12-3-2004 TDG News  "ATLANTA, Ga. (Dec. 2, 2004) – With less than 150 days until many of the world’s top professional cyclists descend upon the scenic towns and demanding terrain of Georgia for the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia, North America’s premier professional cycling event and rolling festival of community activities, cycling fans around the world will be given an insider’s look at the teams and riders preparing for the race as veteran cycling commentator and always-exciting race announcer Dave Towle begins penning a new weekly online column entitled “The Towle File”. Set to debut Monday, Dec. 6, 2006 exclusively at the tour’s official website, DodgeTourdeGeorgia.com, “The Towle File” will appear online each week leading up to the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia, which is scheduled for Apr. 19 – 24, 2005. “The Towle File” will focus on the competitive aspect of teams and cyclists as they prepare for what has become Georgia’s springtime tradition and America’s most exciting new stage race! As much can happen between winter and spring, Towle will report on all the action on and off the bike, including behind the scenes coverage of riders expected to compete this coming April across Georgia’s beautifully diverse and often grueling landscape. “The Towle File” will provide readers a unique perspective into such topics as team training camps and early-season racing in countries as far away as Australia and Malaysia in a fashion only Dave Towle can do.

“Dave Towle’s vast knowledge of the domestic and international cycling scene is unparalleled. He knows exactly who to watch and why those teams and riders matter,” said Stan Holm, executive director of the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia. “As we count down to the 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia start, we’re excited to offer a weekly forum for Dave that will be both entertaining and insightful and keep website visitors coming back time and time again.”

About Dave Towle

Dave has been involved with cycling as a competitor, mechanic and announcer since the early 1980s. Truly a person whose occupation is his avocation, the man behind the mike currently lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he announces local races when not out on the national circuit. A seasoned bike shop pro and product developer, Dave re-connected with his passion for racing while working neutral support on the NORBA and World Cup mountain bike circuit for Shimano America. Some of the races Dave Towle announces include The Dodge Tour de Georgia, Wachovia Week, Sea Otter Classic, Granny Gear’s 24-Hour races, CapTech Classic and the T-Mobile International. Dave has a dog, Arliss, whom many people consider the first Pit Beagle in existence."
 

This Weekend This weekend is the Athens round of the Georgia Cyclocross Series. The WBL starts in Athens on Sat.

12-6-2004 GAP Series Results Up The final results for the overall GAP Series Points are up at www.sorba.org.

Lotsa Stuff for Sale I just added a lot of new things to my sales list. Gotta clear out the closet! Just listed: New Pearl Izumi Women's MTB Shoes, Jerseys, Bar Ends, Helmets, Etc.

Kennesaw Mtn Superintendent to Retire The Superintendent of the Kennesaw Mountain National Park is set to retire soon. This could have an impact on riding up the road at the mountain.

Athens Cross Sunday was another great race in the Georgia Cross series. Tommy Bass and crew put on a race with a fast course, a sand pit, and a hurricane obstacle. With only one more race to go, several divisions are close for the year end awards. I didn't take any photos this week.

 To the B Men....be a little more considerate of those that have gotten lapped. They aren't f*cking, G*d D*mn f*cking lapped riders as I heard them referred to. A little respect is in order on your part. They are out there racing as well. Lapped riders, if you know the leaders are coming through, it is nice to pull off to one side (but keep going), so they can battle it out at the finish. I was really dismayed by the conversation I heard as the two leaders of the B race crossed the finish line behind me. You represented your sponsors and club poorly with such bad behavior. What happened to good sportsmanship? 

Pelton The world PELOTON made Miriam-Webster's Top 10 words of the year. 7. peloton : noun (1951) : the main body of riders in a bicycle race

12-8-2004 Noonday Creek Path The Noonday Creek Path is slated to begin construction in 3 years in Cobb County. It will be 6.25 miles long and will run from Kennesaw Mountain up Bells Ferry Rd.

FREE CROSS RACING!! Trish's note: This is a valid offer. Shey is one of the A racer men. From Shey Linder: "My name is Shey Lindner, I'm looking for a few racers for this weekend. I've been reading Southeastern Cycling for a long time now and know a large number of MTB riders/racers, road riders/racers, and others go here to get there news and cycling info. So its a good place to get some attention. The Cyclocross season has been awesome so far, and going into the last race this weekend in Hiram, we will be losing quite a few racers to Nationals. So we need new and fresh faces to fill in for the racers we will be missing. Having raced the whole series and been lucky enough to get some good finishes, I'm sitting pretty sweet to get an overall payout for the series.

So here is the offer...... I'm going to put my winnings to good use and give them back to the series. The first two Southeastern Cycling readers that look me up in Hiram on Sunday morning and can tell me from what site they got this info and who the Series overall shop sponsor is (hint Outback Bikes) will get their registration paid for by me. This must be your first cross race this year and you will need to take care of your own lic info or fee.

That's it. Show up and race on me. Go to www.Georgia-Cross.com for directions, rules and race info. See you on Sunday!!"

AMBC Calendar I just posted the 2005 Southeastern AMBC calendar on the 2005 Calendar page. I'm still waiting on GAP, the rest of Gone Riding's races, and the road schedule. If anyone has a 2005 road race schedule, please email it to me.

WBL News Join the WBL this Saturday, 11 Decemeber, for the Bowman Ball Buster, a 4-hour trek through the nether regions of Oglethorpe and Elbert Counties. See the details at www.winterbikeleague.com And read all about Drewdini's Magic Carpet Classic in the Ride Report, now posted. Wild rumors of special guests at this week's ride are swirling like a Texas Tornado!

12-9-2004 Roswell Bike Meeting  From RAMBO SORBA Roswell Bike Safety Meeting "I want you all to know that on Thursday December 9, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.there is a meeting to recruit members for a citizen's bike committee to work with the Roswell Mayor and City Council to help Roswell become a more bike-friendly community. You may not be aware but recently some of the bike lanes on Azalea Drive were removed. The recent tragic events point to the need to create more bike lanes, not less. Whether you wish to work on the committee or not or even if you do not live in Roswell please try to attend and bring friends as the numbers of people there will demonstrate the degree of our concern for safer bike roads. The meeting will be at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell in room
220.

Trish's note: I'm very dismayed that they took out the bike lanes along Azalea Dr. I used to ride there all the time when I lived in Roswell.

Thompson Weekend From SORBA: "JANUARY 15th -16 Look for info in FTT The Middle GA Festival / Thomson Day are combined with 3 great rides on one day.  Tour Tricks & Time Trail Event
3 rides in a Day (one trail that you never ridden yet ) Camping and Night rides plus FUN FUN FUN
Orienteering Course + Prizes Sunday AM  Get ready for a fantastic Weekend January 15th -16 2005"
 

12-10-2004 Charity "Work Party" From SORBA RAMBO's Jud Shumway:

Date: Saturday, December 11, 2004, Time: 9:00:00 AM
Notes: North Fulton Community Charities - Santa`s Bike Shop I know there`s a lot going on this month already but… This Saturday NFCC and Mount Pisgah UMC are having their yearly Santa`s Bike Shop. Two ways to participate: 1)Bring by that old beater or kids bike that you want to get rid of and donate it to the NFCC - it will get cleaned up, tuned up, and donated to a needy child for Christmas or, 2) Join me and others as Santa’s little helpers cleaning up and tuning up old bikes that nice folks like you have donated. No experience necessary but bring your bike stand and tool box if you have it. Details: Time: 9:00 to noon-ish Location: NFCC is on Holcomb Woods Pkwy in Roswell, in the shopping center next to the old Walmart (sort of across and down from the old Cub Foods, in the old Roberds building, next to Little Gym, Charter school, etc.) We’ll be working around back probably. Say hey to me (Jud) or look for Pat, the coordinator.

This Weekend This weekend is the final Georgia State Cross series. See Shey's offer above if you want to race for FREE and are a first time cross racer. Look for the guys from The Bike Shop in Hiram and ask for Shey. Thank you to Shey for such a generous offer. If you do not want to race, come out and cheer everyone on! Series awards will be distributed after the last race.

12-11-2004 DLV Photos Steve (NARC) has some photos of the Dick Lane Velodrome in its current state after the Demolition Day last week. The boards and judge's stand have been taken down in preparation for putting new ones up.
 

12-13-2004 Women's Spin Class REI Atlanta Women's Stationary Trainer Class This six-week class is designed to help beginner to enthusiast female cyclists effectively use stationary trainers and structure an effective winter training program. Stationary Trainer 101 will help  you prepare for your first century or your first race. Each class will have a variety of challenging drills as well as info on local women's cycling resources and women's specific cycling gear. The classes will be held on Tuesday nights from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., beginning January 4th and ending February 8th . There is no charge but participants need to bring their own bike and trainer.

12-13-2004 Blanket's Creek Work Party From SORBA-Woodstock Date: Saturday, December 18, 2004,Time: 9:00:00 AM, Location: Blankets Creek Notes: Our most important work party, time to prepare the trails for the winter and spring rains. This is the work party that determines how many days the trail will close when it rains. ALOT OF PARTICIPATION=MORE WORK COMPLETED=LESS IMPACT TO THE TRAILS BY RAIN=LESS DAYS TRAIL IS CLOSED. We will start the work party off with hot choclate and a short trail maintenance trainnig/review session. This course is required if you would like to participate in laying out the North loop in Feb 2005. Anyone with a blower, please bring it, we need to blow the leaves of the trail so it will dry faster. Thanks in advance see you the 18th 9am Charlie Shultz BCTC"

CX Finals The Cyclocross Series Finale was Sunday at Paulding Meadows, one of the oldest Georgia cyclocross venues. Congratulations to all of today's winners and the series overall winners! I have to personally thank Kathleen Tokuda (Velo Bella) for pushing me hard in today's race. I nearly had her :) until I flatted on the last lap and had to take a bike change. It was a tough battle for 3rd and 4th in today's Women's A race and tons of fun! I'll have results as soon as they are posted.

Thank you to to Shey & Kari Linder, Adam & Nancy Jones, all of the promoters, all of the racers, and the Women's A division for a great, fun year of cyclocross. Each year the series keeps getting better and better!

Women's A Racers: Travel Girl: Kim Sawyer, Deb Borden, & Kari Bradley, Defeet: Dani Dembrak, Boneshakers: Trish Albert, Velo Bella: Kathleen Tokuda, NARC: Holly Longley, Alan: Lisa Randall & Lisa Samuelson. Thanks for the competition ladies!

Micheal McGee (L5 Flyers) has some wonderful photos as usual, and my photos are here.

I also have a photo study I've titled "What Masters Do Before a CX Race."

The Women's B Series Winners: 2nd: Nancy Jones (@ the Hub), 1st: Kari Linder (The Bike Shop), and 3rd: Claire Robertson. Photo by Michael McGee.

Jay Halgat on his way to a good placing in the Masters race.

Georgia National CX'ers So far the only report anyone has heard from the Georgia CX racers that went to the National Championships in Portland, OR, is "Mud Hurts! German Pub Good!" I'll have results when they are available.

12-14-2004 Outback Bikes Is Hiring From Pete at Outback: Outback is currently interviewing fresh new blood for entry level employment in the exciting retail bicycle business. What you are willing to learn is better than that Business Degree you thought would be impressive on a resume. Please contact me, Pete @ outbackbikes@aol.com.

CX Results The Cyclocross Series Final Standings are posted as is the last race recap.

CX Nationals Tim Barrett (NARC) was 52nd (72 finishers) in the Elite Men's race. Lisa Randall (Alan Factory Team) was also 52nd. Daryl Sawyer (The Bike Shop) was 41st of 82 finishers in his Masters Men's age group. Jason was 26th of 67 finishers. Jamie Parr (GA State) was 30th in the Collegiate Men's race.

IMBA Report Card Georgia got a B in this year's IMBA trail report card. Georgia was praised for the Chattahoochee National Forest's "outstanding plan for MTB." The state was given a thumbs down for "Atlanta Urban Sprawl" and "car culture."

2005 Calendar Where's the 2005 Calendar? When is the Cat. 5 crit at the East Bumble!*!* Spring Classic going to be held? Well, I dunno :P Only the Cane Creek calendar is out. I expect the others will be out sometime by March. I'll post them as I get them.

Ross Douglas (Alan Factory Team) eats a hot dog (yes, it's a hot dog, just burned) at the CX Series Awards on Sunday in Dallas.

12-15-2004 WBL News Gutcheck Gruber has taken Yellow after a rock 'em, sock 'em no-holds barred day in the WBL. Tyler and the Wizard of Oz given lifetime bans. Goats welcomed, as long as they are inside a burrito. Read all the upside-down developments at www.winterbikeleague.com

And join the WBL this Saturday, 18 Dec. 04 for The Monroe Indoctrination, a 4-hour, 75-mile trek into the hinterlands to the south. There will be NO RIDE Christmas day (Saturday, 25 Dec. 04), but join the WBL Friday, the day before Christmas (24 Dec.) for a 3-hour Unofficial training ride. Same time, place, etc. Please, stay calm!- The Board

L5Flyer Ladies Ride Because of the holidays, the L5Flyers Ladies ride will resume on January 8th.

Don't Even Ask for the 2005 Calendar I have it from a reliable source (ok, our esteemed GA/AL USCF Coordinator) that the road calendar will be finalized in January 2005 or thereabouts.

Wojtek (GTC) entertained everyone by yelling at them in Polish during their races. Here, he rips it up during the Masters race at the Dallas CX race.

 12-16-2004 SORBA Beginner Clinics Bring your helmet and bike and join SORBA for a beginner skills clinic and ride at a trail near you. (Note: Helmets are required. No helmet, no ride) Be sure and dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and a snack too. If it is raining or if the trails
are wet, the clinic will be rescheduled on Feb 12. Below is information about where the clinics will be held. Note that some trails will be holding their clinics on days other than Jan 8. See schedule below for details.

Atlanta: Georgia International Horse Park, contact Mike Riter at
education@sorba.org or 678-410-8021
Atlanta: Sope Creek, contact Patrick Barry at atlanta@sorba.org or
404-216-2779
Athens: Heritage Park, contact Charlie Maffitt at athens@sorba.org or
706-540-9708
Augusta (CSRA): Augusta Canal Tow Path, (*Jan. 22nd) contact Paul
Farrow at pfarrow@sorbacsra.org or 706-860-0469
Chattanooga: Harrison Bay State Park, contact Tim Carlfeldt at
chatt@sorba.org or 423-304-1007
Ellijay: Red & White loop, contact Charlie Martin at
overthehill1st@yahoo.com or 706-635-2453
Gainesville: Gainesville College, contact Blake Sexton at
gainesville@sorba.org or 770-654-6649
Hambersham (UCCC): Cornelia City Park, contact Daniel Short
uccc@sorba.org 706-778-6325 or Joe Elam jelam@habershambicycles.com
706-894-BIKE
Macon (OMBA): LH Thomson Factory Trail, contact Kathleen O'Neal,
katcorvi@yahoo.com, 478-956-2295
Northwest GA: Pilchers Pond Figure 8, contact James Stankowitz
nwga@sorba.org 706-581-6844 / 706-581-7077 or Rick Moon
rick.moon@fabrics1.com 706-259-6139 / 706-272-4792
Roswell (RAMBO): Big Creek Park, (*Jan. 15th) contact Bob Grieco at
rambo@sorba.org or 404-298-0110
Woodstock: Blankets Creek, contact John Hicks at woodstock@sorba.org
or 770-591-5820

TravelGirl On-Line The Travel Girl team has a new website. 

12-17-2004 Cyclist Killed In SC  (Trish's note: I got this from a SC mailing list. I do not have a source for this article, although it was probably the local newspaper. Ft. Mill is about 15 minutes south of Charlotte, NC). FORT MILL -- Authorities have arrested a Fort Mill man they say hit and killed a bicyclist with his car over the weekend and then fled the scene. Robert Shane White, 23, of 2530 Sam White Road was arrested early Sunday afternoon, about 16 hours after authorities say his car struck and killed 44-year-old David Earrl Nicholas of Fort Mill along Banks Street. Nicholas was riding his bicycle north on Banks Street around 9:10 p.m. Saturday when he was hit from behind by White's 2002 Honda four-door, said Lance Cpl. Bryan McDougald of the S.C. Highway Patrol. Alfreda Boswell saw David Nicholas riding his bike down Banks Street almost every day and she heard the crash Saturday night too. Nicholas was following proper highway bicycle procedures by riding on the far right side of the road and by having reflectors and a light on his bike, McDougald said.

The Highway Patrol began a search, along with the York County Sheriff's Office and Fort Mill and Tega Cay police, and Fort Mill officers found White's car around 9:30 a.m. Sunday, McDougald said. White was arrested several hours later and charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death. Other charges are pending, McDougald said. White was released Monday morning from the York County Detention Center after posting a $25,000 bond. Forty-four-year-old Nicholas rode his bike everywhere he went as does his twin brother Dale, who's angry that White is already out of jail. State troopers are still investigating the hit and run. They won't comment on whether alcohol was involved. Even when bicyclists do their part to stay safe on roads, as Nicholas was, the risk is still high, McDougald said. "Anytime you mix vehicles with slower moving objects ... there is a  risk of this type thing happening," McDougald said. "Always, constantly be on guard." Drivers in particular should pay attention, he said.

Roswell Bike Lanes Meeting At the December 20th meeting, next Monday night, at 7:30 p.m. at
Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, the Roswell City Council will consider removal of bike lanes from the proposed midtown Roswell project. Initial plans for this project showed bike lanes from  Holcomb Bridge Road south to Norcross Street. The City's design firm is recommending removal of these bike lanes to save costs. If you believe the City of Roswell should include bike lanes on Highway 9,
you should attend this meeting and let the Council know where you stand.
Jere Wood, Mayor
City of Roswell
Phone: 770-641-3729
Fax: 770-594-6414
E-mail: mayorwood@ci.roswell.ga.us, www.roswellgov.com

Christmas Lights Ride MEET AT ATLANTA CYCLING - VININGS FOR OUR CHRISTMAS LIGHT NIGHT RIDE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2004. RIDE STARTS AT 6:30. WE'LL RIDE FOR 45-60 MINUTES. DINNER AT PIZZA CONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING. NON-RIDERS, MEET US AT 7:30 FOR PIZZA.

LIGHTS - YES, PLEASE HAVE A FRONT AND A REAR LIGHT OF SOME DESCRIPTION. SOME RIDERS WILL HAVE FLAME THROWERS ON THE FRONT. THIS WILL BE GREAT. THE REST OF US WILL FALL IN BEHIND. EVERYONE NEEDS A FRONT LIGHT SO THAT WE MAY SEE EACH OTHER. AT MINIMUM, RUBBER BAND A FLASHLIGHT TO YOUR STEM. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE VIA THE STREET LIGHTS. BLINKING TAIL LIGHTS ARE A MUST SO THAT APPROACHING DRIVERS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE EACH RIDER.

THE PACE WILL BE SLOW, AND WE'LL RIDE AS A GROUP SINCE THE ROUTE IS SECRET.

(Trish's Note: This is a really fun ride. I'll be there! Big Don always manages to find some great lights.)

Sope Creek Warning for MTBers From the Marietta Daily Journal.  Police: Jogger bitten by rabid coyote in park From staff reports EAST COBB - A rabid coyote bit a 62-year-old man who was jogging with his dog on a trail at Sope Creek Park off Paper Mill Road on Sunday morning. Cobb County Police spokesman Cpl. Dana Pierce said the man was able to grab the coyote by his neck and hold him until a county Animal Control officer arrived to capture the animal. The coyote was euthanized and tests by the Epidemiology Branch Division of Public Health Department of Human Resources showed the animal was infected with rabies. Pierce said the man has started a series of "post-exposure rabies shots." Because Sope Creek Park is a national park, the National Park Service has agreed to post signs in the area advising park patrons of the attack.

12-20-2004 Charlotte Happenings From Charlotte Sports Cycling: "Charlotte Sports Cycling and the Dirt Divas are teaming to host the Sir Edmond Halley’s Cup this January and February. The event is set to kick-off on January 15 on Renaissance Park’s infamous short track mountain bike
course. The winter short track series will once again consist of five race events, all held at Renaissance Park, RAIN or SHINE. Whether you are an experienced mountain biker looking to gain a little
fitness in the winter or your giving mountain bike racing a shot for the first time, the short track event is a great place to race. The short course will introduce a relatively new style of racing to the Charlotte
area.....short-track mountain bike racing on a 3/4 mile trail with bank turns. It will be a cross between a criterium, cyclo-cross, and single-track, super fast and great for spectators. Schedules, purse and other event info have been posted on www.charlottemtnbike.com. Sir Edmond Halley’s will be providing GREAT food at all five events. We haven’t quite determined the menus for each event but I know they are bringing tasty menu items like their Wild Game Chile and Irish Guinness Stew. YUM! YUM!

New for 2005, Thule and KONA have donated several really nice prizes that will be raffled at the party after the last event. Each time you register to race, your name will be put in hat for the raffle. If you race two races at all five events, your name will be put in the hat ten times. KONA has donated a 7005 Aluminum frame and Thule has donated a Super G and Big Mouth bike carrier. Other sponsors include Sir Edmond Halley’s Freehouse and Restaurant, Thule, KONA, BikeSource, SouthPark Cycles, Bicycle Sport, Ultimate Bicycle, Bike Line, Bicycles East, Sun and Ski Sports, SockGuy, Source Burn, Easton Sports, Fox, Finish Line, Hawley, and more to come. The event will once again be sanctioned through USA Cycling, as will the summer series. Save money and register for your NORBA license online at www.usacycling.org. Not only will you save money, but you will have medical coverage at the events. Registration for NORBA licensed Riders will be $12 and $17 for non NORBA Licensed Riders. $8 for NORBA Juniors, $13 for non licensed NORBA Juniors. Dirt Divas discount $5. Other upcoming events:

1/2/05 – Second Ride of the New Year with the Hickory Velo Club -
http://www.hickoryveloclub.com/the_second_ride_of_the_new_year.htm
1/8/05 - Polar Bear Ride with Rocky River Road Club
www.rockyriverroadclub.com
1/9/05 – Polar Bear Ride with Gaston County Cyclists
http://www.gastoncountycyclists.com/annual_gcc_rides.htm
2/5/05 – Just Fresh-Clif Bar Winter Ride –
www.charlottesportscycling.com"

****For Sale Don't forget to check out my sales page. I added a bunch of stuff in the last week.****

BREAKING NEWS!! Lance-NO TdG Lance probably will not ride the Tour De Georgia this year according to a cyclingnews.com interview with Discovery Channel DS Johan Bruyneel. No matter, Southeastern Cycling will be there to bring you all the action from a local perspective.

MTB Tandems Sunday I headed to Blanket's Creek to do a quick mtb ride before the weather blew in. Of course, the forecasters were wrong. By 10:45, it was raining; whereas, they said it would not do anything until the afternoon. I ran into the Livinggoods and Hunters on their mountain bike tandems. Thanks guys for letting me tag along on my single! You guys are amazing on the mountain bike tandems!

Slow Time Of the Year This is the slow time of the year for local cycling news. I'll be here through the holidays and plan to update SE Cycling on a regular basis.

12-21-2004 WBL News Matt Turbo Gentry has caught Jered Gutcheck Gruber in the race for the Golden Fleece with a Herculean effort on this past weekend's topsy-turvy Monroe Indoctrination event. Turbo blasted back and forth from the pack picking up flatters and flaneurs and hauling their wretched souls back into the fold. Both Zealots now tied with 7 points after Turbo awarded 1 extra. Full details coming soon.

The Holiday Schedule is now posted at www.winterbikeleague.com
(Next ride:3-hour trainer this Friday, 12-24; Unofficial event.)

And we are pleased to report, the WBL message board is now fully functional. Lawd have mercy on our sad, sorry, sordid souls!

12-22-2004 2005 UCI CX Races The UCI has released a preliminary list of UCI cyclocross races on the East Coast. Nov. 19-20th bring racing to Hendersonville, NC. That's right! No more driving 7+ hours to a cross race.

12-23-2004 Goodbye Team Peggy Goodbye Team Peggy! I raced for Team Peggy for about 5 years beginning in the late 1990's. During those years, Team Peggy was one of the top Women's teams in the country and was named the USCF Women's Team of the Year once. Combining to form a new club called Scenic City will be the River City Bikes Team, Team Peggy, Krystal Elite Men's Team, Suck Creek Cycles Team, and the Suck Creek Junior Development Team. It's hard to say goodbye to an old team, especially when you made such great friends and had such a good time traveling the country with them for several years!

12-24-2004 WBL News-Let the Sprinting Begin! From The Board Merry Christmas to all you Zealots out there! Remember, there is no ride tomorrow (Christmas day), but will be a mandatory official ride next Saturday 1-1-05. Be There! Details posted soon! Sprinting and cash galore! And read all about Matt Turbo Gentry's valiant efforts on last week's ride, The Monroe Indoctrination, in the ride story, now posted.

Happy Holidays from Southeastern Cycling!

12-27-2004 Cartecay New Year's Day Ride Date January 1, 2005

Start off the New Year with a Wonderful Mountain Bike ride with old and new friends. The ride location. Ocoee Whitewater Center Cherokee National Forest. (Tanasi Trail System). Park at the Whitewater center campground. Ride starts 10 am. Ride options are as follows Seventeen miles, or
Thirty Two miles. Intermediate to advanced ride options. Ride leaders: Chris The Cruz Master Moss! Big Daddy Vic! Ken Nitro Nix! JJ Wonderful Watkins! Major-Do"mo Martin for the Thirty Two mile ride. Happy New Year! I look forward to Seeing Everybody!!!! Mike!---

Random Thoughts from Trish Christmas is over. It's one of the worst times of year for someone single. Thank god it's over! There was absolutely nothing under my tree :( (Thanks to Mom and Dad for a slightly early Xmas gift. It wasn't under the tree, though.) What did I want? I new tv. Mine is a 13" color tv with rabbit ears. It doesn't have a remote control or cable, and it's so old I can't hook the $25 DVD player I bought a few months up to it. I think the DVD player is worth more than the tv. Do you have a tv you want to get rid of (free? :) ? Drop me an email. Now I have an entire week of vacation to ride, ride, ride by myself!

12-28-2004 GAP Banquet GAP has finally announced that the 2004 Series Banquet will be Jan. 30, 2005 at East Roswell Park in Roswell. More details to come. Trish's Note: East Roswell Park is off of Holcombe Bridge Rd. about 4 miles off of 400.

NARC Race Results From NARC: Earlier in December NARC wrapped up another successful Georgia Cross Series. The club was well represented each and every weekend by John Robertson, Travis Neumuller, Tim Barrett, Mike Barman, Jonathon Trapp, Dub Smith, Pat Collerton, Scott Cochran, Quint Smith, Kyle Cochran, Sean Cochran and Holly Longley.

Highlights:
NARC Team: 1st Place/ Team Points Competition (2nd year in a row)
Tim Barrett: Series Champ (Cat 1-2), Gold Medal/ State Championships
Quint Smith: Series Champ (Juniors), Silver Medal/ State Championships
Kyle Cochran: 2nd Place Series (Juniors), Gold Medal/ State Championships
Dub Smith: 2nd Place Series (Masters), Silver Medal/ State Championships
John Robertson: 5th Place Series (Masters), Bronze Medal/ State Championships
Holley Longley: 6th Place Series (Women's A)
Travis Neumuller: 6th Place Series (Masters)

Dub Smith (NARC) races at the Paulding CX race in December

12-29-2004 WBL Training Ride There will be a 3-hour training ride this Friday Dec. 31st at 10 a.m leaving from same place (Sunshine) as always. Come one and all! And since the forecasted high is 92 degrees, I will show up, and ride, this time.

The regularly scheduled Talmo event on Saturday January Uno is a Go! Complete info on the ride, the sprints, the points, the Attack Zone, and downloadable maps, are now available at www.winterbikeleague.com.

SORBA News Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Robin Allen
Public Affairs Director
SORBA­Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association
770.509.8916
publicaffairs@sorba.org
www.sorba.org

The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association Announces 2005 Calendar of
Events

Gainesville, GA­The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) has announced its Event Series for 2005. The events include festivals, work parties, and skills clinics thus embodying SORBA's commitment to education, advocacy, fun, and fellowship. New for this year is National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day on October 1st, which was designated by Congress to be observed annually on the first Saturday in October. Mountain biking is a great way for kids to be active, and this day will feature skills clinics and rides geared towards our youngest riders. In addition to SORBA's scheduled events, many SORBA chapters will host events throughout the year. Visit www.sorba.org for information on chapter-sponsored events. The calendar is as follows:
January 8 SORBA-wide Beginner Skills Clinic & Ride (hosted by chapters--(some chapters scheduled this event on a different date­see schedule below) – inclement weather date is 2/12/05)
March 5-6 SORBA-wide Unicoi Trail Weekend (Helen, GA)
March 20 Board of Directors meeting (Ocoee, TN)
May 13-15 Helen Fat Tire Festival (Helen, GA)
June 4 National Trails Day (locations to be announced)
August 20-21 Nimblewill MTB Festival (Dahlonega, GA)
August 20 Board of Directors meeting (Dahlonega, GA)
October 1 National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (chapters)
October 8-9 Tumbling Creek MTB Rumble IX (Gainesville, GA)
November 19 Board of Directors meeting (Gainesville, GA)
List of Beginner Skills Clinics and Rides and contact information:

Atlanta: Georgia International Horse Park, contact Mike Riter at education@sorba.org or 678-410-8021

Atlanta: Sope Creek, contact Patrick Barry at atlanta@sorba.org or 404-216-2779 TIME 1:00 pm

Athens: Heritage Park, contact Charlie Maffitt at athens@sorba.org or 706-540-9708

Augusta (CSRA): Augusta Canal Tow Path, (*Jan. 22nd) contact Paul Farrow at pfarrow@sorbacsra.org or 706-860-0469

Chattanooga: Harrison Bay State Park, contact Tim Carlfeldt at chatt@sorba.org or 423-304-1007

Ellijay: Red & White loop, contact Charlie Martin at overthehill1st@yahoo.com or 706-635-2453

Gainesville: Gainesville College, contact Blake Sexton at gainesville@sorba.org or 770-654-6649

Hambersham (UCCC): Cornelia City Park, contact Daniel Short uccc@sorba.org 706-778-6325 or Joe Elam jelam@habershambicycles.com 706-894-BIKE

Macon (OMBA): LH Thomson Factory Trail, contact Kathleen O'Neal katcorvi@yahoo.com, 478-956-2295

Northwest GA: Pilchers Pond Figure 8, contact James Stankowitz nwga@sorba.org 706-581-6844 / 706-581-7077 or Rick Moon rick.moon@fabrics1.com 706-259-6139 / 706-272- 4792

 
Roswell (RAMBO): Big Creek Park, (*Jan. 15th) contact Bob Grieco at rambo@sorba.org or 404-298-0110

Woodstock: Blankets Creek, contact John Hicks at woodstock@sorba.org or 770-591-5820

 12-30-2004 Winter Base Ride Leaves Georgia Int. Horse Park gravel parking lot @ 9:00 AM every Sunday after the new year and goes until start of new race season. Routes run through Rockdale, Newton, Walton, and Morgan counties. There are many distance options ranging from 20 miles to 100+. This is a tiered ride and will become longer every week. This is a base training ride (small ring) and speed will be range from 15-18 mph, no one will be left behind. All riders are welcome, competitive and recreational. Maps/Cue sheets will be available. Please be prepared for long winter rides (food and proper clothing). For more info contact Shey @ 404-455-0371 or everett11@bellsouth.net

The route this week is about 55 miles in length and takes us through the towns of Social Circle and Jersey. Look forward to 3+ hours in the saddle @ 15-18 mph. Please check the weather and dress appropriate. I will show to ride @ 9am if it rains, snows, sleets, is sunny or whatever, the choice to show is yours alone. There will be a store stop if needed. Shorter route options available, please ask.