1-27-2012 Asheville Campaigns for CX Nationals Asheville is one of three finalist cities that are vying to host the Cyclocross National Championships in 2014-2015. The other finalists are Austin, TX and Boulder, CO. USA Cycling officials were in Asheville this week to meet with the potential promoters to evaluate the race site.

1-26-2012 New Mountain Bike Fees Implemented From the GA DNR (pulled from the SORBA forum): "New Mountain Bike Trail Fees and Passes
Announced for Georgia State Parks

ATLANTA, January 25, 2012 – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced new mountain bike trail fees and passes at three state parks. Beginning March 1, a $2 daily or $25 annual pass will be required at Fort Yargo, Hard Labor Creek and Unicoi state parks. The existing $3 trail fee at Fort Mountain State Park will not change.

During the past few years, Georgia’s State Parks have been challenged with finding ways to rely less on state funding while keeping parks open for public use. To meet this challenge, officials are looking at user fees and annual passes to cover activities such as horseback riding, disc golf, miniature golf and mountain biking.

Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth has charged a $3 bike trail fee since opening its extensive bike trail system in 1997. The other three parks will charge a $2 bike trail fee. Avid mountain bikers may purchase a $25 annual pass that provides unlimited access to all four mountain bike trails and covers each family member. The laminated passes must be displayed at all times while riding and are good at all parks visited that day.

The DNR conducted two public meetings and invited online comments during January on proposed fees. After evaluating feedback from park users, officials agreed to offer free passes to bikers who log 20 hours or more of volunteer time annually to maintain the trails.

Bicycling opportunities are continually expanding in Georgia’s State Parks. Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge will open six new miles of mountain bike trails this spring, and trails are being planned for the new Chattahoochee Bend State Park near Newnan. Panola Mountain State Park joined the PATH Foundation in offering a paved multi-use trail in Stockbridge. A few years ago, the agency kicked off its Muddy Spokes Club which helps bikers improve their riding skills at six state parks.

At the four parks which require mountain bike trail fees, riders without an annual pass will be required to check in at the park office during regular hours. Park officials believe that checking in helps improve safety, especially for new riders or during emergencies. Annual pass holders will not need to check in each day, except at Fort Mountain State Park which has the most remote and difficult trails.

For more information about biking in Georgia’s State Parks, go to GeorgiaStateParks.org

Media Contacts: KimHatcher, Public Affairs Coordinator 404-657-9855 Kim.hatcher@gadnr.org Tim Banks, Assistant Chief of Operations 404-656-6544 Tim.banks@dnr.state.ga.us
 

Ride to the Capitol From Georgia Bikes: Georgia Cyclists and Cycling Supporters:

Are you ready to have fun and show Georgia's elected officials that Georgia needs better bicycling conditions? The seventh annual "Georgia Rides to the Capitol" event is right around the corner! Tuesday, March 27th, you and over a thousand other cyclists will embark on group rides from various metro Atlanta locations to the state Capitol to rally for improved conditions for cycling in Georgia.

What’s It All About?
Following on the tremendous success of last year's three foot passing campaign, Georgia Bikes is working to accomplish the following legislative and policy goals in 2012 and beyond:
1) Implement a statewide Complete Streets policy, which will ensure that future road projects in Georgia meet the needs of all road users, including cyclists;
2) Protect the legal rights of cyclists; and
3) Secure a fair share of dedicated funding for bicycle facilities and infrastructure.
A strong turnout from Georgia's cyclists will show our state leaders that safer streets and healthier transportation options are important issues to their constituents.
We hope you will join us on March 27th: Register online today!
All Best & Safe Riding, Brent A. Buice
 

1-25-2012 Cycling Classes Bike Roswell is offering 2 cycling classes Feb. 25 from noon to 4 pm. Smart Cycling 102 and Smart Cycling 202 will teach riders how to ride safely in traffic according to the Principle of Safe Cycling.

WBL #8 The WBL is back this week!  Ride # 8 (28 January)
Next Ride (# 8): 21 January 2012: The Swagger Racing / Team Type 1 Rompage to Royston
Length: 4.5 hours / 90 Mighty Mules
When: Saturday: 10 a.m. (window open)
Where: Sunshine Cycles in Downtown Athens (West Washington Street)
Exit Route: Nowhere Road
Store Stop: Mile 40 (Royston) / after first sprint
Pee Break: approx. 1 hour
Intermezzo Sprints:
Ladies Only Sprint: (tba and brand new) approximately Mile 14: 500 meter flat sprint on Commerc e-Neese Road. Points: 5-3-1 / $25 cash to winner (do not have to complete entire ride)
Royston City Limit: Non, Pro, 1, 2 Only! Points: 5-3-1 / 1st also receivesTed’s Most Best $25 gift card. Description: At Mile 35 the group will turn right onto Dove Hill Road (Sprint Zone opens). Road climbs steadily for 1.5 miles to stop sign. Turn left (BE CAREFUL / YIELD TO CARS), and go about 1.5 miles to Royston City Limit sprint. Store stop after sprint.
Gene Dixon Hill Jamboree (4 miles inside Final Attack Zone): Pro eligible: Points: 3-2-1 plus $25 in cold hard cash. Line in road at top of third hill in Final Attack Zone / adjacent to Gene Dixon Colonial and Gothic Mansion. After sprint keep going - 5 miles to go (see below for description).
Points: 4 to all (PRO FINAL SPRINT)
Win: 10 pts / $100 bucks plus da box
2nd: 8 pts, 3rd: 6 pts, 4th: 4 pts., 5th: 2 pts
Non Pro, 1, 2 Finish:
1st: 5 pts. / $25 bucks, 2nd: 3 pts., 3rd: 1 pt
Ladies Finish: 1st: 5 pts / $25 bucks, 2nd: 3 pts., 3rd: 1 pt
Post Ride Party: Ted’s Most Best (half-priced pints!) I’ll take 2!
Forecast: Sweet!
 

New Trail Near Silver Comet The Patch is reporting that the Cobb County Board of Commissioners is voting on a new trail between west side of Floyd Rd and Hicks Rd. this week. The trail would connect to the Silver Comet.

1-23-2012 Georgia Near Bottom of List Georgia is ranked 45th for bicycle and pedestrian safety. That shouldn't come as a surprise.

Three Foot Law Fox 5 had an interesting story on this evening's news about the Three Foot Law.
 

Spin For Kids From Spin for Kids: Spin for Kids October 20-21, 2012 www.spinforkids.org  October 20: Mountain Bike Ride at Camp Twin Lakes -Will-A-Way at Fort Yargo
October 21: Road Bike Ride at Camp Twin Lakes-Rutledge

Spin for Kids is a fundraising bike ride that benefits Camp Twin Lakes and its “Camp Partner” organizations. Spin for Kids gives our Camp Partners a unique opportunity to raise funds to offset their camp fees to Camp Twin Lakes. Riders interested in the mountain bike ride may register for a 8, 12, or 20 mile loop at Will-A-Way. Riders interested in the road ride may register for a 5, 27, 47, 62, or 100-mile bike ride at Rutledge. All riders are then asked to solicit donations from friends, family, and other supporters. Following the ride, participants and their families are invited to enjoy a community day at Camp featuring lunch, camp activities, day camp for kids, live music and fun for the entire family!

1-22-2012 Bike Swap The Cycle Youth cycling team will be having a bike swap at the Southeast Bike Expo Feb. 25-26th. Tables are only 10 for sellers. Cycle Youth is accepting donations of cycling items and bike parts to sell at their table to raise money for the team.

Alabama RR Schedule I put up the Alabama Road Racing Schedule on the 2012 Race Calendar. I am still trying to find websites for a few of the races and will be correcting those as I get the information.