News for 5-24-2023
Rope Mill Fast + Furious
From Mountain Goat Adventures
This new course includes ALL the trails at Rope Mill Park! Make plans to join us on May 27th for our newest event! This Fast+Furious 15 course features all the trails at Rope Mill Park and will begin along the concrete path to allow riders to space out before entering the singletrack portion of the course. Riders will turn right at the bridge and complete Moore’s Pass, Power House, Raceway and Turbine all in a clockwise direction. These trails are farily wide and allow for passing.b Riders will then return across the bridge and complete Explorer Loops 1, 2, and 3 counter-clockwise. The course returns via the singletrack trail that links Explorer to the parking lot, crosses the parking lot, then heads onto the Avalanche Trail where riders will proceed counter-clockwise on Avalance Trail Loops 1, 2, and 3 and then head back to the start/finish to complete the course.

The categories for 2023 are age based and the same as we have used for the Blankets Creek Dirty 15 Mile Race. You can see full details and a list of categories on the ROPE MILL 2023 Race Super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirt for all participants who register before May 5th! (Limited sizes/different style available after May 5th) Mountain Goat Race Gear Tote and FREE race photo downloads courtesy of our swag sponsor, Dalton Automotive! ▪ Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories ▪ Podium shirts for all first place finishers. ▪ Staggered starts by category for rider/volunteer safety. ▪ Post race snacks and fluids
HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO RUN? We are also offering a separate 10k or half marathon trail run on a similar course in the morning before the bike race! This event is a major fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock, so please come out and support your local trails!

News for 5-23-2023
Bike Garage in Atlanta
From Urbanize Atlanta
“Out for a morning walk this week, a reader stumbled upon a unique addition of bicycling infrastructure in Midtown, snapped a photo, and wondered if the theft-deterrent system shouldn’t be copied across Atlanta.

The structure can best be described as a bicycle garage, tucked at the base of renovated Promenade Central offices off Atlanta’s signature street, Peachtree.

“This is a form of infrastructure that encourages and facilitates bicycle commuting—[and it’s] also a nifty bit of architecture,” wrote the morning walker in an email. “MARTA should install these at its stations, and other firms should put them at their offices.” Read the whole article.

News for 5-22-2023
TONGA is coming up!
From Topview Sports
Enjoy 4 races in an awesome weekend featuring likely the most challenging and beautiful road races in the country! This event has been selected by both the USA Juniors and USA Masters Cup, and USA Cycling is considering it as a national selection event for 2024. Just about every best rider and team will be here! The Tour of North Georgia will take place during Memorial Day Weekend, May 26, 27 & 28, around Clarkesville, GA. This 4 races event offers 2 very amazing road races, a time trial, and a criterium. This omnium style event is the 3rd event of the USA Masters CUP, the 4th event of the USA Juniors Cup, and it is hosted by Topview Sports. We hope to see you there!

Lake Russell Work Party
From Keith Owen
Lake Russell WMA Sourwood Trail, Sat., June 3 8:45 am-1:00 pm Come celebrate National Trails Day as we complete our current project, the Sourwood Trail reroute. We will be working to complete a new reroute on the Sourwood Trail from Nancytown Road down to the new bridge just completed by the Forest Service. The reroute will improve the trail sustainability and should create an improved user experience. We will be scheduling more work days in the future as we take on new projects or work on maintenance of existing trails. Hopefully some of these dates will fit your schedule. My hope is that everyone that sees this could come to at least one work day. If that happens, we can accomplish a lot. Please share this with your friends and other Lake Russell Trail users. All tools will be provided. We will be providing lunch at this work day, so let me know if you are coming. If you’re joining us please bring the following: Long pants, Sturdy shoes or boots ( no open toe footwear), Eye protection, Work gloves, Hard hat (some will be provided, bike helmets will do),Sunscreen, Bug spray, Water
Please put this on your calendar. If you need more information PM me or send me an e-mail at keithowen223@gmail.com . My cell is 706-499-3893. If you plan on coming, let me know here or via e-mail so we can have an adequate headcount.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3309647022630244/

News for 5-18-2023
Wahoo Founder Buys Company Back
From DC Rainmaker:
“And thus, three months ago, Wahoo Fitness was taken over by the banks. Specifically, 15 different banks had called the debt, and took over the business. Making matters worse, their private equity ‘partner’ and owner, Rhone Group, wouldn’t put any money into the business, since that’d only benefit the banks. As a result, Wahoo ceased all marketing activities, ceased most sponsorships and other non-critical business functions, and curtailed product development on various products – all trying to save money.However, as of yesterday, that “nightmare is over”, according to Wahoo Founder Chip Hawkins.

Chip himself, alongside three “equal strategic partners”, have bought back the business. There is no longer any debt remaining, and Chip says they now have a “super healthy balance sheet” with “plenty of cash runway”. He said that this finally gives Wahoo the breathing room to run their company in a normal way again. That includes “smart” investment in advertising, as well as having a longer-term view on product development.”

Read the full article, which is very enlightening and contains a lot of detail about Wahoo’s financial situation.

News for 5-15-2023
SORBA Woodstock Rope Mill Work Party
From SORBA Woodstock
Join SORBA Woodstock for their May Work Party Saturday, May 20, 2023, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Rope Mill Bike Park Olde Rope Mill Park Road Woodstock, GA, 30188.

News for 5-14-2023
Track Certification Class as the DLV
From the DLV
The third 2023 track certification session will take place the weekend of May 20-21 (1pm to 4pm each day). This two-day session is designed to certify new riders for track training and racing. We’ll cover all of the basics. No previous track or fixed gear experience is needed. Bikes are provided.

The class is designed for cyclists interesting in giving track racing a try. Or, for those who are just curious and want to experience the velodrome’s banking on a real track bike.

Riders that have taken the class in the past are welcome to sit in for a refresher. If you’ve previously completed the class and want to join us, email: brian at dicklanevelodrome.com

News for 5-9-2023
Century and Fun Ride Listing!
I am so excited to unveil something that I’ve offered from time to time when I can find the help. A Century/Fun Ride/ Charity Ride listing. Julie Pitts with the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club (ODBCC-see the Rides Page for their weekly rides) has agreed to let me use her list that gets updated regularly. You’ll find it on the Road Calendar page. Thanks for your help Julie!

SORBA Woodstock Rope Mill Work Party
From SORBA Woodstock
Join SORBA Woodstock for their May Work Party Saturday, May 20, 2023, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Rope Mill Bike Park Olde Rope Mill Park Road Woodstock, GA, 30188

News for 5-5-2023
The Keirin at the DLV
Come out and watch the Keirin Japanese Style racing at the Dick Lane Velodrome on Wed., May 24 7-9:30 pm. There will be $1500 prize money for the A and B Women–$750 each! B and C racing as normal. Spectators are always free on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Bring a blanket or chairs and dinner! Please no dogs/pets per city of East Point park regulations and for the safety of the racers.

News for 5-2-2023
Fools Gold
From Mountain Goat Adventures
The 2023 Maxxis Tires Fools Gold will be held on September 9, 2023 at the beautiful Montaluce Winery, in Dahlonega, GA. The Fool’s Gold Mountain Bike Races will offer riders a 38 mile or 54 mile course. Free primitive camping is available at Montaluce Winery for Friday and Saturday nights. Register by 7/31 to avoid the registration price increase!
Register early, as this event has sold out quickly the past three years.

Both courses begin at Montaluce Winery and will have approximately 3 miles on pavement, then transition to gravel roads. The 54 mile course begins with a stout 3 mile gravel road climb. For 2023, the long course will remain on the ridgeline gravel road for 6 miles all the way to Winding Stair Gap and Aid 1. A fast gravel descent then takes riders onto the singletrack of the Turner Creek Trail. From here, riders will descend back to FS 28-1, and join the 38 mile course for the remainder of the race, which includes the Jones Creek Dam Trail, Bull Mountain Trail and Loop, Jake Mountain Trail and Black Branch Trail.

The 38 mile course heads directly to the Jones Creek Dam Trail along gravel roads, giving riders the opportunity to space out. Essentially the shorter course just cuts off the first section of gravel road climbing and ridge riding, and heads directly to the singletrack loop.

TONS of good stuff included: ▪Challenging course that features hard climbs, fast descents and sweet flowy singletrack that you will feel good about finishing. ▪Cash payout for the Open Men/Open Women’s classes in both the 38 and 54 mile race. ▪Cash prizes for all first place finishers in the non-open categories in the 54 mile race. Full details on payouts/prizes can be found HERE. ▪Free Primitive Camping at Montaluce Winery Friday and Saturday night! ▪Terrapin Beer and Moe’s for post-race calorie replenishment! ▪Highly visible Course Markings and Course Marshals ▪Finisher awards for all finishers in both races ▪Custom awards for all podium finishers in both races ▪Soft and comfy race shirt – size guaranteed if you register by the size deadline of August 18th. ▪Aid stations with plenty of calories, fluids, mechanical support and first aid supplies.

Quiet Tent Camping along the Etowah River! Free Camping for Racers at Montaluce Winery Friday/Saturday Night! We will have a dedicated tent/van camping area along the Etowah River as well as separate areas for RVs and travel trailers. Join us for the race and hang out in Dahlonga, GA for the weekend. Please email lisa at mountaingoatadventures.com with your camp unit type (Tent, RV, Sprinter, etc) if you plan to camp so we can ensure we have enough space for everyone.

If you are looking for an elegant dinner or date night on Friday or Saturday night while at the race, check out The Restaurant at Montaluce. The entrees and desserts are amazing – you will not be disappointed! Reservations are required as it is a small restaurant. Please let them know you are in town for the race if you make a dinner reservation. If you are looking for more casual lunch or dinner fare, Montaluce has a new restaurant called Trattoria di Montaluce which offers Italian Cuisine served family style as well as specialty pizzas.

Join the Fool’s Gold Crew and earn a race entry! We are looking for folks who’d like to volunteer for this year’s Fool’s Gold Mountain Bike Race! We take good care of our crew and offer a Fool’s Gold or Southern Cross entry for adults who commit to a 6 hour shift (for yourself or you can earn an entry for a spouse/friend). We need helpers for registration, aid stations, course marshals, as well as at the start/finish to keep an eye on the beer. We also have a limited number of positions available for Friday night/Saturday morning registration and post-race help, for folks who want to volunteer AND still race. If you are interested in helping out, please contactl isa at mountaingoatadventures.com and let me know your shirt size, availability and any task preference. Course Marshals and Aid Station helpers will need to have transportation out to their location. Thanks in advance!

News for 4-26-2023
Skills Area Soft Opening and Work Party at Big Creek
From RAMBO
Saturday, April 29 9:30 am-2:00 pm, Big Creek Mountain Bike Park, Roswell, GA This will be one of our last work parties before the grand opening. Please come help us install some fencing and do some general site clean up to get things safe and ridable. After the work party we can open the jump lines and the new rock lines for some sessions. Meet by the pump tracks and bring some friends.

News for 4-21-2023
It’s Speedweek!!!!!
Speedweek is here! 8 days of crits around Atlanta, Athens, and Spartanburg (SC)! What crits do you plan to go to and watch?? Of course, Twilight is Saturday, and the weather looks glorious!!

2023 Speedweek Crits
April 21-22 Athens Twilight
April 23 LaGrange Speedweek Crit
April 25 Union City Speedweek Crit
April 26 Peachtree Corners Speedweek Crit
April 28 Spartanburg Crit
April 29 Hapeville Speedweek Crit
April 30 College Park Speedweek Crit

Valley of the Giants Courses Available
From the Gravel Roll
Our Valley of the Giants courses are now available and we hope that we see you out there! Working with the Forest Service is always a fun part of our job but sometimes it takes a little bit of time to confirm routes and make sure we’re only riding where we’re allowed. We always want to be aware of the impact our riders and support staff can cause in delicate ecosystems, making sure we remain respectful stewards of the land. This year the courses are largely the same as 2022 and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the forest service lets us add one treasured new segment.

Your favorite features are included on as many of the routes as possible:
-The Gauntlet (Long Course only). This devious 2 mi stretch of road will test your fitness, your skills, and your mettle. This feature is early in the race, don’t be a Super Hero, if you got a dropper post, drop it or walk it.
-Helton Creek and it’s Falls of Refreshment (Long and Intermediate). Keep your speed up and float through without getting our feet or bring an extra pair of socks, that banjo music you hear isn’t for saving soggy soles.
-Wolf Creek Gap’s Stairway to Heaven (Long and Intermediate). What it lacks in turns it does not lack in elevation. Pace yourself and be ready for the fully-stocked aid station at the end.
-Duncan Ridge Rollercoaster (All Routes). This 30 minute long descent gives you a chance to catch your breath if you can keep from hoopin’ and hollerin’.

Price increases coming up! As we close in on Valley of the Giants, registration costs will increase. Sign up soon to secure the $60 pricing. $70 – register before May 7* $80 – register before May 14*$100 – day of registration

Valley of the Giants | May 13, 2023 | Blairsville, GA
Pecan Shaker | Sep. 30th, 2023 | Hawkinsville, GA
Bird Dog 100 | Nov 4th, 2023 | Waynesboro, GA

News for 4-19-2023
Ride of Silence 2023
From Bike Law Georgia
On Wed. May 17th, 2023 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will traverse and unite the globe as nothing before it. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured.

Date: May 17, 2023*Start location: Decatur Square – meet at the gazebo – 509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030*End location: Bike Law GA – 119 N McDonough St, Decatur GA 30030*Time: riders meet 6:30, wheels down 7 pm*Route distance: 9 miles w/ optional shorter route*no registration fees*post-ride beverages and pizza at Bike Law GA*the Ride of Silence is part of the ATL Cycling Festival 2023
https://www.facebook.com/events/713480523899627
http://www.rideofsilence.org/locations-domestic.php?s=GA#GA (the GA ride is already registered on the international website too)

News for 4-18-2023
Smyrna Kids Bike Rodeo
From Smyrna Parks and Recreation
Bike Rodeo: On May 6, Smyrna Parks and Recreation is teaming up with the Smyrna Fire Department to host a Bike Rodeo. With the outdoor season quickly approaching, get ready to ride! Visit North Cooper Lake Park and let team members help you prepare your bicycles for the trails! Different stations will be available for participants to have their bicycles’ safety checked, learn how to stay safe on the roads, have their tires pumped up, and receive some free giveaways. Free helmets will be given away to the first 80 people! Once your bike is checked and ready to go, try it out on the tracks and test your skills. This is a family-friendly event and is open to everyone! No registration is required and this is a free event.

Rope Mill Fast+Furious
From Mountain Goat Adventures
JOIN US FOR OUR NEWEST EVENT!!! The Rope Mill Fast+Furious 15 Mile Mountain Bike Race presented by Northside Hospital – Cherokee – May 27, 2023 at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock, GA! Make plans to join us for our newest event! This Fast+Furious 15 course features nearly all the trails at Rope Mill Park and will begin along the concrete path to allow riders to space out before entering the singletrack portion of the course. Riders will turn right at the bridge and complete Moore’s Pass, Power House, Raceway and Turbine all in a clockwise direction. These trails are farily wide and allow for passing. Riders will then return across the bridge and complete Explorer Loops 1, 2, and 3 counter-clockwise. The course returns to the start/finish via singletrack trail that links Explorer to the parking lot, crosses the parking lot, then heads onto the Avalanche Trail where riders will proceed counter-clockwise on Avalance Trail Loops 1, 2, and 3 and then head back to the start/finish to complete the course. The categories for 2023 are age based and the same as we have used for the Blankets Creek Dirty 15 Mile Race. You can see full details and a list of categories on the ROPE MILL FAST+FURIOUS 15 WEBSITE.

Super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirt for all participants who register before May 5th! Mountain Goat Race Gear Tote for all participants courtesy of our swag sponsor, Dalton Automotive!
-Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories, podium shirts for all first place finishers.
-Staggered starts by category for rider/volunteer safety.

HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO RUN?
We are also offering a separate 10k or half marathon trail run on a similar course in the morning before the bike race!
This event is a major fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock, so please come out and support your local trails!

News for 4-14-2023
Attention Tucker Ride Riders
From Facebook
ATTN: Groups that ride from Tucker, GA on Saturday mornings
Main Street Tucker will be CLOSED to ALL traffic (bikes & cars) on Saturday, May 6th from 6am – 7pm for the Tucker Day festival. If you ride from Tucker on Saturday mornings, please make alternate plans for Saturday 5/6/23 as there will be no/limited parking available and you will not be able to ride down Main Street. Police will be issuing tickets for non-compliance to the street closure. Ride on!

Wahoo Missed Debt Payment
From Cyclingnews.com
“If you are keeping score, mark down a point for yet another cycling company facing stiff headwinds post-pandemic, because according to SGB Media (opens in new tab), Wahoo Fitness missed required debt service payments as of the 2nd of April. The news is only the latest bad news for Wahoo.

Going into the spring of 2022, American credit rating and risk analysis company Moody’s Investors Service predicted that Wahoo would have a “negative free cash flow of around $30-$35 million” over the subsequent 12 months. This prediction was based on falling consumer demand as 2021 came to a close.”
Read the full article.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wahoos-credit-rating-downgraded-again-after-defaulting-on-payment/

News for 4-13-2023
NCL Announces New Date and Venue for Atlanta Race
From Velonews:
“On Tuesday afternoon, the National Cycling League (NCL) announced the date and venue for the third race in the NCL Cup series.

The Atlanta Invitational, originally scheduled to be the second race of the series on May 14, will now take place on August 20, 2023.

The league says that it changed the date in order to accommodate a new host venue — the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta, “a world class venue that has never hosted a cycling race before,” according to the NCL.

With the date change, the NCL Cup will see a large gap between its first and second races — the Miami Invitational was last weekend, and Denver will now be the second event on August 13.” Read the full article.

News for 4-11-2023
Sunny King Crit
The Sunny King Criterium presented by Sunny King Automotive Group returns for its 21st year on Saturday, May 6th. The Sunny King Criterium is one of the premier criterium races in the southeast, bringing the best racers from around the country together for top-level competition. The course is in the heart of downtown Anniston. A thriving community close to both Atlanta, GA and Birmingham, AL. affectionally named, the Model City.

Last year’s winner, ACC’s third place, Alfredo Rodriguez, returns with a new team, the Miami Nights. Joining him will be Clever Martinez, second place last year in the ACC overall. Either can win this race, so watch for these two to work in unison. The question is, who gets the chance? It could be Brandon Feehrey who takes that chance. Brandon won the American Criterium Cup in 2022 and placed fourth last year in Anniston. Brandon also returns with a new team, the Miami Blazers. He’ll be looking for the Red jersey again, and Sunny King might be where he finds it. The Sunny King Criterium will be streaming live, so get ready to take your front seat to all the action on May 6th.

News for 4-10-2023
National Cycling League Atlanta Race
The NCL has removed Atlanta and all other races from their website. I don’t know why. No one had heard anything about it for months. They had a meet and greet about 2 months ago, but I was not able to attend (darn day job that pays my bills). I don’t know anyone that did, and they did not respond to a question I had. No details had appeared between then and now about the course, time, or anything other than a date. I’ll update as I find out, if I can find out.

If you want to watch some amazing racing, I can’t recommend enough attending the Speedweek races coming up starting April 21! I am hoping to be at Athens and Hapeville with my camera. Besides Athens, I know Union City, Hapeville, and College Park will be parties! I wish I could attend them, but see #dayjob.

2023 Speedweek Crits
April 21-22 Athens Twilight
April 23 LaGrange Speedweek Crit
April 25 Union City Speedweek Crit
April 26 Peachtree Corners Speedweek Crit
April 28 Spartanburg Crit
April 29 Hapeville Speedweek Crit
April 30 College Park Speedweek Crit

News for 4-5-2023
An Ode to Dick Lane Velodrome (by Google Bard)

Dick Lane Velodrome,
A place of speed and glory,
Where cyclists race to the finish line,
And dreams are made and broken.

The track is made of concrete,
And the boards are lined with spectators,
Who cheer on their favorite riders,
And hold their breath as they take the final turn.

The air is thick with the smell of sweat,
And the sound of the wheels on the track,
As the riders push themselves to the limit,
In search of victory.

Dick Lane Velodrome is a place of history,
Where legends have been made,
And where dreams are still born.

It is a place of hope,
Where anything is possible,
And where the future is unwritten.

Dick Lane Velodrome is a place of magic,
Where dreams come true,
And where anything is possible.

Lake Russell Work Day
From Biking Lake Russell
Lake Russell Work Day, Sat., April 29 8:45 am-1:00 pm, We will be working on a new reroute on the Sourwood Trail from Nancytown Road down to the new bridge just completed by the Forest Service. The reroute will improve the trail sustainability and should create an improved user experience. We will be scheduling more work days for the winter/spring to continue working on this reroute of the Sourwood Trail. Hopefully one or two of these dates will fit your schedule. I also know we will probably lose a couple of dates to the weather. My hope is that everyone that sees this could come to at least one work day. If that happens, we can accomplish a lot. Please share this with your friends and other Lake Russell Trail users. All tools will be provided. We will be providing lunch at this work day, so let me know if you are coming. If you’re joining us please bring the following:
Long pants, Sturdy shoes or boots (no open toe footwear), Eye protection, Work gloves, Hard hat (some will be provided, bike helmets will do), Sunscreen, Water
If you need more information PM me or send the coordinator an e-mail at keithowen223@gmail.com. If you plan on coming, let me know via e-mail so we can have an adequate headcount.

News for 4-3-2023
Rides Page Updated for 2023 Riding Season!
It’s DST and GROUP RIDE SEASON!
The Rides page is updated on Southeastern Cycling! I’ve updated all Atlanta area rides that I have information for. I purged a lot that had been on hold. I also added some from bike shops and such. There are now a couple of intown beginner super chill rides, too. As a note, there are some rides I have not listed as they don’t require helmets. As someone that has had her head saved by a helmet more than once, I cannot list group rides that don’t require helmets.

Know of a ride that isn’t listed? Send me an email. I have to have a Facebook group, Instagram page, or website along with it, so that people can get more info.

Bearings Bike Works Podium Party
From Bearings Bike Works
Guests at our upcoming spring event are in for a culinary treat! Bearings Podium Party on Saturday, April 29, will feature handcrafted street tacos from renowned local chef and consultant Kevin Maxey, former Vice President of Culinary at Ford Fry Restaurants. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, Maxey has worked with acclaimed Atlanta restaurants including Craft, Superica, King + Duke, and recently, Azotea Cantina. Accompanying Maxey’s mouth-watering tacos will be an all-you-can eat salsa bar, local craft beer from Line Creek Brewing, a selection of wine, and tasty treats from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Grab your tickets to the Podium Party today and join us for a night of delicious food, drinks, and fun times in support of Bearings’ youth programs!

Enjoy a special live performance by Das Kaiser What’s a party without live music? We’re excited to share that Bearings Podium Party will feature a performance by Das Kaiser, featuring Paceline Project race team member Willem Kaiser on guitar and vocals. Das Kaiser has performed in many popular venues around Atlanta including The Earl, Smith’s Olde Bar, and Variety Playhouse and we’re thrilled to have them join us at Bearings’ very own campus for a special Podium Party live show!

Volunteers Needed! We need enthusiastic volunteers to join in and help make this event a success! Sign up for a shift and you’ll receive free access to the event, plus food & drink tickets. You’ll get to enjoy the party, while supporting our youth programs in a fun and meaningful way!

News for 3-31-2023
ATL Airport District Announces Return of Fifth Annual Spin the District
From the ATL Airport District

ATLANTA – (March 30, 2023) – The ATL Airport District, the destination marketing organization for the cities of College Park, Hapeville and Union City, Georgia, today announced the return of the community’s fifth annual cycling race series, Spin the District. The highly anticipated, family-friendly event provides an immersive experience for both cyclists and spectators as the area’s streets transform into a premier cycling destination. Tuesday, April 25, marks the official start of Spin the District with a new twilight criterium and first-ever Union City Crit. The series will continue Saturday, April 29, with the Hapeville Crit followed by the College Park Crit on Sunday, April 30, which is also the USA Crits Speed Week Finals.

“We are thrilled to celebrate another year of Spin the District with friends, family and spectators as we cheer on elite cyclists whipping by and enjoy all the lively festivities throughout the week,” said Cookie Smoak, president of the ATL Airport District. “Every year, Spin the District delivers as an action-packed, family-friendly event and we are excited to expand the fun with the new addition of our evening criterium in Union City.”

Kicking off at 4 p.m., Spin the District launches during USA Crits Speed Week with the first-ever Union City Crit – a new twilight criterium featuring a fast-paced course with a crazy tight corner. Races will take place under the streetlights alongside a family-friendly disco-themed street festival with music, food trucks, beverages and activities for all ages. Cyclist registration and details can be accessed online.

The Hapeville Crit will begin with junior races at 9 a.m. and is the fastest cycling adventure for participants with a 1.4-kilometer route, seven-corner, pancake-flat course through the heart of the city and a 150-meter straight finish. Starting at noon, guests can enjoy an artist market, food trucks and other festivities until 6 p.m. at the free neighborhood block party, all while cheering on the cyclists. The day will include racing for all ages and levels including the One-Lap Blast for children on two wheels and the Straightaway Sprint for children on trikes, training wheels and balance bikes. Kid races will occur at approximately 3 p.m., followed by the pro men and women’s races, which feature some of the best cyclists in the country. Rider registration and details are available online.

USA Crits Speed Week Finals will take place at the College Park Crit, featuring a five-corner course with tight turns, a screaming fast back straight and an uphill finish. The action-packed day begins at 9 a.m. with junior races. The Bayou Block Party begins at noon where spectators can indulge in a crawfish boil and local food trucks alongside family-friendly games, music and more. The competition will include some of the nation’s fastest cyclists racing for the crown through the historic streets of downtown College Park, as well as two kid races, the Hill Sprint and the Straightaway Sprint. Cyclist registration and details can be accessed online.

For this year’s series, the District has teamed up with Hotel Indigo, located less than three blocks from the College Park Crit, to offer a discounted rate for Speed Weekend. Guests can enjoy a special event rate of $124/night plus tax when booking now through April 14, 2023, through this link. For more information on lodging or to book your hotel, visit SpinTheDistrict.com/lodging.

Spectator attendance is free for all three criteriums. For more information on how to be a part of this experience as a participant, volunteer or artist visit SpinTheDistrict.com and follow @spinthedistrict on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about the ATL Airport District, call 404-334-7500 or visit www.ATLdistrict.com. For updates on everything in “The District,” follow @ATLDistrict on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

News for 3-23-2023
Allatoona Work Party
From MTB Atlanta
Allatoona Work Party Saturday, March 25 9am-Noon 5690 Old Stilesboro Rd NW, Acworth, GA 30101. We’ll be building a couple bridges and blazing trail on a brand new yet to be named trail. Come lend a hand and maybe help us figure out a name. Each month we get together to give back to the trails at Allatoona Creek Park by hosting a work party to perform trail maintenance work to keep the trails at the park in top shape! Meet at the main parking lot at Stilesboro Rd. and be ready to go at 9. Wear warm clothes, closed toed shoes, bring gloves, a pack, water and snacks. We provide lunch, tools, trail knowledge and a ton of STOKE!

News for 3-22-2023
Kitsbow Clothing Closes
From Bike Rumor
“From the highs of new products today, to the lows of harsh economic realities: Kitsbow has just announced that they are closing up shop. The news was dropped on their Instagram page along with a lengthy letter from the current CEO David Billstrom on their website.

The news comes as a big shock after recent announcements like new flannel fits, and an apparel store to buy and sell used gear. The news also comes just over a year after a major corporate restructuring…” Read the full article.

Kitsbow is/was a mtb clothing manufacturer in Old Fort, NC that still made their clothing in Western NC.