February 2025

News for 2-10-2025
Bear Creek Work Party

From MTB Atlanta
Join us, @mulberrygapadvbasecamp and our cousins up North the @northgamtb for a Bear Creek Work Party next Sunday, February 16th 9:45-1! Mulberry will be offering a free shuttle after the work party so come on up and give Bear Creek some love and then go ride and look at the results of your hard work after!

News for 2-6-2025
Chief Ladiga Trail News
Repaving
From the City of Piedmont, AL
Parts of the Chief Ladiga Trail will be closed for the next month as they are repaved. Paving began on the Piedmont/Jacksonville Side and will go east towards the Cleburne County Line.

Chief Ladiga Extension Update
From the City of Anniston, AL
Since the groundbreaking in April 2024, B&B has made significant progress on Anniston’s Ladiga Trail Extension! Here is the latest update covering the progress from January 2025 to February 5, 2025!

1. GRADING & DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS: • B&B began cutting ditches and grading backslopes along the trail this month. These efforts have improved drainage in several low-lying areas that have held water for years. Additionally, several clogged pipes were cleared to restore the functionality of existing drainage structures. B&B also installed a precast box culvert between Blue Mtn Rd and W 23rd St. This culvert includes wingwalls designed to prevent washouts during heavy rain, ensuring long-term trail stability.

2. 4TH STREET BRIDGE PROGRESS: X-Roads Construction formed and poured steel-reinforced bridge end slabs at 4th St. After pouring, B&B began fine grading the crushed aggregate base material in the area, preparing it for the next steps of the project.

3. CANE CREEK BRIDGE INSTALLATION: • The Cane Creek bridge arrived at the jobsite in two sections. Crews bolted the sections together and used a crane to lift and place the bridge onto the abutments. Workers are now tying steel reinforcement in preparation to pour the concrete bridge deck.

4. TRAIL BASE PREPARATION: • B&B placed crushed aggregate base on the trail between W 23rd St and W 21st St, preparing the area for the next phase of paving operations.

ℹ️ About the Project: Anniston’s trail extension will stretch an additional 6.5 miles, bringing the Chief Ladiga Trail’s total length to approximately 39.5 miles. The Chief Ladiga will then seamlessly connect Anniston’s Multimodal Amtrak Station to the state of Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail, forming the longest paved pedestrian pathway in the United States. To learn more visit: https://www.annistonal.gov/chief-ladiga.

WBL Ride # 11: The Gruber Images Lula World Cup Lobotomy
From the WBL
When: Saturday Feb 8th
Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points)
Time: 10 a.m. (window open)
Length: 105 miles, 5 hours
Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45543696

News for 2-5-2025
Blanket’s Creek Trail Work Party

From SORBA Woodstock
Feb. Trail Work Park at Blanket’s Creek Sat., Feb. 15 9 am-12:15 pm, Meet at the SORBA Woodstock Clubhouse. It’s the Big Rock Grab of 2025 Trail Work Party. Lunch provided.

News for 2-4-2025
Blanket’s Creek Dirty 15/30 MTB Race

From Mountain Goat Adventures
KICK OFF SPRING BREAK AT THE BLANKETS CREEK DIRTY 15 & 30 MILE MTB RACE – MARCH 29, 2025 The course includes most of the trails at Blankets Creek in a counter – clockwise direction for a total distance of 15 miles per lap. Each lap has 1400’+ of elevation gain, so this will be a challenging course. The categories for this event are age based, so that all riders can choose between the 15 mile course (1 lap) and 30 mile course (2 laps). Junior categories available in both race distances. You can see full details and a list of categories on the BLANKETS CREEK DIRTY 15/30 WEBSITE. Limit of 250 riders – please register early so you do not miss out. No racing license required for any of our events! All riders who register before March 7 will receive one of our super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirts and a commemorative event swag item. Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories, podium shirts for all first place finishers. Access to drop bags will be available at the half way point for riders participating in the 30 mile race. Staggered starts by category for rider/volunteer safety. We are also offering a separate 5 or 10 mile trail run on similar courses 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 1-30-2025
WBL Ride # 10: The Parks Law Bowman Bounty Hunter

From the WBL
When: Saturday Feb 1st Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points) Time: 10 a.m. (window open) Length: 100 miles, 5 hours Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49578506

News for 1-28-2025
Raleigh, NC Trail Under Threat
From Singletracks.com
“Mountain bikers in North Carolina’s Research Triangle area, home to about 2 million residents, are in a battle on multiple fronts to save access to more than a dozen miles of established trails, many of which were built nearly 30 years ago. In a fast-growing metro area that’s already short on singletrack, the loss would be devastating.” Read the full article.

News for 1-24-2025
Gravelcyclist.com

The Gravel Cyclist has a good list of gravel races to know around the Southeast and a description of them. He covers the wider Southeast region.
Part 1: https://www.gravelcyclist.com/videos/gravel-events-you-should-know-about-southeastern-usa/
Part 2: https://www.gravelcyclist.com/videos/gravel-events-you-should-know-about-southeastern-usa-volume-2/

News for 1-23-2025
Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mtb Bike Race

From Dirty Spokes Productions,LLC
​Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race May 3rd, 2025 Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, Ga! Put it on the Calendar! We’re Stoked for the 19th Annual Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race! The Yargo Trail System is One of the Fastest and Best Trail Systems in the Southeastern US! If You’re Headed Out to Pre-Ride, Check Out the Course Map, GPS Data and Race Course Video Links Below! The Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race Registration Link Is Updated and Open (See Below)! This is the Series Finale for the Chainbuster Mountain Bike Race Series (7th Race of the Series)! Please Note… We have a Participant Cap of 325 Racers on this Year’s Race!
http://www.dirtyspokes.com/mtb-racing/

WBL #9 ALTO World Cup
From the WBL
ALTO WORLD CUP TIME: WBL Ride # 9: Bill Riecke’s Alto World Cup When: Saturday, January 25th. Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points) Time: 10 a.m. (window open) Length: 5.5 hours, 109 miles Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45472038

News for 1-22-2025
US MTB Series Junior Series
From US MTB Series
(Trish’s Note: This is edited from the linked Facebook post.)
Welcome to the 2025 US MTB Junior Series! We’re thrilled to introduce the new Junior Series within the US MTB Series for 2025, designed for young riders who are ready to test their skills, compete, and have fun! This series features 12 exciting races across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, all USA Cycling sanctioned. Compete with us to earn valuable points toward Nationals, which will be held close to home the next two years in Roanoke, VA. ALL RACES IN THE US MTB SERIES COUNT TOWARD USA CYCLING POINTS. Race Format & Scoring Qualifying Requirement: Race in any of the 12 series races to be eligible for the Championship Race. We’ll count your best 7 finishes to determine your call-up placement in the championship finale at the Sizzler in August…..2025 Junior Series Race Schedule Pick any 7 races to qualify for call-up positions at the finale. Championship Race: The Sizzler, Greensboro, NC – August 17. Unlike other leagues, we don’t require upfront fees for juniors to participate. Racing should be accessible to everyone, and this deal ensures you can enjoy all 12 races without any extra financial burden.

Age Categories: Male/Female: 17-18, 15-16, 13-14, 11-12, 9-10, 8 & Under, Team Competition: The 2025 season introduces an exciting Junior Team Competition! Teams must have a minimum of 3 racers to qualify. When registering, make sure all team members use the exact same team name spelling for each race.


January 2025

News for 1-24-2025
Gravelcyclist.com

The Gravel Cyclist has a good list of gravel races to know around the Southeast and a description of them. He covers the wider Southeast region.
Part 1: https://www.gravelcyclist.com/videos/gravel-events-you-should-know-about-southeastern-usa/
Part 2: https://www.gravelcyclist.com/videos/gravel-events-you-should-know-about-southeastern-usa-volume-2/

News for 1-23-2025
Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mtb Bike Race

From Dirty Spokes Productions,LLC
​Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race May 3rd, 2025 Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, Ga! Put it on the Calendar! We’re Stoked for the 19th Annual Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race! The Yargo Trail System is One of the Fastest and Best Trail Systems in the Southeastern US! If You’re Headed Out to Pre-Ride, Check Out the Course Map, GPS Data and Race Course Video Links Below! The Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race Registration Link Is Updated and Open (See Below)! This is the Series Finale for the Chainbuster Mountain Bike Race Series (7th Race of the Series)! Please Note… We have a Participant Cap of 325 Racers on this Year’s Race!
http://www.dirtyspokes.com/mtb-racing/

WBL #9 ALTO World Cup
From the WBL
ALTO WORLD CUP TIME: WBL Ride # 9: Bill Riecke’s Alto World Cup When: Saturday, January 25th. Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points) Time: 10 a.m. (window open) Length: 5.5 hours, 109 miles Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45472038

News for 1-22-2025
US MTB Series Junior Series
From US MTB Series
(Trish’s Note: This is edited from the linked Facebook post.)
Welcome to the 2025 US MTB Junior Series! We’re thrilled to introduce the new Junior Series within the US MTB Series for 2025, designed for young riders who are ready to test their skills, compete, and have fun! This series features 12 exciting races across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, all USA Cycling sanctioned. Compete with us to earn valuable points toward Nationals, which will be held close to home the next two years in Roanoke, VA. ALL RACES IN THE US MTB SERIES COUNT TOWARD USA CYCLING POINTS. Race Format & Scoring Qualifying Requirement: Race in any of the 12 series races to be eligible for the Championship Race. We’ll count your best 7 finishes to determine your call-up placement in the championship finale at the Sizzler in August…..2025 Junior Series Race Schedule Pick any 7 races to qualify for call-up positions at the finale. Championship Race: The Sizzler, Greensboro, NC – August 17. Unlike other leagues, we don’t require upfront fees for juniors to participate. Racing should be accessible to everyone, and this deal ensures you can enjoy all 12 races without any extra financial burden.

Age Categories: Male/Female: 17-18, 15-16, 13-14, 11-12, 9-10, 8 & Under, Team Competition: The 2025 season introduces an exciting Junior Team Competition! Teams must have a minimum of 3 racers to qualify. When registering, make sure all team members use the exact same team name spelling for each race.

News for 1-18-2025
USA Crits New

From Cyclingnews.com
“USA Crits organisers amplified the reach for the one-day US race series by adding three events to their 2025 lineup, now nine races in five states. The series, in a 16th season, focuses on established events in the south-east with a points-based calendar compressed into seven weeks.

For the first time in seven editions, the collection of races expands beyond the south-east with the inaugural Aksarben Tirc (Crit Nebraska) in Omaha, Nebraska serving as the penultimate stop on May 17, one week before the finals at the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic (WSCC) in North Carolina…….

The Sunny King Criterium serves as the kick-off event for a second consecutive year, taking place on Saturday, April 5 for its 23rd edition in downtown Anniston, Alabama. Other returning events include three in Georgia – Rock&Road Criterium, Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight, LaGrange Cycling Classic – and Spartanburg Criterium in South Carolina. Two events in the Spin the District collection of races in communities south of Atlanta are now part of USA Crits, races in Hapeville and College Park….”

USA Crits 2025 schedule
April 5 – Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, Alabama
April 11 – Spin the District: Hapeville Criterium in Hapeville, Georgia
April 12 – Rock&Road Criterium p/b 75 Jackson Properties in Newnan, Georgia
April 26 – *Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight p/b St. Mary’s Health Care System in Athens, Georgia
May 2 – * Spartanburg Criterium p/b Gibbs Cancer Center & Spartanburg Medical Center, Spartanburg, South Carolina
May 3 – *LaGrange Cycling Classic in LaGrange, Georgia
May 4 – *Spin the District: College Park Criterium in College Park, Georgia
May 17 – Aksarben Tirc (Crit Nebraska) in Omaha, Nebraska
May 24 – Winston-Salem Cycling Classic in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
*denotes races in both USA Crits and Speed Week

Speed Week 2025 schedule
April 24 – Greenville Cycling Classic p/b Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina
April 26 – Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight p/b St. Mary’s Health Care System in Athens, Georgia
April 27 – Curiosity Lab Criterium in Peachtree Corners, Georgia
April 29 – Spin the District: Union City in Union City, Georgia
April 30 – Hi Line Criterium in Suwanee, Georgia
May 2 – Spartanburg Criterium p/b Gibbs Cancer Center & Spartanburg Medical Center, Spartanburg, South Carolina
May 3 – LaGrange Cycling Classic in LaGrange, Georgia
May 4 – Spin the District: College Park in College Park, Georgia

Read the full article.


Allatoona Creek Work Party-Postponed until Jan. 25 because of the weather
From MTB Atlanta
Allatoona Creek Work Party, Sat., Jan. 18 9am-noon Join us for our monthly work party at Allatoona Creek Park. We’ll be doing a little maintenance and giving back to the trails we love.

News for 1-14-2025
Barn Quilt Round Up March 15!
From MTB Atlanta.
Trish’s Note: For those not in the know there are gorgeous barn quilts around Chattahoochee Hills, GA aka Dirty Sheets gravel. I did not get to do the first Barn Quilt Round up, and I am so excited about this!

Save the date for the Second Annual Barn Quilt Round Up in the beautiful City of Chattahoochee Hills. This fundraising ride is based on the Chattahoochee Hills Barn Quilt Trail and is part ride, race, scavenger hunt, and all around adventure by bike! Choose to ride road, gravel or mixed it up-you choose your route and how hard or easy you want to go all the while collecting pictures of the barn quilts you see along the way. No matter how you ride you have a chance to win something awesome from our incredible sponsors.

After you ride we’ll have great swag, food and a party waiting for you back at Goode’s Camp, MTB Atlanta HQ! All proceeds benefit MTB Atlanta for trail maintenance and development in Metro Atlanta. Come join the fun! Registration coming soon!

News for 1-11-2025
GA 400 Century

Press Release
GA400 Century will again roll from Roswell! Registration opens at 9:45 AM January 8! There are 4 routes this year 25, 33, 64 and 100! Same ole festive finish line atmosphere! Live bands, great food and of course beer! Visit our website for routes and registration link and up to date info as we progress through our planning.

News for 1-8-2025
Blankets Creek Work Party

From SORBA Woodstock
Blankets Creek Work Party Sat. Jan. 18 9 am-12:15 January SORBA Woodstock Trail Work Party Meet at the Clubhouse at Blankets Creek. Lunch provided.

News for 1-6-2025
Pedal Hilton Head Island

Press Release
The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island will host their 18th annual cycling fundraiser, “Pedal Hilton Head Island”, on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The event is the Club’s second largest annual fundraiser and is expected to raise over $100,000 and draw 700 cyclists, about 50% of which are tourists. All proceeds go directly to support the Club’s mission to serve local youth.

There are five route options for cyclists ranging from beginner (10-miles) to advanced (62-miles). The rides have staged start times on Sunday morning at 7:30 AM. All routes start and finish at Lowcountry Celebration Park. When the ride concludes, registered participants are given a free lunch at a fun and festive post-ride celebration. All registered participants will receive a complimentary Pedal Hilton Head Island 2024 T-Shirt and other goodies provided by generous sponsors.

Pedal Hilton Head Island has partnered with three hotels to provide accommodations discounts for visitors. The town of Hilton Head and local businesses appreciate this welcome bump in hospitality the first weekend in May. For preferred hotels, please visit: www.pedalhhi.org/travel.

Registration fees start as low as $75 with early registration (going on now through February 2). Cyclists may also choose to ride for a specific Club member for $300 called “Pedal 4 A Kid” to give more purpose to their ride. Included with that registration is a limited-edition 2025 cycling jersey. Cyclists will get a photo of the child they are riding for on their back. Registration is at www.pedalhhi.org.

Local businesses are invited to participate by sponsoring the event. Sponsorships start at $250 and go to $7,500 and are an excellent way to promote brands, services, and products while giving back to the community. For sponsorships, please contact co-chairs Russ Whiteford and Andrea Arbore at ride@pedalhhi.org. Follow the Facebook page and Instagram account at @pedalhiltonhead for real-time updates on the event.

Allatoona Creek Work Party
From MTB Atlanta
Allatoona Creek Work Party, Sat., Jan. 18 9am-noon Join us for our monthly work party at Allatoona Creek Park. We’ll be doing a little maintenance and giving back to the trails we love.

News for 1-3-2024
Mountain Goat Adventure News

MAXXIS SOUTHERN CROSS BIKE RACE – COMING MARCH 1, 2025 – REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! The course is 50 miles with a bit over 6,000 ft of elevation gain (two major climbs), and consists of pavement, gravel roads and a short (but hard) grass section at the end of the race up to the finish line.v The course is gravel bike or mountain bike friendly, so pick your poison! Riders will pass by an aid station twice during the ride, and be treated to Terrapin Beer and Moe’s Burritos for a hearty post-race meal.

NEW FOR 2025!
New 70+ Category Added!
Collegiate Categories Added!
Collegiate Riders will compete for awards and prizes in the Open Men’s and Open Women’s Divisions, and we will also have an additional podium for the Top 5 Male/Female Collegiate Riders sponsored by the SECCC.
30 MILE JUNIOR RACE We have a shorter 30 mile option for Junior riders with categories for 10-14 and 15-18 male and female riders. 30 mile Juniors will ride the infamous “Winding Stair Loop” and are allowed to have a non-participant adult accompany them for safety, but are not allowed to draft or have the adult carry any of their food or water.

MORE GOOD STUFF! -Free Primitive Camping at Montaluce for Friday and Saturday night -Super comfy cotton blend race shirt with race logo (register by Feb 7 shirt size deadline to guarantee your size) -Surprise race swag item (past items have been hats, stainless beer cups, pint glasses, and coffee mugs!) -Post race burritos from Moes with Terrapin Beer -Well stocked aid station with plenty of calories, fluids, mechanical support, first aid supplies, drop bags and more. -Finisher medals for all finishers as well as custom handmade awards for all podium finishers!

News for 12-31-2024
WBL Triple Header

From the Winter Bike League (in Athens, the original)
RIPLE HEADER: The sprints start!
Rides on New Years Eve, New Years Day, and Sat Jan 4th. Note the New Year’s eve ride starts at 12:00 noon and will probably not have a sag car.

What: WBL #4 Vintage Bicycle Werkes’ New Year’s Eve No Work, non Pro nap time Special
When: Tuesday, 31st December
Where: The HUB (5 Points) Don’t park in the Hub’s parking lot! Park on a side street or ride your bike down!
Length: 54 miles / 2.5ish hours NOTE: There will probably not be a sag car. So, plan accordingly. You are responsible for getting yourself back to the start. Time: 12 Noon (window open)
Points: 3 (1 per hour – must sign in)
To qualify for this Non-Pro only attack zone: You must be 40+ years old as of today, under 18, a cat 3,4, or 5, or a female of any age. The board has requested previous overall winners abstain from participation in non pro contests this year (the Travieso / Gruber request).

When: Wednesday, 1 January
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49348742
Length: 67 miles (3.5 Hours) Time: 10 am (window open) Attack Zone sponsored by Reeves and Young:
Women’s Finish sponsored by Reeves and Young:

WBL # 6: The First American Bank March to Madison
When: Saturday, 4th January Time: 10 am (window open) Length: 83 miles. 4 hours.
Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41350340
Intermediate Sprints:
**Jackie Crowell Women’s Sprint (mile 10). 1 mile sprint to the Bishop City Limit Sign.
**Non Pro: Oconee County Sign Mile 57 (sponsored by Choco Pronto). Opens at mile 55. Sprint to Oconee County Sign.
** PRO: “Flat” Rock Hill Grind (mile 70) inside the final attack zone. WBL line in the road on top of Flat Rock Loop Road (sponsored by Choco Pronto) Final Attack Zone: Extended Flat Rock Attack Zone (8 miles). Pro Finish Sponsored by First American Bank,, Ladies Jackie Crowell Finish, Non Pro Finish sponsored by Crowe Law Firm