News for 6-26-2023
Rosskopf Third in US Pro TT
Former US Professional TT National Champion and Georgia resident Joey Rosskopf was 3rd in this year’s National TT Championship in Knoxville, TN on Thursday.
News for 6-22-2023
GIHP Land on the Field Side are Sold-to Become a Soccer Complex
From the Rockdale Citizen
“CONYERS — The city of Conyers has agreed to sell nearly 300 acres of land that was purchased more than 30 years ago as part of the Georgia International Horse Park.
The City Council unanimously approved the sale at its June 7 meeting, agreeing to enter into a contract with Sportiff Real Estate LLC to sell the land for $7,165,250.
The council voted in April to declare the approximately 286 acres surplus so that it could be sold. City Attorney Carrie Bootcheck said the city advertised for public bids for sale of the property and received one bid from Sportiff. The company, which was formed Feb. 16, is based in Covington.”
Article about soccer complex Interesting note at the end: “But don’t fret, cycling and equestrian enthusiasts of Atlanta: Vierhout has vowed that mountain biking and horseback riding trails established as part of the Conyers Olympic venue will remain.”
News for 6-21-2023
Blanket’s creek 3/6 Hour Race
From Mountain Goat Adentures
2023 BLANKETS CREEK 3 AND 6 HOUR RACE PRESENTED BY FREE-FLITE BICYLES! SEPTEMBER 30, 2023!! Make plans to join us for the Blankets Creek 3 and 6 Hour Race presented by Free-Flite Bicycles on September 30th!bSolo, 2 and 3 person team categories are available in the 6 Hour Race.bGet your teams together now! The 3 Hour Option has a TON of categories for those who wish to ride 3 hours solo, as well as a one and two lap option for junior riders who aren’t ready for a full 3 hour event. Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories, podium shirts for all first place finisherss The 2023 race course will be ridden CLOCKWISE on both Dwelling and VMT. This is a very fast and flowy course that maximizes the fun factor while still offering enough climbing and technical challenges to separate the pack! This event is one of four major yearly fundrasisers for SORBA Woodstock. Thanks to generous support we receive from Free-Flite Bicycles, Northside Hospital-Cherokee and YOUR PARTICIPATION, this event raises roughly $4000 for the chapter! Thank you for supporting this event and your local trails!
Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon and Trail Run presented by Northside Hospital – Cherokee – November 11, 2023 at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock, GA! This is everyone’s favorite event where you can race as a solo or on a team. Pair up with your spouse or kids! The opening bike loop will be 5.5 miles on the Mill Trails, followed by a 3.3 mile trail run on Explorer, and finally a 5.5 mile bike on the Avalanche Trails. The course covers all the trails at Rope Mill Park! Solo, 2 and 3 person beginner/family team categories are available in the duathlon. We will be using traditional mountain bike race categories, as we have done in the past, to help alleviate congestion on the opening bike loop. The run is short enough that those who do not typically run still have plenty of time to start training! All participants receive a super comfy t-shirt and those that register by October 20th also receive a commemorative swag item. Prizes and awards presented to the top 3 in each duathlon category. Post race snacks and drinks available.
HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ONLY WANT TO RUN? We are also offering a separate 3.3 mile trail run on the Explorer Trails at this event for those who would prefer to just participate in a run.
Volunteer Opportunities and Trail Work Parties!
We are partnering with SORBA Woodstock to bring you these events. SORBA Woodstock has built and maintains the trails at both Blankets Creek and Rope Mill Park. These events serve as major fundraisersfor the Chapter – please come out and show your support by either racing or volunteering! Want to volunteer at these events for SORBA Woodstock? We need you! Please send an email directly to lisa at mountaingoatadventures.com with your shirt size and availability. Volunteers are needed for registration, parking, course marshaling and bike patrol. Want to help work on your local trails? Visit the SORBA Woodstock Website and view the calendar for work party dates and locations. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring your own water. SORBA Woodstock provides the rest. This is a chance to help give back to the trails. SORBA Woodstock could not maintain our wonderful trails without the help of a small army of generous volunteers like you!
News for 6-20-2023
Dick Lane Velodrome Certification Class
From the DLV
The first summer 2023 track certification session will take place the weekend of June 24-25 (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 6-17-2023
USAC Amateur Road Nats RR
More results from USA Amateur Road Nationals Chapeau to Matthew Crabbe, who took 3rd and Kaison Smith who got 4th in the Junior Men 13-14 on Friday!
News for 6-15-2023
USAC Amateur Road National Championships
Ok, it’s only the first day of Amateur Road Nats, and look out for Southeasterns! Yesterday was the TT. Way to go!!
U23 Men 3rd Cooper Johnson (Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Hagens Berman Axeon)
Amateur Men Brock Mason (Atlanta, Ga.; Ride Bikes Racing)
15-16YO Junior Men 1st Gray Barnett (Greenville, S.C.; EF Education-ONTO) 2nd Enzo Hincapie (Greenville, S.C.; EF Education-ONTO)
13-14YO Junior Men 1st Kaison Smith(Canton, Ga.; Cadence Development), 5th Matthew Crabbe (Buford, Ga; Mission Devo)
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.
Changes to Long Course for 2023! 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. This should make finishing times about an hour faster from previous years. 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. ▪ 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 dot 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.
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 contact lisa at mountaingoatadventures dot com and let her 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 6-13-2023
Twice Baked Psychle Century
From the promoter
This year’s Twice Baked Psychle Century ride will take place on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
Twice Baked is a grass-roots effort to raise awareness about mental health and the role that exercise can take in the treatment of mental illness, while raising funds to support the development of a comprehensive, up-to-date database of mental health resources . Ride options include 14, 26, 28, 50, 64 and 100 miles. Rest stops are numerous and will be fully stocked with goodies to keep you fueled up and well hydrated.
To celebrate ten years we’re adding two cool ride options to the mix:
- A 26 mile loop with a mix of gravel & paved roads
- A special steel heritage ride & display for vintage bicycles
As in the past, you’ll enjoy
- Well-marked and fully supported courses
- 14, 26, 28, 50, 64 and 100 mile options
- Indoor changing area at the start/finish
- Frequent rest stops with indoor restrooms
- Post-ride pizza
- Close by, paved parking
News for 6-7-2023
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day
From MTB Atlanta
Take a Kid MTB Day Saturday, June 10 10 am-Noon, Mt. Tabor Park Mountain Bike Trails Join us for our annual “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day” at Mount Tabor Park in Paulding County. Join the Paulding County Composite MTB team and SORBA as we teach children ages 3-16 years old proper bike safety and maintenance. Each child must register, bring their own bike or tricycle, helmet, and a water bottle. There will be an obstacle course challenge and short trail ride at the end of the program. This event is FREE!!!!
News for 6-6-2023
Goodbye Pinelog
From The Atlanta Business Chronicle
Trish’s Note: Pinelog has had mountain bike access for many years.
“The future is uncertain for the Pine Log Wildlife Management Area, following the failure of the state to strike an agreement to purchase and conserve the 14,000 acres of forested land in Bartow County.
The landowner is ceasing formal negotiations with Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources after the agency declined to meet the seller’s price expectations, said Jim Ramseur, a broker representing the Neel family, which has owned the land for almost a century and leased it to the state for 46 years.” Read the entire article.
News for 5-31-2023
National Trails Day at Pinhoti 2 (Ellijay, GA area)
From SORBA NGMBA
Saturday, June 3 10 am-2 pm June 3- National Trails Day at Pinhoti 2. Trail Give back to the trails that we love! National Trails Day will be celebrated at the Pinhoti Parking Area on FS Road 90B with some trail maintenance on Pinhoti 2 and a cookout and ride hosted by the North Georgia Mountain Bike Association and MTB Atlanta. Day and Time: Saturday, June 3, 2023. Meeting at 10a for Safety Talk, start work at 10:30a. We will work for a couple of hours, enjoy food and hanging out with your fellow volunteers, and a ride (if anyone has the energy). Where to Meet and Directions: We will meet at the parking area at the end of FS Road 90B. From downtown Ellijay, take Hwy 52 West towards Ft Mountain. Turn right on Gates Chapel Rd and follow it to the end. Stay straight on Wilderness Trail and it turns into FS Road 90. Continue on and keep a sharp lookout for FS Rd 90B on your left. Turn left and it dead ends into the parking area. Location and Description: Pinhoti 2 needs some tread work (cleaning drains) and corridor clearance to improve drainage and site lines. What to Wear and Bring: Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather, including: work gloves, long pants, boots (preferred) or sturdy shoes. No open-toed shoes allowed! Volunteers are also encouraged to wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and carry any personal medical supplies (ie. epi- pen, insulin, inhalers). Volunteers must wear helmets when performing work on USFS property. Bike helmets are acceptable, or helmets can be provided. Water and snacks will be provided along with lunch. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a small backpack to carry personal supplies and a potluck dish if you are so inclined. Tools will be provided. RSVP to sorba.ngmba@sorba.org
Bull Mountain Work Party
From NEGASORBA
National Trails Day is June 3! Let’s have a workparty this Saturday, June 3, 2023. This is a good day to show our land managers that you appreciate having access to the trails your bike, run, hike, ride your horse! Every one is welcome, especially our horse riding friends. Please join us at Bull Mtn in Dahlonega. We will be doing some brush cutting on Jones Ridge trail. We haven’t trimmed the section for the past 2 years. Now it is time! If you have a brush cutter weed eater, please bring it along with fuel or battery. We will have loppers. Helmets are required (bike helmets are ok). Wear long pants, closed toed shoes, (eye protection recommended), gloves, bring trail snacks, water and personal items including Epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We will meet at the Gamecheck parking area on Winding Stair Road (FS77) at 9:30am. Work till 1 then have a hotdog lunch. Bring a chair. We will have a raffle for some prizes too. Please RSVP by 3pm on Thursday for lunch and so we can plan to have enough tools. Gamecheck location Questions? Email us at negasorba@gmail.com
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.
