November 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

11-25-2013 Marietta CX Photos My photos from the Jim Miller Park (Marietta) CX are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. There are plenty from all categories!

Ronnie Bratcher rings a cowbell at Marietta CX.

Marietta CX Race Report Read it also on CXMagazine.com! Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta is the longest running venue in the Georgia Cross series. Racers rejoiced as cross-appropriate temperatures finally hit the state. With a low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 43, this was cold for Georgia Cross. Riders bundled up as they pre-rode what is the favorite course for many. They were not disappointed! With two sets of barriers, the classic run up, a long fast section, and a set of whoop de doos the course was one of the best yet.

Dave Gearhart (Litespeed-BMW) came into the Masters 35+ race fresh after having taken several weekends off from racing. Ian Prunier (Smyrna Bicycles) took the lead at the first barrier with Dave on his wheel. Dave counterattacked on the back side of the course on the second set of barriers. Dave continued to build his lead in subsequent laps. A group of 6 took up the chase; however, they could not reel him in.  Dave held on for the win. Michael Schmid (Reality Bikes) nipped Ian Prunier (Smyrna Bicycles) at the line for second place. In the Masters 45+ Timothy Gotsick got a gap early and held it to the finish. Dub Smith (Toyota Forklifts) put in a good chase but could not catch him. Lamar Mauney (Toyotoa Forklifts) was third.

Two Juniors 15-18 battled one another. Thomas Petitt (Frazier Cycling) came out on top followed by Keegan Schimmelman. The Cat. 4 Women’s fields have been consistently big this year. Jim Miller was no exception. Fifteen women were on the line. Emeline Renz (ALTX) took the holeshot into the barriers with everyone else close behind. Soon Cathi Swanson took the lead and never looked back. State Champion Rhys Mays (ATHCX) took second, and Amy Ross was third. Everyone loves watching the Juniors 10-14 race. They were not disappointed today. Leon Waine (Junior Flyers) took a commanding lead early and kept it until the end. Hunter Murray followed in second with Troy Waine (Junior Flyers) in third.

Mclean Harris (Smyrna Bicycles) put the hammer down on the first lap and took the win in the Cat. 3 Men’s race. Matthew Reeves (LNC) was second, and Michael Schmid (Reality Bikes) rounded out the podium. In the Women’s Cat. 1/2/3 race, Lisa Randall (Sorella Cycling) was back after several weeks of racing mountain bikes. She took off at the start while Kim Sawyer (Toyota Forklifts) and Elizabeth Lee (LG Factor) formed a chase group with the others far behind. Kim gapped Elizabeth a few times during the first couple of laps, but Elizabeth closed it each time. Finally, with 2 laps to go, Kim attacked hard after the first set of barriers. She got a gap that she was able to hold until the finish to take second over Elizabeth.

A large Cat 4 Men’s field lined up. After they stretched out in the field, the line seemed to go on for a mile. Alex Newton (Faster Mustache) took the holeshot with Ben Braxley and Scott Morris (Village Volkswagon) close behind. For three laps, Ben and Alex took turns out front with Scott hanging on.  On the last lap, Alex attacked on the small dirt climb. In a post race interview, he said “I knew with my MTB gearing I wouldn’t have a chance in the sprint, so my plan was to try and exit the woods with a gap. The small dirt climb before the short and steep downhill was my attack spot and rode/ran the run up as hard as I could until I was out of the woods.” Scott had time to adjust his jersey and throw his arms up in victory. Ben out sprinted Scott for second place.

In the Men’s Cat. 1/2/3, the first lap created a group of 6 including Thomas Turner (Team Jamis), Nick VanWinkle (Litespeed-BMW), Frank Trevieso (Start Stop), Tim Barrett (EPVA) and two others. The group stayed together for several laps before the first rider came off. The remaining 5 bided their time. With a lap and a half to go, Thomas stopped toying with them and took off. He put 30 seconds on Nick within the last lap of the race.  Arthr Sagat followed for second with Nick in third.

After not winning the Single Speed at Serenbe, Mclean Harris (Smyrna Bicycles) was out for revenge. As he did in the Cat. 3 race, he wasted no time leaving everyone else in his dust. Dave Marbut (Toyota Forklifts) was the first rider to give chase, but it proved fruitless. Dave fell back several places. Next up Tim Barrett tried to bring Mclean back. Mclean won with Matthew Reeves in second and Dave in third.

Atlanta Cycling Black Friday Sale  Black Friday at Atlanta Cycling – Ansley and Vinings Stores
All 2013 In-Stock Bikes – 20% off
All Garmin Products – 10% off
All Continental Tires – 20% off  …  Stock Up
Selected Summer Clothes – up to 50% 0ff
Additional Items on Sale
Friday Hours 10-7


Go eat some turkey, and then ride your bike to work it off!

Nate VanWinkle (Litespeed-BMW) leads the Men’s Cat. 1/2/3 through the barriers at Marietta CX.

DLV Explore Georgia has a nice article about the Dick Lane Velodrome on their website.

2014 GA State Championships From GBRA: Applications are now open for 2014 State Championships. Bids are currently being accepted for Road Race, Time Trial, Criterium and Track. Bid application forms are due to be submitted by November 30th, and discussion will take place for selection of those championships at the December 2nd GBRA Board meeting.

11-23-2013 Free Flite Sale Free Flite is having a Black Friday Sale–Friday, Nov. 29th only! In-Stock Clothing, Parts, and Accessories will be 20% off from 10 am-noon and 10% off from noon-7 pm. It’s a great way to start your Christmas and holiday shopping!

11-22-2013 Big Creek Park From RAMBO: “Rumors of the fire station being built on Big Creek property seem to be true. The city administrator and fire chief have approached the park & rec comission to ask them for their approval. RAMBO is not in favor of cutting down the many trees that would be required to build a fire station on Big Creek property. Jeff Pruitt is Roswell’s Administrator of Park Services, and is on the park & rec comission. He has told me that folks can e-mail him, and he will print out your e-mails and deliver them to the comission. His e-mail address is jpruitt@roswellgov.com. If you are against the building of a fire station on Big Creek property, please send an e-mail to Mr Pruitt.”

WBL News From the WBL: “Winter Bike League 2014 Coming in 2 weeks: The Turkey Days Trifecta: Come on out and ride away the tryptophan blues. 3 ridies, 3 days, 3 hours: 10 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 3 days following Turkey Day. Don’t let a bellyful of turkey sink your ship. Come pound your pedals into oblivion.”

“Other WBLs” There are several other WBL’s in South.

11-20-2013 2014 Race Schedules Slowly but surely the 2014 race schedules are coming out. I have posted the calendar for 2014 as it stands today. Only a couple of mountain bike promoters have their 2014 schedules out. I haven’t seen anything from road racing associations. Those usually start coming out in December. All dates and races are preliminary. I’ll update the calendar as more promoters and associations publish their 2014 schedules.

11-18-2013 Bike Shop Owner Hit by Truck Todd Muller, owner of Reality Bikes in Cumming (GA), was hit by a truck Tuesday morning while out training. I don’t have any details of the accident. His wife, Cheryl Fuller-Muller, posted on Facebook that his injuries include several broken bones and lots and stitches. He is in the hospital and will have surgery on his shoulder this week. Other injuries will heal in time, but he is “ok.” Todd is well known in the Atlanta cycling community as a racer, shop owner, and all around great guy. Please go to the Reality Bikes Facebook page and leave Todd some good vibes and keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

11-16-2013 Serenbe CX Photos My photos from the Serenbe CX will be up by Monday night at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. There are plenty from all races (except the 12:15 race).


Rhys Mays (ATH CX) on her way to winning the Cat. 4 Women’s State Championship at Serenbe.


Michael Schmid (Reality Bikes) emerges from the fog for the win at Serenbe in the 45+ Masters race.

11-15-2013 Atlanta WBL for Recreational Riders From MyCycleCoach: 1st Season for the Atlanta Winter Bike League…(Trish’s Note: There is a small fee for the sag wagon.)
START DATE:  Saturday, November 30th and then continuing every other Saturday, with the last ride on April 5th, 2014
START TIME:  9:30am (roll time).  Arrive early enough so that you are ready to ride at 9:30am.
START LOCATION:  253 Peters St SW, Atlanta, Ga 30313 (MAP LINK).
DISTANCE:  Our first ride will be 35 miles and each following ride will increase by (approximately) 5 miles, with our last ride being 75 miles…More Details.

11-14-2013 RAMBO Work Parties *CANCELLED PER RAMBO because of rain!* From RAMBO Details for Big Creek MTB Park: Saturday (11/16) at *Big Creek Park* on Old Alabama Road in Roswell from 10a-1p. Please dress accordingly; Closed toe sturdy shoes. All tools are provided, but please bring your own gloves and lunch will be provided by RAMBO afterwards.

Details for Haw Creek MTB Park: Saturday (11/16) at *Haw Creek Park* on Echols Road in Cumming, GA 30041 from 9a-1p. We will be blowing off the trails and taking care of any erosion issues before the winter sets in. Please dress accordingly; Closed toe sturdy shoes. All tools are provided but please bring your own gloves and lunch will be provided by RAMBO afterwards. If you have a backpack blower please bring it to help clear the trail. Meet at the Trailhead Kiosk.
Blanket’s Creek Work Party The Nov. work party will be at Blanket’s Creek this weekend. They will be tackling several projects on VMT such as the creek crossing needs some shoring up, finishing work on reroute and maybe the ramp going across the bridge. Start at 9:00 am.

21st Annual Gaston County Cyclists Polar Bear Metric Century benefiting  Holy Angels of Belmont, NC a 501c3 organization
Jan 4th, 2014, registration 9am, mass start 10am, non-timed charity ride
Details at: www.GastonCountyCyclists.com A perfect way to start the new season, burn off some holiday calories, and start making good on that New Years resolution!  Gaston County has fantastic roads, low traffic, and great elevation, making the ride a great initiation into the new season!

NC CX State Championships From Charlotte Sports Cycling: SNCCX State Championships
Race #6 –  Sat. November 16, 2013 – Southern Pines, NC – State Champ.
Race #7 – Sun. November 17, 2013 – Southern Pines, NC
The NCCX State Championships will be timed by Charlotte Sports Timing using MyLaps Pro Chips.  We will be implementing live scoring at the race. If you want to follow the race live via your smartphone, download the app at www.race-monitor.com We will be using this same live scoring at the NCCX races in Hendersonville and Asheville. The direct link to the NCCX race on Race Monitor is https://www.race-monitor.com/Live/Race/12502 Results and Lap Times will be posted at www.charlottesportstiming.com.
11-13-2013 Georgia State CX Chamionships The Georgia State Cyclocross Championships are this Sunday at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills, GA! Come ride with the cows (and cow patties)! Faster Mustache has promised loud music, cold beer, and the Marlay House Truck serving yummy Irish food. There may or may not be cow patties on the course, and there is a chance of thunderstorms! (Give it up guys, we don’t get snow in GA during cross season. We get thunderstorms.)

If you want a warm up to Serenbe, check out the Cyclocross Under the Lights in Anniston, AL. This is always a fun, unique race!

The Fourth Annual Wilkesboro Cyclocross Festival returns the weekend before Thanksgiving for two days of incredible racing! Wilkesboro offers a Euro-style course, great spectating, awesome prizes from GOSOAP Sports Detergent, Panaracer and Velocity, and and all the bells and whistles you expect from a national caliber event. Every year, racers tell me that the Wilkesboro Cyclocross Festival is their favorite event thanks to a rolling, wooded course that features a unique combination of fast flat sections, swooping descents, tough climbs, and lots of technical challenges. From the Blowing Rock Brewing Co Expo next to the finish line, spectators can see all of the most exciting parts of the course while enjoying a cold brew or something to eat from one of the local food vendors. There are plenty of hoses for the wheel pit, a huge bathhouse with hot showers and comfortable space to change, as well as tons of convenient parking right on the course.

11-12-2013 Dingo Cross Photos My photos from both days of Dingo Cross in Baldwin, GA are up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. There are plenty from all races except the 12:15 race since I haven’t mastered racing with my camera yet.

11-11-2013 Subjects Needed for Cycling Study at GSU Subjects for a cycling study are needed at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Subjects need to be experienced cyclists or triathletes age 18-39. The study being done by Physical Therapy doctoral students and is about a proposed cycling ergometer. See the document for full information.

11-9-2013 Silver Comet Closures I contacted the Cobb DOT to get more information on the Silver Comet closures coming this winter. This is the full press release:

“WWW.COBBDOT.ORG BRIDGE REPAIR WILL CLOSE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES Six pedestrian bridges along the Silver Comet Trail will be closed to the public this winter while Cobb DOT contractors construct new bridge ends at the Silver Comet Trail bridges over: Powder Springs Creek, Lucille Creek, Noses Creek, Olley Creek, Nickajack Creek and Cooper Lake Road. Built more than a century ago, between 1890 and 1904, failing bridge ends no longer provide safe support to the crossing public. Two bridge ends must be replaced, three bridge ends must have approach work repairs and one bridge requires deck repairs.

CONSTRUCTION ZONE SAFETY Repair of these bridges will occur in CONSECUTIVE CLOSURES of each pedestrian bridge between January and April, 2014. There will be NO ACCESS across these bridges during construction. There will be no detours around each bridge. It is imperative trail users follow all warning signs and stay out of these construction zones as there will be drop offs,
some as deep as ten feet, that could cause serious injury or death for anyone ignoring warning signs and crossing through a construction zone.

OTHER REPAIR WORK
Concurrent with the bridge repairs, there will be other contractors working along the entire trail repairing fences, drainage systems and completing minor grading. It is imperative that all trail users obey all construction signs, slow down when approaching construction zones, dismount and walk thru any construction site where the trail is not completely closed. If the trail is closed, DO NOT ENTER.
UPCOMING RESURFACING
In addition, beginning Spring 2014 there will be a rolling trail closure as the entire trail in Cobb County is resurfaced. More information regarding the resurfacing will be forthcoming.”

Additional info. exclusive to Southeastern Cycling: The timeline will be up to the contractor. They will most likely work east to west since most trail users start on the eastern portion of the trail. They are trying to impact as few users as possible. There will be no official detours around the bridges. I know several of the bridges have ride-arounds if you go on nearby roads. There may be multiple bridge closures at one time in order to get the work done quicker. Once the bridges are repaired and the concurrent grading, drainage and fencing repairs completed, it is the plan to resurface the entire trail in Cobb County from the Mavel Road trail head to the Paulding County line. This will be a rolling trail closure similar to paving a road except unlike a road,  there won’t be another lane or space to detour trail users; the entire trail width is paved and will be full of paving equipment with no room for someone to pass.  The start time for the repaving has not been determined but wills tart in the spring.

11-8-2013 Winter Riding-Indoors Style Years ago there were a ton of shops, gyms, and independent coaches that offered windtrainer classes in the darkness of Standard Time (what non-cyclists call Winter). It doesn’t seem like there are as many these days with the advent of indoor cycling classes that many gyms offer. If you are like me, you prefer windtrainer classes on your own bike to the spin bike. I’ve gathered a small list of shops in Georgia that offer windtrainer classes. Unless noted, all are BYOT (bring your own trainer). Most are free. I have also listed a few facilities that offer Spinning or Compu-trainer type indoor riding. ATS and the Sports Factory are more cycling/tri oriented than “spinning fitness” classes. If you know of any other windtrainer classes, email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com. I have not listed gyms because most offer some type of indoor riding. I have not tried any of these classes, so YMMV. Of course, if you prefer to ride outside, check out the Rides page for some weeknight rides that continue into the winter.

Trainer Classes
Cycle Therapy, Rome, GA: Tuesday and Thursday 6 pm. Free
Outspokin Bikes, Augusta, GA Wednesdays 6-7:30. Free.
Alpha Bikes, Alpharetta, GA Thursday 7 pm. Free, Rent to own a trainer for $10/night.
C-Town Bikes, Conyers, Monday 6:30 pm. Free
Reality Bikes, Cumming, Wednesday, 6:15-7:15, Free. Limited numbers of trainer to rent for $5/week.
Ultimate Cycling at Peachtree Bikes in Sandy Springs. Tuesday and Thursday 7-8:30 pm. Cost is on the flyer.

Spinning/Indoor Riding
Energy Lab
ATS
The Sports Factory
Flywheel

Silver Comet Closures This was on the Marietta Daily Journal’s Website yesterday. “Portions of the 12.8-mile Silver Comet Trail will be closed this winter while the Cobb County Department of Transportation repairs or replaces six pedestrian bridges. The bridges affected are over Powder Springs Creek, Lucille Creek, Noses Creek, Olley Creek, Nickajack Creek and Cooper Lake Road. The work will be funded by the 2011 special purpose local option sales tax and will cause the closures of the bridges from January until April. No access or detours will be available during construction. Additional crews will also work on other areas repairing fences, drainage systems and grading.” This article on the Patch suggests that the entire portion of the Comet will be repaved. If you’ve ridden it in the last year, you know how bad the asphalt surface in some areas is.

 

I’ve reached out to Cobb County to try to get further information like dates of closures. I’ll post updates when I have them.

11-7-2013 SRAM/Zip Demo The SRAM van will be at the Peachtree Bikes Sandy Springs store this Sunday from 1-5pm! Come check out all the new gear SRAM has to offer along with the latest and greatest from ZIPP.

Cannondale Demo Day Join Atlanta Cycling at Blanket’s Creek for a Cannondale Demo Day. It will be on Saturday, Nov. 16th at 10:00 am. Cannondale will have their 2014 bikes to try.

11-6-2013 Charlotte WBL The Charlotte Winter Bike League starts this week! Where: TotalCyclist 601 South Kings Drive, Suite DD: here
Parking in the back and the front!
When: November 9th, 2013(Weekly)
When: Saturdays @ 930am
TWO GROUPS: Total Group: 19-20mph. Cyclist Group: 16-17mph
Distance: Starts with just under 3 hours and grows to 4.0 hours in February

Sorella Race Team Accepting Applications! From Sorella Cycling: Reminder! Sorella Cycling is accepting applications for the 2014 Race Team. Deadline is Nov 10. If you are a current club member you should have a copy of the application in your e-mail. You do not have to be a current member to apply, so if you would like more info and/or a copy of the application please contact us at sorellacycling at gmail dog com.

11-5-2013 New GA Jersey GBRA has unveiled the new Georgia State Championship jerseys. The first opportunity to win one will be at the Georgia State Cyclocross Championships Nov. 24th at Serenbe. Otherwise, you will have to wait til 2014!

Dingo CX and Swap p/b Hayes Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Baldwin NOVEMBER 9th & 10th!! Georgia Cyclocross Series Double header! Two days of racing and swapping!
Register for the races here.

11-4-2013 Daylight Saving Time Ends DST has ended for 2013 and as such most of the after work rides are done. See the Rides page for a few that are still going on.

Winter Rides Daylight Saving Time (DST) will end Sunday 11/03/13. DST will return again in the Spring on Sunday 03/09/14

Tucker Saturdays at 10:00AM- I’ve heard from people on both sides of the coin regarding Tucker and winter time start- elder statesman of both sides (early vs later) think that Tucker should remain at 10:00AM, as it traditionally has for many eons. Tucker will resume its traditional 9AM time the first Saturday of April. Tucker Ride Start- meet at the intersection Lynburn Drive and Main St, Tucker, GA.

Airport Sundays at 10:00AM

Winter Pizza Thursdays at 6:00PM- Week of 11/04/13 through 3/6/1 – winter pace to the park, two small counterclockwise loops (approx 9.75 miles) at approximately 22-23.5 mph (winter pace to/from the park- in the park- no attacking, steady paceline, but final sprint allowed.)

11-2-2013 Airport Ride The Airport Ride starts on Sunday. Be there!

10-31-2013 GATR Family Day GATR will host family day on Saturday at Harbins Park from 9 am to 3:30 pm. There will be time trials and group rides.

IMBA Trail Care Crew The IMBA Trail Care Crew will be in Columbus, GA Nov. 14-17. It is hosted by: Chattahoochee Valley Area SORBA. Thursday there will be a presentation. Saturday will be the IMBA Trail Building School and then trail work at Flat Rock Trail.

Bull Mountain Work Party There will be trail maintenance work party this Saturday at Bull Mountain. Further details are here.

10-29-2013 Atlanta Cycling Weekday Rides The Atlanta Cycling weekday rides are on Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 starting next week. Both rides start at the Vinings location.