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).
News for 2-18-2022
Outback Bicycles Hapeville Hub Grand Opening
Outback Bikes “Hapeville Hub” is open for business! M, W, F 10-4 & weekends by appointment. Rental bikes, E bikes, bicycle sales & service plus a lot of clearance merchandise. The official grand opening ribbon cutting is Feb 28th at 3pm! Everyone is welcome!
Outback Bicycles Hapeville Hub
News for 2-16-2022
Big Creek XC Work Party
From MTB Atlanta
Big Creek XC Trail Workday Sat. Feb. 19, 2022 at 9:00 am. Join us for trail work on our XC trails at Big Creek Park. Meet at the lower lot Pumptracks with closed-toe shoes. We’ll have the tools and water. Lunch is provided by Classic Subaru of Atlanta!
News for 2-15-2022
NC Grand Prix Back for 2022
The NC Grand Prix is back as a UCI race for 2022 on Nov. 19-20. Mark you calendars now for the biggest CX race in the Southeast! It looks like the National Championships will be in Hartford, CT.
Hincapie Spring Series
The Tiger Town Omnium is now part of the Hincapie Spring Series. Races this weekend move to around Clemson & Central, SC. Trish’s Note: Head to the ’55 Exchange in the Hendrix Student Center on the Clemson University Campus for the best ice cream you will ever have! I used to help make it back in college!
News 2-11-2021
Race Calendars Updated
I’ve spent the last few nights working on updating the race calendars. Use the handy link at the top of this page to access all of them! You’re welcome!
The Atlanta Cycling Festival Happens May 15th – May 22nd!
From ACF
It seems like just yesterday that we saw all of you during the 2021 Atlanta Cycling Festival! We’re excited to announce this year’s festival dates, and we’re hoping to create more memories and have an even bigger and better festival, but we need YOUR help to make it a success! We’re bringing back some festival favorites like The Donut Ride, Queer Ride, and Intercontinental Cocktail Ride, to name a few! The festival is May 15-22.
Allatoona Work Party
From MTB Atlanta
Trail Work Party– Allatoona Creek Park 5690 Old Stilesboro Rd NW, Acworth, GA 30101, Sat. Feb 19 9 am-Noon 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 provide lunch, tools, trail knowledge and a ton of STOKE!
News 2-10-2022
DLV Workdays
From the Dick Lane Velodrome
The DLV’s first workdays of 2022 are scheduled for 10AM both Saturday February 19 and Sunday February 20. Yes, we are doing two days in a row. Please come out for both days, one day or even a partial day. We need volunteers to help clean up the velodrome grounds in preparation for the 2022 season. The primary task will be: leaf removal, debris cleanup, general cleaning, etc. These are a few of the things that need done so that we can take the next steps in opening the velodrome for the full 2022 season. Come join us if you can, we appreciate your help!!!!
News for 2-8-2-2022
WBL The Finale
From the Winter Bike League
WBL # 11: THE FINALE: THE BIG DADDY BILL BOONEN ALTO WORLD CUP, When: Saturday, 12 February, Where: The Hub (5 Points / Athens), Time: 10 a.m. (15 minute window open), Length: 115 miles / 6 hours (ride time) Points: 6 (1 per hour)
Exit Route: Milledge > Hill > MLK > Boley
Store Stop: Mile 54 (Alto)
GPS MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18536165
Final Attack Zone (YELLOW LINE RULE!): Mile 100: Alto Final Attack Zone (9 miles): Attack Zone opens when group turns left on AC Smith Road (Steep Dog Road). Ride 1.5 miles and scream down corkscrew descent (CAREFUL!) and climb Steep Dog Hill and turn right at stop sign on Erastus Church Road. Ride 1.5 miles and turn left at stop sign on Seagraves. Ride 4 miles and turn right at stop sign on Nowhere Road. Ride 3 miles to Jackson County sign (finish) [ride in and regroup at the Hub]
[OVERALL PRIZES: AWARDED AFTER RIDE: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN MONEY. TOP 5 PRESENT WIN BOXES AND BAGS]
News 2-7-2022
Bearings Bike Works youth nonprofit hosting charity bike ride this spring
Press Release
Atlanta, GA — Bearings Bike Works is hosting a family-friendly ride/run/walk on April 16 to raise critical funds for youth skills development programming in southwest Atlanta. Bearings Bike Works invites kids to earn a bike of their own while developing the skills necessary to successfully transition into adulthood and the workforce.
The 2022 Bearings Bike-Along will begin at Lee + White, following the Atlanta BeltLine Westside trail toward Washington Park and back. Riders, walkers, or runners of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate! Afterwards, join Bearings for post-ride celebrations at Lee + White. For more details and tickets, visit bikealong.givesmart.com. Use code “EARLY” for $5 off your ticket now through March 1. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Email hello@bearingsbikeworks.org.
New Silver Comet Trailhead in Paulding County
From the PATH Foundation Facebook Post
A new trailhead has opened in Paulding County where the Silver Comet crosses McPherson Church Road.
Here’s what you need to know: 2545-2523 McPherson Church Rd, Dallas, GA 30132, Mile marker 26, 14 space paved parking lot, 4.5 miles north of the Rambo Trailhead, 4 miles south of Brushy Mountain Tunnel, Fun fact! The SCT @ Willow Springs Road is only .25 miles from Three Strands Vineyard and Winery. (Currently there is no path from the trail up to the road but I am sure wine enthusiasts can figure out a way there!)
News 2-4-2022
The King of All Crits Weekend Returns April 9-10
From the Promoter
Alabama’s annual premier professional cycling event weekend, the Alabama Cycling Classic, returns to the City of Anniston and Main Street Anniston’s, Noble Street corridor on April 9-10, 2022. The day one event, the Sunny King Criterium is the first venue stop on the 2022 Professional Criterium Calendar managed between the ten event organization and USA Cycling. More details come out weekly on this new series. The Alabama Cycling Classic courses are said to be a ‘must try’ race courseS by many professionals! Beginning at 10 a.m., there will be twenty races on a closed course throughout the day, including kids, juniors, men’s and women’s amateur races, a new men’s masters 45+ category, and our professional men’s and women’s races will close out the day. Read More
News for 2-3-2022
Anniston (AL) Closes Deal on the Final Ladiga Trail Property
Press Release
In December of 2021, the Anniston City Council unanimously approved the acquisition of the final 1.4 miles of the Chief Ladiga Trail from Norfolk Southern Railway. City leadership is now proud to announce that on February 1, 2022, the closing of this final piece of the trail was completed; thereby, giving the City of Anniston ownership over all of the land necessary for the Chief Ladiga Trail. “This is a tremendous deal and opportunity for the City of Anniston, and our whole region. Cycling is such an important component of our ecotourism here and it’s been a long time coming but I am so excited about this. This is a big deal for us — we should all be excited about this,” stated Anniston Mayor Jack Draper.
“This is a dream over 30 years in the making, and this achievement should not be taken lightly,” said City Manager Steven Folks. For background, the Ladiga Trail traces its beginnings back to 1996; wherein the initial 8.9 miles of trail was first opened in Piedmont, Alabama. In 1999, the City of Anniston finished its first section of the trail that now leads to Mike Tucker Park. Once the trail is fully constructed, it will connect to Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail that stretches an additional 62 miles. The combined Chief Ladiga/Silver Comet Trail will be one of the longest paved pedestrian paths in the entire United States of America. “We can finally get to work on the dream,” said City Economic Development Director Toby Bennington. “With ownership of all the necessary properties, city leadership may now move into the engineering and design phases of the trail. After the design, engineering, and surveying is complete, we will be able to give a time table on when citizens should expect the trail to be fully realized.” A 2021 study performed by Jacksonville State University’s (JSU) Center for Business and Economic Research found how the trail’s construction alone will result in: 35 new jobs, $1,448,309 in Labor Income for workers, $1,958,396 added to our region’s gross state product (GSP), and a total $4,500,000 of economic output for the City of Anniston, Alabama.
Trish’s Notes: I think the press release makes it sound like the Comet and Chief Ladiga are not complete. They are in their original form. Both have had a few miles added on the end since opening. This piece of property will help extend the CL from where it ends now into Anniston.
Pumpkinvine Nature Park Trails Closed
From a Facebook post
Pumpkinvine Creek Nature Park is closed for the next few weeks. The freeze / thaws and heavy rains have not been kind to the new trails. MTB Atlanta is waiting for better weather to get the repairs done. The park is still under construction with full opening in the spring. Watch for volunteer work days. There are many potential Eagle and Gold Award projects including some particularly interesting ones involving wildlife habitat. The park also needs picnic tables and benches. The signage package should be installed by March 1. Contact for more information: info@stpal.org.
News for 2-2-2022
Cohutta 100/Big Frog 65/Old Copper 30 – April 23, 2022 at Ocoee Whitewater Center
From Mountain Goat Adventures
Registration is open for the Cohutta 100, Big Frog 65, and Old Copper 30 MTB Races in 2022! These amazing events will continue to be hosted out of the beautiful Ocoee Whitewater Center and the 2022 event will be held on April 23, 2022! The 100 Mile and 65 Mile Races are part of the 2022 NUE Epic and Marathon Series! 2022 Race Highlights! ▪Pair of custom Handup Gloves included with all registrations!▪Super comfy tri-blend shirt included with all registrations! ▪Finisher mug for all finishers! ▪Hearty post-race meal ▪Two new men’s age group classes in all distances – Male 30-39 and Male 40-49, as well as non-open women in the Big Frog 65 ▪Cash payout to top 5 finishers in Male Open and Female Open in the the 65 and 100 Mile Races ▪Cash Payout to Top 3 in Ooen Singlespeed and Masters 50+ in the 65 and 100 mile races ▪Handmade awards for all Podium Finishers ▪Well stocked aid stations with plenty of calories, fluids, mechanical support, first aid supplies, and moral support from our rockstar volunteer crew ▪Well marked course with highly visible signage and course marshals
2022 Course Layout – GPS IS REQUIRED FOR 65 AND 100 MILE RIDERS For the 65 and 100 mile races, riders will complete nearly all available singletrack before heading out on their respective gravel road loops. 65 mile riders will ride the usual “Big Frog” Loop, while 100 mile riders will complete a 65 mile gravel loop around the Cohutta and Big Frog Wilderness. Once riders return from their gravel loops, they will bomb down Chestnut Mtn (the short way) to Thunder Rock for a nearly all downhill or flat run into the finish. Old Copper 30 riders will complete the same trail loop as 65 and 100 mile riders, however they get the pleasure of just skipping the gravel loops and heading straight to the downhill finish. We are requiring GPS to be used by our 65 and 100 mile riders this year. This is for your safety to ensure your race isn’t ruined by a jerk who moves a course sign. No, we’re not going to check if you have one. Yes, there will be a TON of course signage, but signs can disappear. If you choose not to use a GPS, don’t get mad at us if you go off course. 500 RIder Limit for 2022 – Please register early so you do not miss out. Early registration pricing through 2/15/22!
WBL # 10 THE REEVES YOUNG ROYSTON WORLD CUP
From the WBL
When: Saturday, 5 February, Where: The Hub (5 Points / Athens), Time: 10 a.m., Length: 93 miles / 5 hours (ride time), Points: 5 (1 per hour-must sign in), Store Stop: Mile 40 (Royston), Pee Break: Mile 21 (P)
GPS MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/10863505
Final Attack Zone (YELLOW LINE RULE!): Mile 72: Hargrove Lake-Gene Dixon Final Attack Zone (9 miles): Attack Zone opens when group turns right on Hargrove Lake Road. Ride 6 miles (intermediate sprint on 3rd hill) and turn right on Beaverdamn. Ride 1/2 mile and turn lef on Smithonia. Ride 1 mile and turn right on Melton Road. Ride 1.5 miles to finish line / line in road. [Regroup at stop sign after sprint.]
News for 1-29-2022
Lake Hickory Short Track Series From NCCX Join the City of Hickory Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism Department and North Carolina Cyclo-Cross for the Lake Hickory Short Track Series! FUN, FRIENDLY, COMPETITIVE RACING!!! The Hickory Lake Short Track Mountain Bike Series is comprised of 5 races held at Hickory City Park on the Lake Hickory Trails. The courses are comprised of dirt single track and portions of paved Greenway. The courses are 1.3 to 1.5 miles in length and races will be based on time switching to laps. To be included in the final series overall standings racers must compete in 3 of the 5 series races. These races are USA Cycling sanctioned and require a racing license. One-day licenses are available for Novice and Cat 2 races. Junior (youth) racers should apply for a FREE USA Cycling racing license. The TEAM RELAY is a fun team event comprising of teams of 2-4 racers, we encourage 4 person teams with mixed ability, male, female and junior racers! Team members will each complete one lap (at a time).
PLEASE SAVE your race number plate for the series. There is a $5 fee for replacement/lost number plates.
News for 1-28-2022
Mavell Road Car Break-Ins It’s been reported on one of the Silver Comet Facebook groups that a car was broken into earlier this week with items taken at the Mavell Road Trailhead in Smyrna. Usually if there is one there is more. As a reminder, take your wallet or at least your Driver’s License with you. Take, Lock, and HIDE items. Don’t leave things on the seats in plain view.
News for 1-27-2022
WBL Ride # 9 THE AINT MIS-B-HAVEN FARM FLATROCK CLASSIC From the WBL START DELAYED 1 HOUR, When: Saturday, 29 January, Where: The Hub (5 Points / Athens), Time: ***11 a.m.***, Length: 60 miles / 3 hours (ride time), Points: 4 (1 per hour-must sign in / PLUS 1 cause it’s damn cold!, Exit Route: Lumpkin > over stadium > Olympic, Store Stop: None, Pee Break: @ Mile 20
GPS MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38435382
Intermediate Sprints: None
Final Attack Zone (YELLOW LINE RULE!): Mile 40: Flatrock Road Loop Attack Zone (6 miles): Attack Zone opens when group turns left on Flatrock Road. Ride 2 miles and turm right on Oliver Road. Ride 1.5 miles (cross finish line) and turn right on Flatrock Road. Ride 2 miles and turn right on Oliver. Ride 1,5 miles to finish line / line in road. [Regroup after sprint in front of B-Haven Farm where refreshments will be served]
USA Cycling Announces 10 Races for the 2022 National Criterium Series Press Release Trish’s Note It looks like only the Sunny King Crit in Anniston, AL for a southern stop on the series. On Thursday, a core group of cycling stakeholders announced the full calendar of 10 events for a new national criterium series after announcing the founding events in December. The new events in the series are the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, Ala., the MVP Health Care Rochester Twilight Criterium in Rochester, N.Y., The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic in Harlem, N.Y., and part of Intelligentsia Cup in Lake Bluff, Ill. “We’re excited to be back to racing and to be included in the inaugural year for this series,” said Richard Cox, the Race Director for the Harlem Skyscraper Classic. “Our event has been around since 1973, the second oldest bike race in the U.S., and to be recognized as one of the top criteriums in America is a great honor. We’re looking forward to welcoming teams, racers, and spectators from across the country to Harlem in June.” As mentioned previously, the new series will offer $100,000 in overall prize money, equally split between the men and women in addition to individual event prize purses. All events in the series are committed to awarding equal prize money for the pro men’s and women’s fields in their prospective races. The additional information, including the official series name, is being finalized and will be announced in the coming weeks. Read the full press release.
USA Triathlon Announces USA Triathlon Gravel Series Press Release Trish’s Note Southeastern Cycling doesn’t cover tris, but I thought this might have a broader appeal. Of course, none of the races are near GA. I know of a few off road triathlon in the Southeast, but I am not aware of any in GA.
The USA Triathlon Gravel Triathlon Series spans the multisport season from May through October and features events across the U.S., with races in New Jersey, Michigan, Texas, Colorado, Idaho and California. Race series participants will receive special USA Triathlon Gravel Triathlon Series stickers and awards, as well as recognition on usatriathlon.org and USA Triathlon’s social channels. Qualification is not required to participate in the USA Triathlon Gravel Triathlon Series or the inaugural USA Triathlon Gravel National Championships. WHAT IS GRAVEL TRIATHLON? Gravel riding is an increasingly popular form of cycling that combines elements of road- and mountain-biking, and consisting mostly of riding over unpaved, non-technical roads. Unlike traditional triathlons where participants race their bikes on paved roads or highways, and unlike off-road triathlons where racers ride mountain bikes on technical, single-track mountain bike trails, gravel triathlons take place on unpaved, dirt roads such as Forest Service roads or canal paths that are non-technical. With fewer vehicles on these dirt and rural roads, gravel riding can offer a safer alternative to road cycling. Because of the varied terrain, riders can use a bike designed specifically for gravel riding, but mountain bikes and road bikes are often used for gravel riding, too
RACE FORMATS The Gravel Triathlon Series features a variety of different race distances and formats. These include Sprint & Olympic distance gravel triathlons, gravel aquabike, gravel duathlon, gravel paddle tri, relay categories and more! Read the full press release and rules here. Aerobars, fixies, and TT bikes are not allowed.
News for 1-23-2022
Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mile MTB Race presented by Van Michael Men – April 2, 2022 at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton, GA! From Mountain Goat Adventures:
2022 COURSE AND CATEGORIES: 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 250 riders – please register early as all of our 2021 events sold out. GUARANTEED SHIRT SIZE DEADLINE March 19th. All riders who register before March 19 will receive one of our super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirts and a commemorative surprise swag item. 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. Have family members that like to run? We also have a 5 and 8 mile trail run before the bike race starts! This event is a major fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock, so please come out and support your local trails!
