Off-season Myth Buster

Check out this article on PezCycling News about some common winter training month's myths. Or at least myths for this particular coach. "Stupid is as stupid does!" - forest gump

P.S. Just in case you weren't already aware, Pez has a daily distraction ;-) that is most days worth a glance. Pez Cyclingnews Daily Distraction Hopefully this season SGC will be receiving some socks!!!!

Ray's MTB Park

If you ever make it to Cleveland, Ohio, this looks like a place worth checking out.

RAY'S MTB INDOOR PARK

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and You're Welcome!

We'd like to take this opportunity to wish each and every follower of SGC a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We'd also like to say YOU'RE WELCOME to those who feel the need to copy our every move and just haven't gotten around to offering a Thank You in return. You're welcome for the idea of using a blog rather than a web-host for team usage. Free and convenient is a brilliant idea and we understand those don't come too easily for you. Also, congratulations for following our lead and accepting the idea of race reimbursement. We were told by certain individuals that it was a "wasteful" and "inappropriate" use of team funds. Feel free to steal . . . . I mean copy our reimbursement form as a guide. There's a link to it on the sidebar, but you already know that.

We would like to offer our condolences on your recent attempt at creativity. If in the future you need any creative advice on kits, logos, or names, please don't hesitate to ask. We don't like to see you embarrass yourselves. We're happy to do that for you.

Also, mechanical advice is offered up daily at Cycleworld. Please take advantage of this opportunity so we don't have to endure another year of watching perfectly good components and bikes being ruined.

Free cycling lessons will also be given this year on a nightly basis starting March 14th.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!!

PASS GAS, NOT JUDGEMENT

The January 2010 issues of Runners World had a little snippet on the proper etiquette of passing gas while running. I thought that SGC could adopt something similar in the bylaws.


Passing gas whiling running or cycling is excusable and inevitable, but...

• You may not mock another runner/cyclist for having passed gas, unless he/she has previously mocked you for the same or unless he mocks himself/herself.
• If a runner/cyclist has taken pains to mask flatulence, pretend nothing has happened
• It's fun to pretend that the gas you expelled is propelling you forward, like a booster rocket. That isn't really a guideline, though, it it?

Thanks Runners World for such an amazing insight!

10 Christmas Gifts under $30 for your Cyclist

#1 - Batteries ($6)
Batteries make a great stocking stuffer. It's probably time to change the battery in your hrm or computer anyways. Super inexpensive and they have a long shelf life. Throw them in the tool box and you'll have them when needed.

#2 - Honey Stinger Blocks ($2)

These little bundles of flavor are a welcome alternative to choking down gels all the time. All three flavors are enjoyable and these are easily digestible on long, hard rides.

#3 - Clif Electrolyte Mix ($1.50 per single)

The crisp apple and raspberry flavors offered are easy on the taste-buds and the mix is and excellent alternative to electrolyte tablets. Very easy on the stomach.

#4 - Replacement Cleats ($25)
It's either a) time to change your cleats or b) always good to have an extra pair in the toolbox in case of an emergency. Cleat malfunction always seems to happen at the most inopportune time. Change them out right or way or keep them for when they're needed. They don't spoil!

#5 - Ozone Thermal Gel Embrocation ($29.99)

This is an excellent product for cool to mildly cold temperatures. The lotion acts as a leg warming agent and barrier to the elements. It's warm; not atomic.

#6 - DZ Nuts ($16.99)
There are a lot of chamois products out there, but none as marketable as this one. Buy it for the name alone and protect your sensitive area.

#7 - Dynamint Leg Rub ($18.00)
This after-activity leg rub was originally manufactured for race horses. The lotion is non-greasy and easy to massage in. The mint and eucalyptus oil is soothing to tired legs. Also sold as Dynamint Leg balm.

#8 - Husky Gear Bag ($29.99)
We use a lot of gear and need some how to travel with it while keeping it organized. A friend of mine showed me this product. The Husky tool bag is sold at Home Depot and is intended to carry tools, but the heavy duty construction and 18 inner and outer compartments make it perfect as a cycling carry-all. Shoes, helmet, and kit fit inside while gels, glasses, gloves, ipod, etc have their own compartment. Perfect for the OCD in all of us.

#9 - A Ride With George ($29.99)

Let's face it, George Hincapie may be the coolest cyclist on the face of the earth. No matter what team he rides for, everyone loves to see George do well. Guys want to be him and gals love to see him. Pick up George's biographic film and get a behind the scenes look at George and his career.

#10 - Over the Bars Coffee ($12.00)

100% Arabica beans perfectly roasted to yield a smooth yet bold jolt of caffeinated pleasure. Support the cause and start your day off with a kick. Sometimes you need more than just a pick-me-up. All proceeds go to support South Georgia Cycling. Buy a bag . . . . or we'll put you on the " naughty list".

DON'T MISS OUT!

An Interview with Mr. Ironman

Here's a few comments and thoughts from Todd the day after finishing the Florida Ironman.

SGC: Exactly when did you make the decision to attempt a full Ironman?

T.J.: December of 2004 when I first watched the World Championships (Ironman Hawaii) on NBC. At the time, I hadn’t done a triathlon, didn’t own a bike, had only been running a few months and had just started swimming. I signed up for my first Ironman in 2006 and completed it the following year in 2007.

SGC: Do you have any idea how many miles of training you put in? Time?

T.J.: From registration in Nov 08 to completion in Nov 09: Swim – 297,700 yards, Bike – 4153 miles, Run – 785 miles. Time: about 480 hours.

SGC: As you where standing on the start line awaiting the gun, what was going through your head?

T.J.: Crap that water looks rough! If the race had been the following day (Sunday), the swim probably would have been canceled. Double red flags were out Sunday due to hurricane Ida.

SGC: Other than the obvious physical fatigue, did you have any problems or mechanicals during the race?

T.J.: No mechanicals. I did get very dehydrated this year and things kinda shut down at mile 16 of the run. Walked in the final 10 miles.

SGC: After crossing the finishing line in 13:37:34, what was the immediate feeling?

T.J.: That was WAY harder than I remember.

SGC: Will you ever attempt another full Ironman?

T.J.: Yes. My goal was to break 12 hours this year. I went in knowing I’d done the training to hit that goal, but the day dished out conditions that weren’t going to allow it - rough swim and a stiff headwind on 75% of the bike. I’ll be back for some redemption in a few years.

SGC: What’s comes next for an Ironman completer?

T.J.: Family time.

Thanks Todd for taking time to give us some insight and fullfilling my dream of being Bob Costas.

FLORIDA IRONMAN - 2009

Congratulations TODD JOHNSON for finishing the Florida Ironman!

13:37:34

Click Here for more info on the event.

Check back for results and comments from TJ.

TUMBLING CREEK MTB RUMBLE XIII - A Different Perspective

As racers, we are often times selfish. We are concerned with how we feel, what we eat, what we ride, what we need, and how we perform. Preparation and racing becomes more of a routine or habit, than an enjoyable experience. We converse with one another before and after, but we are ultimately consumed with our own experience. We set expectations and no matter what else happens, we feel defeated when those expectations aren’t met. We are guilty of taking ourselves entirely too seriously. Out of want, obligation, and curiosity, I stepped aside this past weekend and took a look at racing from a completely different perspective.

Gainesville College was the site for the Tumbling Creek MTB Rumble. The course is primarily flat with small rollers. The single track is nothing too technical and other than a few turns, very fast. The actual trail is only five miles long, so the field transition area and some of the walk-jog paths were utilized to bring the course length to around seven miles in length. Recent rains had left portions of the additional sections very wet and SLOW. The field and the paths would prove to be the true leg burners, evident by the looks on rider’s faces as the trudged through the field.

As I said before, I was looking at this race from a completely different perspective. I voluntarily relegated myself to “Pit Boss” for this race to accommodate the rest of the team. I fudged on the decision several times late in the week. The need to race was burning, but I’d made a commitment, more to myself than anything, to support the team, and that’s what I intended to do.

The lemans start was the longest I’ve seen. The racers were forced to run down and around the lake before grabbing their bikes. The run was easily half a mile and to add insult to injury, once the racers were on their bikes they had to traverse the field. Ten minutes in and faces were red, folks were coughing, and some were already walking. I think I saw one guy puke. It was extremely entertaining to watch!

Unbelievably, Bill had the best run of our group. (That’s right . . . BILL RIDDLE.) He was in the top third as he grabbed his bike. One by one the riders grabbed, mounted, and pedaled away. Within minutes the pit area was somewhat quiet. I took a minute to grab some CAFÉ:INE and organize the pit for the chaos to follow.

Since I had given up the opportunity to suffer on the bike, I accepted the opportunity to dump 100% of my effort into supporting the team. If I couldn’t participate as a racer, I’d participate in support. After thirty-five minutes riders started entering the pits. The next several hours went like this; hand off bottle, hand out gel, wash bottle, clean derailleur, clean chain, fill bottle, run across field, check times, organize gear, clean glasses, mix electrolytes, adjust seat, tighten grips, unwrap energy bars, convince riders to eat and drink, give time alerts, block solo riders from sitting down, encourage fellow racers as they pass by, snap a few pictures, check on Cadence . . . . . and repeat.

As pit boss you have to be able to recognize the difference between pain and discomfort and know when to concede, encourage, or demand. Some riders need a break while others just want one. The less time spent in the pit equals more time on the bike. More time on the bike equals better results. Better results equal a happy racer, regardless of the pain.

As the race wound down, Suzy then Wooley had punished themselves enough and I allowed them to call it quits (ok . . . basically they decided to quit and my Jedi mind tricks weren’t working any longer). Cramp-monkeys had latched on and weren’t letting go of either of them any time soon.

Bill was in contention for a podium spot and I wasn’t going to allow him to even look at the pit. I was shoving food and drink at him quicker than he could think or react. Before he knew it, I was pushing him off back onto the trail. He finished the day 2nd in his class.

Tiffanie, participating in her first ever MTB event (6hr solo no less), had apparently made it through the “pain cave” and was determined to exceed all expectations. She came through after lap five, stopped for a twenty second rest, and was back off. She didn’t even have to be convinced to try another lap. She had found her own motivation. She finished the day 5th in her class.

Gene, after a short mental and physical break, reluctantly picked himself up and began preparation for a seventh lap. Before he could change his mind, I had loaded him up with bottles, got him on his bike, and pushed him off. I vaguely heard him mumble “I don’t wanna go” as he rode away. He completed his seventh lap looking stronger than he had the two previous. He finished the day 17th in his class.

Wade and Lyn didn’t need much encouraging. Working as a team is encouragement enough. Accountability is the biggest difference between the team event and the solo event. Teammates owe it to one another to push hard and continue riding. In the solo event, the only person you affect by quitting is yourself. I helped keep their chains clean and derailleurs straight. They just missed the magical cut-off time to try another lap. They finished the day after completing eight laps.

After the race, we broke down the pits and packed up the trucks. We hung around longer than intended for our much deserved podium pictures. By the time we cleaned up and ate dinner, we had already accepted that it was going to be late-dark-thirty by the time we pulled in our drive way at home. As we drove into the night, I had this strange sense of pleasure blanketing me. The regret of not racing had completely disappeared. I was simply high on the events of the day. It was a cool feeling to know that by sacrificing my own race, I had impacted seven other people’s race. For one day, I tried everything I could to make them feel PRO. I hope it was as beneficial to them as it was fun for me.

2010 TEAM KITS

It's that time of year again. Trial sizes will be available at CycleWorld by this weekend. They will only be available until November 1st. Order forms will also be available. Payments are due prior to ordering.

2010 kits will be similar in design to the 2009 kits, with a change in color. The change will be easier to coordinate stock shorts and accessories with. We're staying with Hincapie so sizes and quality will be consistent.

Take advantage now, because there may or may not be a reorder later. Jersey's are available to EVERYONE who wants one.

SPREAD THE WORD!

SGC RIDES AGAIN - Tom Brown Park 10/17/09

Steve, Josh, and Gene ventured down to Tallahassee this past weekend to compete in the FSC #4 XC races at Tom Brown Park. It was an early A.M. departure time for the guys and an early race time.

Gene flatted on his second lap and relegated himself to "Pit Boss" for the rest of the race. Steve finished 10th in the Single Speed division, just eleven minutes off the winners time. Josh finished the day with a 5th place finish in the XC-1 division and received a cash payout.

Well done boys.COMING UP - Several members of SGC will be traveling to Gainesville, GA this weekend for the Tumbling Creek Mountain Bike Rumble XIII 6hr race. Stay tuned for updates.

6 Hours of Unicoi - October 10th

This past weekend marked the return of the Helen Fat Tire Festival and Dirty Spokes was having their finale in conjunction. So we loaded up the truck and . .

As usual, SGC snagged a primo pit area on the finishing straight. We arrived around 8:30 am to begin the pre-race routine of setting up, filling up, kitting up, and warming up. The weather wasn’t looking very cooperative. Start time weather was 68®, overcast, and windy. While we were setting up, an easy-up just down from us was caught by the wind and blown over one car and towards the next row of pits and vehicles. Luckily it was intercepted before causing too much damage. (Stake your shit down! We know from experience.)

Because of the festival weekend, we had a huge support staff. We had all the Neals, McClungs, Julians, present and future Fixs, one Wooley, and a few Gibsons. (Bill Gibson was the original owner of Oconee Outfitters; Steve and I spent several good years racing for/with them.) A strong pit makes for good encouragement. 10:00 am sharp – Off we go!

Josh took his rightful place with the heads of state. He set the pace for the entire field on the first lap. I rode just behind Steve. He was looking strong on his single-speed, while I was having trouble getting my legs under me. It was good having him as a carrot. Wooley and Clark were in the field behind.

I was stoked to get the first lap over and roll into the field. Steve pitted which caught me by surprise. I’d planned on riding at least the first two laps without stopping and was hoping he and I could ride together for a while. I continued on and settled in to a comfortable pace.

Several laps in, a couple of sections became hike-a-bikes. The steepness of the climb combined with the deteriorating conditions made the trail unrideable, at least for me. I used these sections to walk and stretch the legs. I actually found that I was walking quicker than the people who were attempting to ride.

Unicoi is a demanding trail. It receives very little maintenance other than the occasional tree removal. There are several steep climbs, technical descents, one extended climb that takes you from a creek bottom to the top of a knob, and several slick-as-goose-shit switchbacks. One lap consists of about 1300 feet of climbing, which is the equivalent of climbing several of the local gaps. Recent rains had made conditions even tougher. The bottom areas and some of the climbs were sticky, black mud, which by the end of the race looked like twelve-inch deep troughs. The final quarter mile was a rude haul up a fire road that easily was a 7% grade which kicked up even steeper at an s-turn just before the top. Two more slippery downhill switchbacks, cross the bridge, and into the field back to the pit areas. Like I said, Unicoi is very demanding to ride, extremely demanding to race.

My third lap I nudged over the one-hour mark so I knew that six laps would probably be out of reach, but I also felt like I was riding fairly strong so I wanted to finish laps four and five respectably. You never know who’s in front or just behind you so you have to keep riding.

I rolled over the timing mat and dismounting my mud-covered steed. Tim, the owner/operator of Dirty Spokes, was there to remove my timing chip. Tim’s one of the best race promoters I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. He’s friendly; he responds to emails and constantly updates information. He has results posted quickly and always has the racers best interest in mind. It’s no wonder people continue to flock to his events.

Tiff took my bike and I spoke to Nikki, a female racer who finds a way to beat me in every f@$#ing race. She passed me on the last half of my last lap when the cramp monsters were assaulting me.

Wooley and Clark had already called it a day and were cleaned up. Steve finished shortly after. He had an awesome result riding the single speed in hard conditions. Josh finished to a rousing round of applause a little while later. The people beside us even cheered for him. (I don’t think they know why, they were just following our lead.) Josh mastered everyone in the field except for his nemesis, Jafer, who has edged Josh out for the top spot on at least three occasions; two back to back.

We ended the day as we normally do, with some of Clark’s finest cuisine, some post-race debriefing, and beer. Some results were better than others, but at the end of the day, no one was hurt, nothing was broken, and the beer was cold.

Final Results
Josh Fix – 2nd Place; Expert; Solo 6hr (7 laps, 57.4 miles, 5:25:49, 9,100 ft)
Steve Julian –7th Place; Single Speed; Solo 6hr(5 laps, 41 miles, 5:29:25, 6,500 ft)
Vonnie McClung – 8th Place; Sport; Solo 6hr; (5 laps, 41 miles, 5:06:39, 6,500 ft)
Steve Woolard – 26th Place, Beginner, Solo 6hr(2 laps, 16.4 miles, 3:15:47, 2,600 ft)
Clark Neal – 28th Place, Beginner, Solo 6hr (1 lap, 8.2 miles, 1:24:33, 1,300 ft)


www.dirtyspokes.com

Closet training

Here is Tiff closet strength training with Chloe - Tiff is doing isometrics with Chloe as resistance. I know it appears that she is sleeping, but that's just an illusion.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Children of the Corn...

SGC is rolling North to participate in the Helen Fat Tire Festival, and the Dirty Spokes 6/12 Hour Series Finale at Unicoi Park. Vmac, Tiff, Cadence, Woolard and of course us, since we live here, went to the North Georgia Corn Maze just outside of Cleveland, GA, a couple of miles from Burnt Dog Lodge last night. Here's the aftermath!


Wonderwoman looking spooky up on the bridge over the corn.





Cadence, Tiff and Suzy.



Look what we found in the Pumpkin Patch!

The weather is looking typical for a race team nicknamed "The Rainmakers" - chance of rain today, 60% chance of rain for Saturday, which is race day. I blame Longtoe - he rolled into town late last night with Josh in the pop-up, and of course it rained last night. Coincidence? I think not!
-- Post From My iPhone

Houston-based amateur accepts doping suspension - VeloNews

WOW! As if we didn't already know that doping was prevelent in the amateur ranks . . . .
Houston-based amateur accepts doping suspension - VeloNews

Shared via AddThis

FIXIE RIDIN with LANCE

Per Woolard:

Check out the following site for some great fixie footage. Click the Austin Texas link to see what Mr. Livestrong himself can do on a fixie.

www.mashsf.com (videos)

They say a picture is worth 1000 words...

Jasas Creek Loop on FS44 and FS44B - 18.5 mile loop near Helen.


Looks like Fall is coming to the North Georgia Mountains. Near the top of the the first climb off of FS44B.





Suzy enjoying the view - and the breather!





Unobstructed views...





That's Mount Yonah in the distance.



Steeds taking a breather before continuing on...

-- Post From My iPhone

Mafia Racing

I read an article last year about about Mafia Racing and their team/business structure. Maybe it's just me, but these guys and gals embody what cycling should be. Anyone sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon gets a thumbs-up from me.

Doin it the right way.

www.mafiaracing.com

A Day in the Life of CC: Sasquatch and Scuba Sam - Competitive Cyclist

A Day in the Life of CC: Sasquatch and Scuba Sam - Competitive Cyclist

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Suwannee FTF - Ride with TINKER JUAREZ

October 23-25 is the annual Suwannee Fat Tire Festival in White Springs Florida. This year Tinker Juarez will be a guest and ride guide.

Several of us went down two years ago and participated. Beautiful state park. Plenty of trails for all skill levels.

For more info, click on the sidebar link.

29-inch wheels are faster. - VeloNews

Despite the world's results, VeloNews' Matt Pacocha says tests show 29-inch wheels are faster. - VeloNews

Shared via AddThis

SSWC Durango - Velonews

Heather Irmiger and Ross Schnell win at the SSWC in Durango, and get the tats to prove it. - VeloNews

Shared via AddThis

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

9:45 am Friday morning . . . . Dauset 12/6hr postponed due to severe weather.
10:00 - 4:30 pm . . . . Depression
6:30 pm - until . . . . Pity Party at the Mercer's
9:00 am Saturday morning . . . . Plan "B" - Detox at Tom Brown park in Tallahassee

Oh well, the race has been rescheduled for October 3rd, which will be tricky to do, seeing that several of us are going to Helen the following weekend for the Fat Tire Festival and 6hr race.

Either way, it was awesome to have 10 people signed up, pitched in, and ready to race. We tried to put a dent in our "beverage" supply that was so graciously donated by The Vann Man. I'm sure Clark and Suzy will be eating chicken for weeks from all that was prepared and marinated for Saturday night. Maybe Joe and the girls will get some.

Back to planning for the next one.

Top 10 Reasons to NOT turn a group ride into a RACE

10. It’s really not fair to drop the 8 year old before the bridge

9. The guy in the skateboard helmet can’t ask you “What’s your cyclo-speed-meter say?”

8. Neon jerseys passing by at a fast pace reminds you of the disco lights at the P2 Club

7. The guy on the recumbent won’t do his share of work

6. There’s no pace motorcycle telling you the gap between you and the 79 year old lady on the Giant Moab

5. Tri athletes aren’t in their bathing suits

4. It takes time to eat PB&J sandwiches and brownies washed down with homemade hose water

3. The guy with the pony tail isn’t there to explain the “white line” rule.

2. If you skip sags you can’t stock up on free marathon bars, sample packs of ibuprofen, and sport gels

1. Bruce Dickman’s not announcing – nuff said

Sag Stop at SABA Beach

Sag stop was the self supported kind, but the view was hard to beat!

Clark enjoying his Dipped Mojo Bar immensely!




Lloyd rocking out to some metal tune in his head and mowing down on a energy bar.




Suzy's Pink Panther gets all wet, but just up to it's rims. It left it's water wings back in the team car and didn't want to drown.


A little slice of Heaven on Earth, just North of Hiawassee in North Carolina, on Lake Chatuge.
-- Post From My iPhone

Log Roll vs Nut Roll

The North Georgia contingent of SGC did the Log Roll today instead of the PCP's Nut Roll. Who had more fun?



Suzy and Pink Panther rocking the Log Roll and managing a smile at the same time! Cheese!




Lloyd on Orange Crush showing off mad skillz. Not bad for an old man.

And of course, Superman flew over the logs so fast, the camera couldn't capture him, so you'll just have to take my word for it that he cleaned them like a pro. After all, he DOES ride a Blur...
-- Post From My iPhone

Training ride report

Had a great ride this morning. Did about 65miles and managed to drop two old ladies in their 50's and some guy in a wheelchair. Afterwards I went by the elementary school beat some kids up for there lunch money. Fist bumps all around!!!!!

Gene

In the News . . .

AND



AND

Georgia Veterans Triathlon

South Georgia Cycling and Albany were very well represented at the Georgia Veterans Tri this year.

The SGC Tri clan

Lindsey finished 2nd in 14-19 year old categoryAmy finished 1st in the young womens category。

Andy finished 1st in very old man category.

Josh finished 1st in his old man category.
Who cares what place he came in! I wonder if Hincapie has access to this kit for SGC.

They don't just go fast, they are easy on the eyes also.

POINT AND CLICK TO VIEW LARGER IMAGE

Nuts on Wheels and SGC Saturday Group Ride

The Saturday group ride out of CycleWorld included an A, B and C group. The A and C group rode through the neighborhoods together and out onto Palmyra. They eventually split up after a bit of mingling and catching up.

I believe that the B group went out of town toward Bromwood over the bypass and onto Ledo because when the A group turned the corner off of 32 towards Bromwood the B group was sitting and waiting for us. We chatted and parted ways. I am not sure where the B group continued to but the A group headed out to Bromwood over to Dawson heading west toward Cuthbert. We hung a left onto 45 and moved our way down to Nothing fancy after a little tour of the back roads.
Thanks to everyone that road.

Teacher Furlough Training Day 1 of 3

Well Vonnie and I decided that the best use of our Furlough day as teachers in Georgia was to head out for a 3+ hour ride. We ended up getting in about 65 miles. We headed out toward Herod via Tallahasse and continued on out past Herod. We finally came to an intersection and looked at each other realizing that we had no idea where we were. Just about that time, a car pulls up. Vonnie approaches the car to ask the older couple for directions. They are laughing saying that they have lived out there for 11 years and have never seen a cyclists on those roads.

They guided us out to Gillionville near the irrigation dealer and we headed back toward town. We stopped at the corner store near Nothing Fancy for a drink and back to town.

Here is V-mac smiling because he's not coaching on Furlough day.

Mike West is a legend!

While living in Colorado and coming up through the ranks of racing expert and semi-pro, I often found myself racing against local legend Mike West. The picture below speaks to Mike's bike handling skills.

SHOUT OUT!!!

We need to thank two people for making our ORAMM trip much more comfortable:

Special thanks to Merritt A. for allowing us to crash at his house and for the complementary hotel room. I can always count on him on short notice.

Special thanks to Mike V.(and his company) for all traveling brew. In true SGC fasion, we drank it all and half of one of the kegs of complementary beer after the race.

2009 ORAMM Report

After perusing the internet and reading various other blogs about ORAMM 2009, I’ve come to two conclusions. 1) The experiences encountered during such an epic event are limitless, and 2) EVERYONE suffers.

I was strongly considering not doing a report for this race. After most races I’m compelled to flood the pages with the entire illustration and detail of the event; from the food, to the smells, to the prelude, to the race, to the aftermath, to the debriefing. In the hours and days that have passed since the finish, I’ve realized that I can’t begin to justly describe the trip six SGC individuals took.

There was Friday night with Merritt and a complementary hotel room. (It’s good to know people.) We had breakfast at Addictive Cycles/Caffeine with Cleve and the TDF. We had a near-death experience outside of Ashville which caused a mandatory rest stop to “relieve” the pressure. There was a two-hour pre-ride on empty stomachs and limited water. (A pre-ride that had several of us reconsidering participating the next day.) There was dinner at Guido’s Pizzeria (actually it was called Eddie’s, but Josh was partial to Guido.) Pre-race jitters, mass start, and hour after hour of grueling climbs followed by butt-puckering descents. There was post-ride spaghetti and free beer followed by as much McDonalds as could be stuffed in. We relaxed in the lobby watching the TDF and rested our bodies in the pool and hot tub. We concluded the trip with a six and a half hour drive back to the flat, hot, and steamy familiarity of Albany.

I won’t try and describe what the actual race was like, because if you’ve haven’t done it or weren’t there you can’t understand. If you’d like to try, ride your bike around on the edge of your roof, traversing the crest and descending towards the edge turning just at the right moment to ride back up then back down towards the edge. Then find the steepest, longest staircase you can find and ride it over and over until your wrists and back ache. Then find the busiest street in your area and ride the curb during rush hour veering only to ride around signs, poles, and pedestrians. Repeat this process for six to twelve hours; the amount of time it took the six members of SGC to complete the 63 mile epic.

If that doesn’t paint a good enough picture, here are some other comparisons:
The Six Gap century from Dahlonega is 103 miles and 10,980ft of climbing.
A Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim trek of the Grand Canyon is 10,300ft of climbing.
Stage 15 to Verbier of this year’s TDF was five mountain passes and 10,348ft of climbing.

We rode 63 miles and climbed 11,122ft.

The question is “Will we do it again?”

Final Thought: This was the most well organized, well supported race/ride I’ve participated in. The info on the website was accurate and useful. The race started on time. The rest stops we loaded with H2O, HEED energy drink, pb&j, cashews, etc. I had people grabbing my bottles and hydration pack and filling them for me while I ate. I had a guy volunteer to lube my chain. When you’re suffering the little things mean a whole lot. Hats off to everyone who contributed to making the race memorable and a great success.

Pictures, finishing times, and places can be found at www.blueridgeadventures.com.

V-Mac @ ORAMM

V-Mac was feeling the beat or maybe it was just gas!?!?!?!?



V-Mac explains time and Chief HavaLongToe's ORAMM experience.

Levi's Massage with Elvio!!!!!

I am not sure about you but I prefer for my male massage therapist to have a shirt on!!!!!?????

ORAMM Preview

Thought I would put a little preview of what SGC is going to face this weekend in the North Cackalacky mtns.Check out the race info online @ http://www.blueridgeadventures.net/oramm/main.html.

Cherry Poppin

Congrats to Wooley and Gene for completing their first century. Small group and self-supported - No problems.

Mt. Mitchell report coming . . . REAL SOON!

Contact Us At . . .

southgeorgiacylcing@gmail.com

ABOUT US

South Georgia Cycling is an official USA Cycling "race" team located out of Albany, GA. The team is for those who enjoy and support bicycle competition. We encourage members to race their bicycles - whether that means road, mountain, track, cross, or triathlons.

Our goal as a team is to create an environment that carries over into the lifestyles of those who participate. Cycling is not just an act of exercise, but an exercise of expression. Bicycles are not tools, they are a means. Cycling isn't something we do . . . it's something we can't do without.

We like the way the world looks from the seat of a bicycle. We're looking for others who feel the same.

MEMBERSHIP

MISSION
1.) Promote racing in our area.
2.) Provide support for local racers in the form of . . .
a. Benefits and Discounts
b. Reimbursements
c. Organized Training

MEMBERSHIP
In order to be a member of SGC, an individual must commit to participate as a racer, support, or volunteer in a minimum of 5 local/regional event. Members will receive discounts on team apparel and accessories and will be eligible for race reimbursements.

First time members must pay a $20 membership fee. *Sponsors are exempt from paying membership fees.

If an individual is unable to fulfill the 5 race minimum, he or she will not be eligible for reimbursement, but will still be able to receive team discounts and purchase apparel and accessories.

Membership is renewed yearly and is effective from December to November.

REIMBURSEMENT
In order for individuals to receive reimbursements, he or she must participate in 5 events before December 1st.

This year, reimbursement will be on a graduated percentage scale. In layman’s term, the more you race, the more reimbursement you are eligible to receive. The percentage is based on the number of races done. The racer will then receive that percentage of total entry fees paid back as reimbursement. The scale may have to be altered at the end of the year to fit the budget.

* Due to the high costs of some endurance races, there is an $80 max for entry fee submission. For example, if Racer “A” does a 24-hour mountain bike race that costs $200 per entrant, Racer “A” can only submit an entry fee of $80 but is encouraged to list and explain the additional costs of the event. The officers withhold the right to alter the reimbursement if deemed reasonable.

If you qualify for race reimbursements you must submit a reimbursement / participation form within 30 days of the event. If you do not submit a form within 30 days you will forfeit your reimbursement.

Our reimbursement plan expires if/when our funds run out. Reimbursements will not carry over and there is NO back-pay. Hopefully, as we encourage more members to race, we will encourage more racers to help in the effort to gain sponsorships.

RACING
You must start and finish the race. If you have special circumstances as to why you didn’t finish, please use the comment section of the reimbursement form to explain them in full when you make your request. DNF’s are an unfortunate but understandable part of racing. Signing up and NOT racing does not warrant reimbursement.

You must race in the current team uniform for the entire event. If you do 24 hour races or stage races, make sure you buy enough clothing at the beginning of the season to accommodate.

You must be scored in a category according the level, gender, and/or age. We do not reimburse for charity or fun events (Nut Roll, Six Gap, etc).

SUPPORT & VOLUNTEERING
Members will receive credit for attending an event as a member of the support crew or as a volunteer. Taking pictures, handing out water bottles, working a wrench, helping with children, and cheering on the team is considered support. Registration, wheel truck, TT starters, etc. is considered volunteering. You receive participation credit towards membership if you are at the event, with the team, and visible. It’s that easy!

In order to receive credit, you must submit a participation form within 30 days of the event.

2010 TEAM KITS

2010 Team kits are in production.

Click HERE to view the 2010 SGC Team Jersey.

Click HERE to view the 2010 SGC Team Shorts.

2010 RACE RESULTS

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2010 RACE RESULTS.

2012 SPONSORS

(In Alphabetical Order)

Baumgartel Tires

Breakaway Bikes

Flint Power

Homerun Foods

PJ’S FABRICS
We’re excited to have PJ’s fabrics back on board as a sponsor. PJ’s is a home decorative business offering designer services to make your home reflect the distinctive style that's uniquely yours. Whatever your needs may be, you'll always find the latest styles and colors at PJ's - where the on-staff designers can help with projects of all sizes: from a single room to assisting in the interior design of a new home, they can guide customers through the challenges and can help transform your ideas to reality . . . and the owners RIDE BIKES.

To our sponsors we say Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for supporting our team, our sports, and our communities.