Police will be at all active construction sites.  Tickets will be given to those who enter any construction site that has been indicated as closed.   Do not enter construction sites.” There is also an updated schedule on their website.

2-21-2014 DLV News From the DLV: Latest DLV News Womens Training Program
Back for 2014 the Dick Lane Velodrome will be running a 5 week Womens Training Program on Tuesday nights starting on the 26th of February and running through the first Tuesday race night on the 1st of April. This program is aimed at any woman of any track cycling level. We will have specific skills, drills and workouts that will suit everyone from beginners, through advanced track cyclists. The 5 week class will also serve as a beginners certification for those women who are new to the track. We are expecting to split each session into 3 groups, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced with each group working on ability -specific skills during each of the sessions.

We Need Donations For Track Repair As mentioned in an earlier post on our website, we are planning a major track repair to get the jump/bump fixed in turn 2. As with all major repairs, this repair will need a lot of things in order to happen, and get our track back to it’s riding best. In addition to volunteers time to complete the repair, the costs for this repair are fairly significant, and expected to cost the velodrome association around $1,300 to complete. We are seeking donations from folks who wish to contribute to this repair. The result of the work will allow us to have a properly functioning and smooth(er)/ish track to ride and race on.

Spring Work Day, March 8th We are planning out our next workday, which will be happening on Saturday March 8th from 9am till around 3pm. Important note: We are planning a MAJOR track repair session(see above!) of the hiccup in turn 2. We will need all hands on deck for the day to get done what we need to get done. As mentioned the repair is major, and will take several days to complete, even after the workday. During this time the track will be closed for riding, until at least Thursday March 13th, barring any major complications with the repair. We will also be doing a fundraising drive through till the repair to try to cover some of those costs. We are working on figuring out the exact cost of the repair so that we can take a shot at raising some funds for it, so keep an eye out for that info in the next couple of days. We will also publish the full repair job list once we’ve gotten it fully nailed down. This day will be your last chance to get workdays done before the season begins to receive a $50 discount on your season pass.

Spring Weekend Beginners Class Dates We’ve set the dates for our Spring weekend beginner classes to be held in March. Those dates are:
Class #1 – March 1st and 2nd, 2pm-5pm both days
Class #2 – March 29th and 30th, 2pm-5pm both days

2-20-2014 Louis Garneau Factory Team Roster Released   International squad to lead the GARNEAU Factory Team, GARNEAU and Fuji Bikes return as key sponsors
Atlanta, GA, February 17, 2013: The GARNEAU Factory Team, a USA Cycling Domestic Elite team, is led by its first international squad of women for the 2014 season. The team is comprised of four returning US-based riders with new signings from Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Switzerland. The team will be looking at the diverse experience of the riders to expand upon the successes of the 2013 season in which the team earned numerous state championships, two masters national track championships, a masters world track championship, and 14th place in the Parx Casino Philadelphia Cycling Classic.

Riders Cheryl Fuller-Muller, Joanie Caron, and Vanessa Drigo will be using their criterium experience to lead the team through the USAC National Criterium Calendar. Jenny Rios and Amy Bradley will use their experience from the North American and European road race circuits to lead the team in the UCI events in North America. Returning riders Gina Voci, Nancy Jones, and Lee Farabaugh complete the roster to provide support in the expanded racing calendar. “Based in the Southeastern United States, our team has always been focused on criteriums,“ said Tim Gallagher, Garneau Factory team manager. “Last year we got our feet wet with UCI racing in Gatineau and Philly and had great success with a 14th place in Philly. We’re looking to expand on that success and land on the podium in these great races while lighting it up in the crits.” The GARNEAU Factory Team is in its fourth year as a US Domestic Elite women’s team based in Georgia. Owned and operated by a non-profit whose mission is to educate about and promote women cycling at all levels
Roster: Amy Bradley (AUS), Joanie Caron (CAN), Vanessa Drigo (SUI), Lee Farabaugh (USA), Cheryl Fuller-Muller (USA), Nancy Jones (USA), Jenny Rios (MEX), Gina Voci (USA)

Coldwater Mountain Grant The Coldwater Mountain trail system in Anniston, AL was awarded a $350,000 grant by the state of Alabama. “The king of Alabama mountain biking trails will be adding a new jewel to its crown thanks to a $350,000 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley. The grant will enable construction of 11 additional miles of trail and renovation of five existing miles at Coldwater Mountain near Anniston. The 4,083-acre complex, part of the state’s Forever Wild program, currently includes more than 25 miles of biking trails.” Full press release.

2-19-2014 DST Daylight Saving Time begins in 20 days! March 9th!!

Georgia Rides to the Capitol Georgia Rides to the Capitol is only one month away! Register for the ride. From GRTTC:

W H O Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA), Georgia Bikes!, and event sponsors will host over 1,000 cyclists from the metro Atlanta region. Police-escorted rides will depart from Decatur and Roswell led respectively by City Commissioner Fred Boykin and Mayor Jere Wood as well as other mayors and public officials from the region.
W H A T During the ninth annual “Georgia Rides to the Capitol” event, cyclists will embark on rides to the Capitol in order to raise support for improved conditions for cycling, including the development of regional systems of both on-road bicycling facilities and multi-use-trails.
W H E N Tuesday, March 18, 2014, during the state legislative session. Estimated time of arrival at the Capitol is 11:40 a.m. Your starting time will depend on which city or auxiliary location you choose to start at or which route you choose to join along the way. These auxiliary rides are a great way to join in and show your local community your support of cycling in Georgia. These rides are confirmed as of 01/31/2014. Check back closer to the event to confirm exact auxiliary ride details! Please note that only the Decatur and Roswell routes are police escorted – and they are NOT escorted on the return trip.
W H Y Riding to raise support for the development of a regional-scale bicycle network of both on-road facilities and multi-use-trails, and cycling connections to major transit facilities, activity centers, and schools. MAMA also intends to raise awareness of the benefits of bicycling as an important form of transportation; a beneficial economic development and tourism tool; an excellent way to maintain health and fitness; and a great sport and family activity.

2-18-2014 Coach Cheryl Fuller-Muller Cheryl Fuller-Muller lives in Cumming, GA. She started as a triathlete and competed at the Lake Placid Ironman in 2001. She switched to road racing in 2006. Since then she has picked up track racing at an international level and cyclocross racing during the off-season to stay in shape and have fun. Cheryl said that “Cycling is not only my passion but also my life.  My husband has owned our bicycle shop, Reality Bikes, since 1998.  I have owned and operated a women’s cycling team for 5 years which has become a professional team the last 2 seasons competing in local, national, and international events. ” Cheryl knows a thing or two about winning. She is the 2013 Masters Track World Champion 40-44 in the Scratch Race, and she has 3 other Masters World Championship medals. Continue reading…..

Atlanta WBL The next Atlanta WBL ride is this Saturday. The ride time is 3 hours, 40 minutes.

US Pro CX Calendar The 2014-2015 US Pro CX Calendar has been released. Stops in the Southeast are the NC Grand Prix in Hendersonville, N.C., on Dec. 13-14 and the Kingsport Cyclocross Cup in Kingsport, TN on Jan. 3, 2015.

Arrowhead Race It looks like the Gone Riding GCS Race March 15-16 may be moving to the Thomson Trails.

Georgia Rides to the Capitol It’s only 1 month until Georgia Rides to the Capitol! Come out and tell your law makers that you support cycling issues! It is March 18th!

Roswell Cycling Festival   ROSWELL, Ga. (February 17, 2014) – Plans are underway for the Roswell Cycling Festival featuring the Roswell Criterium to return this spring, scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2014. In conjunction with the full day of family-friendly activities and events along Canton Street, the Roswell Criterium will return for a 13th consecutive year. The Roswell Cycling Festival is managed by Bike Roswell!, a 501(c)4 non-profit organization promoting safe cycling in the city. For 2014, Athens, Ga.-based Swagger LLC has been contracted to operate the event logistics and sponsorships. The bicycle races in Roswell, contested by elite and nationally-ranked men, women and juniors, have been among the Top 15 one-day criterium-style events in the country sanctioned by USA Cycling. This year’s Roswell Criterium part of the USA CRITS Speed Week Series, seven races in seven southeastern cities offering the biggest prize purse in American Criterium racing of $125,000.

“It’s great that Bike Roswell! will continue the positive legacy of the Roswell Cycling Festival. The Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau, City of Roswell and the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell have been key partners since the beginning and we appreciate their support. Historic Roswell has become a dining and shopping destination for so many people who discovered the area because of this cycling celebration,” said Tom Erdmanczyk, President of Bike Roswell.

The Roswell Cycling Festival featuring the Roswell Criterium has entertained more than 60,000 spectators since it began in 2002.  The races have attracted more than 8,000 junior and adult cyclists. In those 12 years, the popular Kids Bicycle Safety Rodeo, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell, has positively impacted 1,400 children. These children have been given an opportunity to complete a free bike skills and safety event, followed by participation in age-specific races on the same course as the pros.  The popular Roswell Mayor’s Ride will kick off the Festival on April 28 for a 10th year. More details about this and all festival activities and sponsorships will be announced in the coming weeks at www.RoswellCyclingFestival.com.

2-17-2014 Southeast Regional Series News Greenville, S.C. (February 15, 2014) – After a solid inaugural year in 2013, the Southeast Regional Series (SRS) presented by Stan’s NoTubes will return in 2014 with 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. All five events in the Series will be managed and produced again by Start Smart Cycling based in Greenville, S.C.

The 2014 Southeast Regional Series presented by Stan’s NoTubes will begin in Albany, Ga., May 17-18, and conclude 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.

The series is the only elite and amateur road series of events to offer points competitions spanning multiple states in one region. As a USA Cycling, Regional Road Championship Series, SRS aims to attract elite level riders and teams throughout the Southeast.  Series Director Marilyn Cullinane noted that the series showcases the most classic terrain in the Southeast and provides a family-friendly entertainment platform for each local community.

“The Southeast offers some of the most diverse racing in the country…historic, charming downtown streets on crit days, and scenic, challenging road races at high elevations for the Sunday road races,” said Cullinane, a former elite cyclist (Cat 2) who founded SRS in 2013.  “We have some exciting improvements planned for both racers and spectators this year, thanks to our host cities and corporate support by Stan’s NoTubes.  We pride ourselves with providing a memorable experience for the competitive athletes, and look to increase participation from across the country.”

In 2013, more than $50,000 in cash and prizes was awarded to men and women in a dozen cycling categories. Special award jerseys, created by Hincapie Sportswear, will be awarded each weekend for best sprinters, climbers and overall winners (male and female).  Taking home the 2013 Stan’s NoTubes King of the Mountain jersey for professional men was Andy Scarano (Locust Grove, Ga.) of UnitedHealthcare of Georgia-706 Project.  His teammate, Winston David (Greenville, S.C.) captured the green- and- white-striped PEZ Cycling News Pro Men Sprinters Jersey and the SRS Overall Points jersey. For the pro women, Stephanie Cucaz (Lawrenceville, Ga.) of PCP Racing swept all three award jerseys as best sprinter, Queen of the Mountain, and SRS Overall.

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 at www.srs-racing.com/.

About Start Smart Cycling
Start Smart Cycling, LLC (SSC) is a professional event management and consultation company for the cycling industry. SSC provides planning expertise and on-site event implementation for cycling competitions and related activities across the U.S.  In 2010 SSC was founded by President Marilyn Cullinane, who has over 14 years of experience in the cycling industry.  Her company has been involved for four years with successful Florida-based events such as the Miami Dolphins Cycling Challenge (ridedcc.com) and The Orange Blossom Special. Cullinane founded the Southeast Regional Series in 2013, the first-ever regional road cycling championship series in the U.S., sanctioned by USA Cycling.

2-14-2014 WBL Route Change There has been a slight change to the WBL for Saturday. The new Interactive Directions are posted.

Racing is ON for This Weekend Despite the Weather! The Greenville Spring Training Series races are ON for this weekend. The Tundra Time Trial IS happening on Saturday! Start times have been posted.

 2-13-2014 Atlanta Snow Atlanta and much of the southeast has been under a blanket of snow and ice since Tuesday night. It has been icy near my house, so I’ve stuck to the trainer. With today’s melting, I hope to get out for a walk around my neighborhood after working from home today. I got out this morning before it started to melt and got a few photos.

USA Crits New Events for the 2014 USA CRITS Season Athens, GA — Eleven high-speed cycling events in some of North America’s most compelling communities will make up the 2014 USA CRITS Series, which will include new stops in Tampa, Florida at the Gasparilla Criterium, Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic, and Vancouver, British Columbia for the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix.  Beloved races in 2013 that will return to the Series include the kick-off race at the Delray Beach Twilight Criterium, Novant Health Invitational Criterium (formerly Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium), Athens Twilight Criterium, Glencoe Grand Prix, Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, Andersen/Banducci Twilight Criterium and the Chris Thater Memorial Races, which will all boil down to the 2014 USA CRITS Finals in St. Louis at the 23rd Annual Gateway Cup! In addition to separate cash purses awarded at each event, men and women riders in the USA CRITS Series accrue points toward individual and team classifications. The Series’ points leaders will wear the Orange Jersey of the overall leader following each race, with the final winners crowned in St. Louis.

Now in its eighth year, the USA CRITS Championship Series has brought the thrill of bike racing to some of North America’s most flourishing downtown districts. It’s a unique opportunity to get a close look at both world and national champion-level athletes, while they navigate the intricacies of a closed circuit course at high speeds right in the heart of a vital urban setting. Stay tuned to USACRITS.com for all the latest information regarding the 2014 Series throughout the season.
2014 USA CRITS Championship Series
March 22: Delray Beach Twilight, Delray Beach, Florida
March 29: Gasparilla Criterium, Tampa, Florida
April 12: Novant Health Invitational Criterium, Charlotte, North Carolina
April 19: Winston-Salem Cycling Classic, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
April 26: Athens Twilight Criterium, Athens, Georgia
May 31: Glencoe Grand Prix, Glencoe, Illinois
July 9: Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Vancouver, BC, Canada
July 12: Andersen/Banducci Twilight Criterium, Boise, Idaho
August 12: Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, West Chester, Pennsylvania
August 23: Chris Thater Memorial, Binghamton, New York
August 31: USA CRITS FINALS, Gateway Cup, St. Louis, Missouri

2-12-2014 Tundra TT From Jim Burt, one of the promoters of the Tundra TT: “We are watching the weather closely. Currently it looks as though the weather tomorrow and Friday in the Calhoun area will warm adequately to allow for safe roads and safe racing conditions on the route. We will also be following up with the locals to monitor the road conditions over the next several days. At this point, we don’t expect to postpone the event.”

2-11-2014 Coach Tim Gallagher Tim Gallagher is originally from Pennsylvania but now calls Atlanta home. He started racing in 2000 “with an abysmal cyclocross season in the snow on a women’s comfort bike from a garage sale to prove I was actually interested enough to get a road bike!” He came to Georgia Tech in 2004 to study Aerospace Engineering and graduated in 2008, but was crazy enough to stick around for a PhD that he is still working towards. Tim manages the LG Factory Women’s professional cycling team. He also races and officiates at the Dick Lane Velodrome. Tim’s specialties are in road and track racing, specifically criteriums, time trials, and endurance events on the track. He has worked with athletes who use cyclocross in the off-season. He does not coach mountain bikers. He prefers the more technical and skilled types of racing and really works to understand the science behind it all. He tries to shield the athlete from the science unless they ask questions because not everybody likes to geek out on data analysis and equations of motion, but he always structure coaching (workouts, techniques, and race strategy) on the sciences behind it and his14 years of experience in all levels and roles in the sport. Continue Reading….

DLV YCL Fundraiser Come find your inner Metalhead at the Highlander! Goldsprints will be held! Get there at 8PM to register for the race. $10 lets you participate and win some SERIOUSLY awesome prizes. Metal Music starts @ 10PM. Raise money for the Dick Lane Velodrome Youth Cycling League. If you have never seen a Goldsprint competition here’s the deal: 2 Fixed Gear bikes on rollers. Two riders do 250 &500 meter sprints. One on One eliminations. Guy & Girl categories. Expect to be physically destroyed and have crowds scream in your face as you pedal thru the most grueling minute of your life! There will also likely be some track stand and skid comps outside. Details: Friday, Feb. 28th starting at 7:00 pm at the Highlander, 931 Monroe Dr. in Atlanta.

WBL: The Grand Finale: The Sunshine Cycles-Team SmartStop Gratis Classic
WBL Creature Comforts Overall Prize List:
1st: $250 plus da box, 2nd: $200 plus da big bag, 3rd: $150 plus a bag, 4th: $100 plus a little bag, 5th: $50 plus a little bag
15 February: The Final Event! The Team SmartStop-Sunshine Cycles Gratis Classic
Special Thanks to our sponsors: Team SmartStop (Pat Raines), Sunshine Cycles (Jimmy Marbut), Cappy’s Custom Cabinets (Big Cappy), Team Type 1 (Phil Southerland), Independent Baking Company (Thom Leonard), Cappy’s Custom Cabinets (Cappy) and Lexus South (Tom Palmer).

When: 15 February / SATURDAY!, Where: SUNSHINE CYCLES – downtown Athens,Time: 10 a.m. (window open), Length: 80 miles/4 hours, Interactive directions

2-7-2014 Women’s Track Program at the DLV
What: 5 Week Women’s Track Cycling Program
When: Tuesdays nights 7:00 pm to 8:30pm beginning Feb. 25th
Who: Women of any riding level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Equipment: Track bikes are available, just bring your cycling clothes, helmet and pedals
Cost: $60 for new riders, $5 per session for certified track riders
Contact: Jeff Hopkins, jeff@dicklanevelodrome.com 404 769 0012

Again for 2014 the Dick Lane Velodrome will be running a 5 week Women’s Training Program on Tuesday nights starting on the 25th of February and running through March 25th. This program is aimed at any woman of any track cycling level. We will have specific skills, drills and workouts that will suit everyone from beginners, through advanced track cyclists. The 5 week class will also serve as a beginner’s certification for those women who are new to the track. We are expecting to split each session into 3 groups, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced with each group working on ability-specific skills during each of the sessions.

Ride With the Kenda 5 Hour Energy Team The Kenda 5 Hour Energy Cycling Team will be at the Duluth Cycleworks on Sunday, Feb. 23. They will be giving autographs starting at 1:00 pm. Ride with the team at 2 pm.

2-6-2014 WAJO Race Weekend From CCA: The Carolinas Cycling Association (CCA) is excited to announce an upcoming weekend event that will focus on promoting the sport of bike racing for Juniors and Women.  Known as WAJO-14 or