March 2022 News

News for 3-22-2022
Velocity Atlanta
Press Release VeloCity Atlanta is returning on May 7, 2022 at the scenic Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. The Ride, Run, and Walk event will kick off at 7:00 a.m. and continue through the day until 4:00 p.m. Participants can register for one of four cycling routes (10-, 25-, 50-, or 65-miles) or for one of two run/walk routes (5K or 9-mile trail run). All routes are fully supported by rest stops and SAG vehicles. The event serves as a fundraiser for Grady Health System, raising critical funding to support the system’s mission of providing world-class, compassionate care to all of the community – regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

Registrants can expect breakfast and coffee before taking off on their routes. As participants return to the finish line, they will be greeted with a celebration including lunch, refreshments, live music by Electric Avenue – The 80s MTV Experience, and lawn games. This year, VeloCity is bringing in an all-new REI Adventure Zone which will include a rock climbing wall, pump track, and kids’ dash. Rest assured, there’s something for everyone and the whole family at this year’s event.

News for 3-20-2022
American Criterium Cup
From Velonews – This is a quote of the article Trish’s Note: The only race in the Southeast is the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, AL on April 9.

The 10-race criterium series announced by American teams, race directors and USA Cycling back in January now has a name, and a promise for livestreaming of the races.

The American Criterium Cup is the series title, with unity being a central theme in the branding.

“The series, and all the race directors associated with it, are excited to announce the name for the series, American Criterium Cup,” said Mike Weiss, race director of the Bommarito Audi Gateway Cup. “For 2022, the series will focus on the theme of unity, with events, teams, and USA Cycling having a common goal of elevating the stature of criterium racing in the United States.”

The American Criterium Cup was created in the wake of USA CRITS dissolving last year. USA CRITS was a 10-race series that offered livestream coverage of each event, plus multiple season-long points competitions within the series. Read the full article here.

New for 3-16-2022
Mega Build Trail Days at Campbellton Creek Nature Park
From MTB Atlanta MEGA BUILD DAYS Campbellton Creek Nature Park- Saturday 3/19, Sunday 3/27 and Saturday 4/2
Join MTB Atlanta and the Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land to do finishing work on the Phase One 3 mile “Sourwood Trail” under construction at the brand new Campbellton Creek Nature Park in the City of South Fulton on Saturday 3/19, Sunday 3/27 and Saturday 4/2 from 10 AM- 1 PM each day.We will be clipping roots and doing finishing work on the new trail which is under construction. Meet at the brand new parking lot at these coordinates : 33°42’14.8″N 84°34’55.9″W on Plummer Road 30331. Wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring gloves and a pack and be prepared to hike for a bit. Tools, snacks, water and STOKE provided !!

MEGA BUILD DAYS Campbellton Creek Nature Park- Saturday 3/19, Sunday 3/27 and Saturday 4/2

News for 3-15-2022
Blanket’s Creek Dirty 15/30 MTB Race – From the Promoter
Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mile MTB Race presented by Van Michael Men – April 2, 2022 at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton, GA! ONLY 60 SPOTS REMAINING!! 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 2022 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 300 riders – please register early as all of our 2021 events sold out. All riders who register before March 19 will receive one of our super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirts and a commemorative campfire mug. 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.

The Victory Ride – Press Release
The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce the fifth annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, presented by Braswell Family Farms, will take place on May 21, 2022. Since its inception, the Victory Ride has raised over $1 million for cancer research, making it the largest, active Triangle-based ride funding cancer research. The 2022 Victory Ride will begin and end at NC State University’s Centennial Campus and will offer 10, 30, 60 and 100-mile distances on green ways and roads, as well as on-site spin classes to accommodate cyclists at any level. Additionally, riders can take part in MyVictory Month, a virtual experience preceding the event giving participants the flexibility to choose how and when they ride while joining cycling and non-cycling competitions leading up to May 21. For more information about the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, please visit thevictoryride.org. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TheVictoryRide. *In-person riding DOES require a fundraising minimum of $250. Virtual does not.

News for 3-14-2022
Bearings Bike-Along Trish’s note: This is a very family friendly event! Each year, Bearings hosts an opportunity to get out and ride, walk, or run to support Bearings programming in southwest Atlanta. The Bearings Bike-Along is a family-friendly community event that gives friends of Bearings an opportunity to come out and experience the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail while raising critical funds for Bearings programming. Riders, walkers, or runners of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate! Afterwards, join us for food and festivities to celebrate all things Bearings on a beautiful spring morning. The 2022 Bearings Bike-Along will be held on April 16. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Lee + White and the ride/walk/run waves begin at 9 a.m. The course will begin at Lee + White, following the Atlanta BeltLine Westside trail toward Washington Park and back. The course is approximately 6 miles overall with the option for early turn-around at certain mile-markers.

Volunteers are needed for various roles, including set-up, registration, course attendants, and more. Each volunteer will receive a Bike-Along 2022 T-shirt, a drink ticket, and lunch. Plus, you’ll get to spend a fun morning with Bearings serving the southwest Atlanta community!

News for 3-11-2022
Today is St. Paddy O’Pedal Ride to Conquer Childhood Cancer on Sunday, April 3. It benefits the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This event is a fun opportunity for cycling enthusiasts, families, friends, and the community to make a difference. There will be 80/metric/45/20 mile options. The routes are hilly through some very pretty road in North Fulton and Cherokee Counties. Entry before March 31 includes a tshirt, and lunch (and a beer fo 21+) after the ride.

News for 3-10-2022
Thursday’s ride is the Rescue 1 Century. This is one I’ve heard good things about. The Rescue 1 Century (R1C) is an annual charity ride conducted by the Rescue 1 Century Non-Profit Organization to raise funds for victims of human and sexual trafficking. Atlanta Georgia — known as the home of the Atlanta Falcons, Coca-Cola, CNN, and now one of the biggest hubs of sex trafficking nationwide. Sex trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise in the world next to the drug trade. Sex trafficking is defined as the illegal business of recruiting, harboring, transporting, obtaining, or providing a person, especially a minor, for the purpose of sex. Sex trafficking and exploitation is happening in all communities and diverse in cultures. The Rescue 1 Century’s 8th annual fundraising charity bicycle ride is scheduled for Saturday May 28th, 2022 starting in Social Circle, GA. The Rescue 1 Century will have five routes: 20, 35, 47, 66 and 101 miles. This well-marked ride is fully supported with parking, registration, cue sheets, SAG, on-site mechanical services.

News for 3-9-2022
Rock and Road Festival Today’s ride is the Rock and Road Festival in Coweta County. The Tour of Coweta is on Saturday offering a ride with rest stops throughout the county. Options are 30/45-66/100. You’ll go through several small town. I used to ride through them years ago. The roads were wonderful! There will also be a GoNuts Ebike Race and Short Track XC Race. Music will take place in downtown Newnan from Noon-8 pm. Sunday is the GoNuts XC race at Brown’s Mill Park.

Cohutta Clean Up From Mulberry Gap What: Spring Cleaning- Wilderness-style! The goal is to sweep through the local area and leave miles of our beautiful mountain gravel rides, trail access roads, and trailheads better than we found them. This is a great opportunity to rid the roadsides of unsightly trash. (Before the leaves fill back in, and the poison ivy branches out again!) Who: Everyone is welcome to volunteer! We’ll have options for bicycle riders, hikers/walkers, and even trail runners who want to get in on the plogging* action. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When: Sunday March 26, 2022. 9am Meet-Up and Coffee, 10am-2pm Clean Up, Where: Meet at Mulberry Gap (400 Mulberry Gap Road, Ellijay, GA 30105.) From there we’ll divide up into crews and head out to take care of areas possibly including: CCC Rd towards Eton * FS 68 * FS 90/90B * FS 64 * Shakerag * Bear Creek Overlook / Parking Lot * Cohutta Overlook towards Pinhoti 3 * Tatum Lead Rd towards Pinhoti 4 * Dennis Mill, Cost: FREE! There’s no cost to volunteer and CHILI LUNCH IS INCLUDED along with BEER (or soda) PROVIDED BY TERRAPIN!, What should I bring?: We’ll provide basic items like trash bags and safety vests. Plan to bring your bike and gear (if you’d like to be part of a rolling team) or the things you need for walking/hiking/jogging if you’ll be part of a team on foot. An empty backpack or rucksack that you can wear while walking/cycling would be a good idea so you don’t have to carry your trash and recycling bags by hand. Bring all the normal things you’d need to be out on the trails/roads like hydration, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. Work gloves might come in handy. Plan to bring a lunch (unless you just plan to hold out until 2pm) There will be a potluck centered around Mulberry Gap’s Chili when we return! How Do I Get Involved: Sign up below to let us know you’re coming, and if you’re staying for chili. You can also book housing and meals if you’d like to stay for the weekend at MulberryGap.com. If you’d just like to order meals on the day, give us a call or drop an email to reservations@mulberrygap.com. Please give us at least 72 hours’ notice.

News for 3-8-2022
Century/Charity Rides Coming Up! There are quite a few century and charity rides coming up in the next 8 weeks. I thought I’d list a few in the next couple of days. Today is the Tony Serrano Ride April 9. I’ve done this ride a number of times, and it’s one that I really love. If you enjoy good rest stops, get ready for Joyce and her friends’ homemade treats! I know ya’ll love them on this ride! The final rest stop has a spread not seen at many rides.

Tony was an avid triathlete training for an Iron-man competition when he was struck by a motorist and killed in August 2004. Join us to honor Tony’s spirit and his passion for life as we continue to raise awareness of the laws and rights as they pertain to bicyclist on the road! Proceeds will benefit Georgia Bikes, Walton Wellness in Monroe, GA, Safe Kids Walton County, the Marrow Man.org, the Pass Them Like You Love Them organization and cycling safety, health and wellness programs and various other Georgia bicycle advocacy efforts.
Scenic routes. The “Best Rest Stops Ever’ with homemade goodies prepared by the Rest Stop Queen Team! SAG Vehicles for your support. Your choice of either our commemorative ride t-shirt or 2 of our ‘New’ Jersey Bins (guaranteed to early registrants). Your choice of route either: 10, 39, 62 or 100 mile. A great overall ride experience supported by our wonderful volunteers to start your year. Lastly our ‘thanks’ and a refuel meal at the finish! Registration is $40.00 through March 13th, $50 through March 31, last minute on-line registrations from April 1-7 will be $60 and ‘day of’ registration will be $60 as well. he ride will be limited to 800 riders. If the ride sells out online, there may not be on-site registration in order that we can continue to bring everyone the safest and most enjoyable ride possible. We will post an update at the top of this info if there is NO Day-of Registration if/when we reach 800 pre-registered riders. Sign-in will open at 7:00am day of the ride, the ride will start at 8:30am from Athens Technical College – Monroe Campus, 212 Bryant Rd., Monroe, GA 30655. Thanks to the continued growth in ridership and our devoted support from volunteers and sponsors we continue in honor of Tony Serrano as a 501(c)(3) organization: Cyclist for Change, Inc. D/B/A Tony Serrano Century Ride.

News for 3-7-2022
Well, there hasn’t been much news! That’s the news!

News 2-28-2022
Atlanta Cycling Rides to Resume
After a 2 year absence, the popular Atlanta Cycling rides from all locations will officially resume April 1! Their website along with Southeastern Cycling will be updated as soon as possible.

News for 2-24-2024
Trish is exhausted. Hey All! I’m taking several days off of updating Southeastern Cycling. Many doctors appointments (yeah! The blood clot in the porcine mitral valve in my heart is gone!), dealing with a broken pipe that leaked into my basement (boo! dealing with insurance and having part of the house torn up), actual paying day job, and exhaustion are all present. I need a few days off. Thanks for your understanding! If I owe you an email, I promise a response–just not now.

News 2-21-2022
Waucheesi Bike Race
Press Release
When: Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 8am, Where: All routes start in Tellico Plains at Tellico Grains Bakery with a police escort neutral roll-out., Tellico Grains Bakery, 105 Depot Street, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 The Waucheesi Bike Race is wickedly sweet and includes two racing distances: the Wily 88 and the Wondrous 63, crafted by Chris Joice. Make no mistake, this race is just as challenging as it is beautiful. Cherohala Skyway, Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests provide all the goods—long climbs, fast descents, great forest roads, rowdy gravel, and amazing vistas. If you dare to try the 88-mile option, you’re looking at a stout 11,500+ feet of climbing, while the 63-mile course is no joke, with 8,800+ feet. Both routes include the Basin Gap and North River Road climbs, while the 88-mile course adds a spectacular climb to Farr Gap. Prizes will be given to the top three in each category for each distance. For those not interested in racing or biting off the longer distances, we have a 45-mile ride option. The 45-mile course offers a great tour of Cherokee National Forest and Bald River, while climbing 4,100 feet. Please note that this category is a ride only; prizes will not be given out for this distance.

Cost: $90 (includes post-race meal and t-shirt if registered by March 4, 2022) Registration: Register on BikeReg starting October 1, 2021 at 10am. Drop Bags: You are welcome to leave drop bags. Clearly write out your name and which rest stop the bag should be left (there are a total of 4 rest stops along the course). End the day at Tellico Grains Bakery with wood-fired pizzas and craft beverage.

HARDford Gravel Grinder
Press Release
Expect a lot of climbing and a whole lot of fun at our annual bike race in the Smoky Mountains—The HARDford 50 Gravel Grinder!Registration opens March 1, 2022 at 10am on bikereg.com. The fully-supported course is 50+ miles and 6,500 ft. of climbing through Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests. CX and MTB are both appropriate. The ride is 75% gravel, 10% dirt, and the remainder on pavement. Three fully stocked aid stops along the course. Prizes to top three in each category! A portion of the proceeds to benefit Grassy Fork Rural Medical Services Clinic and Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC). Start/Finish: Rapid Expeditions, 3605 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753 When: Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 8am Race Categories: Women’s and Men’s Open, Single Speed, Women’s and Men’s Masters (age 40-49), Women’s and Men’s Grand Masters (age 50+) Awards: Top three in each category will receive awards. Knoxville Realtor Vick Dyer is sponsoring a special award category: An award will go to the woman and man who finish closest to 6 hours. Registration & Pricing: Registration includes t-shirt, post-race meal, and beverage.
—Registration is $80 —Registration July 12 – August 7 remains $80, but does not include a t-shirt. The U.S. Forest Service limits participation to 500 racers. A portion of the proceeds to benefit Grassy Fork Rural Medical Services Clinic and Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC).