January 2014 News

Posted on by Trish Albert

2-1-2014 Latest GBRA News From GBRA:  Junior Championships Categories Resolution
On Monday, January 27th, 2014 the entire Georgia Bicycle Racing Association (GBRA) Board along with USA Cycling (USAC) representative Stuart Lamp, in a specially convened meeting, gathered to reconsider the issue of how and for what classes state championships will be awarded for junior competitor classifications.  As a matter of providing some contextual background, the Board had voted the previous June to change the award of junior state championships due to participation and competition concerns.  Prior to taking this vote, the Board requested proposals from GBRA constituents to address these concerns.  No proposals were submitted that adequately addressed the concerns raised, and a majority of the Board then voted on a different approach for awarding junior state championships. During this past Monday’s meeting, the majority of the GBRA Board voted to re-institute the USAC approved junior state championship categories.   In conjunction with this vote, the Board also approved providing state championship promoters the authority to combine and promote junior classifications, with no minimum participation requirements, as they deem practical for their individual events so long as state championships are awarded in accordance with the guidelines provided by USAC. Finally, the Board voted to establish a junior committee chair position to serve as a liaison between the GBRA Board and the junior cycling community.

In the next several days the Board will set-up online voting for USAC licensed juniors, through their parents, to nominate a junior committee chairperson based upon a majority vote.  The Board respectfully requests that any individual who is nominated for this position meet reasonable standards for working with GBRA and children who are 18 years of age and younger.  The Board will promptly approve the nominated individual so long as there is no impediment to that person holding the chairperson’s position.  The Board anticipates involving the elected chairperson directly through communication with the Club / Team Board member, Kent Wheeler, and the Rider Representative Board member, Betty Hodges.  The junior committee chairperson, like other special interest chairpersons will be invited to participate directly in select GBRA Board meetings.

1-31-2014 Gone Riding-No USAC Press Release from Gone Riding

Gone Riding was founded in 1993 and has held over 500 off road cycling events all over the Southeastern United States, we are very proud of what we have been able to accomplish in that period. Our primary focus has always been on the sport of off road cycling or mountain biking and for over 20 years one of Gone Riding’s goals has been to keep off road cycling as affordable as possible to the end user,  the racer/participant. Gone Riding has also been associated with USAC (USA cycling, formerly NORBA) for most of its history and in fact still is; however, due to some new USAC policies starting in 2014 Gone Riding will only be sanctioning a limited number of events with USAC. The most concerning of these new policies are the pricing and fee structures being passed down from USAC that significantly affect both the participant and the promoter and make it currently unfeasible for Gone Riding to continue as we have in the past with USAC. While trying to keep the prices as reasonable as possible and our product a value to the participant, we also understand the desire for some to earn advancement points within the USAC organization and therefore we will offer a limited number of USAC sanctioned events and or series for that purpose in 2014. We have not at this time made any decisions on which events, series or designations will be USAC sanctioned but we will make those known soon. Unfortunately the entry fees may be higher at these USAC events in order to cover the added costs incurred. Because of these changes some opportunities have arisen, first we will be able to keep entry fees reasonable. Second, the rules can be adjusted to better address the sport of off road bicycle racing in our region. Third, an annual USAC license or membership will not be required for any level racer including category 1’s plus any racer with a current USAC license can save an additional $5 off the price. We believe this strategy will enable Gone Riding to maintain is high standards of race promotion and continue to grow the sport of off road cycling in the region. We welcome your feedback as always. Sincerely, David Berger – President Gone Riding, Corp. info@goneriding.com

Share you thoughts about Gone Riding and other promoters going non-USAC this year on the Southeastern Cycling Facebook page.

Atlanta WBL The Atlanta WBL will ride on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9:30 from Castleberry Hills. The ride time will be 3 hours and 20 minutes. SAG support will be available.

WBL Ride # 9: 1 February: The Team Mission Source Classic
1 February: The Team Mission Source Bowman Classic Alto to be pushed back another week)
Special Thanks to this week’s sponsors: Team Mission Source, Phil Southerland (Team Type 1), Thom Leonard (Independent Baking Company), Tom Palmer (Lexus South) and Ted’s Most Best.  When: 1 February,  Where: SUNSHINE CYCLES – downtown Athens, Time: 10 a.m. (window open), Length: 95 miles / 5 hours, Interactive directions

1-29-2014 Snowpacalypse 2014 I hope everyone is safe! I left work at 4:30 Tuesday and had only gone about 8 miles in 2 hours. I was thankful that some cycling friends took me in for the night. Cyclists truly are the best! I got home at 6:30 am this morning. Then I slept for a few hours (and then worked for a few hours). The Silver Comet was in perfect shape for getting in some snow riding.

Pro Wheel Builder Sale Starting January 27th you will be able to purchase any of the wheel packages from  Pro Wheel Builder listed for 10% off, receive free shipping (for domestic orders only) and free Stans rim tape . No Coupon Code is needed with this promotion. This promotion will end February 13th,  2014. The wheel packages are: Power Tap Road Wheel Set Package, Power Tap Road Disc Wheel Set Package, Power Tap Track Wheel Set Package, Power Tap MTB 26in Wheel Set Package, Power Tap MTB 29in / 650b Wheel Set Package.

Beginner Mountain Bike Classes I get asked all the time for referrals for beginner mountain bike classes or seminars. Here are some that are free: http://beltline.org/programs/better-you/classes-events/. REI offers classes. Go to REI.com and search for your local store. Atlanta class schedule.

1-27-2014 Coach Profile-MyCycleCoach This is the first of the coach’s profiles.  Robert ‘Coach’ Wilhite lives in Lawrenceville, GA with his lovely wife Kelly.  His motto is “I’m going to live LONG, and die SHORT.”  Roberts run MyCycleCoach.com. He has been physically active all his life including playing almost every sport in high school , racing motor cycles, and being a PGA Golf Professional competing on the Nationwide Tour. As a golf pro, he studied and learned the principles of biomechanics, which help him as a cycling coach. Robert got into coaching  while working at Free-Flite Bicycles in Buckhead in 2005. A  new cyclist asked if He knew anyone who could help him train for his first century, and he was the first client.

I asked Robert to describe the cycling athletes he works with. “I focus on road cycling.  I specialize in bio-mechanics.” He likes working with riders of all levels from “ from someone who just bought their 1st road bike to pro1 level. In the past he has been the coach for Aaron Rents and Clinica Union. He currently coaches several riders of the Auburn University Cycling Team. Robert is big believer in sports psychology. He says that “My natural instinct since has always been seeing the positive in everyone, no matter at what level they ride.  Knowing and truly understanding the power of encouragement, I have been able to help clients for 10 years begin to believe in their potential…Give me someone who may lack a bit in overall strength and/or skill but with a total commitment to embracing sports psychology and I would almost bet that I can help them perform incredibly close (and in some cases, better) to someone who may be a little stronger but who blows off the whole approach of how the mind directly impacts what their bodies are capable of doing.”

I asked how Robert motivates his athletes for success and failure. “Humility (for success).  There will always be someone faster and stronger, so when success comes, helping them understand how to appreciate it is a really big deal.  If in a team environment that is even more critical.  As the old saying goes, there is no “I” in TEAM.  How quick you are at focusing the spotlight on our teammates, is a clear signal (at least to me) of where one’s humility meter is.  Also, taking the time to review their success is key, as there are always ways to still improve.  Being open to this component tells me they are not thinking that they have ‘arrived’, which seems to only set the majority up for short-lived success and even faster falls…For the failures, I walk clients thru their races, local group rides or whatever event, etc. they are participating in, and first off focus on what they did right and why.  This solidifies that they did well and can actually do well in other areas, too.  We then, look at the remaining areas and openly discuss their perspectives at the time, what and how they were thinking and then formulate a game plan of how to attack each one, so that it turns into a positive.  I always look at these areas as what I call, ‘areas of improvement’.  Even these selective words, are in the positive form. “

MyCycleCoach training plans start at $125 including the initial consultation. Remote Coaching has three options:  Level #1- $100 mo/3 hrs, Level #2- $160 mo/6 hrs, and Level #3- $250 mo/unlimited time.  You can find out more information about Robert and his coaching at http://www.mycyclecoach.com.
Photo courtesy of MyCycleCoach.

IMBA Trail Care Crew From SORBA: “IMBA is coming to Georgia! Jesse and Lori of the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew will be in Gainesville/Dahlonega Feb. 6-9 and Albany Feb. 15-16. You are invited to join the crew as well as the local clubs for the weekend. The visits feature IMBA’s Trail Building School on Saturday. This is your opportunity hang out with like-minded trail lovers while learning about building and maintaining sweet, sustainable singletrack. Plus there are more events and presentations. Click on the town listed above for more information and to register.

1-25-2014 Atlanta WBL Cancelled The Atlanta WBL on Jan. 25th is cancelled because of foretasted high winds.

Reality Bikes Ambassador Team Reality Bikes Ambassador Team News Release Reality Bikes Ambassador Team (RBAT) announces their roster for the 2014 season! RBAT began as Reality Bikes Grassroots Racing Team in 2012 and was comprised of a good hearted group of riders who shared the joy of riding/racing together. Today, 2014 has come to know a full blown team which has accumulated an impressive list of results including more than 70 podium finishes in during their 2013 season! The Reality Bikes Ambassador Team will actively participate in a full 12­month calendar of local and regional race events as well as organized club and charity rides including Road Racing, Cyclocross, Mountain Bike and Ultra Endurance events. As advocates of Reality Bikes, their sponsors and their sport, the team is motivated to compound its impact in the local and regional cycling communities. Follow them on social media to see what bikes we’re riding now and where we’ll be next: Facebook & Instagram.

Elliott Baring – Cat 1 MTB, Cat 2 CX, Cat 4 Road
Franklin Paine – Cat 1 XC, Cat 3 CX
Isaac Brown – Cat 2 XC, Cat 4 Road
Robert Conatser – Cat 3 Road, Cat 4 CX
Kyle Emerson – Cat 4 Road
Kenny Fischer – Cat 4 Road, Cat 3 CX
Steve Harker – Cat 4 Road
Tony Hergert – Cat 3 Road, Endurance MTB
Richard Hubbard – Cat 2 XC Mike Kehoe – Cat 4 Road
Chris Knepper – Cat 2 XC
Russ Lundstrum – Cat 3 XC
Duncan McGuire – Cat 4 Road, Cat 3 CX, Cat 2 XC (Team Co-Captain)
Max Perethian – Cat 4 Road, Cat 4 CX
Mike Schmidt – Cat 3 CX, Cat 3 Road
Tony Sciarini – Cat 4 Road, Cat 4 CX (Team Co-Captain)

1-24-2014 Silver Comet Closure Updates There have been a few minor date changes to individual bridge closures on the Silver Comet. Updated information can be found on Cobb County’s website. There will be 2 bridges closed at certain times. The Cooper Lake Road Bridge is now scheduled to reopen on 2-24-2014. It is currently closed.

1-23-2014 WBL From the WBL: 25 January: (Alto to be pushed back 1 week) The Gruber Images Madison Classic with the Team Type 1 Ladies Finish / 85 miles / 4.5 hours / $200 winner purse plus da box-5 deep! / $675 CASH PURSE PLUS DA BOX! Special Thanks to this week’s sponsors: Ashley and Jered Gruber (Gruber Images), Phil Southerland (Team Type 1), Thom Leonard (Independent Baking Company), Tom Palmer (Lexus South) and Ted’s Most Best.

When: 25 January, Where: SUNSHINE CYCLES – downtown Athens,  Time: 10 a.m. (window open), Length: 85 miles / 4.5 hours, Exit Route: S Milledge > Whitehall > Watkinsville,
Store Stops: Madison (Mile 40),  Points: 4 points to all (1 point per hour) must sign in!, Interactive directions,

1-21-2014 GBRA on Junior Cycling, Call for Special Meeting From GBRA: “Junior Championships Categories Request for Proposals
The Georgia Bicycle Racing Association (GBRA) does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color,religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, athletic ability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities. These activities include, but are not limited to: participation in, promotion of, or production of GBRA events; the selection of volunteers and vendors; and provision of services. In light of recent events regarding the implementation of some adjustments to state championship categories for 2014, we are requesting proposals to consider for implementation in 2014. Go here to read all about it, and submit your proposals.

SORBA Chattanooga Race News Other than the Pick Your Poison XC event, all of their other races will be non-USA Cycling sanctioned in order to better compete price-wise with other events in the region. They have posted a press release regarding their decision.

1-18-2014 Atlanta WBL The next Atlanta WBL will be on Sat., Jan. 25th. There are groups for 17+ mph, 14+ mph, and 12+ mph.  Every Group has a Ride Leader and Series has SAG support for every ride. Next Ride:   Jan 25th, 9:30am.  3hr 20min ride time.

Latest DLV News From the DLV: 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. Read more about the certification over here. If these dates don’t work for you, we will be kicking off our regular season Thursday night classes on the 3rd pf April. Those classes can also be signed up for online.

2014 Winter Training
Winter training will be kicking off early in January, with January 8th being the first session. Session will go on wednesday evenigns from 7pm till 8:30pm. The details:
1. Sessions run each Wednesday from 7pm till 8:30pm
2. Session are open for all, and open for whatever training you’d like to partake in
3. Sessions will only happen if the temperature is above 40deg at 6pm on the velodrome thermometer: http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/pages/weather.html (we hope to have it working correctly by then!)
4. Everyone will need to sign a new waiver for 2014: http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/system/files/atra_waiver.pdf
5. Everyone will be required to sign in, and the daily training fee will be $5 unless you have a season pass.

Spring Work Days We haven’t quite set the dates for our Spring workdays yet, but ae are tentatively planning for there to be two more workdays. We will have mroe details, but we are planning a big day for our March workday, and we will also have one more day right around the first weekend of April to make sure that we’ve gotten all of our loose ends tied up as the season gets going. Keep an eye on the website for those details once we get those dates figured out.

1-17-2014 Junior Women’s Racing There has been a petition circulating the last few days regarding the lack of Georgia State Champion jerseys and categories for Junior Women. I don’t have an opinion on it (aka I’m staying out of the debate). Both sides have presented their story on Southeastern Cycling’s Facebook page. It’s been a lively but very courteous debate. I recommend that everyone head over there and read what has been said. Both sides have been invited to write an op-ed piece and have it published here.

From KenBikeLaw Ken Rosskopf recently responded to an inquiry about wearing earphones and helmets and their impact on cycling and the law. I’m sharing his expertise here. Disclaimer: This is provided only as general information. If you need personalized legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community.

“Earphones:  As to the earphone issue.  Unfortunately, wearing, even “open air” earphones can cost you and your family dearly, even when there is no evidence that the earphones contributed to the collision.  Difficult liability cases are decided by juries.  Some Jurors have a motor vehicle bias.  Many jurors think that riding on the roads is much too dangerous for bicyclists.  Accordingly, they demand a higher degree of alertness to the hazards surrounding them.  Wearing earphones allows an insurance defense attorney to argue that had the cyclist not been wearing earphones, he/she would have heard the motorist approaching and passing and would not have turned left into the path of the passing motorist (from an actual case denying compensation to cyclist).  You would fare better with a Bluetooth speaker in your bottle cage or attached to your handlebars and linked to your smartphone.

Helmets:  I agree with you regarding the over emphasis on helmet safety.  But, until we develop the infrastructure to separate bikes from motor vehicles, and fully integrate bicycles into our transportation culture, wearing a helmet on U.S. roads is a good idea.  I personally know of several riders whose head injuries were minimized due to helmet wear.  The most frequent collision I see is a left turning motorist colliding with an oncoming bicyclist.  The cyclist is then thrown head first into the motor vehicle or over the hood of the motor vehicle.  Wearing a helmet is not such a burden compared to the fact that it might reduce the risk of serious head injury.”

Chattanooga Race Series For 2014, Lynskey Performance Designs and SORBA Chattanooga are proud to announce the Lynskey/SORBA Chattanooga Race Series. Our race series is comprised of 4 different mountain bike races spread throughout 2014 in the greater Chattanooga vicinity. Each race is unique and presents to different challenge to the racers. Eligible classes for each race include Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and Singlespeed. Lynskey Performance Designs will be giving away a frame at each race during the season. Included races are below:

Pick Your Poison XC – March 9th Booker T Washington State Park
Night Shift (6 Hour of TNT) – April 12th Enterprise South Nature Park (Night Race)
Raccoon Mountain Endurance TT – July 13th Raccoon Mountain
Lula Lake Land Trust 5-Points 50 – October 11th Lula Lake Land Trust/5-Points

Bonus points awarded at the Raccoon Mountain Super-D on July 12th
More info available at: http://teamsorbachattanooga.com

1-15-2014 WBL 18 January: The Hub//Hamilton-Ryker Hooooshton Classic
When: 18 January, Where: SUNSHINE CYCLES – downtown Athens, Time: 10 a.m. (window open), Length: 85 miles / 4 hours and 15 minutes
Interactive directions: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3908227

1-14-2014 SORBA Job Opening SORBA is looking for a full time Associate Director. This is a paid position with benefits.

1-12-2014 Georgia High School Cycling League 2014 Outreach Tour Kicks off Monday, January 13 Learn how to form a high school mountain bike club Contact: Dan Brooks, dan@georgiamtb.org, 678-662-1869, www.georgiamtb.org

Atlanta – Want to learn more about the Georgia High School Cycling League and the progression of youth mountain biking in Georgia? Come to one of the stops on the 2014 Outreach Tour. The Georgia High School Cycling League is an official Project of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). “People have heard of the League and want to start or be involved with a high school club but they just don’t know where to begin,” said Georgia League Director Dan Brooks. “Outreach events are designed to give people a brief overview of the League to allow them to confidently head down the path toward participation as a team founder, coach, or student-athlete. Learning how to get the ball rolling before school is out for summer will allow folks to get a head start on forming clubs for the fall 2014 season.” There is no charge to attend and no RSVP is required. If you want to let us know you’re coming, please respond to the Facebook event created for the date you will attend. Events are targeted at prospective club founders, prospective coaches, teachers, school administrators, parents, riders, and supporters. All stops are held at local bike shops that support the Georgia League and the clubs in the League!
Currently scheduled Atlanta Cycling dates and locations are: – Monday, January 13, 6:00 p.m. – Atlanta Cycling – Ansley – 1860 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 340324 and Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 p.m. – Atlanta Cycling – Vinings – 4335 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339

The full schedule of the Outreach Tour is in their Facebook Page.

1-10-2014 Chainbuster Race Cancelled From Chainbuster: “Due to inclement weather conditions Chain Buster Productions and Gwinnett Parks & Recreation have cancelled the 3 Hours of Flatrock Challenge. We apologize for any inconveniences, but Chain Buster takes pride in preserving the trails systems and minimizing damage to the trails. All pre-registered participants of the race who are competing in the entire RecreationAle Series, here is a direct link to details regarding the cancellation and how you will still receive your dry fit t-shirt and points. We appreciate your understanding and support, and are looking forward to the next race.”

WBL Will Ride Sunday! The WBL will ride on Sunday since Saturday is a rain out! 12 January (SUNDAY!): The Ken Bike Law-Classic City Bread Greensboro Classic / 4.5 hours / 90 miles: (Pro Sprint) $200 winner plus da box / $675 in total prize money with the Ladies Team Type 1 Finish.
When: SUNDAY! / 12 January, Where: SUNSHINE CYCLES – downtown Athens, Time: 10 a.m. (window open),  Interactive directions

IMBA Trail Care Crew The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew (Jessie and Lori) are coming to Bull/Jake Mountain on February 7th and 8th! Friday the 7th is training for land managers, and Saturday the 8th is training for volunteers. If you live near or ride at Bull Mountain, PLEASE sign up and come for a day of learning on this IMBA Epic Trail. You will have a great time, and learn almost all you need to know about sustainable trail building.

Friday, Feb. 7 Land Manager Training, 9 a.m @ the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest Supervisor’s office, 1755 Cleveland Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30501.
Saturday, Feb. 8  IMBA Trail Building School Classroom 9 a.m. – noon @ TBD location Lunch provided Trail work 1 p.m. – 4/5 p.m. @ Jake/Bull Mountain Trails

1-9-2014 Silver Comet Bridge Closure Schedule Cobb County has released the Silver Comet Bridge Closure Schedule. The closures start with the Cooper Lake Road Bridge on January 20th and finish when the Powder Springs Creek Bridge reopens on April 25.

Welcome Van Michael! Welcome to Southeastern Cycling’s newest advertiser, Van Michael Salons! Brothers Van and Michael Council are long time supporters of the mountain bike community in Atlanta. Surely all mountain bikers have heard of the VMT (Van Michael Trail) at Blanket’s Creek! It is fun, flowy, and offers plenty of challenges! I have been a client of the salon’s Sandy Springs location for nearly 10 years. Cycling ladies love their Van Michael stylists! Thank you Van and Michael for all of your support!

1-8-2014 Latest GBRA News From GBRA 2014 Schedule and State Championships
With the 2014 racing season fast approaching, the GBRA board has been hard at work getting things set for a great 2014 of racing. The schedule is loaded up to the website here right now. We’ve also got several of the state championship races set, with the Georgia Neurosurgical Institute Cycling team once again hosting the Macon Cycling Classic as the state championship criterium for all categories. New for this year, we will be splitting the junior road race championships away from the rest of the categories, with Rome Velo once again hosting the road race for adults (on a brand new course) and the Junior Flyers and Frazier cyclings teams teaming up to host the juniors road races. The Dick Lane Velodrome and the East Point Track Club will once again host championships for all track divisions. You can see all of the championships listed over here: http://www.gacycling.org/pages/statechamps.

1-6-2014 2014 Calendar Updated The 2014 Racing Calendar has been updated. GBRA will be releasing their schedule soon. I’m waiting on TBRA as well. I plan to update the individual road, mtb, and cx pages once I get that info. Bear with me for a bit longer. I’m also really sick, which isn’t making life any easier. I am behind on a lot of things. The couch and tv remote control have been my best friends the last few days.

1-5-2014 GA Rides to the Capitol Georgia Bikes has announced that the 2014 Georgia Rides to the Capitol will be on March 18th. Details will be released soon.

1-3-2014 WBL Shortened The WBL Board has spoken! The WBL will be shortened to 60 miles/3 hours because of the forecast high of 69 degrees. No need to suffer needlessly!

Atlanta WBL Start Delayed The Atlanta WBL will start tomorrow at 11:30 am with a rider’s meeting at 11:20 because of the predicted cold temperatures.

Harbins Park Accident There is more information on the mountain biker’s death at Harbins Park this week. It was accidental.

Tsali Left Loop Closed The Left Loop at Tsali in NC is closed because of a slide. The Forest Service is working to repair the damage and will issue an alert when the trail is opened again. The other 3 loops remain open for mountain bikers and equestrians to use.

Allatonna Work Party From SORBA: There will be a work party at the Allatoona Trails on Sat., Jan. 11 from 10 am til 1 pm. This is the first workday to add a 4 mile extension of new trail. Lunch will be provided.

Greenville Spring Training Series The Greenville Spring Training Series has announced this year’s dates: Feb. 8-9, Feb. 15-15, Feb. 22-23, and March 1-2.

WBL #5 From the WBL: Ride # 5: 4 January: Patton-Brown Classic 4 January (Saturday): The WBL, Inc is proud to present Round 5, The Morgan Patton-Thomas Brown Wedding Day Extravaganza, a 4 hour, 15 minutes / 85 mile trek with a NON, PRO, 1, 2 ONLY SPRINT AT THE END! Points, prizes and cash for the Non, pros. You are eligible to sprint if: (1) you are not a Pro, 1 or 2; or (2) you are 35 or older or 19 and younger.
When: Saturday / 4 January
Where: SUNSHINE CYCLES – downtown Athens
Time: 10 a.m. (window open)
Length: 85 miles / 4 hours, 15 minutes
Exit Route: Peter Street > Olympic Drive (by the Post Office)
Store Stops: Mile 43
Pee Break: 1 hour in (Mile 21)
Sprints: no intermediate sprints
Final Attack Zone (7 miles): Group will come in Hwy. 334 and turn left on Seagraves Mill Road. Final Attack Zone will open once the group turns left on Seagraves Mill Road.  Ride 4 miles to stop sign and turn right on Nowhere Road. Ride 3 miles to the finish line (Jackson County sign / WBL line in road).
Interactive directions
Text directions: Click Here / Now posted / print and put in pocket

1-2-2014 Rider Dies at Harbins Park A 60 year old mountain biker died Wednesday of apparent injuries he sustained while riding at Harbins Park in Gwinnett County. His identity has not been released. Reports said he went down on the Rim Bender trail. AJC Story.

LeDuc Admits to Doping Just go read the cyclingnews.com article. Unbelievable! Here is the original Raleigh (NC) News-Observer Article.

1-1-2014 Happy New Year!!! Resolve to ride your bike more in 2014!

Atlanta WBL NEXT Atlanta WBL ride is this Sat, Jan 4th. Come join the Atlanta Winter Bike League this Saturday for an organized group ride, where you don’t have to worry about getting dropped. A ‘true’ winter paced ride where the emphasis is NOT about speed, but how to properly ride 2-abreast, riding a straight line and safe rotations from the front. Professional coaching provided to help anyone who lacks skill/confidence, etc. Every Ride comes with SAG support vehicle and real Ride Leaders. Come see what an organized ride really looks like. Sat, Jan 4th. 9:30am roll time 3hr 20min Ride Time

12-31-2013 Masters Racer Doping David LeDuc of Willow Springs, NC has been suspended for doping per USADA. He tested positive for a steroid, rhEPO and, an amphetamine at the Masters National Championships on Sept. 6, 2013. He has accepted a 2 year suspension.

12-29-2013 Rome Winter Cross Photos Photos from Rome Winter Cross will be up at http://www.sadlebred.smugmug.com by Monday morning.


It was a little muddy at Rome Winter Cross.

Tundra TT Yes, the Tundra TT will be back on Sat., Feb. 15, 2014. Registration is open!

WBL News  Ride # 4: 1 January: Ladies Day 1 January (Wednesday): The WBL, Inc is proud to present Round 4, The Tommy Mulkey Ladies Day Jefferson Classic, a 3 hour / 60 mile trek with a LADIES ONLY SPRINT AT THE END! Points, prizes and cash for the femmes fatales. Winner also awarded date with Tommy Mulkey whether married, single, divorced, widowed or what have you! When: Saturday / 1 January Where: SUNSHINE CYCLES – downtown Athens, Time: 10 a.m. (window open), Length: 60 miles / 3 hours, Exit Route: Prince Avenue > Whitehead Road > Roberts Road > Lavender > Tallahassee, Store Stops: Jefferson (Mile 38), Pee Break: 1 hour in (Mile 20), Sprints: no intermediate sprints, Final Attack Zone (1.2 miles): Group will come in via the Jeferson River Road. Final Attack Zone will open on J River Road just below Alligator Pond. Ladies will ride uphill 400 meters and turn right on Archer Grove Road at Alligator Pond. Final sprint line is 1 mile ahead at the Pink Church (line in road). Interactive directions

4 January (Saturday): The WBL, Inc is proud to present Round 5, The Morgan Patton-Thomas Brown Wedding Day Extravaganza, a 4 hour, 15 minutes / 85 mile trek with a NON, PRO, 1, 2 ONLY SPRINT AT THE END! Points, prizes and cash for the Non, pros. You are eligible to sprint if: (1) you are not a Pro, 1 or 2; or (2) you are 35 or older or 19 and younger.
When: Saturday / 4 January, Where: SUNSHINE CYCLES – downtown Athens, Time: 10 a.m. (window open), Length: 85 miles / 4 hours, 15 minutes,  Exit Route: Peter Street > Olympic Drive (by the Post Office), Store Stops: Mile 43, Pee Break: 1 hour in (Mile 21),  Sprints: no intermediate sprints, Final Attack Zone (7 miles): Group will come in Hwy. 334 and turn left on Seagraves Mill Road. Final Attack Zone will open once the group turns left on Seagraves Mill Road.  Ride 4 miles to stop sign and turn right on Nowhere Road. Ride 3 miles to the finish line (Jackson County sign / WBL line in road). Interactive directions


The family that races cyclocross together has fun and gets dirty! Mike, Leon, and Troy Waine at Rome Winter Cross.