For those who don’t know, the day job laid off about 300 people in July including myself as part of a larger IT outsourcing. I work(ed) in IT for a large corporation. If you know of anything, please look me up on Linkedin. I can also send out my resume. Want to help out in another way? Contact me for advertising rates on Southeastern Cycling!
News for 9-26-2024
Hurricane Helene
With Hurricane Helene barrelling through the Southeast Thursday and Friday, many races have been moved to Sunday. I know that the Quick Six Enduro in Roswell, GA and the Legend of Stanky Creek have been moved to Sunday, Sept. 29. The Blanket’s Creek 3/6 Hour MTB Race is moved to Nov. 23. The Coweta County Georgia Cyclocross Series race will go on as planned on Sunday. It’s CX, what’s a little mud?? Check directly with the event to make sure it’s happening on the day it was originally scheduled to.
News for 9-24-2024
Allatoona Work Parties
From MTB Atlanta
Allatoona Work Parties Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7 9 am-1 pm The last three months of the year are a great time to work on trail improvements. We need your help, and to better accommodate the season’s holiday activities, we are moving these workdays to the first week’s of October, November and December. Tools and water provided. Just wear closed toed shoes, long pants and bring a great attitude. As the work can be somewhat difficult, we ask participants to be at least middle school age and accompanied by an adult.
News for 9-19-2024
SBI Three Bridges Tour
From the Promoter
November 2: SBI Three Bridge Tour
The South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club is hosting their 6th annual Three Bridge Tour on Saturday, November 2nd in Ocean Isle Beach NC. This bike tour offers a unique opportunity to traverse our county and cruise across the three featured bridges of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach. Riders have the option of three routes, 17 miles, 34 miles or 67 miles. Each route is fully supported and promises to be memorable. Proceeds from the event will be used for local and international Rotary projects with many providing experiences and learning opportunities that will enrich the lives of the children and youth in Brunswick County.
Cyclepaths Beginner Gravel Series
From the Cyclepaths Gravel Club
https://www.facebook.com/groups/5015141528514142/ (You’ll need to join the group to see more information and Facebook Events)
News for 9-18-2024
Group Ride Times for Fall
Be sure to check with your favorite group rides. Many move to 6:00 or 6:15 for late September and into October. Social Media or sending the sponsoring organization an email or DM will probably help you find out. I try to track the ride times, but different rides move times at different weeks.
Beltine Bike Park Gets $8 Gift from Chestnut Family Foundation
From Urbanize Atlanta
Trish’s Note: This looks more like a bike park for kids than for more experienced (adult) mountain bikers.
“A versatile bike park with connectivity to the Atlanta Beltline that’s being called world-class, remarkably inclusive, and a “game-changer” for the city’s Westside is several million steps closer to happening today, as project leaders exclusively tell Urbanize Atlanta.
Atlanta Beltline Partnership has secured an $8 million donation for the Westside Park project from the Chestnut Family Foundation, a charitable organization led by billionaire Mailchimp cofounder and former CEO Ben Chestnut and his wife Teresa.
Chestnut, a noted mountain biking enthusiast, stepped down as CEO of Intuit Mailchimp for a business advisory position two years ago, following Intuit’s acquisition of the Atlanta-based e-marketing giant.
Atlanta Beltline Partnership leaders are calling the $8 million pledge “transformative” and a significant milestone toward creating “one of the most unique and inclusive biking facilities in Atlanta,” which will offer a new recreation experience like nothing else in the metro today, according to an announcement. “
Read the full article.
Tsali News
From Nantahala Area SORBA
A USFS contractor will begin construction of a short reroute of Tsali Left Loop near mm 3.5 where 2 land slides over 4 years has caused concerns. The reroute construction should start later (Sept. 19 or 20) of this week and take approximately 10 days. Left loop will remain open during construction. Construction workers may have to delay users at this section for safety. Please be especially cautious while this trail issue is being addressed.
https://www.facebook.com/NantahalaAreaSORBA
News for 9-17-2024
Allatoona Creek Park Hunting Season
From a Facebook Post
Bow hunting season begins at the park (Allatoona Creek Park-Acworth, GA) this Saturday, September 14th and ends Jan 31st. This means that there will be areas of the park specifically reserved for registered hunters only. Check out the map below and note the restricted areas. None of the singletrack trails will be affected by the closures and will remain open for use (except Fern Gully and Free Candy.) The hunting areas will also have signage to warn users that it is a restricted area. To ensure the safety of everyone, please do not alter signage in any way and respect the boundaries. We wish all of our hunting friends a bountiful season.
Trish’s Note: Hunters were there long before mountain bikers. I’m glad 90% of the park is open during hunting season. I’ll also share a story about Allatoona that I posted in one of the local mtb Facebook groups recently about hunting season. Years ago (maybe 7-8 now??) Toona was open after 10 am during part of hunting season. A couple of us were hanging out in the Stilesboro parking lot getting ready, waiting til 10 am. We see a hunter dragging a deer down the gravel road to his truck in the parking lot. We asked if it was a good morning, and he smiled. Yep! Got a big one he said. The only thing he hated was dragging it out of the woods. It’s the main reason why he did Crossfit–to be able to drag a heavy deer a mile or more.
Artem Shmidt Shows His Talent in Europe
From Cyclingnews.com Trish’s Note: Artem is from Georgia and raced for Atlanta based team Mission Source Devo as a Junior.
“In just his second race for Ineos Grenadiers, 20-year-old Artem Shmidt showed the WorldTour peloton his potential with an 185 km day in the breakaway at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec.
The American bridged across to a four-man group with 185 km to go in the Canadian one-day race alongside Frank van den Broek (DSM-Firmenich PostNL). The attack then stayed away until the 14.4km to go mark, when UAE Team Emirates reeled them back in.
Shmidt revealed that it was the plan all along to get into the day’s move but being able to execute it is a different thing altogether, with the young American living up to his hype as a future talent.” Read the full article.
Blanket’s Creek Work Party
From SORBA Woodstock
September Trail Work Party this Saturday September 21 at Blankets Creek. We hope you can help us prepare the Blankets Creek trails for the upcoming Mountain Goat Adventures 3 and 6 hour race.. We’ll get started at 9 and work to about 1. We’ll provide lunch. Make sure you wear closed toe shoes; bring gloves and a hat to keep the sun off.
News for 9-16-2024
Professional Cyclist Ayesha McGowan Presents Thee Abundance Road Bike Skills Camps in Georgia This October
From Ayesha McGowan
Atlanta, Ga., (September 9, 2024) Ayesha McGowan, the first African-American female professional road racer, launches two skills camps in Atlanta – one beginner and one intermediate – for anyone who identifies as a cis woman, trans woman, or non-binary person of color and seeks to improve their road cycling skills. The camps are not race focused but all skills are applicable to folks who want to race as well.
October 4 – 6: Beginner Camp: The beginner camp will focus on shifting gears, eating and drinking on the bike, an introduction to cornering and descending, how to ride in a group, exploring your equipment options, and much more.
October 11 – 13: Intermediate Camp: The intermediate camp will focus on fueling and nutrition tips, following a training plan, how to develop your pack riding skills, climbing, descending, cornering, sprinting and much more.
“When I got started, I was piecing together what I needed to know to build my confidence. Now that I’ve made my way to the top level of the sport, I want to share all that I’ve learned with other women of color looking to build their confidence on a road bike,” said McGowan. “Even folks who don’t want to race bikes can benefit from sharpening their skills, and I’m happy to provide a program that will help them do so.”
Since 2021, Ayesha McGowan has been running programs aimed at uplifting elevating Black and Brown women who seek to further themselves in road cycling, including but not limited Thee Abundance Mini and Micro Grant Programs, Thee Abundance Zwift Training Series, and Thee Abundance Girona Cycling Camp. These programs have supported over 1000 race days for Black and Brown women, and developed numerous riders from beginner to elite race category. There are limited spots available, and these camps are supported by Bronco Wild Fund. To learn more and sign up, visit https://www.aquickbrownfox.com/camps.
About Ayesha McGowan Ayesha McGowan is a professional road cyclist and an advocate for better representation of people of color in cycling. Her work on diversity and inclusion in cycling inspires people to ride more, and to challenge their ideas of who counts as a “cyclist.” For more information about Ayesha visit www.aquickbrownfox.com.
Trish’s Note: This is an amazing opportunity for BIPOC women and non-binary folx to get pro instruction and improve their road riding skills in a supportive environment.
News for 9-13-2024
Atlanta Streets Alive: Back this Sunday 1PM-5PM ☀️
From Propel ATL
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 | 1PM-5PM WEST END TO GRANT PARK A monthly Open Street presented by the Atlanta Department of Transportation with support by Propel ATL & the Atlanta community. Bring your bike, lace up your rollerskates, or wear your comfiest shoes and get ready to enjoy your community streets in a safer, healthier, more livable way!
What To Check Out During Atlanta Streets Alive:
🐼 Zoo Atlanta Head to Zoo Atlanta and make sure you stop by to meet and greet its beloved mascot, Zhu Zhu. Georgia Ave and Cherokee Ave
🚲 Summerhill Bike, scoot, or walk to the vibrant and eclectic Summerhill neighborhood. Georgia Ave between Terry Street and Hank Aaron Drive
🛼 Mechanicsville Travel through the historic residences of Mechanicsville until you hit the arts at eyedrum. Stop and view the brand new murals by ATL Cross Roads Mural Fest, grab a FREE helmet courtesy of Lime (and decorate it with Scraplanta). Need more to do? Craft with CreateATL, get your gear on with RAR ATL, and pump up with I Am/I Can Strength and Conditioning Gym. Ralph David Abernathy and Humphries St
🥁 Music in the Park Immerse yourself into inspired music and art activations by Kebbi Williams! Travel West to check out the different stages — Music in the Park will have eight stages featuring bands, DJs, poetry reading, and a drum class. Ralph David Abernathy between Lawton Street and Lee Street
🐾 West End Animal Wellness Center Paws for a puppy pawty! BYOB (bring your own boop — the puppies will be waiting for you). Ralph David Abernathy and Holderness St.
⚽ Soccer in the Streets Join a pick-up soccer game and practice your footwork in front of Gordon White Park with the Soccer in the Streets team. Ralph David Abernathy Gordon White Park
🍴 Lee + White Work up and appetite and keep the party going after 5pm by turning down to Joseph E Lowery to Lee + White. Grab food, drinks, and enjoy the DJ on the Great Lawn. Just a few blocks off of Ralph David Abernathy — steps away from the Beltline. 929 Lee Street SW, 1070 White St SW #1000, Atlanta, GA 30310
Atlanta Cycling Festival News
From ACF
Biketober is almost here! We have an exciting lineup of events in store, and we want you to be a part of the good time! Celebrate Atlanta’s cycling community’s incredible style on October 12th at 3:30 PM at The Garden Room at Wild Heaven West End, thanks to our presenting sponsor, Wild Heaven Brewing. Enjoy a couple hours of fashion, music, fun and fellowship, as we showcase the diverse, amazing style of ATL riders. Whether you’re into road cycling, MTB, urban riding, or cruising on a seahorse bike, there’s something for everyone! Expect enviable bikes, cool digs, and a vibrant crowd! What’s in store: A bike fashion show! A live DJ, Vendor marketplace, Day Party to connect with friends old and new! Oh, and it’s free to attend with prizes for participants and attendees!
News for 9-6-2024
Georgia Cyclocross Trailer Workday
From GACX
Georgia Cyclocross Trailer Build Out Day-Help put together the trailer for this year’s races! Sat., Sept. 21 9 am-noon, We’ll be working out of the Dick Lane Velodrome,1889 Lexington Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344,.
Pulling everything out of the trailer.
Going through stakes and straightening.
Building sandbags for curbs.
Clean equipment and hang inside.
Organize signage and order needs.
Fix and Paint Barriers
https://www.facebook.com/events/922733003227355/?
SORBA Breaks with IMBA
From SORBA
“I (Phillip Darden-SORBA President) am excited to share some changes coming to our organization. Over the last few years, our chapter leaders and volunteers have put in the hard work, made incredible strides in growth for their local organizations, and because of that work SORBA has become strong enough to stand on its own. Since we began in 1989, we have expanded to include 47 chapters across seven states with more than 10,000 members. SORBA is a model organization for regional groups across the country.
This growth has been, in part, thanks to the continued support IMBA has given us, from first becoming a region of IMBA, to transitioning into a strong IMBA Local Partner. SORBA has relied on the IMBA membership platform for many years, and that tool, among others, has given us the ability to grow to where we are today. IMBA has been a great partner for SORBA and we will continue to support their national efforts in providing more trails close to home.
With growth comes the need for change. Over the last few years, it has become apparent we have outgrown the current membership system provided by IMBA. It’s time to upgrade. We understand that when you join your local chapter you want to support the trails in your neighborhood. Through a new membership portal, our SORBA chapters will be able to connect more effectively with members on a local level. There will be enhanced communication, the ability to join your local organization directly from their website, and a more effective way of showing your support through digital membership cards.
We started a FAQ page on our website for you to reference as we go through this process. Some of your questions we have answers for, others we are working hard to figure out. We plan to keep this page updated as we navigate forward.”
News for 9-5-2024
Southeastern Riders Heading to Road Cycling World Championships
From USA Cycling
USA Cycling Announces 2024 Road World Championships Team
The UCI Road and Para-Cycling Road World Championships will take place in Zurich, Switzerland on September 21-29. The 2024 UCI Road and Para-Cycling Road World Championships are headed to Zurich, Switzerland for the first combined World Championships. Athletes will compete in the Individual Time Trial, Road Race, and Team Time Trial/Relay across the Junior, U23, Elite, and Para-Cycling categories.
Southeastern Racers–Good luck!
Emily Ehrlich (Greenville, S.C.; Team Twenty24) – Road Race, Time Trial
U23 Men
Artem Shmidt (Cumming, Ga.; Hagens Berman Jayco) – Road Race, Time Trial
Junior Men
Gray Barnett (Greenville, S.C.; EF Education-ONTO) – Road Race
Peyton Burckel (Lancombe, La.; EF Education-ONTO) – Road Race
Atlanta Magazine Profiles Southside Trail
Atlanta Magazine has profiled the Southside trail in their online magazine. One of their writers is a mountain biker.
News for 8-28-2024
Jen Colestock Finishes TNGA and sets NB FKT
From Bikepacking
“Over 80 riders lined up for the 2024 Trans North Georgia Adventure (TNGA), which kicked off two weeks ago from Mountain Rest, South Carolina. The event follows a challenging 350-mile route through the mountains of northern Georgia on trails, forest roads, and paved roads. Approximately 72% of the route is unpaved, and there is a whole lot of climbing. Among the riders were four women and, for the first time, a single non-binary rider. Last Wednesday, Jen Colestock officially became the first non-binary rider to complete the TNGA, setting the inaugural non-binary FKT.”
Beyond Limits Ride
From Catalyst Sports
Beyond Limits is a cycling event connecting and elevating community spirit while fostering inclusivity for all. Our Goal is to Raise $1 million for Catalyst Sports to enhance adaptive sports programs by 2030. The funds raised will directly support adaptive sports programs, helping individuals with physical disabilities to continue participating in these empowering activities.
Honoring our Veterans Beyond Limits Ride will take place on the weekend preceding Veterans Day (Sat, Nov. 9) to honor and thank all who served. Ride Location The ride will take place at the Silver Comet Trail in Atlanta, GA at the Floyd Road trailhead. There will also be a virtual option for anyone who wants to join in but can’t make it to Georgia on the day.
Entry Fee $25 ($50 after Sep 1st) To enter, cyclists are asked to commit to a minimum fundraising amount of $300. Entry includes Lunch, Ride T-Shirt, and Bib Number.
News for 8-24-2024
Wilson 100
From the Promoter
Register now for our annual Wilson 100 on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Same great routes as last year…Wilson 60 Rocky Mt, Wilson 100 Tower, Wilson Farmhouse 30
Ride Day:
Towerhouse Farm Brewery
18736 GA-85, Gay, GA 30218
6:30am- On site registration and packet pick-up at the Peach Shed
7:30am- 60, 80, 100 mass ride start
8:00am- 30miler starts
3:00-The last rest stop closes
Parking will be directed by the Southside Cycling riders, which we so appreciate! They will be at the parking lot entrance closest to the brewery. There will be signs. The brewery is offering $1.00 off any beer for your enjoyment!
We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you on the 7th! —Your Wilson 100 Ride Crew
UCI Mountain Bike World Championships
Georgia has two Junior Men competing in XC at the Mountain Bike World Champilonships this weekend. Ezra Caudell (Acworth, Ga.; Gravity Collective) and Luke Mosteller (Tunnell Hill, Ga.; Bear National Team). Other Southeastern races will represent the US in Downhill Elite Men Dakotah Norton (Clinton, Tenn.; Mondraker Factory Racing) and Luca Shaw (Pisgah Forest, N.C.; Canyon Collective). See the full US roster.
News for 8-22-2024
Atlanta Streets Alive
From Urbanize Atlanta
“Who says everywhere south of Interstate 20 never gets any love?
Come next month, Atlanta’s largest open-streets block party is shifting from the heart of downtown and Midtown to a new route spanning between a West End greenspace along the Beltline to the doorstep of the city’s oldest park.
Atlanta Streets Alive will begin a series of three monthly events from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15 along a straight route from West End to Grant Park, with Mechanicsville and Summerhill’s lively commercial district in between.
It will return to that route—opening Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard and Georgia Avenue—on Oct. 20 and Nov. 17.” Read the entire article.
News for 8-21-2024
Trans North Georgia Winner
Travis Jolly won the TNGA long distance bikepacking/bike race on a full suspension….single speed. Ya’ll I race singlespeed at a few CX races. That’s hard. Travis is insane…and apparently very fast. Emily Cox from Clayton, GA was the women’s winner. Read the full article at Bikepacking for some fun info.
News for 8-18-2024
Georgia Native Artem Shmidt Signs with Ineos Grenadiers
From Cyclingnews.com
“Reigning under-23 US national time trial champion Artem Shmidt signed a two-year contract with Ineos Grenadiers, putting the 20-year-old on the WorldTour team through 2026.
This is the first professional contract for the Georgia native, who will join the development squad at the end of August after competing with Team USA at the Tour de l’Avenir, taking place August 18-24.
“I’m very grateful to be joining Ineos Grenadiers for the rest of this season and the next two years. It was a goal from day one to ride for this team so making it a reality is really a dream come true,” Shmidt told Cyclingnews.
“I can’t wait to learn from the riders and staff to improve my game, but more importantly to help the team in any way I can. Super excited to see what the next couple years bring!”
Shmidt showed off his big engine as a 12-year-old when he swept junior national titles in the time trial, road race and criterium. Riding for development teams Mission Source/NGCA and Hot Tubes Development, Shmidt climbed the ladder to Pro 1-2 events, and in 2022 he earned two silvers and a bronze at road nationals in the men’s junior 17-18 division. He also gained experience in Belgium with stints on Cannibal Team, where he earned two GCs in Europe as a junior.”
Read the full article. Trish’s Note: This is Mission Source’s 2nd World Tour rider. Ian Garrison went to Deceuninck Quick-Step for a year. Something is in the water in Georgia. We’ve had so many men turn pro. Saul Raisin spent a couple of years with the French team Cofidis before his terrible accident. Oscar (last name eludes me) spent several years in Europe racing at the Continental level. Of course, Joey Rosskopf, who has raced for big teams and is with Q36.5 for this year. Ty Magner, Michael Garrison (Ian’s brother), and so many more. The women’s side has been a bit lighter. I can’t think of any women from Georgia that have raced on a European team. Certainly the biggest pro out of Georgia is ever young Tina Pic. She’s done the World Championships, won Twilight a time or two (or three?), and been an Olympic alternate (Athens, Greece 2024). Are there any other women?? Contact me if you know of any.
