Southeastern Cycling

Upcoming Events

Promoters: if you would like your event listed, please send us an email. We are happy to list all road (TT, Crit, RR, omnium), cyclocross, mtb (XC, DH, DS, etc.), and track/velodrome events. Southeastern Cycling does not cover centuries, charity rides, fun rides, BMX, Adventure Racing, Inline Skating, etc. Please consider posting such events on the appropriate websites.

Upcoming Races: May 6 First Tuesday DLV, May 8 Greenville TT Series, May 9-10 Festival of Speed, May 10 Ranger MTB Race, May 10-11 Cumming, May 10-11 Highland Rim Classic, May 17 Sumner County Classic RR, May 17 12 Hours of Tsali, May 18 Stump Jump 2008, May 18 Montgomery Bell XC, May 17-18 24 Hours of Conyers , May 18 Cycleworks Crit, May 18 Jump Jam, May 22-26 Tour of Atlanta, May 24-25 Knoxville Omnium, May 24-26 Dragon's Challenge, May 24-25 Burn 24 Hour Challenge, May 25 SERC #5/Heritage, May 28 Carolina TT, May 31-June 1 Union City GC, June 1 Riverfront Classic, June 1 Bump N Grind, June 3 First Tuesday DLV, June 5 Greenville TT Series, June 7 Brownwood Bike Rally, June 7 Carter's Lake Downhill Race, June 7-8 Settlers Life Omnium, June 8 Angler's Ridge, June 8 Mousetail Challenge, June 9 Assault on Mt. Mitchell June 11: Carolina TT 4, June 13-15 Edgar Soto Memorial Crits, June 14-15 NC RR Championships, June 15 Clemson SERC, June 15 Haw Ridge XC, June 20 Blueberry Festival Crit, June 21-22 Hamilton Creek Fat Tire Festival & Race, June 21 Cowbell Challenge, June 21 Avery Trace RR and TT, June 21-22 LaGrange GC (GA Crit Championships), June 22 Rock Hawk Trails GSC, June 22 NC Games, June 22 Cookeville Crit, June 26 Wake Forest Crit, June 27 Town Mountain Hill Climb, June 28-29 Rome GC, June 28-29 Memphis Omnium, June 29 Raccoon Mountain SERC, July 1 First Tuesday DLV, July 10 Greenville TT Series, July 12-13 Georgia Games, July 19 Black and Blue Relay, July 24-27 Gwinnett Bike Fest, Aug. 5 First Tuesday DLV, Aug. 7 Greenville TT Series, Aug. 9 Night Train, Sept. 2 First Tuesday DLV, Sept. 6-7 GA SS Championships, Sept. 13 Pepper Place Crit, Sept. 21 Paris Mtn. DH, Sept. 28 Black Bear Rampage

Stuff for Sale There is lots of stuff for sale! Check out the sales list.

Atlanta Mailing List After a few requests, I have started a mailing list for all things cycling and racing in Atlanta.

Vote for Southeastern Cycling on Cycle Cluster!

Advertising Do you want to support Southeastern Cycling but want to get something for your money? Consider advertising! Rates are very reasonable, and all ads are by the month. Email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com for details. We accept ads for almost anything whether cycling related or not! (must be legal, no porn, etc.). This is great for a small business, bike shop, coaching service, nutrition company, coffee shop, etc!

5-2-2008 Cutathon for SORBA Woodstock Van Michael Salons will be doing a cutathon to raise money for the blankets creeks trail system. It still needs more cash. $25 becomes $50 when Van and Michael Council will be matching all donations. They will also pay the staff so that every dollar goes to SorbaWoodstock. rain or shine at Pedalpalooza this saturday. please help to make a difference.

Commuter Article The AJC has a good article on a bike commuter.

Sandy Springs Tuesday Ride Reminder From Todd: "I am compelled to remind those who ride the Tuesday Night Sandy Springs Ride of a rule that was put in place last year after receiving several complaints from local residents and businesses. Due to significant development and increased traffic congestion in the Vinings area, we invoked a neutral section to ensure everyone’s safety, and ensure compliance with traffic laws. Therein, we declared the area from the top of the “third hump” (intersection of the Cobb Connector / Cumberland Parkway and Paces Ferry, near the Kinko’s / Rite Aid), through “downtown Vinings”, across the railroad tracks, through the right turn onto Paces Ferry, past the fire station, to the library, is neutral.

This is particularly important now that the new condominium developments on the right-hand side of the descent into downtown Vinings are about to come on-line. Last night (Trish's note, on Tuesday), a group snaked their way ahead of cars stopped at the light before the train tracks, while the balance of the group remained several cars back. This, in turn, created a gap, and the first group advanced while the second group was behind the traffic. Of course everyone felt compelled to bridge by passing cars on the right once traffic started moving. Exactly what we are trying to avoid.

By neutralizing this section, that means that the ride will re-group after the third hump, descend together, and properly cue-up behind traffic at any lights. It is the responsibility of whomever is in the front of the group to slow-up and re-group, just as we do along Woodward Way from Peachtree Battle to the top of the hill beyond Bobby Jones golf course. I know we all enjoy the Sandy Springs ride, as well as the privilege of riding the Vinings loop, now that we are doing the Long Option. There has been considerable debate in Cobb County recent years about invoking further regulation upon cyclists, if not banning them outright, due to increasing vehicle / cyclist conflicts. Let’s not give the county any reasons to restrict our rights to use the roads. More importantly, with all the traffic in that area, let’s regulate ourselves before someone gets hurt.

We’ll hand out yellow cards and red cards going forward …..Best Regards, Todd Fryburger

Team Has a New Website Team Strenflex has a new website.

5-5-2008 Request If you are going to send out a press release, please make it under 1 MB. It's difficult for the media to accept a 20MB press release. My email will reject it. Unfortunately, I didn't receive several this weekend because of it. (If you are reading this, please send me a small file with a smaller photo. I'd love to be able to post the press release. Thanks!)

Anniston/Sunny King Criterium I was the photographer for the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, AL this weekend. Mike, Curtis, and the entire crew put on a great race! I'll try to have most of the photos up by midweek. I got in very late Sunday and haven't had a chance to do anything with them yet.

Sunny King Crit on Velonews Velonews.com has great race coverage of the Sunny King Criterium...with photos by Southeastern Cycling.

5-6-2008 Brownwood Bike Rally and Races Trish's note: I am so there! I've missed this the last few years and can't wait to race it this year!
http://www.eastatlantakids.org/rally08main.htm, Registration Link
Brownwood Bike Rally 2008
Date: Saturday, June 07, 2008
East Atlanta
CycloCross Track Course Info
The race is a blend of Road Crit, CycloCross and Short Track MTB. (Half the course on road and the other half on the South side dirt trails of Brownwood Park) Racers will head south on Brownwood Ave, left on Pendleton and right over the curb into the South Loop in Brownwood Park. Racers will do a loop in the south portion of the park and come back out onto Pendleton, then around the crit course back to the start /finish line.CycloCross Track Race Format

(Group A) Open to Men (and women who would like to take on the men) meeting USA Cycling Road Category & Cyclocross Categories 1/2/3/4 and MTB Categories Pro / Semi Pro/ Expert/ Sport
(Group B) Open to all women meeting USA Cycling Road Category & Cyclocross Categories 1/2/3/4 and MTB Categories Pro / Semi Pro/ Expert/ Sport
(Group C) Open to Men and Women beginners and race novices wanting to try some off road racing!

Distances and Start Times
Youth Races & Bike Rodeo 9.30am-12:30pm
Age Groups 5-7 / 8-11 (1 lap) / 12-15 Kids (2 laps) will do 1 race heat (10.15am) and one final (11.45am).
Adult “Fun” Race Start Time 11.00am 3 laps (approx 1.5 miles)
CycloCross Track Races
Group C (Beginners Men & Women) 12:15 pm – 15 minutes + 1 lap
Group B (Advanced and Intermediate Women) 12.40 pm 30 minutes + 1 lap
Group A (Advanced and Intermediate Men) 1.20 pm 30 minutes + 3 laps
This event benefits the East Atlanta Kids Club, a non-profit after-school mentoring and enrichment program for underprivileged youth. The club provides a safe space, supportive adult mentors and resources to promote the healthy physical, mental and emotional development of all the youth who participate in the program. EAKC has year-round cycling and triathlon training programs for the kids.

Bike To Work in Savannah On May 16, its time to Dump the Pump again, as part of National Bike to Work Day. As if riding a bike to work
through the beautiful streets of Savannah is not incentive enough, we'll also have a coffee break set up from 6:30-9:30am in Davant Park at the south end of Colonial Cemetery on Lincoln. Coffee, food, and prizes to all transit, bike and pedestrian commuters who come by!

Tina Pic celebrates her win at the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, AL.

USA Crits Wrap Up Dawson win wraps up Speed Week; Hekman takes overall Atlanta, Ga. (May 5, 2008)—The final installment of the 2008 USA CRITS Speed Week series became a race within a race on Sunday, May 4. With a long-standing breakaway out in front of the field for most of the 55 laps that made up the inaugural Global Imports BMW Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge, the race for the overall Speed Week title was being watchfully contested in the pack. The numbers and sheer power of Mark Hekman’s TOSHIBA-Santo’s teammates, however, simply outgunned Jake Keough’s CRCA/Sakonnet Technology squad, which broke the first place series tie between the two and delivered Hekman the overall victory for the week.

“Since we ended up being tied before the start,” a breathless Hekman said at the finish,“all I had to do today was watch him and beat him over the line, so it was pretty exciting. Coming in the last corner, I jumped on the inside of him, got a big gap, and then just powered up this hill.”

A large crowd lined a hilly course in Sandy Springs to eventually watch Hekman’s triumph, but not before they got to cheer on a seven-man breakaway roll away from the main group early on in the race. That split comprised Christian Helmig (Metro Volkswagen), Michael Stoop (TIME), Bennet Van Der Genugten (Team Inferno Racing), Bruno Langlois (Myogenesis.com), Paul Martin (Texas Roadhouse), Rob White (ABD/GEARGRINDER) and eventual race winner Peter Dawson (Rock Racing). With two teammates supporting him in the field, including 2008 Athens Twilight Criterium champion Rahsaan Bahati, Dawson and the rest of his companions in the escape took turns at pulling their lead farther and farther away from the pack behind them.

“We had seven guys up there and, for the first amount of time that we were away, we all chopped off very hard.” Dawson said afterwards. “They were taking some pretty hard turns and managed to keep it out there.”

As the race for the win wound down, Dawson began to contribute less to the group’s effort and storing up the energy he needed to win the final sprint.

“I played it pretty foxy in the end,” said Dawson, fairly competent of his turn of speed, having been a multiple world team pursuit champion on the track. “I really had nothing left and, if they attacked me, I probably would have got dropped. But I managed to pull out on the right-hand side when they all fanned out across the course, and ran out of gas in front of me.”

In the women’s race, Tina Pic brought home an unsurprising victory for herself and her Colavita/Sutter Home teammates. Despite the entire women’s field being essentially decimated from a long week of continual racing, Pic not only easily won the uphill sprint finish ahead of chief rival Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), but clinched the overall series victory that she seemed destined to win virtually from the outset.

Results Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge

Pro Men

1. Peter Dawson, Rock Racing, 1:11:31.500
2. Bruno Langlois, Myogenesis.com, +0.200
3. Christan Helmig, Metro Volkswagen, +0.200
4. Paul Martin, Texas Roadhouse, +0.200
5. Bennet Van Der Genugten, Team Inferno, +0.500
6. Rob White, ABD/GEARGRINDER, +0.600
7. Mike Stoop, TIME Pro Cycling, +0.900
8. Mark Hekman, TOSHIBA-Santo, +26.500
9. Jake Keough, CRCA/Sakonnet Technology, +26.700
10. Jeff Hopkins, Team Inferno, +26.700

Pro Women

1. Tina Pic, Colavita/Sutter Home, 45:25.800
2. Laura Van Gilder, Cheerwine, +0.200
3. Kelly Benjamin, Cheerwine, +0.700
4. Catherine Cheatley, Cheerwine, +0.800
5. Holli Steelman, Juice Plus, +1.100
6. Julie Trew, Vanderkitten, +1.100
7. Shontelle Gauthier, Colavita/Sutter Home, +1.100
8. Tiffany Cromwell, Colavita/Sutter Home, +1.500
9. Rebecca Larson, Aarons, +1.800
10. Barnard Tamyra, Herbalife, +1.800

2008 USA CRITS Speed Week Overall

Pro Men

1. Mark Hekman, TOSHIBA-Santo, 1367
2. Jake Keough, CRCA/Sakonnet Technology, 1363
3. Jeff Hopkins, Team Inferno, 1302
4. David Guttenplan, TIME, 1258
5. Oscar Henao, Clinica Union, 1161
6. Rob White, ABD/GEARGRINDER,1092
7. Adam Myerson, TIME, 1058
8. Aldo Ilesic, Black Sheep Cartel, 1055
9. Juan Forero, Colombian National Team, 1040
10. Christan Helmig, Metro Volkswagen. 984

Pro Women

1. Tina Pic, Colavita/Sutter Home, 1487
2. Benjamin Kelly, Cheerwine, 1379
3. Laura Van Gilder, Cheerwine, 1355
4. Rebecca Larson, Aaron's, 1321
5. Shontelle Gauthier, Colavita/Sutter Home, 1307
6. Anna Lang, Aaron's, 1290
7. Tiffany Cromwell, Colavita/Sutter Home,1286
8. Catherine Cheatley, Cheerwine, 1240
9. Holli Steelman, Juice Plus/NC, 1190
10. Jenny Trew, Vanderkitten, 1172

About USA CRITS

USA CRITS National Criterium Series has been developed to feature a brand of cycling unique to the United States, the criterium. Criteriums are historically run on short laps through city streets. They offer spectators the opportunity to watch Olympians, world and national champions up-close as they ride at top speed. This has made the criterium format the most spectator-friendly form of cycling entertainment. Events on the USA CRITS series have the ideals that have made criterium racing an American legacy: Challenging courses that showcase arts and entertainment districts; a large and energized base of spectators; broad community support; and strong marketing opportunities for sponsors. For more information visit www.usacrits.com

5-7-2008 Later Peeps, I'm Outta Here! I've been very busy that last few weeks with the Tour De Georgia, Cohutta 35/100, Roswell, and Sunny King. I need a week off! So, I'm taking a week off. If you need anything, email it to me by 5:00 Wednesday night. I will not be responding to emails that are sent after then. SE Cycling will not be updated again until next Wednesday. I'm sure a lot of you know that I have a lot going on in my personal life, and I need some time to deal with it, decompress, and work on other things. Plus, I just need a break from the site for a week!

Sunny King and Roswell Photos I have all of my Sunny King photos up at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. I should have Roswell up by Wed. night. I took over 1000 pictures this weekend, and it takes time to sort through them and upload them.

Cycling Accident with One of Our Own From Brady Rogers: "I’m sure you’ve heard through the cycling grapevine by now, but Ryan (T: Barnett) was in a serious accident on Saturday afternoon (T: near Buford Highway/Jimm Carter). He was hit by a truck and landscape trailer while riding. Right now, he is not in the best of shape….several skull fractures, broken ribs, chipped pelvis and a compression fracture of T3, which is causing some paralysis. He is being moved to Sheppard tomorrow. The prognosis from the doctors there is 60/40 ever walking again. Please keep him your prayers, and feel free to pass this along to any and everyone."

From Trish: Many people know Ryan from his work at Blue and his racing adventures. He's been around cycling in Georgia for a long time. I got more tonight from Brady Rogers, a teammate, friend, and coworker of Ryan's and Mike, Ryan's good friend. Both have been to see Ryan in the hospital. Ryan will be transferred to Sheppard on Thursday and will have surgery on Friday to fuse the vertebrae to stabilize/repair the fracture. All things considered, he's doing well.. He's semi conscious. He had a CAT scan for his head injury, and according to Brady and Mike, the found "all the brain that was there to begin with." ;) ;) (You need to know Brady and Mike's sense of humor!) When Ryan is coherent, he's "still very much Ryan".

They are NOT sure exactly how it happened, but it was DEFINITELY an ACCIDENT. There was no malicious intent on the part of the driver. The driver stayed on the accident scene, and it's under investigation.

A benefit/charity ride/auction is already in the works. Contact Todd at Reality Bikes at 770-886-1175 if you want to donate auction/raffle items or help with planning the benefit.

Please keep Ryan in your thoughts and prayers. I'll have more updates as I get them. Feel free to contact Brady: brogers at psi-atlanta.com,

Saul Raisin's Email Address? Does anyone know Saul's email or phone number? Brady wants to let Saul know about Ryan's accident.

Beginner Mountain Bike Clinic Communicycle is hosting a beginner mountain bike clinic and ride at Yellow River on May 17, 9-11 am. The clinic and ride are open to anyone. The level will be based on who shows up, but is expected to be pretty basic beginner level. If there's anyone who's just getting into mountain biking and wants a little help getting started, you're welcome to come out. You can sign up at the Communicycle website, www.communicycle.us.

Roswell Video Someone posted a great video of the Cat. 3/4 race at Roswell. Here is another one.

Roswell Pics on Cyclingnews.com! My Roswell photos got on Cyclingnews.com. Woo Hoo! That and my Sunny King photos on Velonews in the same weekend. Does it get any better?? Just one correction...if anyone sees my photos credited to Kurt Jambretz of Action Images, both sites are wrong. Kurt takes amazing photos, but he was at the Tour of the Gila out west this past weekend.

Outspokin Rides From www.outspokinbikes.com: "Our Wednesday Night Hickory Flat Road Ride (6:30 pm, every Wednesday Night) is fast becoming our favorite ride of the week! We are having a great turnout and we have several different levels of riders showing up. To keep the groups of riders together (rather than have riders split all among the countryside!), we now have THREE great ride options for varying speeds and skill levels!

"A" Group - Very experienced riders, looking for a faster, more aggressive ride/workout on a somewhat hilly/rolling course. 31 miles with an average speed at or above 19 mph
"B" Group - Somewhat experienced riders, looking for a moderately paced group ride while still using group riding skills and techniques. 31 miles with an average speed between 16-18 mph.
"C" Group - Intermediate/seasoned riders looking for a casual-paced ride without trying to break any land speed records. 31 miles with an average speed of 15-16 mph.

The "C" Group ride is somewhat slower, but not considered a beginner ride. If you are looking for a beginner ride, we have an option for you! Our Saturday Morning Hickory Flat Beginner Ride (7am, Saturdays) is the one for you! We ride between 14-16 miles at a 14-16mph average. We meet back up with the 8am Intermediate group in case there are some riders who want to do both. At the 7am ride, we have more time to show you the ropes and introduce you to group riding and road etiquette than we do with the other rides.

For more information on any of these rides, please e-mail events@outspokinbikes.com. See you on the road!!!"

We also have a few other rides, as well:

# Tuesday, 6pm, Canton Bluffs Road Ride (31.26mi @ Intermediate/Advanced pace, very hilly)
# Wednesday, 6:30pm, Hickory Flat Road Ride (31.27mi, multiple groups/speeds, moderately hilly)
# Saturday, 7am, Hickory Flat Beginner Road Ride (~15-16mi @ Beginners' Pace [-16mph])
# Saturday, 8am, Hickory Flat Saturday AM Ride (same as Wednesday Hickory Flat Ride)"

5-8-2008 All Roswell and Sunny King Photos Are Up! All of the Roswell and Sunny King crit photos are up. Browse to your heart's content at http://sadlebred.smugmug.com. I got ALL the races at Sunny King except the Juniors and the Men's 2/3, Masters, Pro Women, and Pro Men at Roswell.

State Crit Championships From the GA Cup: LaGrange Announces the Criterium Georgia State Championships FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LaGrange, Ga. – On June 21, professional and amateur bicycle racers will converge on downtown LaGrange for the Georgia Cup State Championship criterium bike race. The state championship criterium will begin downtown at 12:15 p.m. Cyclists will race laps on a closed circuit course around Main, Broome, S. Lewis and E. Depot streets. The Downtown LaGrange Development Authority is currently planning events and activities to draw local attendance to watch the races.

Only the streets on the course will be closed for vehicle traffic until the race concludes at 9 p.m. Over 500 cyclists are planned to compete in the state championship criterium. Participants of any age, professional or amateur, may sign up to race in this event. Other races taking place this weekend include the time trial and road race. The time trial will take place on Saturday from 8-11:00 a.m. Racers will start at the intersection of Vernon St. and Forrest Ave. and head down Forrest towards the Hillside area and back.

The road race on Sunday takes place on a loop of county roads surrounding West Point Lake. The start/finish line will be set up at Earl Cook Park. This race will not close any roads, but traffic at intersections may be interrupted as the pack of racers moves around the course. The road race begins at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude at 3:00 p.m. Both professional and amateur racers may participate. The races held in LaGrange during the weekend of June 21-22 are part of the Georgia Cup Premier Series. Visit http://www.georgiacup.com/ for more details.

Correction Yesterday I posted regarding this regarding Ryan Barnett's accident: "They are sure exactly how it happened.." It should have been "They are NOT sure exactly how it happened." No one knows how the accident happened exactly, and it's under investigation by the appropriate police jurisdiction. I sincerely regret the typo error and have corrected it. Please keep Ryan in your thoughts and prayers.

Buh-Bye! I'm taking a week off. See you guys around! Remember that I won't be updating the site or responding to emails until next Wednesday!

Hogpen Townie Style Check out this video from the Boston Scientific/Northstar team riding Hogpen on Townies! If you have a good video link of cycling in Georgia, email me at sttarlite@hotmail.com.

AJC Article There is an AJC article that mentions Sorella Cycling.

Goodbye Sunlight by Trish Albert
Greenville Weekend One by Big Scott (Atlanta Pro Bikes)
Kudzu.com Albany Georgia Cup by Team Kudzu.com
Perry and Hoover Crit by Team Myogensis
Kudzu.com Perry Georgia Cup by Team Kudzu.com

Southeastern Cycling ©2007 Trish Albert and may not be reproduced.
Disclaimer: Cycling is a dangerous sport. Southeastern Cycling, Trish Albert, Southeastern Cycling writers and photographers, and anyone else are not responsible if you get lost or hurt while riding your bike. You ride at your own risk and assume all responsibility for yourself and your equipment. The views expressed in articles and race reports are not necessarily the views of Southeastern Cycling or Trish Albert.