6-27-2017 Shine Pedalers Metric Press Release Unique ride offers tremendous views of Dawson County this summer. The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Office of Tourism Development is hosting its 5th Annual Shine Pedalers bicycle ride July 29. The metric and half-metric rides start and finish at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in downtown Dawsonville. The rides begin at 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. Each ride takes cyclists through scenic and rural areas of Dawson County. The metric ride offers a challenging climb up Burnt Mountain. “Each year we strive to make the ride better than the year before. This year, the route has been adapted to make it even more enjoyable for the riders by keeping the ride off main roads as much as possible” Haynes said.

The ride features plenty of SAG stops to keep riders energized and hydrated throughout the ride. New to the ride this year is a competition between themed SAG stops. Cyclists will vote for their favorite stop at the end of the ride. King and Queen of the Mountain will be awarded to the first male and female to reach the top of Burnt Mountain. After the ride, cyclists will be treated to a BBQ lunch, refreshments and an opportunity to tour the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame as well as the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery. Trish’s Note: I did this ride 2 years ago and enjoyed it overall. I’m glad to hear they have changed some of the course. It is a great training ride for Six Gap, especially if you have never climbed Burnt Mountain.

Georgia Bikes is hiring a new Complete Streets Coordinator! Great position for a Georgia-based advocate (or someone willing to move to Georgia very quickly!) interested in bike/ped friendly communities that have safety and equity at the center new infrastructure. Applications due in two weeks on Monday July 10th.

6-26-2017 Pizza Ride Decree From Mark Linenberg: “Given the recent and frequent rain, I’ve received requests to keep 3 loops on Northlake and Pizza Rides for a bit longer, so we actually get a chance to ride 3 loops several times….

Therefore: 3 loops in St. Mountain Park for rides through, Thursday, July 6. Bring lights, accordingly. The Belgium loop is NOW OPEN and will be ridden on the final loop of Northlake. July 3rd: Special Edition Northlake Ride- MONDAY July 3 @ 6:30PM start. No Northlake Ride on Tuesday July 4, due to St. Mountain Park Fireworks display/car traffic.”

6-25-2017 Joey Does It! Congratulations to Georgia resident Joey Rosskopf (Team BMC) on winning the US Pro National Time Trial Championships! You will look great in Stars and Stripes, Joey!!

6-23-2017 Gran Fondo Asheville Press Release Discover alluring Asheville, from the unique perspective of your handlebars. Experience Asheville, North Carolina, Lonely Planet’s top U.S. travel destination for 2017. Your ride begins in the River Arts District at New Belgium Brewing Company and quickly moves along well-marked winding roads out into pastoral countryside and up to mountain ridge vistas. At the end of the ride, as you descend from the Blue Ridge Parkway into the heart of town, you will be afforded a spectacular cityscape view and greeted by fellow riders and families back at New Belgium Brewing Company; where you can enjoy the music, vendors, massage therapists, and of course- food and beer!

Beginner and avid cyclists alike will find a challenge to meet their individual goals with courses covering 30-, 60- and 100-mile journeys. Gran Fondo Asheville is a part of the Giordana Gran Fondo National Championship Series (GFNCS) and benefits Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Register by June 23 for reduced pricing!

6-21-2017 Silk Sheets Time Trial July 29! Equipe Sports present the first annual Silk Sheets Time Trial July 29 in Chattahoochee Hills, GA. The course is about 15 miles long. Categories are offered for Men and Women from Cat. 5 to Cat. 1. Masters age groups for Men and Women are offered in 5 year blocks starting with 35-39 and going up to 60+. Entry is only $25, and pre-registration is open until July 27th! Register early for the best start times! Don’t have a USA Cycling license? One day licenses will be available for $10 for Cat. 5 racers!  Triathletes–you can do the Cat. 5 Men’s and Women’s races on a 1 day license! Practice for your next tri! Come out and test your speed against the clock!

6-20-2017 US Pro Live Webcast The US Pro Road Races are this weekend in Knoxville, TN. The live webcast for #USPRO will be for road races on Sunday, starting 9 AM EDT with Women’s Pro RR Championship in Knoxville. The Pro Men start at 1:15 PM EDT.

6-18-2017 Georgia CX Dates The 2017 dates have been finalized for the GACX Series! A couple of tweaks are being made to the race venues, so they will be release shortly! The dates are Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 14-15, Oct. 22, Oct. 28-29, Nov. 11-12, Nov. 19, Nov 26, Dec. 2-3.

6-16-2017 Georgia Cycling Gran Prix From the Promoter TopView Sports is bringing you the 10th Annual Georgia Cycling Gran Prix, from July 19-23, 2017. This yearly tradition has racers across the Southeast targeting these 5 days at the end of July with extreme anticipation. This year’s event will consist of six exhilarating and challenging races over 5 days. Building off the success of the past 10 years, averaging over 500 racers from 11 states each year, the 2017 edition is showing signs of dramatic increases in participation and excitement. Sanctioned by USACycling, the Georgia Cycling Gran Prix will attract both amateur and professional cyclists of all ages from around the Southeast, definitely determining the best in the region when the dust settles on the 24th.

Twilights at Atlanta Motorsports Park From TopView Sports: Hey Georgia Bike Racers. Don’t miss this chance to race on the awesome, closed, safe, fun, challenging, car free, wide and smooth Atlanta Motorsports Park on Wednesday June 28 at 6pm. Two races, B’s at 6pm and A’s at 6:45pm. Super cheap entry of $20 too.

Sope Creek Monthly Work Party From SORBA Atlanta Sope Creek Monthly Work Party, Saturday, June 17 9 am-Noon We will be meeting at the Columns Drive Parking Lot of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area at 9 AM. Wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees.

6-15-2017 David Heath to Euro Camp From Frazier Cycling Frazier Cycling is proud to announce that David Heath, 16, has been selected to represent Team USA at this summer’s USA Cycling’s Men’s 15/16 European Race Camp from July 9th to July 31st! David is Frazier Cycling Juniors’ second member selected for Team USA following in the footsteps of his older sister Megan, who was selected for the 2016 World Road Championships last October. Congratulations, David! Well earned!

Hey Carolinas! Step up to support your Crit Championships! From Judy Rhyne-Carolinas Cycling Association (Edited for length)
There is no denying that road racing in this country has been declining rapidly over the past few years. There are multiple contributing factors for this decline….one of which is the fact that clubs are no longer required to organize and promote races in order to remain in good standing with USAC. Once this rule was removed from the USAC rulebook, we saw an immediate decline in the number of local races on the calendar……We have struggled this year to find clubs willing to organize our regional championship events. This struggle is not new….the CCA had to start offering financial incentives to clubs willing to organize championship events about 9-10 years ago. Now, even those incentives are not enough to convince clubs to do their duty for the future of this sport. I receive daily emails and phone calls from racers asking about the championships….as if they are entitled to race in championship events, but with absolutely no understanding that championship events do not simply happen on their own…..there must be clubs willing to host and organize them.

Lowcountry Racing has stepped up once again and volunteered to host the 2017 Regional Criterium Championships, even though they hosted last year’s event with minimal racer participation…. Walterboro, SC graciously agreed to serve as the new venue for the 2017 Criterium Championships. We need every club to field a team of racers to attend this event. Otherwise, we may not have ANY regional or state championship road events going forward. If everything goes well this weekend, Lowcountry Racing has discussed the possibility of also hosting the TT Regional Championships….I urge you to support the Criterium Championships this weekend in order to ensure the future of local racing. We are still working to bring you both TT and RR championships this year. As mentioned above, Lowcountry may host the TT championships. In addition, the final day of Crossroads may in fact be a regional RR championship. These events cannot happen if clubs do not send racers. Most clubs have enough members that they can support both the charity ride and the Criterium Championships. No racers in attendance today = no race in the future.

6-14-2017 Pete Wicker Update As many people know Pete Wicker, owner of Outback Bikes, had a quintuple bypass a few weeks ago. On June 10 Pete suffered a stroke. While the doctors are cautiously optimistic, the road to recovery will be a long one. Please consider donating to a GoFundMe account set up by one of Pete’s good friends. I have confirmed with Pete’s wife that this is going to their family for Pete’s medical bills and recovery. If you would like, you can also send a check directly to Outback Bikes or shop at Outback Bikes for any bicycle needs! Pete and Outback have been a long time supporter of Southeastern Cycling and for that I am very grateful! Rudy Keefer, the pasta chef at Kevin Rathbun Steak & Outback Bikes race team member, has offered to cook a 4 course meal for the person that donates the most to Pete’s recovery fund. (I can attest to how amazing Rudy’s cooking is!) Please keep Pete and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Allatoona Work Party From SORBA West Georgia Allatoona Trail Work Party, Saturday, June 17 9 am-1pm We’ll be working on a variety of trail projects. Driftwood extension, Hocus Pocus reroute, etc. All tools and lunch provided. Just wear long pants, closed toe shoes, gloves and bug spray.

6-13-2017 Rope Mill Trail Party From SORBA Woodstock, Sat. June 17 9 am-1 pm, Love to ride trails? They don’t just magically appear, they need volunteers like you to make sure they are the best trails around. Come be a part of the core group that makes trails happen. The June 17th trail party will be at Rope Mill park. We will provide tools, training and lunch, all you need to do is show up with gloves closed toe shoes and water. We will provide everything else.

6-10-2017 Georgia Bikes Announces New Director From Georgia Bikes The Board of Directors of Georgia Bikes is pleased to announce Elliott Caldwell as the organization’s new Executive Director. He is currently the Interim Executive Director, a role he has occupied since February 2017. He takes over for longtime Executive Director Brent Buice, who now works as the South Carolina & Georgia Coordinator for the East Coast Greenway and recently joined the Georgia Bikes Board. Commenting on the new hire, Brent said, “Georgia Bikes is fortunate to have Elliott continuing his tenure with the organization as the new Executive Director; he and Nedra Deadwyler, the Safety Education Programs Manager, create a phenomenal one-two staff punch.”

Board President Joe Seconder also weighed in on the new hire, stating, “It’s my great pleasure to see Elliott move forward within Georgia Bikes; he brings great synergies to this critical leadership position, including tenured work as our Complete Streets Coordinator, a fellowship with the Alliance for Biking and Walking, and service as past president at one of our many statewide partner organizations, BikeAthens. His experience in working on promoting bicycling advocacy across the regions of our state is truly an asset and sets him up to be productive from day one. The Board looks forward to working with him to execute our new strategic plan.” Trish’s Note: Elliot is a WBL Zealot and Men’s 1/2 CX racer. Congratulations!!!

6-8-2017 Women’s Only Track Certification Class Sorella Cycling is pleased to announce a women’s specific track clinic at Dick Lane Velodrome on June 24th and 25th from 1-4 p.m. This is an opportunity to become familiar with fixed gear riding and basic technique and rules of velodrome use and racing. The clinic is open to anyone who identifies as female. Learning will be lead by Brian Sullivan as well as other women from the track community. Completion of both days of the clinic will result in “track certification” and the ability to race/train at most velodromes across the country. No experience necessary! If you have a track bike, you’re welcome to bring it, or you can rent one from the fleet. Email Brian Sullivan (valbrenta@gmail.com) with your height and bike size. You will need to bring your own pedals if you are renting. Other things to bring: helmet, kit, sun glasses, water, and a snack. There are bathrooms on site. Total cost: $60
RSVP & Pre-registration Required.

6-7-2017 Chicopee Work Party From SORBA NE GA Sat., June 10. Join Northeast Georgia SORBA for a morning of trail maintenance and fellowship at Chicopee Woods MTB Trails. Please arrive by 8:45a.m. for sign-in. Meet at the tool shed in the upper parking lot. We will work from 9-12:30pm. Tools and Lunch will be provided. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome. Wear long pants and closed toed shoes, bring water, snacks, gloves, etc. Stinging insects are active at this time of year, so if you have a severe allergic reaction to stings please bring your Epi-Pen or other device. If you enjoy these trails please join us to help maintain them. RSVP to negasorba@gmail.com by noon Friday June 9 so we know how many lunches to prepare.

6-5-2017 Second Atlanta Velodrome? Those of us that race track have know for a while but…..Could Atlanta have a 2nd velodrome in the next year or two? The East Point Track Club (EPTC) is working to bring portable velodrome to Atlanta. It would be set up in an indoor location in the winter and an outdoor location in the summer. Their proposal is now online and makes for an interesting read. Personally, I hope they pull it off! It would bring track cycling and cycling in general to a new audience in the region. We ALL love racing at the Dick Lane Velodrome, but it is a haul for a lot of people in weeknight traffic. Little known fact: The DLV has more programming (races, certification classes, youth cycling league) that almost any other velodromes in the country (Speculation is that we have the most!). It would be great to race and ride at the track year round and give others the opportunity to as well!

6-2-2017 Dirty Sheets News If you are tired of having to jump fences while crossing S. Fulton Parkway on the Dirty Sheets gravel loop there is now a gate at Whiteside and S. Fulton. Please be kind and close the gate behind you when you are done crossing. Disclaimer: I have no clue who put it there! This was posted to a trail group on Facebook.

S. Fulton Parkway Gate-Dirty Sheets Loop. Photo courtesy of anonymous.

Blanket’s Creek Closed Saturday Blanket’s Creek will be closed for the 6 Hour Race to Sunset on Saturday. As a reminder, the public cannot ride when trails are closed for an event. Why not sign up to race? Rope Mill will be open.

6-1-2017 Amazon Smile Does everyone know about AmazonSmile? When you shop via AmazonSmile 0.5% gets donated to a non-profit of your choice. I’ve chosen the Dick Lane Velodrome, but there are a ton of cycling causes you can choose from including several SORBA Chapters, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, SOPO Bicycle Coop and tons more. You can get more details and sign up at AmazonSmile. It doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up for your favorite cycling non-profit.

5-31-2017  Cobb Trails Master Plan Survey If you live in Cobb County or use Cobb County trails including greenways, the Silver Comet, bike paths, Allatoona Creek Park, mtb trails, etc, please fill out the survey about the Masters Trails Plan.

Other News  With the holiday, it’s been a bit quiet. The Healthy Newton Omnium released the flyer for the race next weekend. It’s a true omnium with a TT, Crit, and road race. Check it out and support a great local independent promoter (well, two–Jim Behning and Elizabeth Lee).

5-28-2017 Try the Track! Interested in trying the track? The DLV is having a “Try the Track Day” to celebrate National Velodrome Day on Sat., June 3. The Try the Track session in the morning is free. Bikes are provided, and there will be DLV coaches on hand to help participants. There is also a weekend certification class next weekend. The “Try the Track” is not the same as the certification class. People still have to take the certification class for which there is a nominal fee. Please share with anyone you think might be interested!!

5-23-2017 Georgia State TT and TTT ChampionshipsGeorgia State Time Trial and Team Time Trial Championships The are this Saturday in Gainesville! The Georgia State Time Trials are open to anyone with a USAC license. If you don’t have a USAC license, you may purchase a one-day license at online registration. You need not reside in Georgia; however, only annual license holders, residing in Georgia are eligible to purchase the Georgia State Championship Jersey. Individual Time Trials begin at 8 am, Team Time Trials begin at 12pm All Podiums 1st-3rd receive medals All 1st place residents USAC license holders and residents of Georgia are eligible to purchase custom Georgia State Championship Jersey. Category, Masters, and Teams will race 22 miles. Juniors will race 12 miles.

Sumatanga RR There is a RR in Alabama this Saturday at Sumatanga. Alex, the promoter, needs 55 entries in order to hold this race. There will also be a mountain bike race at Sylaward planned for Sunday. Several riders from Alabama have reached out to me and asked all racers from Alabama and anyone that can to support these races. 

5-19-2017 Healthy Newton Omnium Returns! The Healthy Newton is back June 10-11, 2017! Just 30 miles East of Atlanta, Healthy Newton features a NEW 6 mile time trial course and a NEW 4-corner criterium course on Saturday. On Sunday race through the rolling country side where you can see 200 year old farm houses and mansions. Proceeds from this race go to support the local Newton Trails and local safe road markings. Find more information on the website  or Facebook. Pre-Registration is available through USA Cycling.

Atlanta Bicycle Festival Schedule The Atlanta Bicycle Festival will take place around the city June 10-17. The full schedule is up. There are rides for roadies, mountain bikers, hipsters, and families! There are also networking and social events as well as a chance for city of Atlanta residents to meet with their council members. If you enjoy giving back, there is a Bicycle Lane Clean Up Ride and a ride to collect toiletries for the homeless. Atlanta Streets Alive from the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition will be June 11 on the Westside utilizing Howell Mill Rd. and Marietta Blvd. Georgia Bike Law will give a presentation on scary encounters on a bike and how to handle them.

5-17-2017 Women ‘s Only Rides in Atlanta I get asked all the time if there are any women’s only rides in Atlanta. Yes! I am happy to say there are several this year.
Mondays–This one is just getting off the ground. Snyder Cycles Females Only Beginner and Recovery Ride. 6:30. Moderate.  New to riding in a group or just recovering from a hard weekend, all female identifying cyclists are welcome. The emphasis will be one learning and becoming comfortable riding in a group. This will be a no drop ride but please be prepared for 16 miles at around 12 mph to Stone Mountain, around, and back. Helmets required and lights recommended.

Tuesdays:  Women can also do the “Mixed” Ride with the guys if you want a really hard ride that night. Atlanta Cycling Women’s Ride. 6:30 (6:15 March & Sept. 6:00 Oct.), 22 miles, Strenuous/Moderate/No Drop. Join Atlanta Cycling for a women’s only ride on the Vinings Loop. The ride breaks into A and B groups. There is a sweep rider, so no one rides in alone! Road bikes are required, and you should be comfortable averaging 12 mph on a very hilly course. Join the Facebook group. Strava Map.

Wednesday: Sorella Cycling Women’s Only Ride. Leaves from E. Rivers Elementary in Buckhead at 6:30. Varying abilities, but you should be able to average about 15 mph in very hilly Buckhead terrain. They regroup at the top of some hills, but this is not a beginner ride. Map.
AND ChicksWhoRide, 6:30. Moderate. Meet at Outback Bikes in Little 5 Points. Road bikes required, ladies only. Expect an average speed of 15-16 mph on this hilly intown route. This is NOT a no drop ride. You need to be comfortable riding intown with traffic and typical intown stuff. Strava Route.

5-16-2017 HighPoint Cycling Classic Press Release For the first time since 2014, the High Point Cycling Classic is back, confirmed on the Carolinas Cycling Association calendar and sanctioned by USA Cycling.  In partnership with the Bobby Labonte Foundation, the City of High Point, NC, as well as USA Cycling and the Carolinas Cycling Association, the September 9th High Point Cycling Classic will combine a fundraising ride in the morning with the exciting action of criterium racing in the afternoon and into the evening in downtown High Point, North Carolina.  Bobby Labonte Charity Ride offers participants can now visit  three distances including 25 miles (40k), 37 miles (60k) and 62 miles (100k), scheduled to begin at 7:30 am that morning.  High Point Cycling Classic criterium registration is also open, with racing options including Men’s Cat 4/5, Men’s Masters 35+, Women’s Cat Open, Men’s Masters 45+, Men’s Cat 3, Women’s Pro 1/2, and Men’s Pro 1/2.  The first criterium race is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 pm, while the final race is scheduled to begin at 8:30 pm.  All activities will be followed by a spectacular fireworks show, weather permitting. Judy Rhyne, President of the Carolinas Cycling Association is excited to welcome the High Point Cycling Classic back to the annual race calendar.  “Always a favorite of local racers, the High Point Cycling Classic offers amateur and professional participants a best-of-class race experience.  Aside from a challenging race course, the High Point venue provides both racers and spectators with a rather unique experience via a covered start/finish area.   The City of High Point has always been welcoming to race enthusiasts, and we are thrilled that the Bobby Labonte Foundation is on board for the return of the High Point Cycling Classic.”

5-15-2017 Blanket’s Creek Trail Party From SORBA Woodstock Blanket’s Creek Trail Party Saturday, May 20, 9 am-1pm  Join us this Saturday for our May trail party at Blankets Creek as we prepare for our Six Hour race. The recent rains created lots of opportunities for maintenance. We will also be holding an short training session on trail care. Bring water, gloves and wear closed toe shoes. We will provide lunch at 1:00.

5-14-2017 Sara Babb Work Party From Sorba West Georgia Sara Babb Work Party Saturday, May 20, 8:00 am. We will be starting on the new connector trail between the existing trails and Ray Mtn! Bring gloves and wear closed toe shoes, long pants, bug spray recommended. Tools and drinks will be provided.

5-11-2017 Cochran Mill Work Party From SORBA Atlanta Cochran Mill Work Party Saturday, May 13 9 am-Noon We will be meeting at the main parking lot at 9. Please wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees. We will see you there!

Sope Creek Work Party From SORBA Atlanta Sope Creek Monthly Work Party Saturday, May 20 9 am-noon. We will be meeting at the Columns Drive Parking Lot of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area at 9 AM. Wear long pants, closed toed shoes, bring gloves, water, snacks and your epi pen if you are allergic to bees.

5-9-2017 Battle the Clock at the Georgia State Time Trial May 27th! From Dingo Race Productions:  You don’t have to be a time trial specialist to compete in the Georgia State Individual and Team Time Trial Championships, every cyclist is welcome! Maybe you’re a triathlete or a duathlete looking to test yourself against the clock. Maybe you’re a Masters athlete getting ready for Masters Nationals. Whatever your reason, come test yourself on a challenging, 22 miles of rolling countryside. Online registration closes May 25th at 11:59PM. NO LATE OR DAY OF REGISTRATION *only GA state residents & USAC license holders are eligible to purchase state champion jersey

Eventide Monthly Ride Sorella Cycling sponsor Eventide Brewing invites all Sorellas, fellas and friends for an intown group ride and brews. We hope you will join us for this monthly weekday evening ride!
What: Social intown ride beginning and ending at Sorella sponsor Eventide Brewing
When: Thursday May 11th, Ready to Ride @ 6:00PM
Where: Eventide Brewing, 1015 Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Who: Sorellas, fellas and friends (helmets required)
We encourage everyone to bring a friend to show our support of Eventide and enjoy a larger riding group. Join Sorella ride leader Brittany Montgomery for the monthly Eventide Brewing Intown Road ride. The group will leave Eventide to enjoy a 14-16 mile no drop loop all intown on streets that are not busy during rush hour! This will be a very chill social ride, no crazy climbs, very beginner friendly. Ride time is approximately 1:15-1:30 with an average speed of about 14 mph.

Cyclofemme Ride We invite ALL WOMEN, Fellas and MANY friends to join us for a special Mother’s Day road ride! EVERY WOMAN COUNTS. We believe, We pledge, and We promise to inspire ONE MORE WOMAN to ride a bike this mother’s day.
What: North Atlanta Cyclofemme Ride at Silk Sheets
Who: All Level Riders, Men and Women.
Where: 8650 GA-92, Fairburn, GA 30213
When: May 14, 2017, Mother’s Day. 8:30 am gathering, wheels down at 9 am. Donation: $10 (if you can) to benefit Wellspring Living, a non-profit organization working to change lives and restore hope to those persons and families affected by sex trafficking in Georgia.  3 ride options: a 25 mile route for those that need encouragement, support and just a casual ride, a 35 mile conversation to slower-paced ride out and back, and a 50+ mile option for a more brisk (16-18 mph) Intermediate level pace–if needed, there will be an “A” faster group and an “B” moderate pace and all routes are “no drop”.  Each route will have chaperone Sorella or “Sorella Fella” ambassador riders and SAG available. Join nearly 200 other women cycling groups gathering around the world celebrating “the power of the pedal for positive social change”.! Come whether you are NEW to cycling (or know someone who is), or a SEASONED rider willing to help us lead the way to a healthier and inspired lifestyle for the next women who wants to ride! Light refreshments to be provided following the ride.

5-5-2017 AAA Bicycle Roadside Assistance AAA South, which covers Georgia, will now offer bicycle roadside assistance. It is limited to securing the bicycle to the service vehicle and transporting the rider to anywhere within the member’s coverage area. AAA has different levels of coverage at different prices that take you different distances for repair. Other services that offer roadside bicycle roadside assistance are a Better World Club and USA Cycling.

Women’s Enduro Bike Event Comes to Knoxville Tennessee’s first ever women’s only enduro mountain bike race is here for its first event! Bell Joy Ride Knoxville and 3rd Coast Productions are encouraging all women that mountain bike to come out for the 3rd Coast Productions Presents Bell Joy Ride Heartbreaker at Baker Enduro. There will be 5 FUN stages that will test each riders’ skills and endurance. Expect fun, fast and flowing downhill terrain. Whether you like to ride, race or just enjoy getting outside with your friends, the Bell Joy Ride with Third Coast Productions brings together the women’s cycling community in a unique and supportive environment. Come for the race, stay for the after party! The highlight of the weekend is a women’s enduro race on Sunday catered to all levels, including the first-timers (Beginner) category, all the way up to the seasoned racers (Expert). If you want to learn more skills and gain confidence on the bike, join the Joy Ride course pre-ride on Saturday, June 10 (day before race). Grab your friends, your family, and your biggest supporters for a weekend of FUN for all! Open to the public for spectating if not racing!! Then cap off a full day with the Men’s Joy Ride DRAG Race with guys dressed in skirts, halter tops, and heels! The race will start promptly after the Heartbreaker at Baker Women’s Enduro race and feature a dirt crit format. Men will race for 20 minutes on a short course near the start/finish. Spectators will get to cheer on their favorite riders on a super fast, fun lap. Registration is required.

Schedule of Events and Prices Saturday June 10 All Day – Course will be marked and open for practice Evening hours – Pre-Race Party Sponsored by Yee-Haw Brewing Company and SoKno Taco Sunday June 11 7:30 – 8:30am – Rider check in & registration, 8:45am – Riders Meeting, 9:00am – Riders leave for Stage 1, 3:00pm – Awards, Awards go 3 deep. Categories (registration fee $75 for all racers– includes t-shirt): And, you don’t have to hold a license (or not hold a license) to be in contention or compete in any category.
5-3-2017 More Roswell Photos

Here are a few more photos from Roswell. All of the galleries can be found at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com.

The Pro/1/2 Men race up the back side climb at the Historic Roswell Criterium.

The Pro/1/2 Women round turn 4 at the Historic Roswell Criterium.

5-1-2017 Roswell Photos My photos from the Historic Roswell Crit will be up by Monday morning at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. I’ll be sharing some here and on Instagram (@Sadlebred) later this week.

Chad Conely (Mission Source) takes the WIN at the Historic Roswell Criterium in the Pro Men’s Race!

4-30-2017 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo Time Sections Giordana GFNCS releases Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo timed Sections ahead of May 7th The 2017 edition starts and finishes in downtown Helen under the shadow of the mountains made famous by the Tour de Georgia. Each rider is provided an electronic timing-chip to keep track of their progress throughout the course and to allow riders to compete for best time through highlighted sections of the course.  Nestled in the Bavarian Alpine village of Helen, GA the ride starts in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains.  After rolling out of Helen the route hits the first timed segment at mile 2.5, where any riders with intentions of an overall podium finish and cash pay-out will need to put their cards on the table from the start.

The first time section immediately enters the mountainous area made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia. Unicoi Gap, Hogpen Gap (6.5 miles), Snake Branch (3 miles), and Oakey Mountain.

The 2017 GFNCS event Schedule
Sunday March 26th 2017 – Gran Fondo Florida, San Antonio, FL
Sunday May 7th 2017 – Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Helen, GA
Sunday June 4th 2017 – Highlands Gran Fondo, Newfoundland, NJ
Sunday July 23rd 2017 – Gran Fondo Asheville, Asheville NC
Sunday August 6th 2017 – Boone Gran Fondo, Boone NC
Sunday August 6th 2017 – Bluewater International Gran Fondo, ON
Sunday August 27th 2017 – Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, CO

4-25-2017 Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race From the Promoter: The Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, Ga. Presented by MAXXIS Tires and Brought to you by Roswell Bicycles and Scott, May 13th, 2017 is 3 WEEKS AWAY (ALL 6 HOUR CATEGORIES 1st Place, 2nd Place and 3rd Place will be receiving either a SCOTT Helmet or MAXXIS Tires) This is race number 3 of the Chainbuster Mountain Bike Race Series!  Race Day Raffle to Support the Yargo Trail Crew! LittleFire Cycles (Custom Wheel Builders) is proud to give back to both Dirty Spokes and the Yargo Trail Crew! LittleFire Cycles will be donating a Wheel Set (Carbon Rims, Bitex Hubs and DT Spokes)! Race Day Raffle Tickets are $10 each and ALL Proceeds will be donated to the Yargo Trail Crew!

Fools Gold 60 mile MTB Race Registration for the 2017 Maxxis Tires Fools Gold 60 Mile Mountain Bike Race is underway! The Maxxis Tires Fools Gold is scheduled for September 16, 2017 at the beautiful Anderson Creek Retreat, in Ellijay, GA. We have a few changes for 2017 that we feel will ultimately lead to a better and more sustainable event. The 2017 Maxxis Tires Fool’s Gold will offer only a 60 Mile option. The decision to drop the 90 mile course was made after seeing a steady drop in numbers so that we could allocate those resources to making the 60 mile event better, as historically the shorter couse has comprised over 75% of event participants. Those who normally race the longer distance will still be challenged by our 60 mile course, and you will arrive at the beer and fajitas several hours sooner! We also made the tough decision to withdraw from the NUE Series so that we could partner with Maxxis Tires for this year’s event, which will allow us to offer better payouts and more swag for our 60 mile riders. Rest assured, the quality of the race will not be compromised and we plan to improve upon what we are currently offering. 400 rider field limit for the 60 mile race – please register early so you do not miss out.

Mt. Tabor Spring Cleaning Trail Party From SORBA West Georgia: Mt. Tabor Park Mountain Bike Trails, 1550 East Paulding Drive Dallas, GA 30157, Dallas, Georgia 30157, It’s time for a little spring cleaning at Mt Tabor Park! Sat., April 29 8 am-noon, We’ll work on the briars in the meadow, some of the nastier roots and trimming back the overgrowth throughout the trail. If you have a gas powered trimmer and/or hand pruning shears, please bring them. Bring your bike! We’ll try to sneak in a little ride time! Bring gloves and wear closed toe shoes, long pants recommended.

4-24-2017 Are you missing a bike that fell off of your car on I-20? A friend of mine found a nice Women’s Road Bike on I-20 near the Lake Oconne/Rutledge/Social Circle area this weekend. It appeared to have fallen off of a bike rack. He is reporting it to the local police. Email thomasbward at hotmail dot com to identify the bike. Thomas is a cyclist himself and wants to return this bike to the rightful owner. (Update 4-25-2017 Thomas has located the owner of the bike thanks to the shop that sold it to her!)