6-29-2013 Georgia 3 Feet Law The Roswell, GA Police Dept. has produced a GREAT video explaining the Georgia 3 Feet Law for both cyclists and motorists. Thank you Mayor Wood and the Roswell PD!

6-27-2013 6 Hour Race to Sunset at Blankets Creek From Mountain Goat Adventures: The weather is heating up and that means we’re getting close to this year’s 6 Hour Race to Sunset at Blankets Creek, presented by OutSpokin’ Bicycles! The new parking lot expansion is finally complete, leaving us with an improved venue for this event with more parking and more pit areas. Join us for what will be the party of the summer! The festivities kick off at noon on August 3rd, with sponsors, music, and pit setup. The race begins at 3 pm and ends at 9 pm.

The race will feature solo, 2 and 3 person divisions and the course will consist of a 7 mile loop including the “Mini” VMT loop and all of the Dwelling Trail. Prizes will be awarded a minimum of 3 deep in all categories with cash going a minimum of 5 deep in Men’s Expert and 3 deep in Women’s Expert. All female solo riders who podium will receive a gift card courtesy of Van Michael Salons! Entry includes a soft and comfy event shirt, swag bag, and a coveted 16 oz. Belgian Style Beverage Glass with event logo. We’ll also be giving away our custom goat medals to the top 3 and our “Train Hard, Win Easy” podium shirts to all first place finishers. Start training now, because you know your kids/spouse/partner will want one! We have approximately 20 VIP parking passes left for the next few folks who register. Register now and show up late – we’ll hold your spot and you won’t have to tote your gear over from River Church.

6-26-2013 Crossroads Classic Mark your calendars for most sought after race series in the Southeast….the Giordana Crossroads Classic. July 30 – August 4, 2013.
Sprint competition with jersey and overall leaders jerseys for all categories.  The 2013 Giordana Crossroads Classic presented by Salisbury-Rowan County Convention and Visitors Bureau will be a six-race, six-day individual omnium that will visit four different NC cities. All races will be held in exciting downtown venues except the High Rock Road Race on Saturday. We will be awarding a Giordana leaders jersey to each race leader throughout the five day series. We are also once again bringing back the super exciting 2013 Sprint Competition. The 2013 Giordana Crossroads Classic p/b Salisbury-Rowan County CVB will be be held the first week of August and will kick in Mocksville, NC with the Mocksville Criterium.  The weekend will be highlighted by two great events, the ever popular High Rock Road Race on Saturday and City Park Circuit Race in Salisbury on Sunday.

2013 Schedule
July 29 – Mocksville Criterium in Mocksville, NC
July 30- Cabarrus Creamery Classic Criterium in Concord, NC
August 1 – Downtown Salisbury Criterium in Salisbury, NC
August 2 – Downtown Statesville Criterium in Statesville, NC
August 3 – High Rock RR in Salisbury, NC
August 4 – City Park Circuit Race in Salisbury, NC

For 2013 – In order to product fast and accurate results, the event will be chip timed using the MyLaps Pro Chip System. Registration is OPEN for the 2013 Giordana Crossroads Classic.  We will be running an early bird special registration for the six-day series through Monday, July 15. Register NOW for the whole series and save money.

Louis Garneau Factory Team Ride/Party/Fundraiser Come join the Louis Garneau Factory Team Wednesday July 10th for a ride and post ride party! The Louis Garneau Factory Team ladies will lead the B2 group ride and provide their team car to sweep the ride. This will be at the standard B2 ride pace and include the usual regrouping spots.  This is a great chance to move up to the B2 ride for the first time or take a break from the faster race rides and enjoy a nice social ride with our local Elite Women’s cycling team!  The B2 ride leaves promptly at 6pm.  More info on the B2 route here. After the ride, stick around for the party at Marie’s Italian Deli next door. The Ladies team will be selling raffle tickets for $10, all proceeds go to support the development of women’s cycling. Raffle will be held at 8:15pm at the party. Must be present to win. Tickets will be available at the shop up until the event and then will be available all night at the event inside Marie’s Italian Deli. Raffle items include team helmets, team issued skinsuit/vests, team issued t-shirts, Smith glasses, and some other goodies. The team will also be on hand for a meet & greet, photos (with the car too) and autograph signing. Marie’s is going to be serving their delicious food, wine, and beer during the party and contributing 10% of the register sales during the event to the team fundraiser. Want to be an official sponsor for the Louis Garneau Factory Team?  For a donation of $100 the team will place your name or logo on the window of their team car from now through the 2014 season.  The team car gets exposure at all events the ladies participate in as well as being parked in front of the shop when they are not traveling. All donations welcomed and appreciated!

DLV News From the DLV:  Free Admission Once again this year Outback Bikes will be offering a Free Admission coupon to come and catch the action at the Omnium! Coupons can be printed from the Outback Bikes website. Just print the coupon, fill it out and present it at the gate on July 13th. The fine print: One coupon required per person, coupon must be completed and presented to redeem free admission.

Summer Weekend Beginners Class We’ve set the schedule for our Summer weekend beginners class, which will be held on the 27th and 28th of July, from 2pm till 5pm both days. If you’ve thought about giving the track a go, but weren’t able to make any of our thursday night classes, this is your best opportunity to get yourself certified and racing. We are going to be offering group discounts for the class, groups of 5 or more will receive a $10 discount on the cost of the class(normally $60). To get the group deal, just contact jeff@dicklanevelodrome.com for details. As always individual sign-up is online.  and you can choose to pay online before the class or bring cash/check on the day. If you have any questions about the class, feel free to drop us a line, jeff@dicklanevelodrome.com.

Womens Try The Track Day Courtesy of Sorella Cycling: Want to try riding on the track? If so, Sunday, June 30th from 2-4pm you can come out to the Dick Lane Velodrome and try it out! Dick Lane Velodrome will provide the bike, just bring your helmet, pedals, and shoes! The clinic is free for Sorellas and $5.00 for non-Sorellas. For women who are already certified, this is a great day to come out and do some training. Riding on the velodrome is a lot of fun! Please take advantage of this opportunity! Email jennifer.undutch@gmail.com if you are interested in coming or have any questions.

6-25-2013 Ride Review  Blanket’s Creek mountain bike trail is located in Woodstock, GA on Lake Allatoona. There are 3 main loops. Dwelling, the intermediate loops, is 4.2 miles. Dwelling is fast, rolling, and  with some roots. Long time riders will find Dwelling to be easy, but it’s still challenging for beginners. The South Loop (4.2 miles)  is the most technical of the loops has several rock gardens, a few steep elevation changes, and lot of rocks. (Did I mention the rocks?). South Loop was hand cut, and SORBA Woodstock does very little maintenance on the trail to give it a back country feel. The Van Michael Trail (aka VMT, former Area 51) is 3.9 miles long and has the most elevation change of all the loops. There are plenty of switchback and berm turns. Don’t miss riding “Kevorkian Pass” and try not to fall 20 feet into Lake Allatoona below. There are also several other trails: Quehl Holler for advanced riders that like Flow trails, and the Mosquito trails that are great for beginners and families.

BC is one of my favorite metro Atlanta trails. It’s 30 minutes from my house, has a lot of variety of terrain to ride, and gives me a good workout. For me, riding BC on the weekend is like a group road ride because I always see so many people I know. I have to build in half an hour for chatting. I typically start off with a Dwelling Loop to warm up. Sometimes I’ll choose to do VMT first because I know if I don’t do it early in the ride I will not want to do all of the climbing later. I ride at least one South Loop next. The South Loop is my favorite. There are not too many trails in metro Atlanta like it anymore. It’s old school technical without being unrideable. The obstacles are natural, not manmade. No matter how many times I ride it, there is one rock that always causes me to have to dab. I rode the South Loops on Sunday, and even though it is supposed to have a back country feel, the trail needs a little work. With all of the rain, heavy storms, and run off the last few weeks, the water has created several deep, narrow “V” valleys on parts of the singletrack that are really hard to ride. Given SORBA Woodstock’s awesome volunteers, I’m sure it will be addressed soon. After the South Loop, I’ll tackle VMT or another loop or two of Dwelling, so that I have 5 loops and 20-25 miles done.

More information on BC can be found on the SORBA Woodstock website. They may close the trail during or after heavy rain, so be sure to check their website for the current status of the trail. One last note is that real bathrooms and the parking lot are being finished this week and should be open soon. (No more portapotties! Yeah! It’s only been 10 years!) There will also be a bike wash rack and events building.

Racing This Weekend Racing kicks off Tuesday with a Dawsonville, GA race, the AMP Cycling Series. Saturday is the Doubledown Crit,  and the TN State Championships RR. and Battle of the Cycling Legends in Huntsville, AL. Sunday is the NC State Games, Cookeville Criterium, and for the mountain bikers the GSC Series Finale in Helen.

Team STR Cookout Please join Team Share The Road for a free cookout and bike maintenance clinic this Saturday, 4:00pm, at our sponsor location, Silver Comet Cycles.  The cookout begins at 4:00pm, and the clinic with start at 5:00pm.

Out other team sponsor, Snyder Cycles, will also be there to show their line of products and answer any questions you may have.

6-23-2013 Hey Racer Boy and Racer Girl! You know you want to! It’s back! The Covington Century, that is! Come ride your fastest century at the Covington Century on Aug. 3! Ride Options Starting from $30.

Chicopee Work Party From SORBA Gainesville: “Join us for a morning of trail maintenance and fellowship at Chicopee Woods. Please arrive by 8:45a.m. for sign-in. Meet at the Sorba trailer in the bike parking lot. We will work from 9-1pm. Lunch will be provided. No experience is necessary. Bring closed toed shoes, 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. Once you have logged 20 volunteer hours you will qualify for access to Promotive.com. This is an industry discount site. We will have a raffle for swag after lunch. We will be working on the Coyote loop to get it ready for the July time trial series (aka TNT). If you enjoy these trails please consider helping maintain them.”

6-21-2013 From FM Faster Mustache has been at the helm of the Georgia Singlespeed Championships for the last two years. There’s been some amazing racing and good times going on. Too much to contain, really. So they’ve decided to open it up to the their southern neighbors. The race will be held at the Payne Creek Campground (permit pending) on Lake Hartwell. Two days of burning legs and bruised egos await. September 21-22.

6-18-2013 Ride Review-Jackson County Brevet  This week’s ride review is a charity ride, the Jackson County Brevet. The JCB benefits the Kelly Wilhite Aplastic Anemia Research Fund at Emory University. Robert Wilhite started the ride several years ago to help find a new treatment for the condition that his wife suffers from. Registration was a little confusing. Even though I preregistered I had to go to the day of registration line because I missed the date cut off. There was no record of anyone registering online after the cut off date. I had to provide my receipt on my phone. The line was short, and it only took 3 minutes to pick up my packet and tshirt. One convenient option if you registered by the deadline for the price increase was that you could pick up your packet intown at Atlanta Cycling to save you time the morning of the ride.

Held in Jackson County near Braselton, the routes are very rolling, almost like the Silk Sheets area. A few of the climbs were 13% according to my Garmin, and they kept things interesting. Interspersed with the rollers were a few flat roads. Most of the roads were low traffic or moderate traffic. Options of 22, 39, 64, and 100 miles were available. For the most part, the route was well marked. There was one turn on the 64/100 that did not have a single mark for the turn. At first the group I was with thought we missed a turn. Thankfully, it was at a dead end, and you were able to see one mark 10 feet up the road to the right. Cue sheets were available on their website. I’d like to see them on the morning of the ride although there is a possibility that I overlooked where they were located at during registration.* I would also like to have seen the 3 railroad crossings marked, but they were visible well up the road. On the way out, police stopped traffic at major intersections. It was nice to be able to keep rolling without having to worry about a red light or getting squashed crossing a 4 lane highway. The police were not there for the return trip except for at another 4 lane highway crossing. Something else I liked was the staggered start. Corrals were used to separate riders into 20 mph+, 16-19 mph, and under 16 mph averages. I started with the A group, and it seemed to keep things a bit safer the first few miles than some other rides I’ve been on. We were not trying to pass the riders on hybrids going 10 mph. A police escort lead out the ride. Sag stops were at about every 15 miles on the route. They had plenty of typical century food and beverages. The after ride meal was above average. Everyone raved about the ziti with chicken (Seriously. Everyone said it was really, really good.), and the tea was freshly brewed. There was also spaghetti with ground beef, pizza, salad, rolls, and fruit. I had two slices of the Papa John’s cheese pizza, salad, and a roll. It hit the spot. (*The organizer responded and said he thinks the marks may have been painted over by someone.)

Pros: -Rest stops were well stocked with PBJ sandwiches, watermelon, oranges, cookies, Clif Bars (white chocolate macadamia nut, my favorite!), water, Powerade, and other “century” type food/themed rest stops
-Enthusiastic volunteers -Staggered start
-Police at major road crossings
-Above average post ride meal

Cons: -7:30 comes really early when you have to drive an hour
-add vegetarian pasta option for lunch
-entry fee is a bit high

Race for Fee at AMP! Tuesday night action kicks off the week in Georgia with the AMP Cycling Series. The AMP Cycling series continues every Tuesday through Sept. They are running a “Bring a Racer, Race for Free” for this week! If you are a returning racer and bring 2 new racers to the June 11 race, you’ll get 40% off your race. Bring 3 new racers, get 50% off, 4 – get 75% off, If you bring 5 new racers, you race for free!

 Racing This Weekend Zombies, 12 Hour Racing, and Mountain Bikes! Oh My! The 12 Hours of Zombie Apocalypse comes to the Georgia International Horse Park this weekend. If you want to race XC instead, had to SERC #7 Tiger Rag in Clemson, SC. The AMBS Attack on Swayback happens in Alabama. It’s a quiet weekend for road racing.

Southern Single Speed Championships From the promoter: “This is your chance to prove you’ve got the guts, legs and liver to earn the title: Southern Singlespeed Champion. That’s right, we’re goin Regional this year to let our South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and other Southern swindlers join in the fun. If your state says “y’all” and was on the losing side of The War of Northern Aggression, you’re invited to this slam jam great time. September 21 and 22 will be a weekend to remember so mark your calendar for camping, racing, camaraderie, and tomfoolery with the fastest legs in the South. We’ll bring you the trademark Faster Mustache experience. You bring your friends, family, and enemies. We’ll post race formats, times, categories and registration information soon. We’re gathering at Paynes Creek Trail System and Camp Ground in Hartwell, GA. See you There!”

Battle of the Legends Discount From the promoter: ” If you pre-register online by Friday for the upcoming Battle of Cycling Legends to be held at Huntsville Speeedway (Alabama) on June 29, you can save 20% on your registration. This discount applies for the combined race fees. The events include TT and multiple crits, the discount applies across the board on your total race fee. This offer is available to all members of the cycling public, including the general membership of SCCC, SCRD, Etowah Roadies, Limestone, Mountain Lakes, Team UAH, East Alabama, Northeast Alabama, FPCC, and yes even Team Redneck. (Even the Irish are included in this amazing deal.) We are eager to give all cyclists the opportunity to compete, and you won’t find a better or more economical opportunity to give bicycle racing a try. Even if all you do is the time trial, you should give this a try. Huntsville Speedway is a quarter-mile oval that will give you safe venue where your family and friends can marvel at your prowess. To take advantage of this offer, use the coupon code USCF when you visit the registration site.” The offer expires on Friday

Registration site:
https://www.usacycling.org/register/2013-2311

Event flier:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-2311.pdf

6-17-2013 Atlanta Biking News Story Fox 5 Atlanta had a good, pro cycling story on the news last week. The video can be seen here.

6-16-2013 Gainesville SORBA TT From Gainesville SORBA: Races held on the Coyote Loop at the Chicopee Woods Mountain Bike Trails. Medals awarded 3 deep for the series in each class! (Must compete in at least 3 races to qualify). Registration open from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM on the day of the event. Timing starts at 6:00 PM. $10 per race / class or $30 for the entire series if you pay at the first race. Juniors 18 and under are FREE! Must be current SORBA member to race – 1st race free with new SORBA membership! Please bring your current IMBA/SORBA Membership card! New or renewal of annual IMBA/SORBA membership available at registration. SWAG raffle at series finale!

July 11th – Clockwise direction
July 18th – Counter-clockwise direction
July 25th – Clockwise direction
August 1st – Counter-clockwise direction – Series Finale and awards
*Dates subject to change pending weather and trail conditions.
Race Classes: Juniors 14 and Under – Free!, Juniors 18 and Under – Free!, Mens Beginner 35 and Under, Mens Beginner 36 and Over, Womens Beginner 19 and Over, Mens Sport 35 and Under, Mens Sport 36 and Over, Womens Sport 19 and Over, Mens Expert 35 and Under, Mens Expert 36 and Over, Womens Expert 19 and Over, Mens Clydesdale – Over 200 lbs, Mens Single Speed, Womens Single Speed

6-14-2013 GA State RR Championship Women’s Race Head’s up! From Rome Velo: “Due to very low pre-registration (6), our women’s P, 1,2 morning race will be combined with the afternoon 3/4 race. If you are a Category 1 or 2 women racer, you may register race day for the combined race. The start time is 12:30. 1 lap at 41 miles. We have a prize purse of $200 for this event in addition to championship jerseys.  All other categories are a GO! Day of registration will be available.”

6-12-2013 Rope Mill Closed Sat. The trails at Rope Mill in Woodstock will be closed on Sat. from 8 am to noon for a Trail Run.

6-11-2013 Jackson Brevet The Jackson Brevet is on Saturday! 4th Annual Jackson Co. Brevet, June 15, 2013 (Braselton, GA) LIMITED to 1,500 riders. www.jacksonbrevet.com  info@jacksonbrevet.com 22/39/64/100 mile options w/full SAG support. Rolling and super fast flats (w/a few climbs) on smooth roads thru Jackson Co. Rest Stop Contest: you vote the ‘Best Decorated’. Winning Volunteers get Dave & Buster’s Night Out. BEST marked routes. Faster century route vs last year means more Sub-4hr century finishers and faster times for everyone.
“Aplastic Anemia can take my bride Kelly at any time. Your support/participation helps us to literally force a change to a 27-yr old, outdated treatment, giving Kelly and all others w/AA a fighting chance.” Robert Wilhite, Founder
– Huge raffle w/over $6000 in items, including 2013 Cannondale CAAD 10 3 road bike
– Event t-shirt (guaranteed if registered by May 23rd)
– Incredible After-Ride meal
– Special Surprise Presentation at Ride Start, hosted by Lt Gov Casey Cagle.

Beck Charity Ride The Toyota of Newnan/Beck Cycling Charity Ride is Saturday, June 15th.  The event benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Coweta County.  There are routes of 10, 25, 60, and 100 miles. The ride begins from Toyota of Newnan with a mass start at 8AM.  http://www.beckcycling.com/

Racing This Week Tuesday night action kicks off the week in Georgia with the AMP Cycling Series. The AMP Cycling series continues every Tuesday through Sept. They are running a “Bring a Racer, Race for Free” for this week! If you are a returning racer and bring 2 new racers to the June 11 race, you’ll get 40% off your race. Bring 3 new racers, get 50% off, 4 – get 75% off, If you bring 5 new racers, you race for free! The  SC TT Championships is on Saturday. Also on Saturday the Georgia State RR Championships head to Rome, GA. In NC, the 1st Winston Salem Classic has crit action. For mountain bikers, head up to the Legend of Stanky Creek in TN or the Tree Shaker 12/6 Hour Race in NC.

Ride Review Atlanta Cycling Women’s Ride (Trish’s reminder: This is my ride review and reflects only my opinions not those of the sponsoring shop or club. Contact the sponsoring club or shop if you have any questions about the ride.) Every Tuesday Atlanta Cycling in Vinings hosts a Women’s Only ride. It leaves the parking lot at 6:30 and is led by Jennifer. The Vinings Loop is marked with “Vs” for 11, 18, and 22 mile rides.  Riders can do the distance that they choose. Road bikes are required. New riders are welcome but should be comfortable riding in traffic on a hilly route. This is a great ride to get to know other women that road ride, socialize, and get in a good workout. Guys are not allowed on the ride; ladies only!

The ride breaks up into several different groups depending on who shows up that night. The “A” group does the 22 mile loop and averages about 16 mph. The “B” group averages about 14 mph. While there are no set regroup points for any the packs, regulars know where the groups break up at and where to wait. Each group tends to wait for riders that fall off on the climbs, but if they cannot see you they won’t wait. Jennifer leads the ride from the back, so there is always someone for the slowest rider to ride with. They will often do the 18 mile loop. The ride stays together up Northside Dr. and right onto Mt. Paran Rd. Once on Ridge Rd., it begins to break up into the groups. The biggest hill on the route is Stella, which is around Chastain Park near the horse stables. There are have been many colorful words used to describe Stella. It’s long but not steep. The A pack always regroups at the top. Going down Londonberry at 40 mph a mile down the road is the reward for the climb up Stella. As with a mixed group there are a lot of different riding abilities. There may be racers and women that have never done a group ride before and everyone in between. Sometimes the ride gets a big squirrely, but more experienced riders try to help the newer riders with how to ride in a group. A few times I’ve had a close call with someone not holding their line and nearly crossing my wheel.  You have to be aware of your surroundings and where all of the potholes in Buckhead are, and there are plenty of potholes on Atlanta’s streets.

Jennifer does a great job of helping the new riders learn the rules of the road and how to ride in a group. Newbies that have come out and stayed with her (or former ride leader Kelly Diodati) now keep up with the A group. I recommend the AC-V Women’s ride to any woman that wants a fun ride with only other women.  If you have the bring your guy, send him on the Conversation Ride (co-ed) that leaves from the AC-V parking lot Tuesdays at 6:30.

6-8-2013 Women’s Try the Track Clinic From Sorella: Are you interested in trying to ride on a velodrome? If so, Sunday, June 30th from 2-4pm you can come out to the Dick Lane Velodrome and try it out! Sorella race team member, Jen Rossignol, will be leading a women’s only “try the track” clinic. Dick Lane Velodrome will provide the bike, just bring your helmet, pedals, and shoes! The clinic is $5.00. For women who are already certified, this is a great day to come out and do some training. Coach Lori Walker will be there to help out. She is an excellent training resource. Riding on the velodrome is a lot of fun! Please take advantage of this opportunity! Atlanta has one of the few velodromes in the USA. Check out Dick Lane Velodrome’s website: www.dicklanevoledrome.com for more details on the track. Email jennifer.undutch at gmail.com if you are interested in coming or have any questions.

6-6-2013 Covington Century!! Come ride your fastest century at the Covington Century! Mass Start 7am. CC terrain is flat to rolling. Ride options of 13, 33, 60+ and 100. Great SAG. Spend a day in the saddle zooming past goats, horses, and small donkeys. Coast past rows of cotton, wheat ,and alfalfa and by fields where the sunflowers stand spent. Signature rest stops by MS, Cub Scouts, The Rest Stop Queen (Trish’s Note: Mmmm…Peanut Butter Balls!) and Jersey Girls. Finish off your ride with a great lunch (Just Dogs with Portabella and char-grilled Angus Burgers, AND Lobster Rolls). Enjoy a brew or a smoothie. Watch long-legged creatures catch Frisbees. Proceeds to benefit ‘Trails and Tails.’ Air-Conditioned EXPO with door prizes galore. Great support. Visit with friends, snooze in a lawn chair under the sprinklers on our gorgeous and expansive green lawn. We have fine guitarists. Win an electric Bike in our Raffle (more bikes to come).  We ride rain or shine, we wear helmets. Wear your club colors or get the CC jersey to wear on race day. Ride is limited to 2500 cyclists. Ride Options Starting from $30.

Canal Crown MTB TT
WHAT: 4 race time trial series (June 13-postponed), June 20, June 28, July 5
WHERE: Canal Singletrack in Augusta, GA; Meet at the main trailhead at the bottom of the stairs
WHEN: Thursday nights June 13 & 20, and Friday nights June 28 & July 5th
WHAT TIME: Registration opens at 6:30, first racer off the line at 7:00
WHY: Fun and SORBA-CSRA Membership drive
WHO: Everyone!
PRICE: $5/race for IMBA-SORBA members, $8/race for non members PLEASE BRING EXACT CHANGE

GBRA News  From GBRA: Next GCS Event: Healthy Newton Omnium, June 8th/9th We’re getting towards the middle of the GCS season and this coming weekend we’re headed to Covington for the Healthy Newton Omnium. The weekend will feature a time trial and criterium on Saturday and road race on sunday. Details can be seen on the event website: http://www.healthynewton.org/ Courtesy of race director Jim Behning: “Volunteers still need for the race. Sunday follow vehicles and turn marshals make for a better race. Drop me a note if you can help or if your spouse or kids want to work. Turn marshaling can be interesting.”Contact Jim if you think you might be able to help out: jimbehning@mindspring.com

Current GCS Standings After SB&T Albany Bike Races Things are moving along here in the GBRA headquarters, and the point standings have been updated after the races in Albany. Be sure to check through the results, and let us know if your results need adjusting, or if you have any quesitons about how things are looking there, email info@gacycling.org Here’s the link to the standings: http://gacycling.org/gcsstandings .

State Championship Road Race in Rome, June 15th Coming right up after the Healthy Newton Omnium will be a brand new event for 2013, when Rome Velo hosts the State Road Race Championships in Rome, GA. This year’s Georiga State Championship will feature a new course in the beautiful back roads of Northwest Georgia. Racers will contest a long loop, filled with short steep climbs, some narrow windy roads, and stretches of GA State roads. The finish is technical and fast. There are numerous opportunities for breakaways and attacks, but it may all come together for a sprint at the end to determine this year’s Champions! Check it all out at the Rome Velo website: http://www.romevelo.net/staterr/

Georgia Games, July 6th and 7th Once the State Road Race Championship is in the books there’ll be a few week break before the series heads to the Georgia Games races. Time Trials, Criteriums and Road Races are on tap for the Georgia Games once again in 2013. While not a state championship event this year, the racing should be just as action packed as it has been in the past! Info for the races can be found over here: http://www.georgiagames.org/
6-5-2013 Want To Advertise? Isn’t the new website great? What’s missing? Your business advertising here! It doesn’t have to be cycling related. Any type of business is welcome! Contact me for details on how to get your ad on Southeastern Cycling and reach 30,000 cyclists per month!

Ride Reviews One of my goals for this summer is to do some group rides that I normally don’t get to do. Does your shop or club want me to come to a ride and do a story on it for Southeastern Cycling? If so, drop me an email at sttarlite@hotmail.com. I need to know if the route is marked, if maps are provided, and preferably have someone to ride with me that night at my speed, so that I can see the entire route. Hey, it’s free publicity for you ride! Please only the ride leader/shop owner contact me. If you have a regular ride that you do and want me to review it, ask them to contact me.

Tuesday Night Crit The Marietta Tuesday Night Crit (TNC) or just The Crit has been around for at least 15 years. I recall someone saying maybe as many as 20 years. Held at the West Oak Business Park in Marietta, the course is one familiar to racers. The Georgia Games Crit is held each July on the same course, and West Oak has hosted several other races over the years. Several years ago it was used as part of the Georgia Games Time Trial. Most riders park in the businesses along West Oak Parkway. Unfortunately, there are no restroom facilities, so riders may wish to go to the Quicktrip down the road before coming to the crit. Regulars ask that all riders be courteous to business park tenants. If you have to change, do so in the car or use a towel and be discreet. There have been complaints in the past about business tenants getting flashed.

The crit start is down the hill on West Oak Cir. The course is unique because it only has 2 turns. Turn one is a left hand turn at West Oak Cir. and West Oak Parkway. The course climbs the hill up West Oak Parkway. Turn 2 is a right hand turn from West Oak Parkway back onto West Oak Cir. There is a fast downhill on West Oak Cr. Laps are approximately 1 mile. The crit begins at 6:30 April through Sept. Times in March and October vary, but it usually starts around 6:15 to accommodate waning daylight. The crit is an hour plus 5 laps. The total time is close to an hour and 15 minutes. Someone keeps time and will announce the final 5 laps. If you get dropped, you can get back in at the top of the hill at the back of the pack. Do not jump in the front, and do not contest the final sprint if you’ve been dropped. If you opt not to get back in and ride at your own speed, watch out for the pack. Pull over or get out of the way when they come by. Except attacks, breakaways, efforts to bring the breaks back in, and other crit tactics. Average speed is 23-25+ mph. While anyone is welcome, this is not a ride for new riders. Riders need solid high speed bike handling skills and to be comfortable in a fast, tight group.  No aerobars. Let me repeat that. No aerobars.  Leave the tri bike and the aerobars at home. Aerobars at unsafe in crits, and USA Cycling has banned them from mass start events for a good reason. It is also safer to not ride with headphones in the crit because of the close proximity to other riders. If you bring them to listen with on your way to the ride, please keep them off while riding with the group. There are no prizes, no prize money, and no insurance. The crit is not sponsored by anyone, any team, or any business. You ride at your own risk and accept all responsibility for yourself and your bike if you get hurt.

This year the crit has been required to have a Marietta police officer at the stop sign at Turn 1 to stop oncoming vehicular traffic at the request of the City of Marietta. Cost is approximately $135/night. Riders are requested to donate $5 towards the cost of the officer each week. Gary Daniels of Get HD Fit has been the liason with the City of Marietta and typically collects the donations. Without the officer, the crit could not take place that evening. Get your crit on!

RIP Atlanta Pro Bikes Atlanta Pro Bikes ITP has closed. “Back in the day” they had a really strong mountain bike team. I did windtrainer workouts for a few years in their basement led by one of their Expert riders. Ah, the memories.

6-4-2013 NC State RR Championships From CCA:” Due to unforeseen bridge construction on the planned race course, the NC RR is going to be rescheduled to a weekend in August. We understand that some of you have already expressed your feelings about this and we can sympathize with any frustration you may have. However, the factors of the bridge construction and the impacts that not only impact the course directly but also highly impact all traffic in the area. Keeping safety a top priority for everyone concerned, we made the careful decision to reschedule until a weekend in August. Once the date is finalized it will be updated here and on the calendar. The original dates on the calendar page will just be a placeholder until the new weekend is determined.
The CCA Board would like to thank everyone for their consideration and understanding.”

GBRA News GBRA’s June Meeting Notes are on their website. If you want to see how your state road racing association functions and what is on their agenda, the meeting notes are a good read.

Formatting Problem I’m aware of a formatting problem at the bottom of the page. I’m working to get it corrected.

6-3-2013 Racing This Weekend There are several big races this weekend. Saturday is the SC State RR Championship, June 8-9 is the Johnson City Omnium in Tennessee. The Healthy Newton Omnium returns to Newton County in Georgia, which is about 30 miles east of Atlanta. On Sunday the GCS series heads to Flat Rock Park in Columbus.

5-31-2013 Healthy Newton Omnium The Healthy Newton Omnium returns to Newton County June 6-7. Newton County is less than 30 miles east of Atlanta. The HNO showcases the great low traffic riding that riders in Newton County Love. You can see 200 year old mansions in town or 200 hundred year old farm houses out where we ride and race. Goals for this race are to raise money for our Newton Trails efforts and safe road markings. Online registration ends 10:01 PM EDT June 6, 2013. $5 late fee per on site reg. https://www.edgereg.com/registration/event/1012

6 Hour Race to Sunset at Blankets Creek From Mountain Goat Adventures: “The weather is heating up and that means we’re getting close to this year’s 6 Hour Race to Sunset at Blankets Creek, presented by OutSpokin’ Bicycles! The new parking lot construction is nearing completion, leaving us with an improved venue for this event with more parking and more pit areas. Join us for what will be the party of the summer! The festivities kick off at noon on August 3rd, with sponsors, music, and pit setup. The race begins at 3 pm and ends at 9 pm. The race will feature solo, 2 and 3 person divisions and the course will consist of a 7 mile loop including the “Mini” VMT loop and all of the Dwelling Trail. Prizes will be awarded a minimum of 3 deep in all categories with cash going a minimum of 5 deep in Men’s Expert and 3 deep in Women’s Expert. All female solo riders who podium will receive a gift card courtesy of Van Michael Salons! Entry includes a soft and comfy event shirt, swag bag, and a coveted 16 oz. Belgian Style Beverage Glass with event logo. We’ll also be giving away our custom goat medals to the top 3 and our podium shirts to all first place finishers. Start training now, because you know your kids/spouse/partner will want one! The first 100 people who register will receive a vehicle pass to park in the Blankets Creek Parking Lot. Register early and show up late – we’ll hold your spot and you won’t have to tote your gear over from River Church. Online Registration is available here, or you can print a mail-in form. Please help us support our local trails by making plans to attend this event. Our goal is to raise $20,000 through our 2013 events for the Rope Mill Trail Fund, to help build a new 5.5 mile trail on the north side of Rope Mill Park. Your participation makes it happen, so thanks to the nearly 300 racers that came out last year. We look forward to seeing you again.

National Trails Day National Trails Day is June 1, and several of the SORBA Chapters are having work parties.

SORBA Atlanta will host a work party at Allatoona Creek Park from 9 am to 1 pm.  Meet at the Old Stilesboro parking lot bathrooms. Lunch will be provided, and there will have door prizes! They will be doing corridor clearing for a new 4 mile trail. Loppers and/or bow saws will be the primary tools used. If you have either please bring them with you.

Gainesville Work Party “Join us for a morning of trail maintenance and fellowship at North Georgia College and State University-Gainesville Campus. Please arrive at the Sorba tool shed located in front of the campus security office next to the trailhead by 8:45a.m. for sign-in. We will work from 9-1pm. Lunch will be provided. No experience is necessary. Bring closed toed shoes, water, work gloves, snack, etc. Stinging insects are active at this time of year. If you have a severe allergic reaction to stings please bring your Epi-Pen or other device. This is an industry discount site. These trails are home to the Tumbling Creek mountain bike race held in the fall. Let’s show the college administration we appreciate the opportunity to have these trails. Help with our planning by signing up for this event on Facebook at Gainesville Sorba.”

Big Creek Work Party From  RAMBO will host a Big Creek Work Party from 9 am to 1 pm on June 8th.

MTB TTs RAMBO will host the annual Summer Time Trial Series at Big Creek on June 12, July 10, and Aug. 14. The first rider starts at 6 pm, and the last rider is off at 8 pm. Prizes will be given for the series overall, which is 2 of 3 races. Racers must be SORBA/IMBA members, and you can sign up for membership onsite.
RAMBO Summer Time Trial Series
June 12
July 10
Aug. 14

5-30-2013 Racing This Week  The Georgia Junior Track Championships come to the Dick Lane Velodrome on Saturday. The Rockabilly Gran Prix, hits Jackson, TN for a weekend of road racing.  June 2 is the annual mountain bike cross country race Bump N Grind.  BUMP will host downhill events on Friday and STXC on Saturday as well. If you are in NC, check out the Uwharrie XC.

Andrew Pray Memorial Ride NGCA is hosting the Andrew Pray Memorial Ride June 1st at the West Ridge Church in Hiram, GA. Donations will be accepted for the Andrew Pray Memorial Fund, which benefits his widow and children. Andrew was killed in November 2012 when he was hit by a bus while riding near Red Top Mountain. Ride Flyer.

24 Hours of Georgia Cancelled Do to unforeseen circumstances Dirty Spokes and Chain Buster Racing will no longer be holding the 24 Hours of Georgia mountain bike race. They appreciate each and everyone one of you for your support and participation in this event.

5-28-2013 Women’s Track Certification Class A Women only certification clinic will take place at Giordana Velodrome on June 15th, followed by race certification for those who qualifies the same afternoon. To register go to www.giordanavelodrome.com and follow the E-track link.

Classic Bike Ride Postponed Reality Bikes has had to postpone the Classic Bike Ride that was scheduled for June 1. The new date will be in the fall. If you would like an invitation, please email Duncan@realitybikes.com. I will post the new date as soon as I have it.

More US Pro Photos

The Pro Women cross over one of the bridges that span the Tennessee River.

The Pro Men go over the first bridge on the course

Trish hard at work on the photo moto at US Pro. Cycle expertly driven by Kevin Green. Courtesy of Dean Lyons, one of the moto riders.