I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
News for 11-24-2022
Across the Beeriers Weekend
Press Release
The AOC Twilight isn’t the only bike race in town! Get your gravel or mountain bike ready for a little off-road racing at Across the Beeriers, two days of cyclocross racing held in Athens, GA at Southern Brewing Company (Dec. 3) and Terrapin Beer Co. (Dec. 4) on Dec. 3 & 4 as part of the Georgia Cyclocross Series.
Categories from beginner to expert, along with kids races, highlight the two days of outdoor fun at these beloved Classic City breweries. Cyclocross racing is a unique, non-Olympic discipline of cycling that can best described as a cross between road cycling, mountain biking, and steeplechase. Watching cyclists dismount their bikes to run up stairs and steep embankments often arouses questions about the origin of the sport. Although it is difficult to find the exact reason, many legends have it that cyclists would race from town to town off-road to bring a new element to road racing. These off-road adventures could have often required dismounting to hop fences and impossible terrain.
Come race and enjoy delicious local brews Saturday AND Sunday!
The Chestnut Family Foundation Awards MTB Atlanta $1 Million for New Trail Construction in Metro Atlanta
From MTB Atlanta
Press Release
MTB Atlanta to utilize award to construct 24 Miles of new Multi-use Trail and new Hard Surface Pump Track
(ATLANTA, Georgia, November 23, 2022) — The Chestnut Family Foundation has awarded the Southern Off Road Bicycle Association, Atlanta Chapter (MTB Atlanta) $1,008,535 to be utilized for the construction of 24 new miles of multi-use trails and the development of a new hard surface pump track. Eight parks across Metro Atlanta will benefit from the award. The award is one of the largest gifts awarded by a single donor in the history of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association for new trail construction.
“This award will assist MTB Atlanta in our mission to meet the demand for building new multi-use soft surface trails for mountain biking and passive outdoor recreation in the Metro Atlanta region,” Brett Davidson, Executive Director of MTB Atlanta said. “We are so thankful to the Chestnut Family Foundation for this award. Their support of our mission is greatly appreciated and will benefit mountain bikers, hikers and trail runners across Metro Atlanta. The demand for multi-use trails in Atlanta is at an all-time high in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic and the commitment made by the Chestnut Family Foundation has moved every shovel ready project we have in development into construction. All of these shovel ready projects have been brought to existence and are “half-way there” because of the sweat equity of MTB Atlanta volunteers and public grant awards. This single donation will move all of these projects to completion and the award will make a huge impact on the landscape of mountain biking and outdoor recreation in Metro Atlanta for generations to come.”
The Chestnut Family Foundation Award will fund MTB Atlanta’s professional trail building program and crew, MTB Atlanta Pro Trails, who will manage projects and construct new trails in Cobb, Coweta, Carroll, Troup, Fulton, Spalding and Rockdale Counties.
Philip Darden, Executive Director of the Southern Off Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) noted, “This generous donation from The Chestnut Family Foundation to MTB Atlanta will be a game changer for natural surface trails in the Metro-Atlanta area. With improvements spanning multiple locations across the city, more and more residents will be able to get outside and enjoy trails right in the neighborhoods where they live. And as one of the largest gifts in SORBA history, it shows the value that MTB Atlanta, as well as our other 46 chapters across the southeast, bring to their communities. My hope is that the trend continues, and we see similar strong investments in our chapters, both in Atlanta and beyond. Thank you to the Chestnut Family Foundation for your support to help change the landscape of natural surface trails in Atlanta!”
See the article for all of the trails that will benefit!
News for 11-23-2022
Joey Rosskopf to team Q36.5
Joey Rosskopf of Decatur, Georgia moves from Human Powered Health to the new team Q36.5. The team will compete at the ProTeam level (level below the WorldTour) in Europe in 2023. Joey said “”Looking at the roster I feel very fortunate to be included in this new cycling project, surrounded by so many other talented riders, and I look forward to tackling the challenges that arise and building @q36.5_procycling team together.”
CALENDARS ARE UP TO DATE!!
The calendars (see the menu at the top of the page) are up to date with any 2023 dates I have. As usual, mountain bike and gravel have way more dates than road. Road dates don’t start coming out til about late January. I’ll keep updating as I usually do. If you know of a date or are a promoter and have your 2023 date, please contact me!
News for 11-18-2022
Mt. Tabor Work Party
From MTB Atlanta
Sat., Nov. 19 9am-noon Mt. Tabor Trail Work Party Join us for a trail Work Party at Mt. Tabor Park in Paulding County this Saturday November 19th form 9-12. We will be working on Fall cleanup. Meet at the MTB Trailhead parking lot at 9. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring a pack, gloves, water, snacks, bug spray and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We’ll bring some snacks and drinks, tools and know how! See you there!
2023 Calendars
I am woefully behind updating the 2023 calendars but hope to have any dates that have been released up by the end of next week. I’ve been busy every weekend with Georgia Cyclocross, a change in my job at work (full new team and new job function), health challenges that never seem to end and are getting a bit more complicated, and just “stuff” and trying to live my life. Anyway, I’m working on them slowly but surely! I know our good friends at Chainbuster Racing have released their tentative 2023 schedule for the for Southeastern Endurance Series, so here it is.
January 28, 2023
The Gobbler 6/3 at GIHP
Conyers, GA
February 25, 2023
Oak Mountain 6/3
Pelham, AL
March 25, 2023
Race for the Rose 6/3 Hour Fundraiser Race
May 6, 2023
Road Atlanta 6/3
Braselton, GA
October 14, 2023*
Big Ring at Jackrabbit
Hayesville, NC
November 4, 2023
Battle for Paynes Creek
Hartwell, GA
News for 11-14-2022
Blankets Creek Work Party
From SORBA Woodstock
Saturday, Nov. 19 at 9 am Come join us at Blankets Creek on Saturday, 11/19 for our November work party! Lunch will be provided. Wear appropriate clothes for the weather and closed toed shoes!
News for 11-9-2022
Allatoona Work Party
From MTB Atlanta
Cancelled!! Saturday, Nov. 19 9 am-Noon, Trail Work Party- Allatoona Creek Park. Join us every 3rd Saturday for our monthly work party at Allatoona Creek Park. 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 long pants, closed toed shoes, bring gloves, a pack, water and snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We’ll be working on demoing two bridges- one on Mason’s and one on Voodoo to get ready to replace them with new ones. We provide lunch, tools, trail knowledge and a ton of STOKE!
News for 11-8-2022
Middle Georgia CX Glamour Shots Ready!
My Racer Glamour Shots from the Macon race are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. If anyone purchases a photo from the Macon race, I’ll edit it for free!
Laura Brayfield (FastA** Racing) shows her “best side” during the Single Speed race in Macon, GA
South Rockdale Community Park Trails Work Party
From MTB Atlanta
Join us for a Trail Work Party on our trails at South Rockdale Community Park in Rockdale County Saturday, Nov. 12 9 am-Noon. We will be doing some corridor clearing, tread work, clearing drains and some general Fall Cleanup. Meet at the main parking lot at 3909 East Fairview Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281.Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes and bring a pack, gloves, water, snacks, bug spray and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We’ll bring some snacks and drinks, tools and know how! See you there!
News for 11-5-2022
American Criterium Cup
The American Criterium Cup will return in 2023 with over $100,000 in overall prizes. The only southeastern stop is the Sunny King Crit on May 8 in Anniston, AL.
News for 11-4-2022
Gravel Night Rides at Dirty Sheets
From MTB Atlanta
MTB Atlanta/Senoia Cycles Dirty Sheets Gravel Tuesday Night Ride begins Tuesday November 8th 6:30
Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia- November 1st. 2022
The 6th addition of the Dirty Sheets Gravel Tuesday Night Ride begins Tuesday November 8th at 6:30 PM. This year’s ride is sponsored by the good folks over at Senoia Cycles. It’s our 6th Season running and we ride the classic Dirty Sheets route from New Hope Church. Be ready to ride at 6:30 PM and expect a 10-12 mph average over 20ish miles. 12/15/20 mile options. Please choose the appropriate route that you can finish in 1:30 hours or less. You are required to have a handle bar light, a helmet light and a rear light. Wear appropriate clothing, be self sufficient and be able to handle a flat or a mechanical in the dark and be able to navigate back to your car on your own. Parking is at New Hope United Methodists church at 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd, Palmetto, GA 30268 on the loop.
The rides runs weekly through Daylight Savings time. You must sign a waiver to be on the ride.
This ride has a great following and is an excellent way to stay in shape and enjoy some winter riding. If you like the Dirty Sheets in the day, you’re gonna love it at night. Hope to see you there!
News for 11-2-2022
Winter Bike League Calendar
From the WBL
Trish’s Note: There really is only one original WBL
The board of the WBL is proud to announce the 2022-2023. WBL calendar. It’ll be go time before you know it.
Ride # 1: Saturday 3 December 2022: The HUB March to Madison Opener (4 hours)
Ride # 2: Saturday 10 December 2022: Phunky time to Philomath (4 hours)
Ride # 3: Saturday 17 December 2022: Function to Paoli Junction (4 hours)
Dec 24th: Unofficial Official Santa Stroll (Less than 2 hours)
Ride # 4: Saturday 31 Dec 2022: Non-Pro Sprint: Don’t fall in love at the Jersey Store Classic (4 hours)
Ride # 5: Sunday 1 Jan 2022: Ladies Sprint to ILA (3 hours)
Ride # 6: Saturday 7 January 2023: Pro Sprint # 1: Classic City Bread Homer The Hard Way Classic (4.5 hours)
Ride # 7: Saturday 14 January 2023: Pro Sprint # 2: First American Wiggly way to Royston Classic (4.5 Hours)
Ride # 8: Saturday 21 January 2023: Pro Sprint # 3: Bill Riecke’s Alto World Cup (6 hours)
Ride # 9: Saturday 28 January 2023: Pro Sprint # 4: Parks Law Eatonton (5ish hours)
Ride # 10: Saturday 4 February 2023: Pro Sprint # 5: Team Type 1 Elberton Granite Festival (5 Hours)
Ride # 11: Saturday 11 February 2023: Pro Sprint # 6: Crowe Law Lula Lobotomy (5 hours)
News for 11-1-2022
Union City Fondo & Gravel Grind
From Gran Fondo Guide
Spin the District wraps up the 2022 season with the Union City Fondo & Gravel Grind
“The day began as most October mornings do: dark and chilly and, for our ToughSkin Open riders, on a steep downward spiral. That’s right, after a neutral start, this year’s official start began 400’ down to the bottom of Martin Marietta’s Red Oak Quarry, a deep, rocky pit of granite and glory from which our most extreme mixed surface riders were forced to rise like shivering, helmeted phoenixes. Now, a 40-degree morning might seem cold on the surface, but rest assured, it’s nothing compared to the chill of the depths. The deliciously frigid misery of the pit gave our riders the motivation they needed to hit out hard and make tracks up the 22% grade back to the top. A million thanks to Martin Marietta for giving this year’s ToughSkin its ridiculously extreme start, inspiring that special mix of giddiness and rage that kept us going for the full 200 kilometers and 8,300’ of elevation.” Read the full article.
News for 10-23-2022
Big Sugar Gravel Race
Georgians Michael Garrison (Hagens Berman Axeon) and Lauren de Crescenzo (Cinch Rise) competed at the Big Sugar Gravel race on Saturday in Bentonville, AR. Lauren finished a strong 5th in the Pro Women. Michael finished 52nd in the Pro Men. He finished about 30 minutes down on Lauren. Read some prerace interviews on cyclingnews.com and at Girls Gone Gravel on Instagram. GGG also has coverage of the women’s pro race.
