Trish Albert (OTR Cycling) gets out from behind the camera to race in the Women's 1/2/3. Photo by Sid "One Arm" Carter.

 BBC The Birmingham Bicycle League has been formed! It will ride every Saturday. Details here.

11-6-2007 Team Kenda Tire Announces 2008 NRC Roster
Team Kenda Tire is entering its 10th year, fusing experienced and young women riders, with an eye toward higher placings in 2008 National Race Calendar events.bThe young riders that will join the peloton include the likes of Jackie Kurth (2006 Junior National RR Champion) and Jacquelyn Crowell (5-time Junior National Champion). Returning team sponsors include Kenda USA, Blue Competition Bicycles, Vergesport, Rudy Project, LH Thomson, LifeSport PT, CycleOps, Ferguson and Associates, Full Speed Ahead, Sigma Sport, Zipp Speed Weaponry, Timbuk2, Elete, SportCrafters, Terry Precision Cycling, Richard Weiss Company, Inc., Headsweats, Deen-Gross Eye Centers, and Purple Extreme.

New team sponsors for the 2008 racing season include The Allen Group and their Dallas Logistics Hub in addition to Plant Solutions. All 2008 NRC Elite Team bicycles will be SRAM Force equipped. Team Kenda Tire will continue grooming riders in 2008 with a brawny contingent of developmental and regional riders which will represent the brand at the local levels.

About Team Kenda Tire Women's Cycling: Team Kenda Tire began in 1999 as Team Ameritech with nine riders who excelled at bicycle racing. Over the years, the team has steadily grown in size and now boasts both Elite and Developmental NRC Teams along with Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and West Regional Teams. The team competes in the United States focusing on the National Race Calendar and top Canadian events sanctioned by the Canadian Cycling Association. (http://www.teamkendatire.com)

Team Kenda Tire 2008
Kat Clark, Savannah, GA
Jacquelyn Crowell, Gainesville, FL
Debbie Dust, Chicago, IL
Lee Farabaugh, Birmingham, AL
Anne Guzman, Carlisle, Ontario, CAN
Kristin Keim, Athens, GA
Jackie Kurth, Palm City, FL
Amy McGuire, Somerville, MA
Andrea Myers, Westport, CT
Yukie Nakamura, Los Altos, CA
Catherine Walberg, Topeka, KS
Kristin Wentworth, Madison, WI

More Cross Masters Video, Cyclingnews.com coverage

Velodrome Winter Training Velodrome Wednesday Winter Training Starts November 7th @ 7:00 PM The cost for winter training will be $40 per person to cover insurance costs, or $5 per session. As always, those that support the velodrome with the One Pass $250 purchase are covered until April 1st 2008. For those that are not covered with a One Pass - purchase a pass for 2008 now and we will include this years winter training and all velodrome fees until April 1st 2009."

11-7-2007 Blanket's Creek Workparty There will be a Work Party at Blanket's Creek on Sat., Nov. 19 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided afterwards by SORBA Woodstock.

Bike Demo There will be a bike demo Saturday at Blanket's Creek by Outspokin Bikes. 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Lots of full suspension bikes.

11-8-2007 Nathan O'Neill Fired by Healthnet In local pro rider news, Nathan O'Neill has been terminated by Team Healthnet following a doping positive.

Group Rides Check the Road Rides page for a few night rides including one near Cumming and one in Decatur. Sorella hosts a Wednesday night group ride at Stone Mountain. The pace is usually casual (15-16 mph) and is set by the ladies. Guys are welcome to ride with the group. No attacking. Remember that front and rear lights are required per Stone Mountain park rules. Most weekend group rides will start at 10:00 am this week. Check with the ride leader or organizer as I know a few leave a bit earlier like Webb Bridge. 

11-9-2007  Chicopee Work Park From SORBA-Gainesville Sat. Nov., 17th: "We only on have a little more to go on the Beginner Loop. There's about 1/8 mi or so of back cutting and just a few yards on the right fork as it joins the outer loop. If we get a good group we should be able to knock it out! Meet at the trail head around 9am on Saturday and we'll hit the trail at 9:30am!"

USA Cycling Announces Races USA Cycling has announced the AMBC and NRC calendars for 2008. Below are the Southeastern races. You will see a few races like Twilight are missing. Some others have been added like the women's only Komen Crit, which is one of the best run events out there! Where else can you win a designer purse as a prize?! (Hey, we ARE ladies with good taste, afterall!) The AMBC calendar is similar to last year with all of the SERC series, BUMP, and Tiger Rag returning. The full calendar is at http://www.usacycling.org.

*American Mountain Bike Challenge (AMBC)
March 16 SERC #1/Gainesville www.goneriding.com
March 30 Chickasaw Trace Classic www.tbar.org
April 6 SERC #2-Tsali www.goneriding.com
April 20 Tiger Rag
April 27 SERC #3/Ft. Yargo
May 4 SERC #4/Tanasi
May 18 Stump Jump 2008
May 25 SERC #5/Heritage
June 1 BUMP
June 15 SERC #6/Clemson
June 29 SERC #7/Chattanooga
July 13 SERC #8/Cheaha
July 25-25 SERC #9/Fontana

*NRC Races

March 29 Komens Cycle for the Cure, Macon, GA
May 3 Sunny King Criterium, Anniston, AL
May 4 Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium, Roswell, GA
Aug. 2 Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium, Charlotte, NC
Aug. 3 Hanes Park Classic, Winston-Salem, NC
Sept. 1 US 100K Classic, Atlanta, GA

11-12-2007 Brush With a Cycling Celebrity I was on the Silver Comet late Saturday afternoon spinning my legs out for Sunday's cyclocross race, and it was getting dark. I saw a few people bent over a bike, and I thought someone might have gone down. I yelled out to see if everything was ok, and one guy asked if I had a chain tool. I did, so I stopped. A lady's rear derailleur and hanger had been sheered off of carbon Trek by a branch sticking out onto the trail. Three people had stopped to help, and they were trying to get the chain off in hopes that they might be able to make it into a single speed for her. Unfortunately, the derailleur was snapped in half, and she was going to have to walk back a mile to her car. They zip tied the derailleur to prevent any further damage.

She thanked us and introduced herself as Lisa Campbell, afternoon news anchor on WSB radio. Of course I knew who she was as I love to listen to the Clark Howard show! She does the news during his show and the Sean Hannity show. She had her hair up (no helmet...ugh), but her face was just the same as her picture: http://wsbradio.com/inside/lisa_campbell.html. Kind of neat!

So, there are cyclists among the newsies in town. (Another cycling newsie/trigeek is a reporter for Fox News 5.)

A Little Different For something a little different, I took an action sports photography workshop on Saturday. Our subject was vintage motocross racing--very cool! One of the neatest things was the young woman (teenager?) below racing with the men on their vintage bikes. I learned a few new techniques I will be trying out with road racing next year.

Cross Stuff The Macon cross race was a lot of fun! I'll post a bunch of stuff Monday. I got in really late Sunday night (uh, now) and am very tired.

The entrance to the sand in Macon was tricky as demonstrated by this rider.

More from 11-12-2007 (stuff I was too tired to post last night)  Upstate Winter Bike League From SC: The Upstate Winter Bike League is starting soon!!As a matter of fact we're planning a tuneup ride from the Great Escape Bicycle Shop in Spartanburg next
Saturday, November 17. We'll open up the bike shop at 9 AM and roll out at 10 AM. We'll ride the 60-mile loop and come back and enjoy burnt hot dogs, chili, chips, brownies, and soft drinks!! Best of all, the Great Escape Bike Shop in Spartanburg will be offering incredible deals on accessories and bikes just to get you ready for the UWBL!! More details later this week!!

Here's the dates planned in December! Remember to keep a close eye on the Upstate Winter Bike League at WWW.UWBL.NET  Announcing the 2008 UWBL!

The 2nd Annual Phil Whitman Celebration, Saturday, December 1st 10:00 am, downtown Carolina Triathlon, 3-3.5 hours....... No store stop .....some Unofficial playtime!
Remember bring $$$ for the sag driver, stuff to fix a flat and your on the bike nourishment!

December 2008 Rides

Saturday December 1st.....3-3. 5 hours
Saturday December 8th......3.5- 4 hours
Saturday December 15th.....4 hours
Saturday December 22nd.....Big Joe's B-day ride?
Saturday December 29th....Spartanburg Taproom century ride? Pizza and soft drinks provided
after the 60-mile loop. Details
in December. NO $$$
Tuesday January 1st.......Carolina Tri. Chili ride ?

Ross Douglas (ACC) pushes his bike up Cereal Bowl Hill, Macon's famous obstacle.

Cross Photos My Macon cross photos are up! Master Men and Men 1/2. Thanks to the entire Macon crew for a really fun course! The course was quite different than in years past, and I think it may have been the best one yet at this venue. The longest sand run of the season combined with Cereal Bowl Hill made for a very difficult back side of the course.

The Women's 1/2/3 podium: 3rd Ellen Carroll (Team Cycleworks), 1st Kim Sawyer (BMW-Bianchi), 2nd Kristen Bowers (Atomic Cycling)

The lead trio in the Men's 1/2 race. It came down to a sprint finish with Tim Barrett (Myogenesis) taking his second win in as many weeks.

11-13-2007 WBL News The WBL is pleased to announce the Official start of the Unofficial rides. That's right Ladies and Gents, with 2 weeks to go, it's time for the Official Unofficial Rides, beginning this Saturday at Jittery Joes in 5 Points (Athens). After 2 weeks of Unofficial Unofficial rides, it's now time to shift gears, unofficially. If you're confused, no worries, so are we. Just check out the details at www.winterbikeleague.com and hopefully you'll be more confused than ever.

This Saturday's ride is a 3 hour sortie south to Monroe, unofficially.

Also, check out the grand announcement of the first 3 sprint rides on January 1 and 5 and 12. January 1 will be a non-pro sprint affair while January 5 will once again be Ladies' Day in the WBL. Mark your calendars and plan accordingly. On January 12 the gates open wide for da pros.

Remember: December 1 the ride start will change to Sunshine Cycles in Athens and will begin at 10 a.m. (eastern window time--ewt).

We encourage all Athenians to ride their steeds to the start of the rides to help with parking. Free parking is available for all in the Bank parking lot up from Sunshine. We are working on additional parking. Do not park in the Sunshine parking lot nor Snow Tire (until further notice). We will have a safe place available for those who ride to Sunshine to stash their t's during the first ride.

Do you want to sponsor a ride? Act fast, they are going quick: $100 plus 1 cool prize for da box. 1 World Cup (Toccoa) is available for $200. Sponsor the world famous Alto Sprint for $100 or other sprints for $25. All takers respond to this address. Yo or yo company's website will be linked to the WBL website, and you will have rewards in heaven. The more you spend, the less time you will spend frying in Hale, so save yoself and get on it chump.

Dirt Spokes Series I hope each of you are doing great! Just wanted to touch base to let you know we have solidified our 2008 race schedule! We are putting on the Dirty Spokes 12/6 Hour Mountain Bike Endurance Races - Points Series - 2008 Georgia! We have 3 great courses - each with something a little different to offer! Check out the points series information / rules - www.dirtyspokes.com  We have some AWESOME sponsors who have jumped on board to be part of the points series! Check'em out! If you can help spread the word that would be awesome! Our web-site is up and rolling with the 2008 info!


Dirty Spokes 12/6 Hour Mountain Bike
Endurance Races
2008 - Points Series - Georgia!
The Series will consist of 3 races!
Register On-Line: Active.com (keyword = Dirty Spokes)
RACE DATES:
March 16th, 2008 – South River Gun Club, Conyers, Ga.  6 Hour Race ONLY (1st Annual)
(points from this race can be used for either 12 or 6 hour races)
May 3rd, 2008 – Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, Ga.
(DOUBLE POINTS RACE - YES DOUBLE POINTS RACE!!!) 12/6 Hour Race (3rd Annual)
October 11th, 2008 – Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, Ga. 12/6 Hour Race (2nd Annual)
Categories:
12 Hour Races (Fort Yargo, Conyers Horse Park)
Solo – Beginner, Sport, Expert, Female, Clydesdale, Single Speed $60.00
2 Person – Male, Female, Co-ed $90.00
4 Person – Male, Female, Co-ed $180.00
6 Hour Races (Fort Yargo, Conyers Horse Park)
Solo – Beginner, Sport, Expert, Female, Clydesdale, Single Speed $45.00
6 Hour Race (South River Gun Club)
Solo – Beginner, Sport, Expert, Female, Clydesdale, Single Speed $45.00
2 Person – Male, Female, Co-ed $90.00
Cash and Prizes Over $25,000 in cash and prizes throughout the 3 race series!  Dirty Spokes Productions,LLC Contact: tim@dirtyspokes.com  * For more race information check out: www.dirtyspokes.com 
 

Chicopee Night Rides From SORBA Gainesville We are starting up Night Rides again at Chicopee Woods MTB Park. The first ride is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14th. Each ride will start at 6:30 PM and we must ride in a group with a designated leader and sweep. As per park commision guidelines we must have a security guard present while we ride so please bring a few dollars to help pay for the security guard. If you arrive at the park after 6:30 the gate will be closed and you will not be allowed on the trail. Here’s the rest of the schedule: November 14th and 28th, 2007
December 12th and 19th, 2007
January 9th and 23rd, 2008
February 13th and 27th, 2008
March 12th and 26th, 2008
These dates are subject to change pending weather and trail conditions so check http://gainesvillesorba.org to confirm dates before the ride.
Reminder: Night riding is only allowed at Chicopee during sanctioned group rides. Anyone caught riding at Chicopee after dark is in violation of Gainesville City laws and also puts sanctioned night rides in jeopardy for the rest of us.
 

The Chilly Dawg Winter Training Rides with Cartecay Cycling Club (Mountain Bike on Gravel Roads)

Starting Saturday, November 17th @ 10am, 8 weekly rides leaving from the Big Creek Fire Station on Big Creek Road in Ellijay. These rides will be slow paced base training rides! Be fit for 2008..Join us in our effort. Former Pro Schwinn Factory Racer Mike Palmeri will be on board amongst other experienced and knowledgeable athletes to give advice, encouragement, & train. Big Mike will fix us a mean Chili for after the ride. The Chilly Dawg rides will go up in miles in increments of 5-10 miles per week. Attendance Points for prizes! Don't miss out, be sure to mark those calendars.

11-14-2007 NC Cross News Online registration is now open for the NC Cyclocross Grand Prix UCI races this weekend in Flat Rock, NC! https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?id=2011  For event information, visit the NC Cyclocross series page here: http://www.nccyclocross.com/7128.html

Pick up your race packets and pre-ride the course on Friday starting at 4 p.m.!

2008 Calendar I'm already getting requests for the 2008 calendars. Please know that most of them are changing every other week right now. It's too much to keep up with. By Christmas they will have somewhat stabilized, and I will put them up. Plus, I have to get through cross season first. The 2007 race season isn't over yet!
 

Cross On Cyclingnews Georgia Cross, Macon Round, made cyclingnews.com including photos by Southeastern Cycling!

Buy Photos! Just a reminder that all of the photos I take throughout the year are available for sale at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. Digital downloads are available for most races after July 2007. Contact me directly for commercial or web uses. My prices are usually much lower than other websites.

11-15-2007 The O'Dea's There is a great article on Eddie and Namrita O'Dea on cyclingnews.com. Eddie and Namrita are endurance racers from Atlanta. Many of you know them through their 55Nine Performance coaching business.

Augusta Cross Course The Augusta cross course preview can be seen here. The course will not be open until Saturday afternoon because of another event on campus. Ross Douglas, the promoter, has been notified that campus police will stop you if you try to ride on campus before then because of the other event.

11-16-2007

Justin Spinelli (Richard Sachs) takes a tumble while in the lead in the Elite Men's race at the Saturday UCI NC Grand Prix

11-18-2007 Georgia Cross Stuff It is VERY late, and I'll have my cross stuff up Monday night. I had a long weekend traveling to Hendersonville, NC on Saturday for the UCI race and Augusta on Sunday for the State Cyclocross Championships.

Georgia Women's 1/2/3 Podium: 2nd Ellen Carroll (Team Cycleworks), 1st Holly Longley (Sorella), and 3rd Trish Albert (OTR Cycling)

11-19-2007 Georgia State Championships Congratulations to all of the Georgia State Cyclocross Champions! Ross Douglas and crew did a great job with the Augusta series stop and ran the best course yet at this venue. The massage students giving massages after the races need to be mandatory at all of the races!

Georgia State Champions:
Men's CX 1/2 - Tim Barrett (Myogenesis)
Men's CX 3 - Artur Sagat
Men's CX 4 - Joe Burch (United Community Bank)
Women's CX 1/2/3 - Holly Longley (Sorella)
Women's CX 4 - Nancy Dalman (Dahlonega Wheelworks)
Masters 35+ - Tony Scott (Peachtree Bikes)
Masters 45+ - Dan Coy (GTC)
Juniors 15-18 - Ty Magner (FFCC)
Juniors 14 and Under - Jansen Lindner (GTC/FFCC)
 

Bob Kuhn (HUP United) in the Master 35+ at Augusta

Georgia Cross Photos My Georgia Cross photos are up: Master Men, Men 4/Women 4/Men 3/Women Elite, Men 1/2. Thanks to Jim Behning for the Men 3/Women Elite photos. 

NC Photos My photos from the NC UCI race will be up by Tuesday morning. My DSL can only handle so much at a time. Sorry if you were looking for them! Please check back Tuesday morning.

Elizabeth Lee (ACC) on her way to 3rd place in the Women's 4 in Augusta.

11-20-2007 Cross TV Coverage The local Augusta TV Station had a story on the cyclocross races.

Chilly Dog Training Ride From Cartecay Bikes: Thanks to all who showed up for the 1st of 8, Chilly Dawg Training Rides. The first ride went smoothly with 42 riders divided into 2 groups. The whole ride was done at an easy pace and everyone finished the ride with smiling faces. Terry made the Chili and it was excellent! If you missed the first one don't beat yourself up over it, just come out and join us for #2. November 24th we will meet at the Big Creek Fire Station at 10:00am. This week we will have a 30 mile option from the Fire Station including the Noontootla Loop. The 20 mile option will start from the Church on Doublehead Gap Rd. and also include the Noontootla loop. Join us as we attempt to burn away the Thanksgiving Bulging Bellies. Call Cartecay Bikes for more details 706-635-2453.

Happy Thanksgiving!

NC Photos My NC Grand Prix photos are up from Saturday: Elite Men, Elite Women

Chief Ladiga Ribbon Cutting New Post Ribbon Cutting 12-1-07 Chief Ladiga Trail  Now 33 miles & completed through Cleburne County Now intersecting with the Pinhoti Trail

Celebrate a healthier lifestyle on the Chief Ladiga Trail…Saturday, December 1st, 2007
10:00 -3:00, Featuring music, food, presentations and prizes. All free! For more information regarding details and sponsorship Please contact JSU’s EPIC at: #256-782-8010 or epic.jsu.edu Sponsored by: Music by Greenbrier Music with classic rock, country and JSU jazz! (Ribbon cutting ceremony at noon) Directions to the December 1st, 2007 hief Ladiga Trail event At the intersection of the Chief and CR 203 From Piedmont, Alabama to the Borden Springs area… From Hwy 9, go East on Ladiga Street about one mile Veer right onto Vigo Road Take Vigo Road about 3.3 miles and Turn right on to Old Borden Springs Road. Take Old Borden Springs Road about 1.3 miles to Co. Road 203 Follow Co. Rd 203 about .4 mile to the site. OR Park and Ride on the Chief Ladiga to CR 203 from: The Ga/AL State Line - ± 8.5 miles, Borden Springs Parking Area - ± 4.0 miles,
Bethel Springs Church - ± 2.1 miles, Eubanks Welcome Center, Piedmont - ± 5.0 miles.

Follow the “Trail Event” signs or call 256-282-5784 for details. Music will play at 10:00 (jazz), 11:00 (country) and 1:00 (rock). The ceremony will take place at noon.

11-21-2007 WBL News With 1 week to go in the inaugural Official Unofficial 2 week Point Series, Gutcheck Gruber has jumped out to an early lead. With no rules and no guidelines to garner points, the Zealots were left to their own devices. Gutcheck resorted to bribery, and it worked. With 1 week to go in the OUPS (oops!), Gutcheck's tenuous lead is hanging by a thread. Whoever brings us the most stuff will more than likely take home the prize (Yet to be announced).

This week's ride is the Never Done Before in This Fashion Colbert Can-Can (3 hours on the barley head), and for one final week departs from Jittery Joes at 5 Points ewt. Next week, the ride will depart from Sunshine Cycles in Athens at 10 a.m. ewt. Details at www.winterbikeleague.com This week's rule reminder: Pee before the ride start. Official pee break is 1 hour in and 3 hours in. Pee any other time mayor (at your own risk). Briggs, on behalf of the Board

Women's Cross Video Marshall from the GTC put together a video of the Women's 1/2/3 race in Augusta. Very cool!

Women's Track Clinic at the DLV This is from the BooKoo team out of Birmingham. It will take place at the Dick Lane Velodrome for those interested in getting certified at the track.

Info: Track certification class @ DLV on December 1 (taught by Brian Sullivan): The class will start at 9:30 am EST and conclude at 3:30 pm EST. The class fee is $60 and track bike rentals are included. If the weather is not favorable (extreme cold or rain), the class will be rescheduled for December 8. Contact beth@bethsantoro.com if interested.

11-23-2007 Greenville, SC News The BMW Performance Center and the Greenville Spinners are holding a Ride/Social Event on Monday, December 3 from 5-9pm at the BMW Performance Center, 1155 Highway 101 South Greer, SC 29651. Come ride your bicycle on the lighted track and socialize with us for an evening of cycling fun. Hincapie Sportswear, The Great Escape, Carolina Triathlon, Sunshine Cycle Shop, Gusto Cycles and others will be displaying the season's latest and greatest bikes, equipment, apparel and accessories after the ride. This will be a great time to add to your holiday wish list.

Lasagna, salad, drinks and dessert will be provided for $10 each to participants who RSVP by Wednesday, November 28. If you RSVP, please plan to contribute your $10 to cover the costs of the food even if you are unable to attend. Great door prizes, like a BMW Driving School, will be given away to those that stay for dinner. Winter riding is much easier when you do it in a group, and this is one group ride you don¢t want to miss. The track will open from 5:00-7:30pm and dinner will be available at 7pm. The ride will be more casual and social in nature, so bring friends and family. Remember to RSVP to Mike Renner at Mike.Renner@ bmwna.com by November 28 to reserve your dinner.
 

More Vintage Motos Humor me....One of my photos is on the front page of Southeast Vintage MX. Pretty cool!

Too Much Food I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I took the day off from riding, over ate, watched a bit of the Macy's parade, took a nap, and spent some time with friends. Thanks B and D for hosting us!

Raisin Not To Return to Racing Cyclingnews.com is reporting that Saul Raisin will not be returning to racing with Credit Agricole next year. Although the article is vague, it has to do with neurological tests he had done in France in October.  Another Cyclingnews.com article is here with Saul's reaction.

11-24-2007 Ft. Yargo Trails Closed From YABA:  Fort Yargo State Park will be closed Next Tuesday November 27th and Wednesday, November 28th.  For a deer hunt please make a note of this.

11-26-2007 WBL Jeremy JJ Wadkins showed splendid prowess and took the 2-week Official Unofficial series in grand style. He now enters the big show as odds on favorite. Lock up your wives. The WBL officially gets underway this Saturday, 1 December 2008 at 10 a.m. ewt (eastern window time) from Sunshine Cycles in Athens. Please read the ride guidelines to brush up on yo high society manners. Check out an interactive map at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1465449

Reminder:
-Fancy, free t's for first 90
-Athenians ride to the start
-Park in the bank parking lot.
-Ride 2 abreast at all times, especially when heading down Prince
-Obey the rules of the road: stop at red lights and stop signs--we'll regroup outside town if we split
-Store stop 1/2 way--ride is 70 miles (Pee break 1 hour in.)

11-27-2007 Perimeter Bridge Warning From David Crites: "I've been asked by cyclists, and concur upon making a site visit, that a few NOTES OF BICYCLING CAUTION need to be made in regards to the Perimeter Center Parkway extension and bridge.

RE LONGITUDINAL GAP:
There is 1.75-inch-wide, bike-tire-swallowing gap running down the entire left-side of the left-most, left-turn lane from Perimeter Center Parkway to Lake Hearn Drive. A short portion of the gap has a sealant, but it remains to-the-touch gooey. GDOT has indicated that the rest of the gap will be
"sealed" -- for what that is worth short or long term. *A riding cyclist crashed here during the road-and-bridge opening event because his wheel fell into this very gap.

RE HORIZONTAL GAPS:
There are a couple of approximately 4-inch-wide, 3-inch-deep, v-shaped gaps crossing the road at the bridges. These could produce a pothole-type jarring to bikes. GDOT has not yet indicated if or how these gaps will be addressed.

RE GRATES:
The drainage grates on the road are OK. The drainage grates on the bridge are immediately adjacent to the bike lane and could be a hazard to cyclists that inadvertently cross them. The grate design has approximately 2-inch wide, 6-inch long rectangular openings positioned lengthwise in the direction of tire travel. GDOT has not yet indicated if, how, or when these grates will be addressed.

ALSO, NORTH STARTING AND ENDING BIKE LANE MARKINGS:
The bike lane markings at the north end start and end (on Perimeter Center Parkway at Hammond Drive) are installed incorrectly. GDOT has not yet indicated how and when these bike lane markings will be fixed.

Chicopee Night Ride From SORBA-Gainesville Chicopee Night Ride on Wednesday, November 28th RTR at 6:30. Reminder: Riding after dark at Chicopee is prohibited except during sanctioned group night rides. Anyone caught riding at Chicopee after dark is in violation of Gainesville City laws and also puts sanctioned night rides in jeopardy for the rest of us. Please visit http://www.gainesvillesorba.org for more info.

Ebay Hmmm....Looks like someone is selling a lot of Healthnet stuff on ebay.

11-28-2007 Why? Hello Kitty Tire Tread??

Track Class Cancelled The Track class originally scheduled for Sat., Dec. 1 has been cancelled.

Blanket's Creek Workparty From SORBA Woodstock Based on feedback from some of you about not being able to make the Saturday morning work parties due to standing life schedules, we are going to try something new. This weekend, SORBA Woodstock is going to expand the Work Party into 3 different 4-hour shifts.
Here is this weekends schedule:
Saturday Morning – 9am – 1pm (lunch provided)
Saturday Afternoon – 1pm to 5pm
Sunday Afternoon – 1pm to 5pm

If you have never attended a Work Party this year or ever due to schedule conflicts, hopefully this will allow you to get out and help. No experience is necessary and we provide the tools. Come be a part of this new trail system and make an impact. This is also a great way to meet fellow biking members and be a part of something great!

Chilly Dawg Training Ride Join Cartecay Bikes on our 3rd week of the Chilly Dawg Training Rides. Come out for #3 this coming Saturday, Dec. 1st at 10am. Meet at the Big Creek Fire Station on Big Creek Road. This week's route will also include Springer Mtn/Noontootla and some other roads adding up to 35 miles. We will have a shorter version, 20 miles. As usual you can count on us handing out route maps and some hot Chili for after the ride. Any Questions Call Cartecay Bikes 706-635-2453.

Demo at Big Creek This Sat. Dec 1st 9am-4pm. Cannondale will have their truck full of goodies at Big Creek for a day of bike demos. Rides are free, but please have your photo ID, as well as your helmet, shoes, and pedals to put on their bikes. Lunch will be provided by Cannondale/Roswell Bike/RAMBO.

11-29-2007 Toys for Tots From Faster Moustache/Tim Carroll: I am soliciting toys, and racers, for a Toys For Tots / Santa's Little Messenger Race being put on by Faster Mustache, an Atlanta intown bicycle club. As most of you know, Toys For Tots is a toy drive by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Every year they collect new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to needy children for Christmas. Faster Mustache started its Santa's Little Messenger Race last year to help collect additional toys, and have a good time doing it.

This race is mostly in town, however the messengers are given race points for longer runs, so they may ride out toward the perimeter or head out on MARTA if they need to. If you live way out, perhaps you can leave it at your office, a store you have a close relationship with or friends who live intown. If you, or your friends, are not going to be home, perhaps because you are participating in the race, you can leave it on your porch. If you would like to donate toys but are unable to leave it anywhere for the race, contact me and I can pick it up and have it placed somewhere for the race.

The basic procedure is: 1) Buy a new toy, or toys- for the race they ask no more than 10 pounds or 12x12x12 dimensions. 2) Register each toy with Faster Mustache: http://toys4tots.fastermustache.org/donate_form.html 3) On Saturday December 15th between 11:00 am 4:00 pm, have the toy available for pickup by a messenger. More information can be found at:
http://toys4tots.fastermustache.org/donate.html If you would like to race, more information can be found here:  http://toys4tots.fastermustache.org/racers.html. If you have some skills and would like to form a team of triathletes for the race, contact me or discuss among yourselves. More info on Faster Mustache can be found here: http://fastermustache.org/ More information on Toys For Tots can be found at their website: http://www.atlantatoysfortots.com/ Faster Mustache is a great group of people who put on some very unique races, support the cycling community and also help many kids. I hope the triathlete community can lend a hand and help give some needy kids some toys.

Please distribute this email if you can. Thanks everybody! Tim Carroll gttim@hotmail.com

WBL Public Announcement This Public Service message for your listening pleasure: Parking: Parking in the bank parking lot is free. There are about 30 spaces. If the bank is full, parking is available on the streets for free near Big City Bread, and in parking lot next to Huddle House on Price. Change and ride down and sign in. Sign in: If you've been before, your name is already on the list. Initial next to name. If you've not been, write your name on back page. The next time you'll be on the list and you are officially a Zealot. You're name is forever archived (see lists of Zealots on homepage). If you don't sign-in, or you don't initial next to your name, no points.

Points: All persons properly signing in receive 2 points for the month of December. 1 Lard Ass Sprint late in December for Yellow Jersey heading into January. Announcing the New Lard Ass Sprint Competition: New this year. When the sprinting begins the WBL will have at least 4 Lard Ass Sprints during the season. Lard Ass sprints are only for those over 200 pounds butt naked. $25 per sprint. We reserve the right to weigh ye with ye clothes off. Clothes Basket: As it warms, ye may shed clothes and drop in Sag. Pick up from a clothes basket at end of ride at Sunshine cycles.  Flats: If ye flat, put bike on rack on sag, hop in back of van and change your flat, sag will drop ye out when ye is ready. Spare wheels: You may put spare wheels in sag (up to so many). We will try and have spare wheels for those that need them 2 Abreast: Ride 2 abreast at all times. This does not mean 3 abreast, nor does it mean to mushroom at the back. The quickest way to see the speed ramp up is to jumble up into a mushroom. The pack drovers will be ordered to lift the tempo in order spread ye out. There may be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Be careful. Look out for ye brethren. Ride safely. Stay alert. Don't day dream. Don't run up on the man in front of ye. Practice riding smoothly. A sudden acceleration in the middle of the field will increase ten fold by the time the ripple reaches the rear.

Speed: The pack drovers will try and keep a constant, steady speed, not too fast, not too slow. These rides are not about dropping folks, but rather keeping folks on. On a good day when the drovers have done their job we will average about 20 miles per hour. If you get dropped, don't fret. Have a great ride. Your map should be in your pocket.  Pack Drovers: The pack drovers are those at the front who drive the peleton. The drovers should know what type of tempo we are seeking. Drovers should always pedal on the downhill. A good drover will keep those behind from feathering the brakes, especially on the downhill. We may sail along at a nice clip on flats and downhills, then kick back on the uphill. Store Stop: 1 store stop half way in Maysville (35 mile mark).  Tip the sag driver: All tips go in the sag driver's pocket. Make it worth his or her while Your life may depend on it. Maps: Maps with written text are available on site. Fish for them and you'll find them Print them if you need it.
Love Briggs: You must love Briggs.

Upstate WBL SC News: Don't put away your cycling shoes and shorts just yet! On Dec. 1, the third season of the Upstate Winter Bike League kicks off with a ride starting from the Carolina Triathlon Bicycle Shop in downtown Greenville. These rides are for cyclists looking to maintain their fitness and build some endurance over the winter months. The series lasts from December through February and is modeled after a similar program started in Athens, Ga. by David Crowe, UWBL was brought to the Upstate by the legendary Steve Sperry. The series is structured so that the rides in December last about three hours long and are focused on building a strong base and allowing riders to socialize.
In January, the rides add some racing fun with sprint zones, races for city limit signs and county line
signs. Points are awarded to the top three places in the sprints, and Hincapie Sportswear donates a
red cycling vest for the points leader after each race. If you win it, you get to keep it. The series
culminates in February with some five-hour, 100-mile rides. Participation for the rides averages between  80 to 100 riders however, these rides are not necessarily for everyone! You will need to be able to ride three hours in a group averaging 18-20 miles per hour, if you can't, you'll be handed a route sheet and will have to make your own way back home. The rides start from Carolina Triathlon with announcements at 10 a.m. and roll-out at 10:15 a.m. new riders should definitely make it for the announcements. Steve goes over the route, stops, and the rules. In addition, the ride will have SAG support, a vehicle following the cyclists in case of mechanical difficulty. The SAG van will allow riders who have a flat tire or some other issue with their bike to get in the van, repair the problem and then be let out when they are ready to continue riding. Some of the best talent in the Upstate will attend the series with the occasional appearance by a ProTour professional cyclist. Cissy Fowler, a professor at Wofford College and a member of the DeFeet Women's cycling team, said she is looking forward to riding with this talent. "The UWBL is an irreplaceable opportunity to train with some of the best cyclists in the Upstate," she said. "My team will use the UWBL rides to practice our racing strategies and to maintain base fitness during the off-season." While the series has been very safe, the very first UWBL ride was marked by tragedy. Halfway through the ride, 30-year veteran cyclist Phil Whitman died of a heart attack. "Every year we name the first ride after Phil and ask that the riders remember him. He was a great mentor to a lot of young guys". So if you have worked hard on the bike over the summer months and aren't quite ready to hibernate for the winter, the UWBL is just the ticket for you!!! Don't forget your helmet, bring several dollars to tip the SAG driver and join some of the best cyclists in the Upstate for this exciting series.

Check out www.uwbl.net for all the latest news, routes, and even a first hand look at our new points system!! Once we start the sprint zones all results will be posted on the Upstate Winter Bike league website.

11-30-2007 TdG News The TdG host cities will be announced on Dec. 5th. The race is April 22-27, 2008.