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April 2016 News

How Can You Support Southeastern Cycling? Southeastern Cycling is currently accepting advertisers for 2016! By placing an ad on SE Cycling, you can reach cyclists from across the region interested in learning about YOUR business, race, or event! Advertisements do not have to be cycling related! Do you own a small business, a gym, own a service oriented business like a landscape company or doctor’s office? Reach thousands of cyclists every month! Email Trish at sttarlite at hotmail.com for more information. Advertisers allow me to keep Southeastern Cycling as a FREE service for the Southeastern cycling community. Please help to keep it going! Ad rates are very reasonable, and there are discounts for a multi-month ads!

4-28-2016 Ride Review – Endurance House/Bike Alpharetta Bike Alpharetta and Endurance House team up on Wednesday evenings to offer a ride that caters to all levels. There are 5 rides with Black (18+ mph, drop), Brown (16-17 mph), Green (15-16 mph), Yellow (14-15 mph), and White (13-14 mph). Each ride has a leader that keeps the pack  mainly together. Black, Brown, and Green do different routes than Yellow and White. Since I did intervals on Tuesday night, I opted to ride with the Yellow group. Walter kept us together, and we regrouped at stop signs. The pace was a bit higher than advertised at about 16 mph. The route is rolling with a couple of decent climbs, so 16 mph did not feel hard to me. I really enjoyed the group! If you are on the north side of town, this is a good ride to check out. Quite a few of the riders go to dinner afterwards for social time.

4-26-2016 DLV The Keirin From the DLV: Back for 2016 is Dick Lane Velodrome’s Pro Race Series (PRS). This Saturday, April 30 is the Keirin! These events will continue the PRS tradition, bringing to the fore-front the best of the best riders that the US has to offer. They’ll be pushing the envelope of speed and danger in both hard charging sprint events and grueling endurance races. Catch the fast-paced Keirin, an Olympic event where riders are paced up to maximum speed with a Derny bicycle (a motorized bicycle) until the final lap and a half when they tear up the track to the finish.

General Information: Main Events start at 6pm, Preview Races begin at 3pm. Main program typically finishes around 9pm. Rider introductions for the Main Events happens 6pm. But, get here early to catch all of the day’s action. Again in 2016 we will have food truck concessions serving up great food, drinks and desserts. The DLV will continue to serve it’s famous chicken nachos and other light foods with proceeds going to support DLV programs like the Youth Cycling League. Single spectator entry fee $5, Family entry $10, We accept Cash and Credit Cards ($1 card fee applies) at the Gate.

4-25-2016 Six Hours of Balsam Grove From the Promoter: The Six Hours of Balsam Grove, NC will be June 18 at 10 am–solo or team. How many 12 mile laps can you complete in this six hour endurance race? You will experience the custom built single track, pavement, and gravel roads. Because this race uses 2 miles of HWY 215, Tannasee Gap Rd and 80% of the route is private property, this could be the most unique 6 hour endurance mountain bike race in the country! Were else can you ride with pigs, trout, goats and ducks…? Please bring your own tent for the staging/rest area.  There is plenty of water at the start-finish but please bring your favorite nutritional supplies.  All riders will receive a custom t-shirt (while supplies last) and full course meal at the post race celebration.  After the race you can use the bath house for a hot shower.  If you like to camp, ATR has a campground at the start/finish line! FREE tent sites for paying racers (while available)!

4-23-2016 Sharon’s Ride From the EF of GA:  The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia is Excited to Announce Sharon’s Ride is Coming to Georgia! EFGA has partnered with Sharon’s Ride and is excited to bring this awesome new cycling event to Georgia! Sharon’s Ride is held within several states throughout the county and is a widely known epilepsy fundraiser nationwide. The ride will feature 30 and 60 mile courses for cyclists of all levels and ages. Clip in Georgia! When: Sunday, May 15, 2016 Where: Sosebee Cycling Park | 465 Simpson Rd NE | White, GA 30184 Time: Day Of Registration – 7:00AM | 60 Mile – 8:00AM | 30 Mile – 9:00AM

4-22-2016 Ft. Yargo 3/6 Hour Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race at Fort Yargo State Park May 14th, 2016!  Racers: Quick note to let you know we are right at 3 weeks away from the Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, Ga. ALL 6 HOUR CATEGORIES 1st Place, 2nd Place and 3rd Place will be receiving either a SCOTT Helmet, SCOTT MTB Shoes or MAXXIS Tires! This is race number 3 of the Chainbuster Mountain Bike Race Series! Looking for a FREE Race Entry: Buy any Mountain Bike or $250 in Scott merchandise from Roswell Bicycles and get a free individual race entry for the Dirty Spokes 6/3 Hour Mountain Bike Race, May 14th, 2016! Roswell Bicycles will also be offering in store registration (pretty simple stop by Roswell Bicycles check out their cool stuff and register for the race)! We will be offering a $10 discount for the Dirty Spokes 6 Hour In Store Registrations and a $5 discount for the Dirty Spokes 3 Hour In Store Registrations! Come on by and tell’em Dirty Spokes Sent Ya!

Stages Power Clinic From Reality Bikes:

 

4-21-2016 Zipps for Sale! I have a pair of Zipps for sale! Zipp 404 Tubular Wheels, older rims, 700C, Dura Ace Hubs – 9/10 speed Shimano/SRAM compatible, Comes with the Challenge Limus CX 700×33 tires that were ridden less than 5 times. The wheels were previously well loved but ridden less than a dozen times in the last few years and have been in the garage. (Skewers and cassette in the photos not included). $550 plus $35 shipping to anywhere in the US. Wheels located in Atlanta and can arrange to meet in Vinings area. Contact me for more photos and if you are interested in buying.


Zipps for Sale

Cyclofemme Ride – Sorella Cycling invites all Sorellas, fellas and friends to join us for a special Mother’s Day road ride! What: North Atlanta Cyclofemme Ride at Silk Sheets Who: All Level Riders, Men and Women. There will be ride leaders for routes of 25, 32, and 50 miles. All levels of riders welcome. Please come prepared with water, nutrition, and anything you need for the ride. There will not be any sag stops. Where: 8650 GA-92, Fairburn, GA 30213
When: May 08, 2016, Mother’s Day. 8:30 am gathering, wheels down at 9 am. Donation: $10 (On behalf of the Sorella RAAM Team 2015 to benefit Wellspring Living, a non-profit, restoring lives affected by sex trafficking)

4-20-2016 TdGA Gran Fondo Timed Climbs Press Release:  Giordana GFNCS releases Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo timed Climbs ahead of May 14th Nestled in Rabun County, the Tour of Georgia starts in downtown Clayton under the shadow of Black Rock Mt. state park. Riders from all over the U.S. take part – such is the beauty and challenge of the terrain. 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.  From Clayton passing through Tiger, the first timed section of the climb of Glassy Mountain starts. A 2.5 mile climb, with an average grade of 4.0% and a maximum grade of 9.5% with 479ft of climbing. Local rider and Pro cyclist Jimmy Schurman (Lupus Racing Team) from Athens, Georgia, holds the current KOM in a time of 7m 47s. Pro athlete Nina Laughlin from Brevard, North Carolina who’s an Expert Endurance Coach for Carmichael Training Systems and cyclist for Visit Dallas DNA Pro Cycling  holds the QOM in a time of 8m 31s Unicoi Gap-After passing through Unicoi State Park, the route turns north onto the Unicoi Gap climb after 31 miles. Riders enter the mountainous area  that was made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia. In 2008, Unicoi Gap was the second to last climb on the approach to the race-deciding ascent up Bbrasstown Bald where Kanstantin Suitsou got the jump on Trent Lowe and Levi Leipheimer to win the event! It’s a 7 mile climb to the top of Unicoi Gap at an average of 4.8% with a maximum grade of 9.6% with 1,500ft of climbing. The climb is very gradual for several miles, before turning into a real alpine ascent.

Hogpan Gap-The Richard Russell Scenic Hwy will put riders face to face with the 3rd timed section of Hogpen Gap after 52 miles. Within 6.9 miles and another 1,700ft, riders will reach the highest point on the course at 3,469ft with ramps of 12%.   Cigarette Hill-The town of Helen will be your next landmark. Here, in 1969, local business owners collaborated to create what is now called “Bavaria in the Appalachians.” The next 16 miles will take you through rolling farmland and mountain vistas.   At around 83 miles, riders on the Gran Fondo will reach the 4th and final climb of what locals affectionately call Cigarette Hill. At 5.4 miles and an average of less than 1%, there is a stretch of nearly 12% to test your endurance before reaching views of Lake Burton and the Dam.  The Gran Fondo is 108 miles, the Medio 69 miles and the Piccolo 33 miles – to suit all abilities. The Gran Fondo includes the 4 climbs mentioned, whilst the Medio includes 2 climbs, that of Glassy Mountain and Cigarette Hill. The Piccolo includes the 1 climb of Glassy Mountain. There are full stocked feed stations on all routes to keep you fed and hydrated, complimentary event T-shirt, Goody Bag with various swag items, a finishers Medal for completing the Gran Fondo route, awards for age placement, a raffle and of course the chance to win cash and prizes for placement in the overall timed climbs,

Ride for the Fight From the Organizer: 2nd Annual Ride for the Fight: Charity Bike Ride Saturday, May 14 at 8 AM, Madras Middle School, 240 Edgeworth Rd, Newnan, Georgia 30263, All proceeds will be donated to Southeastern Assistance in Healthcare (SAIH) – Easing the burdens of real people with real needs. SAIH is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to helping cancer patients who are undergoing treatment in the Newnan & greater Atlanta area by lessening the burden of non-medical needs such as groceries, utilities, housing, and basic living expenses. – See more at: http://www.aih.org/newnan.

4-19-2016 USAC Safety Committee Atlanta Member Press Release: USA Cycling is pleased to announce two new advisory committees which will support the organization in its efforts to increase safety and ensure clean competition in American bike racing.  The members of the new Safety and Anti-Doping Committees are volunteers from diverse backgrounds and are considered experts in their fields. They were chosen from a combined pool of more than 200 applicants and their role will be both to advise USA Cycling on actions to take and to evaluate the impact of those actions. SAFETY COMMITTEE – The Safety Committee is comprised of 11 experts from the fields of medicine, data analysis, cycling event promotion and officiating, and competitive cycling. The initial focus of this group will be to gather and evaluate existing data on bike racing accidents and to establish a set of recommendations for USA Cycling based on any risk factors identified. The following individuals make up the Safety Committee: Trish’s Note: Dr. Grant Baldwin, a member of the Mission Source racing team, is on the committee and is a PhD specializing in injury prevention at the Centers for Disease Control.

4-18-2016 Albany Races Press Release: Not many races can say they have been around for 12 years, but the City of Albany, Georgia: Downtown Bike Race Weekend is one of them. Albany is delighted to welcome everyone back to town to celebrate the city’s deep cycling tradition. More than $6,800 in prize money is up for grabs April 23 and 24. Join us on Saturday for a flat and fast criterium, a course that covers the sweet spot of Downtown Albany with many spectator amenities. Sunday’s iconic road race course is just north of Albany, routing racers through the rolling terrain of Leesburg, GA. After a short hiatus, we are thrilled to welcome back juniors racing, offering a shorter, separate road race course for the Under 14 crowd. Make the journey to Albany, a city long-committed to cycling. We want to make sure this race makes it to lucky number 13! Join us!

Online registration closes at 5:00pm Eastern on Friday, April 22. Packet pick-up and day-of registration will be available Saturday morning for the criterium starting at 8:00 am and closes 30 minutes prior to the start of each category’s race. Packet pick-up and day-of registration on Sunday begins at 7:00 am and closes 30 minutes before the start of each category’s race. A $10 late fee will be incurred for day-of entries each time you register after April 22. To register for a second criterium race, the fee will be $20. Each rider must have a 2016 USAC license. One day licenses are available for purchase for $10/day for races open to Cat 5 Men and Cat 4 Women. MyLaps transponder timing chips will be utilized and are mandatory for the weekend. Rentals are $5 or bring your own MyLaps transponder timing chip to registration so that we may associate it with your bib number.

4-14-2016 USA Cycling National Championships From USA Cycling: National Championships action is coming to the Southeast! Starting this weekend through the first weekend of June, five USA Cycling National Championships are coming to your neck of the woods! The Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional Criterium & Team Time Trial National Championships arrive in Greenville, S.C., April 16-17, followed by the USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships in Marshall & Burnsville, N.C., May 13-15! Plan your Memorial Day vacation in Winston-Salem, N.C., for the Volkswagen USA Cycling Masters & Para-Cycling Road National Championships from May 24-28, and check out the Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional Road Race & Time Trial National Championships May 27-28! Consider purchasing VIP tickets for the Pro Road Races on Saturday, May 28, and watching the pros race in style! Enjoy the event with a catered meal and a frosty Sierra Nevada (for VIP ticket holders 21 and older). Want to check out some mountain bike? The USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships are heading to Columbia County, Ga., on June 4!

4-13-2016 Sorella & Women’s Cycling Association Clinic Sorella Cycling and the Women’s Cycling Association present the 2nd annual Join the Ride Tour Atlanta. Pro rider Robin Farina will put on a road riding and racing clinic from 4:30-6:00. All women are welcome! (Road bikes only, please. Helmets are required.) Robin will join the ladies on the Atlanta Women’s Cycling ride afterwards. There is a $25 fee for the clinic, and it includes dinner after the clinic and ride. As always, the ride is open to any and all women. Registration is open! All proceeds will be donated to the fund for Lauren De Crescenzo, a professional cyclist who crashed at the San Dimas stage race a few weeks ago. She suffered major injuries but is on the road to recovery.

4-12-2016 Allatoona Creek Trails Work Day From SORBA West GA Allatoona Creek Trails Work Day, Sat., April 16, 9 AM – 1 PM We need your help to reopen Rusty Bucket! All tools and lunch provided? Just wear long pants, sturdy closed toed shoes and gloves. Meet at 8:45 in the main parking lot.

4-11-2016 Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mountain Bike Race THIS SATURDAY! From MGA: Are you looking for something longer than an XC race but not quite ready for a 50 miler? Then check out the Blankets Creek Dirty Thirty Endurance MTB Race. The course includes all of the trails at Blankets Creek in a counter-clockwise direction for a total distance of 15 miles per lap. Intermediate and advanced riders will complete two laps, for a total of 30 miles. A shorter one lap, 15 mile course will be offered for beginner categories. The weather forecast is looking great and this event is a major fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock, so please come out and support your local trails. Online Registration closes at 8 am on Friday April 15th! Register by this date to receive pricing of $45. Race Day registration is $50. Limited Shirt Sizes Still Available in cotton blend T’s! Shirts are alotted first come-first serve as you register. Prizes and medals awarded to the top 3 in each category! Podium shirts for all first place category winners! All entries include a shirt, event pint glass, chip timing, well-marked courses, and post race fluids and snacks! Each lap has just under 1400′ of elevation gain, so this will be a challenging course. An aid station and access to drop bags will be available at 3 different times along each 15 mile loop.

4-10-2016 The 24th Annual Tour de Cashiers On May 14, the Tour de Cashiers Mountain Cycling Experience rolls out again with its annual cycling challenge that takes cyclists through the scenic byways of Jackson, Macon and Transylvania Counties. Cyclists will rode one of three routes that feature more than 10,000 feet of elevation change on steep climbs and fast descents. The event offers adventurous athletic challenges suitable for the seasoned to beginner rider. And for all, it’s great outdoor recreation amid breathtaking natural scenery featuring granite-faced mountains, flowering valleys and running rivers. Tour de Cashiers will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday May 14th from The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. The Tour attracts approximately 300 cyclists who dedicate the day to the challenge of one of several routes: 25 miles, Metric, Century.  The Century route gives riders some opportunity for relief by foregoing 20 miles and a few very tough climbs near the ride’s end.  Regardless of the length, participants enjoy stunning scenery, exhilarating ascents and fast descents along the routes.  Among the highlights includes the “Donkey Field” intersection at Walnut Gap where resident four-legged spectators watch the cyclists pass. For the 2016 event, Pisgah Productions of Asheville will be lending operational support. Early rider registration for Tour de Cashiers at $45 is available at www.TourdeCashiers.com.

4-8-2016 Henry County Cyclist Killed I’ve been waiting to post this until there was more information. Dr. John Harsch, a Henry County physician, was struck and killed Wednesday night near the Atlanta Motor Speedway. From my understanding he was about 20 feet back from a small group of riders and was struck from behind. Early indications (2nd hand) are that the drive was texting. Please put down your phone when you ride and drive! John was an avid cyclist and member of Southern Crescent Cycling. Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers. He is survived by his wife, Mary Carol. Those in the equestrian community may know Mary Carol. I had the pleasure of meeting John at equestrian events over the years and “talking bikes.” He will be sorely missed.

Cheaha Challenge Mark your calendar for May 15! You won’t want to miss the 24th annual Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo & ULTRA. Choose from the 100-mile challenge distance or the 124-mile ULTRA. There are also 24, 44, 62, and 84-mile distances available and all riders will start on the campus of Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala. Gran Fondo Guide ranked the Cheaha Challenge one of the top gran fondos in the US. Not only that, but riders will experience 9,714 feet of climbing (12,835 feet if you select the ULTRA option), as well as the breathtaking views along the Talladega Mountain course and from the highest point in Alabama’s Cheaha State Park! Participants will have two event jerseys to choose from and all finishers of the 100-mile or ULTRA distances will receive a centurion finisher’s medal as well as a custom cycling cap.

4-7-2016 Speed Week News From Swagger: Speed Week- April 30-May 7 Speed Week returns with six race circuits in the Southeastern corner of the States, beginning April 30 at the Charlotte Criterium in the Queen City of Charlotte, NC and ending May 7 with the one that started it all, the Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight Criterium in the Classic City of Athens, GA. Other races include the CaroMont Criterium in Belmont, NC on May 1, the Michelin Test Track Criterium in Laurens, SC on May 3, the Downtown Walterboro Criterium in Walterboro, SC on May 4, and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium in Spartanburg, SC on May 6. Races in Charlotte, Spartanburg and Athens are also part of the 2016 TUFMED USA CRITS Championship Series.

Up The Creek From UTC: Registration Pricing Increases on 4/15 Secure your spot by registering now for Up the Creek!  You can choose a shirt option or no shirt option (dri-fit), and everyone receives a token for lunch worth $6.50, strawberry ice cream along the ride, great swag, and yummy SAG stops.  Remember, you can also register and/or pick up swag bags on Friday, 4/29 from 2-6pm at Cycle Therapy in Rome. More details to come. Up The Creek managed by TRED and Coosa Valley Cycling Assoc.

4-5-2016 Pedal for Pets From Soutside Cycling: We want you and your friends to join us for our fifth annual ride benefiting the Pedal For Pets charity!  This July 9, 2016 ride, starting in beautiful Senoia, GA, is the best value ride in the South, at only $35 for registration through July 2!  For all the details go to www.southsidecycling.com/p4p. Ride the quiet country roads of rural Coweta, Pike and Meriwether Counties, past beautiful farms and quaint little towns.  Well marked routes include 31, 66 and 103 mile options. You can start as early as 7:00am, and the official mass start time will be 8:00am.  The rolling terrain makes the routes as fast as you like, while the occasional climb provides the chance to test yourself.  This ride is fully supported with great specialty rest stops.  In addition to all of the usual nutritious snacks, you will have homemade cookies, great PB&J’s and lots of hydrating fruit!   There will also be SAG vehicles and a post-ride meal. Ride benefits both Pedal For Pets charity (pedalforpets.org), which provides spay and neuter programs throughout Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina, and the SouthSide Cycling Club.

Summer Solstice 3 Hour From the prompter: Hello Summer Solstice Racers, We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2016 Summer Solstice Races! This year the race will be held on Saturday June 26th and will once again be a 3-hour MTB course at Cobb Country’s Allatoona Creek Park!  (This year’s race will not include a 6-hour course.) Registration prices will increase on June 4th so get your entries in early too receive a price break! Check the website page for race updates and for registration.

Cochran Mill Work Party From SORBA Atlanta: Cochran Mill Work Party. This Saturday 9 AM – 12 PM, We will be meeting at the main parking lot and then drive down to the storage container. From there we will walk the yellow trail and work on filling in the ankle breaking holes on the wall. If you enjoy using the trails please consider coming out to help on the trails. Bring gloves, water, close toe shoes. If you are coming to help, please comment below.

4-4-2016 Mount Vernon Rd. Paving Begins April 3 From the City of Dunwoody’s webpage: Following the recent completion of the water main pipe replacement and sidewalk construction along Mount Vernon Road, work crews will begin paving the section of Mount Vernon from Ashford Dunwoody Road east to Vernon Oaks Drive. Paving will begin at Mount Vernon Rd. and Ashford Dunwoody Rd. on Sunday April 3 and paving work will continue east until approximately April 15. To minimize traffic disruption the paving work will start in the evenings and continue through to the mornings beginning Sunday night April 3. Work will be done Sundays to Fridays, from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. from 4/3 to 4/15. Trish’s note: I have it on good word that there will be bike lanes after work is completed.

Uh….Hello?? I know. There haven’t been as many daily updates the last 2 weeks. For those that don’t know, I started a new job late last year. I’m still feeling my way through it. I have a few big deadlines throughout the year, and early to mid April is one of them (no, noting related to taxes). This means I can either work, ride, & sleep a little or work, updated SE Cycling, & sleep. You guessed it, riding wins out to keep me sane. I know, I work from home, but…..that means long days sometimes (2 am looking at spreadsheets, anyone?). I’m not complaining because I LOVE my job & team. Wait?! What?!?! You don’t make your living off of bikes. Nope, I’ve been in IT for a long time. I have to pay the mortgage, eat, and keep the lights on. SE Cycling is what I work on at 11:00 at night. If you have any news about rides & races or trail parties, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’ll post it within 48 hours. I need your help right now since I haven’t had as much time to cruise around looking for news!

4-1-2016 April Blanket’s Creek Trail Party From SORBA Woodstock: Saturday, April 9 at 9 AM – 1 PM, The April trail party will be at Blankets Creek April 9th at 9:00am. Lunch will be provided at 1:00. Projects include: Skills area repairs, rock armoring on VMT next to one of the log rides, clipping back spring growth, adding crusher to the recent Mosquito Flat reroute, repairs to Dwelling trail head and some drain work.

3-29-2016 Alabama Cycling Classic Press Release: Thousands of spectators are heading to downtown Anniston on Saturday, April 2nd for the Sunny King Criterium and Noble Street Festival! With speakers positioned at all four turns of the downtown course, race fans can listen to Andreu and Sohner dish out the action of all Amateur, Elite and Professional bicycle races. The McClellan Road Race event and day two in the Professional Road Tour on Sunday will also feature live announcing and online broadcasting. Our 2015 event webcast in 78 countries and multiple national cycling media outlets.  Anniston, Alabama is ready to launch this year’s new USA Cycling Professional Road Tour! Our Live Stream begins Saturday at Noon for the Sunny King Criterium & Sunday at 10am for the McClellan Road Race. The Sunny King Criterium offers twenty-one categorized races for a variety of age groups and skill levels, from a one-lap children’s event to a 60-lap men’s professional race. The 2016 Sunny King Criterium is a part of the USA Cycling Junior Development Series and has been for half a decade.  It is a goal of the event to promote and grow junior bicycle racing.   All Amateur and Professional Race Registration fees are donated to Calhoun County Chapters of Relay for Life.  Since 2005, the Sunny King Criterium has donated over $80,000.00!  Great work cyclists!

3-26-2016 Ridgeway Trail Closure From EMBA: (Trish’s Note: These trails are in Ellijay, GA. Many remember Carter’s Lake from the old GAP series races and some Gone Riding races years ago. That hill coming back up from the lake was tough…but oh, the downhills!!) “The Ridgeway Trails at Ridgeway Recreation Area, Carters Lake will be closed to all users for land clearing and construction of the high voltage lines on March 1st and will continue for most of the year. Many of you know that planning for high voltage lines to cross Ridgeway has been on-going for several years. A decision has been made and they will be crossing Ridgeway on the Eastern route. EMBA has been part of the planning and working with Georgia Transmission in good faith to mitigate damage to our trails and more news will be forthcoming with the negotiations in the near future. We must keep in mind that the power lines are necessary for power supply for the Ellijay community and I firmly believe that we can help the community and have a great trail system too, at Ridgeway. Will it be different – yes. But plans are being developed now that will greatly improve the cross-country trail and preserve the downhill trails.”

For updates – please contact Carters Lake Headquarters – (706) 334-2248 ”

3-25-2016 DLV Pro Series From the DLV: ack for 2016 is Dick Lane Velodrome’s Pro Race Series (PRS). These events will continue the PRS tradition, bringing to the fore-front the best of the best riders that the US has to offer. They’ll be pushing the envelope of speed and danger in both hard charging sprint events and grueling endurance races. Experience the thrill of the two-man Madison, comparable to tag-team on bike, where teammates exchange positions into the action at 40 mph using the dangerous Madison hand sling. Catch the fast-paced Keirin, an Olympic event where riders are paced up to maximum speed with a Derny bicycle (a motorized bicycle) until the final lap and a half when they tear up the track to the finish. The Omnium will also be a featured event. Riders will compete throughout the evening in a series of different events to be claimed DLV’s best all rounder. Also back again in 2015 will be the Velodrome Cup, an event styled after the “International Omnium” event held at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Saturday April 30th 2016 Merial presents The Keirin
Saturday July 9th 2016 Loose Nuts Cycles presents The Omnium
Saturday August 27th 2016 Third Eye Software presents The Velodrome Cup

General Information: Main Events start at 6pm, Preview Races begin at 3pm. Main program typically finishes around 9pm. Rider introductions for the Main Events happens 6pm. But, get here early to catch all of the day’s action. Again in 2016 we will have food truck concessions serving up great food, drinks and desserts. The DLV will continue to serve it’s famous chicken nachos and other light foods with proceeds going to support DLV programs like the Youth Cycling League. Single spectator entry fee $5, Family entry $10, We accept Cash and Credit Cards ($1 card fee applies) at the Gate.

March 2016 News

How Can You Support Southeastern Cycling? Southeastern Cycling is currently accepting advertisers for 2016! By placing an ad on SE Cycling, you can reach cyclists from across the region interested in learning about YOUR business, race, or event! Advertisements do not have to be cycling related! Do you own a small business, a gym, own a service oriented business like a landscape company or doctor’s office? Reach thousands of cyclists every month! Email Trish at sttarlite at hotmail.com for more information. Advertisers allow me to keep Southeastern Cycling as a FREE service for the Southeastern cycling community. Please help to keep it going! Ad rates are very reasonable, and there are discounts for a multi-month ads!

3-29-2016 Alabama Cycling Classic Press Release: Thousands of spectators are heading to downtown Anniston on Saturday, April 2nd for the Sunny King Criterium and Noble Street Festival! With speakers positioned at all four turns of the downtown course, race fans can listen to Andreu and Sohner dish out the action of all Amateur, Elite and Professional bicycle races. The McClellan Road Race event and day two in the Professional Road Tour on Sunday will also feature live announcing and online broadcasting. Our 2015 event webcast in 78 countries and multiple national cycling media outlets.  Anniston, Alabama is ready to launch this year’s new USA Cycling Professional Road Tour! Our Live Stream begins Saturday at Noon for the Sunny King Criterium & Sunday at 10am for the McClellan Road Race. The Sunny King Criterium offers twenty-one categorized races for a variety of age groups and skill levels, from a one-lap children’s event to a 60-lap men’s professional race. The 2016 Sunny King Criterium is a part of the USA Cycling Junior Development Series and has been for half a decade.  It is a goal of the event to promote and grow junior bicycle racing.   All Amateur and Professional Race Registration fees are donated to Calhoun County Chapters of Relay for Life.  Since 2005, the Sunny King Criterium has donated over $80,000.00!  Great work cyclists!

3-26-2016 Ridgeway Trail Closure From EMBA: (Trish’s Note: These trails are in Ellijay, GA. Many remember Carter’s Lake from the old GAP series races and some Gone Riding races years ago. That hill coming back up from the lake was tough…but oh, the downhills!!) “The Ridgeway Trails at Ridgeway Recreation Area, Carters Lake will be closed to all users for land clearing and construction of the high voltage lines on March 1st and will continue for most of the year. Many of you know that planning for high voltage lines to cross Ridgeway has been on-going for several years. A decision has been made and they will be crossing Ridgeway on the Eastern route. EMBA has been part of the planning and working with Georgia Transmission in good faith to mitigate damage to our trails and more news will be forthcoming with the negotiations in the near future. We must keep in mind that the power lines are necessary for power supply for the Ellijay community and I firmly believe that we can help the community and have a great trail system too, at Ridgeway. Will it be different – yes. But plans are being developed now that will greatly improve the cross-country trail and preserve the downhill trails.”

For updates – please contact Carters Lake Headquarters – (706) 334-2248 ”

3-25-2016 DLV Pro Series From the DLV: ack for 2016 is Dick Lane Velodrome’s Pro Race Series (PRS). These events will continue the PRS tradition, bringing to the fore-front the best of the best riders that the US has to offer. They’ll be pushing the envelope of speed and danger in both hard charging sprint events and grueling endurance races. Experience the thrill of the two-man Madison, comparable to tag-team on bike, where teammates exchange positions into the action at 40 mph using the dangerous Madison hand sling. Catch the fast-paced Keirin, an Olympic event where riders are paced up to maximum speed with a Derny bicycle (a motorized bicycle) until the final lap and a half when they tear up the track to the finish. The Omnium will also be a featured event. Riders will compete throughout the evening in a series of different events to be claimed DLV’s best all rounder. Also back again in 2015 will be the Velodrome Cup, an event styled after the “International Omnium” event held at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Saturday April 30th 2016 Merial presents The Keirin
Saturday July 9th 2016 Loose Nuts Cycles presents The Omnium
Saturday August 27th 2016 Third Eye Software presents The Velodrome Cup

General Information: Main Events start at 6pm, Preview Races begin at 3pm. Main program typically finishes around 9pm. Rider introductions for the Main Events happens 6pm. But, get here early to catch all of the day’s action. Again in 2016 we will have food truck concessions serving up great food, drinks and desserts. The DLV will continue to serve it’s famous chicken nachos and other light foods with proceeds going to support DLV programs like the Youth Cycling League. Single spectator entry fee $5, Family entry $10, We accept Cash and Credit Cards ($1 card fee applies) at the Gate.

3-22-2016 Atlanta WBL Ride #10: From MyCycleCoach: Sat, March 26, Final Ride!  Join us at No Mas Catina Mexican restaurant for post-ride series celebration (2 blocks from U-Haul), Start Time: 9:20, rider meeting at 9:20, Place: 300 Peters St, Atlanta, GA 30317, Ride Time: 4 hours, 40 minutes. Group A:  19 mph avg and higher, Group B1: 17-18 mph avg, Group B2:  15-16 mph avg, Group C:  12.5-14 mph avg ,

Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mountain Bike Race presented by Free-Flite Bicycles April 16, 2016 Are you looking for something longer than an XC race but not quite ready for a 50 miler? Then check out the Blankets Creek Dirty Thirty Endurance MTB Race. The course includes all of the trails at Blankets Creek in a counter-clockwise direction for a total distance of 15 miles per lap. Intermediate and advanced riders will complete two laps, for a total of 30 miles. A shorter one lap, 15 mile course will be offered for beginner categories. Each lap has just under 1400′ of elevation gain, so this will be a challenging course. An aid station and access to drop bags will be available at the half way point for riders participating in the 30 mile race. This event is a major fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock, so please come out and support your local trails. Prizes and medals awarded to the top 3 in each category! Podium shirts for all first place category winners! All entries include a shirt, event pint glass, chip timing, well-marked courses, and post race fluids and snacks!

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 these events for SORBA Woodstock? Please send an email directly to lisa at mountaingoatadventures.com with your shirt size and availability. Volunteers are needed for both morning and afternoon shifts to help with parking, registration, course marshaling, and bike patrol on April 16th.

3-21-2016 Rides HEY WEEKLY ATL RIDE LEADERS! I need your updated information for the Rides page this year! Contact me as soon as possible! For SE Cycling readers, I’m updating the Rides page as quickly as I can. It’s a slow process that will take me another week or so. Thanks for your patience!

3-17-2016 Sorella & Women’s Cycling Association Clinic Sorella Cycling and the Women’s Cycling Association present the 2nd annual Join the Ride Tour Atlanta. Pro rider Robin Farina will put on a road riding and racing clinic from 4:30-6:00. All women are welcome! (Road bikes only, please. Helmets are required.) Robin will join the ladies on the Atlanta Women’s Cycling ride afterwards. There is a $25 fee for the clinic, and it includes dinner after the clinic and ride. As always, the ride is open to any and all women. Registration is open!

Rope Mill Trail Party From SORBA Woodstock: Rope Mill Trail Party  Sat., March 26th 9 am -1 pm,  Rope Mill Mountain Bike Trail,  690 Rope Mill Rd, Woodstock, Projects include: *Clear a couple of emergency accesses on Powerhouse. *Add a log ride feature on Explorer loop 3. *Complete installation of mile marker & emergency access signs on the mill. *Clear out some of the drians that make you say ugh every time you ride through and have mud spoil your freshly cleaned machine. After the trail party we will move to Blankets Creek for food provided by Sixes Pit and Butcher and Bottle.

Athens Group Rides I recently ran across this website, which lists a lot of the group rides in Athens, GA. There appear to be rides from the Nitty Gritty Bike Band, some local shops, and pick up rides. Athens GA Bicycling. Of course, if you are looking for rides in the great Metro Atlanta area, Southeastern Cycling has rides of all levels listed including everyone’s favorite hard, training rides!

Live Race Coverage Provided for  Sunny King Criterium and McClellan Road Race  Anniston, Ala. (Mar. 16, 2016) – – This year live commentary for two days of bicycle races with the Alabama Cycling Classic will be broadcast along the courses by former Tour de France veteran Frankie Andreu. An expanded live streaming broadcast of the races will feature the voice and insights of professional sports announcer Brad Sohner.  Thousands of spectators are expected in downtown Anniston on Saturday, April 2 for the Sunny King Criterium and Noble Street Festival. With speakers positioned at all five turns of the downtown course, race fans can listen to Andreu describe the progress of nine elite and professional bicycle races. The McClellan Road Race events on Sunday will also feature live announcing and online broadcasting. All races are sanctioned by USA Cycling and launch this year’s new Professional Road Tour.

Cycling fans across the United States will be able to experience the kaleidoscope of color and fierce competition in Anniston by viewing the live streaming show, hosted by Sohner. The elite and professional races for men and women will be broadcast from 12Noon to 9:30 p.m. CDT. Sohner will call the action for a second year, accessible from the web sites:  annistoncycling.com,      cyclingnews.com,  pezcyclingnews.com, and velonews.com.

3-15-2016 Allatoona Work Party From SORBA West Georgia:  Saturday, March 19, 9 AM – 1 PM, Allatoona Creek Work Party. Stilesboro Rd. Parking Lot Show your love for the Allatoona Creek Trail System by helping us build and maintain them! All tools provided. Just wear long pants, sturdy closed toe shoes and gloves. Free lunch and raffle afterwards!

3-11-2016 Peachtree Bikes Peachtree Bike has 2 events you are going to want to know about! Saturday is their spring PARTY! RSVP on Facebook. PTB knows how to throw a party! They also have a sale March 8-20 with anything from 2015 bikes to open box merchandise. Go. You know you want to.

s3-10-2016 Atlanta WBL RIDE #9…  (tentative) RAIN in forecast:  Check our Blog site Friday 10pm for ‘GO’ or ‘NO-GO’ ride decision
Date:  Saturday, March 12th, 2016, Start Time:  9:30AM   (Ride Mtg 9:20am), Place:  300 Peters St, Atlanta, GA 30317 (U-Haul location), Ride Time:  4hrs 20min

Crit Update Be sure to “Like” the Marietta Crit on Facebook for the latest updates! From Coach Gary: “Hello race training fans. We are only one week away from kicking off the 2016 season of training at West Oak Business Park, Marietta 30062. As our Marietta Police officer will arrive at 5:30 next Tuesday 3/15 we are covered to roll the stop sign in the first corner when he is present. Feel free to come anytime, they are public roads, but like other public roads let’s obey the law and be obligated to stop where we see the word STOP. Just sayin’ I say we start out the first few weeks 6:15pm and train for an hour plus 3, and then move to our regular time of 6:30pm start at the line for an hour plus 5. Other safety rules are: helmets mandatory, no aero bars please, and respect the safety of others and keep ear plugs out. I – coach Gary Daniels – will be there to get things kicked off, but am on the fence about working another full season gratis. This would be four in a row… Let’s all discuss some options please. For anyone who is new on the scene we have collected $5 per session in the past to cover the police officer, the mandatory squad car and a person to assist me with sign in (waiver) such that I can offer a free Criterium training clinic to anyone who wants to address those skills. I am a USA-Cycling certified Level-2 coach. In past years we have either broke even or come up short on top of my missing income elsewhere to be there on time. Any and all feedback, suggestions and so forth are more than welcome. I will say in the past we have the same few willing to step up to the plate and contribute as necessary; and the same few who choose to avoid signing in ($$) and suspiciously roll in late every week. Let’s keep it, fun, fair and fast! Thanks and look forward to seeing you all next Tuesday and spread the word!”

Cochran Mill Work Party From SORBA Atlanta: Saturday, March 12, 9 am-noon Our monthly work party at Cochran Mill Park for March. This is a RIDE IN/RIDE OUT work party. We will meet at the Parking lot at Cochran Mill Park at 9:00 A.M. We will be doing finishing work on the Red Trail. Please bring a bike, shoes you can work in, water and snacks. Bring an Epi Pen if you are allergic to bees. We will have tools waiting for you at the site. We look forward to seeing you!

Up the Creek T-Minus Two Months Until UTC! Have You Registered? Why You Should Ride in UTC 2016:  -Strawberry Ice Cream!  Once again, UTC is partnering with LCCL Strawberry Farms to offer you fresh homemade ice cream on the ride. –  Ride with para-athletes in town for the annual Clocktower Classic Handcycling Races and watch them in Friday night’s downtown crit! Registration is open!

3-9-2016 GROUP RIDE SEASON!! It is less than 1 week to group ride season! Be sure to check the Rides page for the latest information on group rides. I update them as I get info. or as the shops, clubs, and teams put it on their websites.  If you want to change a ride listing, have me put up a new ride, etc., please contact me.

Eastside Rides Time Change this weekend!
Airport– Sundays- 10:00AM through – end of March  (ride tradition goes through end of March).

The Sunday Ride– Starts- First Sunday in April, this is a 9:00AM roving Sunday Ride- approximately 65-75 miles, often at a steady 22-23.5 mph.  Want more details? Subscribe to sundayride@yahoogroups.com see details below for how to subscribe.

Saturday Tucker– goes back to 9:00AM the first Saturday in April (April 2) // B Tucker Group goes to 8:30AM April 2.

Tuesday Northlake Ride – Kicks off March 15 @ 6:15PM. 6:15PM for all March Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for all April Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for May – late summer rides (2 loops in park) Summer Solstice Trifecta- 3 loops in the park the week before, the week that includes June 21, and the week after. Northlake Ride Start- meet at the back of the parking lot of the Restaurants located at: 3900 Lavista Road, Tucker, GA.  If you look at a map- meeting location is between Montreal Rd and Harobi Drive, East of Wendy’s across the street from Chevron Gas Station / McDonald’s.Distance- Approximately 30 miles round trip in Summer- then moves to 23 miles as ride gets shorter (shorter options available in the park).
Thursday Pizza Ride – Daylight Schedule Kicks off March 17 @ 6:15PM 6:15PM for all March Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for all April Rides (1 loop in park); 6:30PM for May – late summer rides (2 loops in park) Summer Solstice Trifecta- 3 loops in the park the week before, the week of (June 21), and the week after. Pizza Ride Start- meet in the old location (which is now closed and a deserted building) Avondale Pizza Cafe parking lot: 70 North Avondale Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 Distance- Approximately 33 miles round trip in Summer- then moves to 26 miles as ride gets shorter (shorter options available in the park).

3-7-2016 Atlanta Cycling Rides All of the Atlanta Cycling rides will start at 6:15 in March and 6:30 in April. Don’t forget that it will still be getting dark before a lot of rides are done. Make sure to have a white light on your handlebars and a red blinkie on the back of your bike–or even 2 blinkies!

3-2-2016 Airport Ride From the Airport Ride: Dear Animals, It is with deep melancholy I remind you that we have just four Airport rides left in the ’15-’16 season. The final Airport for the season will be Easter Sunday, March 27th. The ride will remain at 10am even after the time change. It’s been a relatively well executed season with minimal incidents and plenty of horrific suffering. Take a moment in this last month to behold the chaotic kaleidoscope that is the Atlanta Airport peloton. There aren’t many rides like this one. – The Management

Sunny King Criterium and McClellan Road Race Press Release: The popular spring weekend of bicycle races, music, food and family activities in Anniston returns for a 14th year on April 2-3. The two days of amateur and professional bicycle racing, called the Alabama Cycling Classic, will be the national kick-off event for USA Cycling’s Professional Road Tour. A lineup for Saturday activities in downtown Anniston for the Sunny King Criterium and Noble Street Festival have been announced and are listed at www.annistoncycling.com. The Alabama Cycling Classic combines Saturday’s Sunny King Criterium with Sunday’s McClellan Road Race for two full days of road racing. Saturday offers 21 categorized races for a variety of age groups and skill levels, from a one-lap children’s event to a 60-lap men’s professional race. The one-kilometer, four-turn course will begin and end at E. 11th Street near Noble Street. A prize purse of $30,000 will be shared by the two professional races for men and women at the Sunny King Criterium ($15,000 each category), with a combined total of $54,000 for the weekend. Main Street Anniston manages the Noble Street Festival, which is held in conjunction with the Sunny King Criterium. The festival provides food, music and festivities to complement the bicycle races on Saturday. Spectators will find activities for the entire family from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Entering its second year, the McClellan Road Race offers a 22-mile circuit through Anniston and Calhoun County with a mountain-top finish on Bains Gap. The 2016 edition offers two professional races, with a $24,000 prize purse to be split by the professional women and professional men ($12,000 for each category).

rideTAXIA Charity Ride rideTAXIA Atlanta Date: Sunday, May 15th For: Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). A non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to cure Friedreich’s Ataxia, a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuromuscular disorder with no treatment or cure. Ride Ataxia is currently the biggest fundraiser for FARA. Location: Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Tech, Cumming, GA Website: rideATAXIA.org/Atlanta Brief Description: 8 mile trail, 25, and 50 mile road route options. Fully stocked rest stops, strong SAG support, and delicious post ride food prepared by Outback Steakhouse. Fundraising benefits the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).  Pre-Registration Fee: $45 Regular Priced Cyclist (No Fundraising Minimum) or $25 Reduced Price Cyclist (With $200 Fundraising Minimum), includes ride, Lunch, and event t-shirt.

3-1-2016 Jackson County Brevet 7th Annual Jackson County Brevet Saturday, June 4th, 2016 Online Registration opens Tuesday, March 1st.  We only have one registration choice:  FLAT FEE.  That means NO mandatory fundraising; register and you’re done!!  Just gotta wait till March 1st to register.  -Indoor restrooms at start/finish venue, – After-ride meal (smorgasbord of choices), – Park at the venue… not around the corner, – Rest stops (every 18 miles avg.), – SAG vehicles on all routes,- The BEST MARKED routes… period, Experience the rolling/flat terrain of Jackson County where traffic is NOT an issue and benefit from 35 years of century ride experiences that formed this premier event. Route options: 22, 44, 64, and 102 miles.  Trish’s note: This is always such a fun ride! It raises money for the Kelley Wilhite Aplastic Anemia Research Fund at Emory University.

TBRA Officials Clinic From TBRA: There will be a level C USAC officials clinic in Crossville TN on March 13th. Sun March 13 2016 @ 10:00am CT 472 Carson Road Crossville, TN 38571 Remember, with each USAC club renewal, one brand new official from your club will have their officials license fee waived for the first year!

2-29-2016 DLV Women’s Class From Lori Walker: I am so excited to announce that the Dick Lane Velodrome will be offering a Women’s Track Racing class.   This is such exciting news! For the last three years we have tried to offer a women’s track racing class and every 3 out of the 5 classes (5 weeks, once a week) it either rained or it froze (freezing is any temp below 40 degrees for the track) but this year the women’s class will be  – every Monday. If it rains this Monday, you know there will be class next Monday. I have been a coach for many years and have noticed the clients that are consistent with their training are the clients that will improve and succeed. We are offering women track racing class every Monday – consistency. The class is open to all experience and newly certified trackies.  If you want to learn more about track endurance races, sprint type races, improve your sprint or your cycling skills you are invited to join the class. If you are brand new to the track you will need to take the certification class first.  The class fee is $5.00 / session or no fee for One Pass holders (season pass) Track bikes are available.  Please bring your helmet, shoes and water bottle.  Class starts on Monday, March 14th at 6:30.

2-26-2016 Southern Cross The weather is looking good and there is still time to register for the Southern Cross Ultra Gravel Grind presented by Maxxis Tires! The course is 55 miles with a bit over 7,000 ft of elevation gain (two major climbs), and consists of pavement, gravel roads and some short sections of singletrack trail. The course is cross bike or mountain bike friendly, so pick your poison! We still have a good number of our cotton-blend event shirts available in most sizes!

DLV News From the DLV: We’re getting ready to have a great 2016! 2016 Pro Race Series Dates: Saturday April 30th 2016 Merial presents The Keirin,
Saturday July 9th 2016 Loose Nuts Cycles presents The Omnium, Saturday August 27th 2016 Third Eye Software presents The Velodrome Cup, Women’s Training Each Monday 6:30-8p.m. Starting March 14th. We always need volunteers! From workdays to keep the track looking great to ticket takers and bike valets at our Pro Race Series, volunteers help us keep things running. Please email rob@dicklanevelodrome.com if you can help! Beginner’s Class: Learn the fundamentals of riding the track in a fun, low stress group environment taught by experienced coaches. First Class March 19-20 1-4p.m. Both D
Season Passes are Now Available For Sale! All Riders who purchase a One-Pass by April 1st Receive a Free Spectator Season Pass Good for all PRS Events!