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November 2023 News

Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful to everyone for supporting Southeastern Cycling. I expect news light over the next week. I have several dates to add to the 2024 calendars. Head’s up exclusive tidbit: Southern Cross registration opens Jan. 1!

News for 11-15-2023
Border Wars

Gran Fondo Guide has a great article on the local gravel ride/race Border Wars. I’ve done it the last 2 years and had a lot of fun! ” Border Wars Gravel Adventure returns to the Alabama / Georgia state line
Gear up, gravel cyclists! Saturday, February 24, 2024 will see Border Wars return for its 3rd annual AL/GA race, now starting in Franklin, Georgia. Gran Fondo Guide fans and followers SAVE 10% with our exclusive discount code!

Border Wars Gravel Adventure returns to the Alabama and Georgia state line

This event shows riders the best of both Southern gravel worlds: Georgia’s neat, meandering farmland roads and the shady, forested routes that dive across ‘Bama’s steep hollers. It’s an exhilarating day of friendly and competitive rides, a bike expo, and a festive after-party where riders will enjoy great food and drinks for all ages, plus live music from the Spring Street Bluegrass Band….”

News for 11-13-2023
Photos from Elks Aidmore State Championship CX Race
My photos from the Georgia Cyclocross State Championships at Elks Aidmore are up! http://sadlebred.smugmug.com

Interview with Artem Shmidt
From Cyclingnews.com

“Ask anyone connected to cycling around Atlanta, Georgia if they are familiar with Artem Shmidt and you’ll get a resounding ‘yes’. He’s been a staple of the junior criterium and road scene since he was barely a teenager.

In 2016 as a 12-year-old, he won US amateur road titles on the road, time trial and criterium, as well as Southern spotlight races for juniors at the Sunny King Criterium and Georgia Cycling Grand Prix. By the time he was 15, he was competing in 50 or more races each year for Mission Devo Cycling/NGCA p/b Tyler Perry Studios, and even found 30 local events to race during the summer of COVID-19.” Read the full article on Cyclingnews.

News For 11-11-2023
Trails at Toona Closed

From MTB Atlanta
The Voodoo and Hocus Pocus area of the park will be closed to everyone except permitted bow hunters until Jan 1, 2024 at Allatoona Creek Park MTB Trails

2024 Races
I am looking weekly for information about 2024 races. There has not been much put out yet. Chainbuster Racing announced they moved from a calendar yearly series to more of a fall-summer schedule. A few of their dates up on the mountain bike calendar. Road I never expect to see much until Feb. I’ll keep checking and updating the calendars as I get more information. Have a tip or know something? Contact me!

News For 11-9-2023
Dirty Sheets Night Ride

From MTB Atlanta
Join us on Tuesday nights during Daylight Savings Time through Christmas for a group ride at night on the Dirty Sheets brought to you by MTB Atlanta, Pro Bike Repair of Serenbe and Senoia Cycles. It’s our 7th Season running and we ride the Dirty Sheets at night!! This year we will be starting at MTB Atlanta HQ “Goode’s Camp.” Goode’s Camp is on Atlanta Newnan Road at 33.529617, -84.730463. Look for the MTB Atlanta flags at the end of the driveway and turn into the field to park. We will have lights, bathrooms and a fire pit so bring a camp chair if you want to hang out after! Be ready to ride at 6:30 PM and expect a 10-12 mph average over 20ish miles. 12/15/20 mile options. Please choose the appropriate route that you can finish in 1:30 hours or less.

You are required to have a handle bar light, a helmet light and a rear light. Wear appropriate hi vis clothing, be self sufficient and be able to handle a flat or a mechanical in the dark and be able to navigate back to your car on your own. You must sign a waiver to be on the ride. This ride has a great following and is an excellent way to stay in shape and enjoy some winter riding. If you like the Dirty Sheets in the day, you’re gonna love it at night. Hope to see you there!

News for 11-6-2022
Hincapie Gran Fondo-Deer Jumps Over Riders!

Velonews has some incredible footage of the Greenville Hincapie Gran Fondo in October. A deer jumped over the pack and grazed a cyclist! Be sure to watch the whole thing for the SloMo. The rider was ok other than a small
injury to his neck.

Blankets Creek Work Party
From SORBA Woodstock
The Monthly Trail Maintenance work party at Blanket’s Creek will be Sat., Nov. 18 9 am-1 pm.

Blankets Creek Closed to Hunting
On Sunday, Nov. 19 Blankets Creek will be closed to hunting all day. Other closures include Sunday, Dec. 17 and in 2024 Jan. 18, Jan. 28.

News for 11-3-2023
Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet

From Southeast Gravel

Get ready for the ultimate gravel cycling challenge in the Southeast! Southeast Gravel proudly presents the first-ever “Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet.” This thrilling race is set to become an epic adventure for cyclists seeking an unforgettable experience on two wheels. Race Details:, Date: April 6th, 2024, Location: Hot Springs, North Carolina, Race Distances: Long, short and fun courses, Post-Event Celebration: Join us for a lively post-event celebration with food, music, and camaraderie in the heart of downtown Hot Springs.

What Makes the Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet Special? Scenic Routes: Traverse the stunning landscapes of the Pisgah region, including lush forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. Experience the beauty of the Southeast like never before. Challenging Terrain: Test your skills on diverse terrain, from gravel roads to challenging climbs, 2-track roads, and thrilling descents. The Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet promises a challenging and rewarding ride.
Community and Camaraderie: Connect with fellow gravel cyclists who share your passion for the sport. This event fosters a sense of community and the opportunity to make new friends. Push Your Limits: Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a newcomer to gravel cycling, this event is open to all levels. Push your limits and challenge yourself in a supportive and encouraging environment. Registration: Mark your calendars for the opening of registration on November 10th. Stay tuned for updates on registration fees and details on our website. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary event that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and challenges of gravel cycling in the Southeast. Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, and prepare to conquer the Hot Springs Gravel Gauntlet with Southeast Gravel!

News for 11-1-2023
USA Cycling National Championships for 2024

From USA Cycling
“Riders will see some modifications to the 2024 event schedule, specifically with the road events. As previously announced, the Pro Road National Championships will now host the Junior 17-18 and Under-23 events, in addition to the Elite categories. The remaining Junior events and the entirety of the Masters events (ages 11-16 and 35+) will combine in Augusta, Ga. in late July.

Historically, there has been crossover with Category 1 Men competing at both Amateur Road and Pro Road Nationals. To address this, the Cat 1 Men’s Road Race, Criterium, and Time Trial have been eliminated. Cat 1 racers will still be eligible to compete in Pro Road as part of a Domestic Elite Team or through a petition process for Cat 1 riders.”

The southern locations for the 2024 National Championship schedule is as follows:

March 17 Elite BMX Rock Hill, S.C.
May 14-19 Pro Road Charleston, W.Va.
June 15 Marathon Mountain Bike Auburn, Ala.
July 22-28 Masters and Junior Road Augusta, Ga.
July 31 – August 4 Gravity Mountain Bike Henderson County, N.C.
August 6-11 Masters Track Rock Hill, S.C.
October 10-13 Collegiate Mountain Bike Henderson County, N.C.
December 9-15 Cyclocross Louisville, Ky.

News for 10-31-2023
WBL Calendar Released

From the original Winter Bike League
Breaking News: 2023-24 WBL Calendar Announced. Details of Home Opener Released! Brang the kids inside, thangs is about to get stirred up!
[SFS ride every Saturday in Nov @ 9 AM. Details posted on WBL Facebook page]
WBL 2023-24
*{always subject to tweaks and changes due to inclement weather. Last minute changes posted on social media)
Ride # 1: Saturday 2 December 2023: The HUB Home Opener: The Ila, The Dog, Lover’s Loop (4 hours / 80 miles)
Ride # 2: Saturday 9 December 2023: [sponsor open] Rayle-Philomath (4 hours)
Ride # 3: Saturday 16 December 2023: Choco Pronto Now Here Nowhere Road Ride to Nowhere (4 hours / 80 miles)
Ride # 4: Saturday 23 Dec 2023: Crowe Law Greensboro Classic / Non Pro Sprint (4.5 hours / 90 miles)
Ride # 5: Saturday 30 Dec 2023: Team Type 1 Foundation Ladies Launch (Ladies only sprint!) (80 miles / 4 hours)
Ride # 6: Jan 1 Jan 2024: The Reeves Young Cure the Hangover Classic (Non Pro only sprint) (3 hours)
Ride # 7: Saturday 6 January 2024: Pro Sprint # 1: Classic City Bread Madison Mosh (4.5 hours / 90 miles)
Ride # 8: Saturday 13 January 2024: Pro Sprint # 2: First American Bank Bowman Ball Buster (100 miles / 5 Hours)
Ride # 9: Saturday 20 January 2024: Pro Sprint # 3: Homer World Cup [sponsor open] (100 miles / 5 hours)
Ride # 10: Saturday 27 January 2024: Pro Sprint # 4: Bill Boonen Alto World Cup (6 hours / 120 miles) [MONUMENT]
Ride # 11: Saturday 3 February 2024: Pro Sprint # 5: Parks Law Elberton Granite Festival World Cup (5 Hours / 100 miles)
Ride # 12: Saturday 10 February 2024Pro Sprint # 6: Gruber Images Lula World Cup (5 hours / 100 miles)

https://www.facebook.com/winterbikeleague

News for 10-30-2023
Big Creek XC Work Party

From RAMBO
Sat., Nov. 4, 2023 9 am-1 pm, Big Creek XC Work Party, Grab a friend and come chip in some time to give our XC trails a little time up. Meet at the Greenway restrooms and we will divide and conquer from there. Bring gloves and closed toe shoes and a hip pack with water. Thank you in advance for your support.

News for 10-26-2023
The Airport Ride Returns

From ATLPTN
A Circus On Wheels

It’s almost here, the ride you love to hate….

…or do you hate that you love it?

Either way, this show is rolling into town on Sunday, November 5th at 10:00am.

Not 9:59am Not 10:04am

Long and short options. Nature break about 12 miles in from the start.

All clowns are asked to stay at home.

Airport Opening Day
Sunday, November 5th
Roll Time: 10:00am
Details: ATLPTN – Airport

News for 10-25-2023
Bearings Bike Works Sidewalk Sale Saturday

From Bearings Bike Works

Shop at Bearings this Saturday!
This Saturday, stop by Bearings‘ retail shop from 11-4 to shop new & used apparel, components, racks, tires, wheels, trainers, and much more. Everything is priced to sell, so now’s your chance to score some great deals!

Your purchases will help support our youth programs and allow us to serve even more kids and teens in the coming year through important skills development programs. We hope to see you there!

News for 10-24-2023
MACC Donates over $53,000 to Local Youth Organizations

From the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club

On October 21, 2023 the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club proudly donated over $53,000 to local organizations that support the MACC mission “to promote cycling in the Black community and build camaraderie among all cyclist”. We celebrated the work of the BRAG Dream Team , East Atlanta Kids Club , Bearings Bike Shop , Urban Creek Conservation and Recreation Corps , DLV Youth Cycling League, Free Bikes for Kids and Major Taylor Youth Chapter of Georgia

From the proceeds of the Annual One Love Century and generous ‘in-kind’ donations MACC helps our community partners and supports their mission.

Trish’s Note: Thank you MACC for all you do for the underserved youth in the metro Atlanta area! Showing them what it means to be kind and live healthy lives through cycling is something that is amazing! Organizations benefiting from One Love include Major Taylor Youth of Macon, Bearings Bike Works, and the Dream Team.

October 2023 News

News for 10-26-2023
The Airport Ride Returns

From ATLPSN
A Circus On Wheels

It’s almost here, the ride you love to hate….

…or do you hate that you love it?

Either way, this show is rolling into town on Sunday, November 5th at 10:00am.

Not 9:59am Not 10:04am

Long and short options. Nature break about 12 miles in from the start.

All clowns are asked to stay at home.

Airport Opening Day
Sunday, November 5th
Roll Time: 10:00am
Details: ATLPTN – Airport

News for 10-25-2023
Bearings Bike Works Sidewalk Sale Saturday

From Bearings Bike Works

Shop at Bearings this Saturday!
This Saturday, stop by Bearings‘ retail shop from 11-4 to shop new & used apparel, components, racks, tires, wheels, trainers, and much more. Everything is priced to sell, so now’s your chance to score some great deals!

Your purchases will help support our youth programs and allow us to serve even more kids and teens in the coming year through important skills development programs. We hope to see you there!

News for 10-24-2023
MACC Donates over $53,000 to Local Youth Organizations

From the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club

On October 21, 2023 the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club proudly donated over $53,000 to local organizations that support the MACC mission “to promote cycling in the Black community and build camaraderie among all cyclist”. We celebrated the work of the BRAG Dream Team , East Atlanta Kids Club , Bearings Bike Shop , Urban Creek Conservation and Recreation Corps , DLV Youth Cycling League, Free Bikes for Kids and Major Taylor Youth Chapter of Georgia

From the proceeds of the Annual One Love Century and generous ‘in-kind’ donations MACC helps our community partners and supports their mission.

Trish’s Note: Thank you MACC for all you do for the underserved youth in the metro Atlanta area! Showing them what it means to be kind and live healthy lives through cycling is something that is amazing! Organizations benefiting from One Love include Major Taylor Youth of Macon, Bearings Bike Works, and the Dream Team.

Smyrna Mountain Bike Trails Meeting-North Cooper Lake Park
From the City of Smyrna, GA Parks and Rec:
Calling all mountain bike enthusiasts! We will be having a meeting in the Oak Room at the Smyrna Community Center on Wednesday, October 25th at 6:30pm. The meeting will be to discuss future trails plans and advanced trail development. The meeting is open to any interested Mountain Bike Enthusiast that rides the trails at North Cooper Lake Park.

News for 10-20-2023
US Center for SafeSport Permenantly Bans Kevin ‘Scott’ Morris-former USA Crits Director

From Cyclingnews.com

The US Center for Sa”feSport has permanently banned Kevin ‘Scott’ Morris, a former contractor and director for the USA CRITS series, from participation in activities and competitions with USA Cycling.

SafeSport lists the ruling of ‘permanent ineligibility’, dated September 27, 2023, for “criminal disposition – involving a minor” and “criminal disposition – sexual misconduct”, obtained from the nonprofit’s Centralized Disciplinary Database on their website. The criminal disposition items listed pertain to cases from 2007 and before, for which charges were later not pursued, and Morris accepted a “no contest plea to a computer services crime”.” Read the full article.

SORBA Woodstock Trail Mainteiane Party
From SORBA Woodstock
October- Trail Maintenance work party Saturday, October 28, 9:00 AM 1:00 PM Rope Mill 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Road Woodstock, GA, 30188 United States

News 10-14-2023
SBI Three Bridge Tour

From the South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club
The South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club is hosting their fifth annual Three Bridge Tour on Saturday, November 4th 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, 10 miles, 34 miles or 67 miles. Each route is fully supported with SAG, Rest stops and over marked for riders of all experience levels 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. More info and registration: https://www.3bridgetour.com/

News for 10-11-2023
Bird Dog 100

From Gravel Roll
Are you Ready to Roll? Let’s Get this Gravel! Hello Gravel gang! Bird Dog 100 is less than a month away and it’s about doggone time! Due to feedback we’ve gotten recently we will be starting all the groups together at 8 am on race day! Packet pickup will be at 5:30 pm on the patio at the Good Day Cafe (630 N Liberty St) in Waynesboro! With a 10-12 mile social ride following shortly after packet pickup. Lodging: We haven’t been able to secure any camping spots in city limits yet but we will continue the search and notify you as soon as we find out anything new. However we have locked down a special rate of $169 per night at the Waynesboro, GA Hampton Inn, just give them a call at (706) 558-4190 and tell them you’re riding in the Bird Dog 100 race. Price increases coming up soon! As we close in on Bird Dog 100, registration costs will increase. Sign up soon to secure the $60 pricing.$70 – register by October 21 $80 – register by October 28 $100 – day of registration

News for 10-9-2023
Allatoona Trail Closures
(Updated)
From MTB Atlanta
At Allatoona Creek Park, the following trails will be closed to all trail users except permitted bow hunters from Oct. 15-Nov. 31: Hocus Pocus, Voodoo, Fern Gully, and Free Candy. Please stay off of the trails! All other trails will remain open.

News for 10-3-2023
Allatoona Creek Trail Closures

From MTB Atlanta
Please share with your non-Facebook friends and kids that both Free Candy and Fern Gully at Allatoona Creek Park are CLOSED for bow hunting until February 1, 2024. Even with all the signs, we know riders are still using them.

Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon
From Mountain Goat Adventures
2023 Rope Mill DIrty Duathlon p/b Northside Cherokee Hospiatl Nov. 11, 2023 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! IMPORTANT DEADLINES: October 12 – Early Registration Price Deadline, October 20 – Guaranteed Shirt Size Deadline. Please register by this date if you want a shirt with the race design on it.

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.

This event is one of four major yearly fundraisers for SORBA Woodstock. Thanks to generous support we receive from Northside Hospital-Cherokee and YOUR PARTICIPATION, this event raises roughly $2500 for the chapter! Thank you for supporting this event and your local trails!

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 this event 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.

News for 9-28-2023
Mount Vernon Road Bridge Closed
UPDATE GDOT says the bridge will not reopen as it is not structurally sound. The earlier replacement timeline is Summer 2024. In Georgia this means around 2050.

The bridge over 285 on Mount Vernon Road is closed for the long term. A truck carrying a large piece of equipment struck the bridge on 285. GDOT has said the bridge will remain closed for the forseeable future. This is a popular cycling route through Sandy Springs. Trish’s Note: In the long run I guess it’s ok. They are replacing the whole bridge anyway. It will be quite an inconvenience for those in the area.

News for 9-26-2023
Mackenzie Myatt New Book

Georgia Cyclocross’s own Mackenzie Myatt has written a new book. She says: “I wrote In Defense of Big Dreams because I wanted to share what makes me tick and how to harness it. I want to inspire not just girls and women through sport, but everyone to act on their potential. It’s amazing what can happen when you consistently show up for yourself and take risks. This book came at a time in my life when I decided to stop taking the path of least resistance and trust myself. Something had to change and in that, I tried to change as many things as possible. I didn’t want to tweak the rules, I wanted to chuck them out the window. I hope this book inspires readers to do the same.”

About Mackenzie: I am an elite cyclist from Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia. I write about the idiosyncrasies of chasing excellence in sport and in life. For as long as I can remember, I have been writing poetry to process the world around me. I was a pretty shy, anxious kid and writing was the best way I knew to express myself. In my teenage years, poetry became a lifeline for all of the things I couldn’t say out loud. Now, it is the best way I know how to share all of the things that inspire me.

I have been active and competitive for as long as I can remember. I was a gymnast for 10 years before I decided to commit to cycling. My U23 years saw several invitations to National Team projects, World Cup projects, World Championships, Top-20 performances in Europe and National Championship podiums in Canada and the US. Collegiate racing gave me the perfect environment to practice racing to win, an education and many cherished memories. I currently race whatever events excite me, no matter the discipline.

I have a BFA in Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta and currently split my time between Nova Scotia and Georgia.

Pre-orders are being taken now for delivery around the first of November. It will also eventually be availalbe on Amazon For now, for pre-order people can PayPal or Venmo editor Molly Hurford $25USD. Venmo: mjhurford@gmail.com or Paypal: mollyjhurford@gmail.com

News for 9-22-2023
Silver Comet Closure

Today the Silver Comet was closed at Anderson FARM Road. Unconfirmed rumor has repairs to the gas line taking up to FOUR WEEKS. Do NOT attempt to go around the closures. Natural gas can be very dangerous! It goes “BOOM!” That means you probably won’t be around to ride your bike again. Don’t chance it.

Detour going WEST on the Silver Comet. Left onto Anderson Farm Road, Right onto Flint Hill, Left onto Anderson Mill Rd. Pass the Comet. At the next stop sign, make a very careful left onto Ewing. Cars coming from Ewing onto Anderson Mill DO NOT LIKE TO STOP at their stop sign! **Use extreme caution!!!** Right back onto the SCT going west. Reverse for going East. Use at your own risk. Only you are responsible for you and your equipment. Trish Albert/Southeastern Cycling are not responsible if you get hurt/injured!

Atlanta Streets Alive
From PropelATLJoin Atlanta on Peachtree Street this Sunday, September 24th, at Atlanta Streets Alive, a monthly open streets initiative presented by ATLDOT with support from Propel ATL and the Atlanta community! 

Where/When: Peachtree Street between 15th Street and Mitchell Street from 1-5 p.m.

Find the Propel ATL tents in front of Peachtree Center near Portman Blvd!

Can’t make it? No worries! After a groundswell of demand, Streets Alive will take place monthly this fall. The next dates are Sunday, October 22nd and Sunday, November 12th. Or, check out Westside Stride on Sunday, October 29th from 12-6 p.m. Bike, walk, scoot, or stroll down Howell Mill Road!