When: Saturday, June 1st, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, Watkinsville, GA (Driving Directions)

Facebook Event Page
June 1st is National Trails Day. We plan to make some improvements to the Heritage Park trail system including fixing the drainage situation in some low lying areas. It should be a fairly short and easy workday.  We will have a Volunteer Appreciation Cookout and Group Ride after we finish working.  SORBA-Athens will provide the food (burgers and dogs and a vegetarian option). We are also having a Swap Meet. Got some spare parts or bikes laying around that you want to sell? Bring 'em out to Heritage on June 1st. Swap meet spots are free for all volunteers/$5 suggested donation for everyone else.  Bring gloves, water, and your bikes. 
 
 
Chapter Meeting:  
When: Thursday, June 13th 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Terrapin Brewery, Athens GA (Driving Directions)
We have lots to discuss (See below).

News: 
30/30 Mission (a.k.a. The Dirty 30!):
When: However long it takes
Where: Within 30 miles of Athens
SORBA-Athens has a new long term goal.  We want to build 30 miles of new trail within 30 miles of Athens.  Here's what we have so far in 2013:
EACP/Trail Creek - 1.6 miles officially open with another 2 to 2.5 miles on the way.  
Hard Labor Creek - 3.25 miles officially open with another 4.5 miles on the way.  We recently opened a 1.75 mile addition to the Red Trail and a 1.5 mile addition to the Blue Trail.  We also have another 4.5 miles of Blue Trail flagged and approved and are currently working on flagging a new Green Trail.  Huge thanks to Bill Pfleuger for all of his hard work at Hard Labor Creek.  Stay tuned...we are thinking of having a work party/cookout/ride/campout there in July.  In the meantime, there is a normal work party at Hard Labor in June (see below).  Info on these trails including directions and a trail map can be found on our Trails Page.
We plan to continue to work with ACC and other local governments to get access to more land to build more trails.  We know 30 miles is ambitious, but so are we.  With your help we can make it happen.  

Work Parties/Swap Meet/Volunteer Appreciation Day:
Heritage Park Work Party/Group Ride/Swap Meet/Volunteer Appreciation Cookout:
When: Saturday, June 1st, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, Watkinsville, GA (Driving Directions
Facebook Event Page
June 1st is National Trails Day. We plan to make some improvements to the Heritage Park trail system including fixing the drainage situation in some low lying areas. It should be a fairly short and easy workday.  We will have a Volunteer Appreciation Cookout and Group Ride after we finish working.  SORBA-Athens will provide the food (burgers and dogs and a vegetarian option). We are also having a Swap Meet. Got some spare parts or bikes laying around that you want to sell? Bring 'em out to Heritage on June 1st. Swap meet spots are free for all volunteers/$5 suggested donation for everyone else.  Bring gloves, water, and your bikes.  Huge thanks to Jamie Wiedeman for helping organize this workday and for all of his trail work at Heritage over the years. 

Hard Labor Creek Work Party
When: Saturday, June 8th, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Hard Labor Creek State Park, 5 Hard Labor Creek Road, Rutledge , GA 30663 (Driving Directions)
Free trail passes for the day are included. We will ride when we finish working. Here's a trail map. Work could include cutting back brush, raking, helping construct bridges or putting up directional signs. If you need additional info, call 706-557-3001. Bring gloves and water.

Fundraising Update:
Firkin Fridays at The Royal Peasant in Five Points
When: Every Friday in May at 5 p.m..
WhereThe Royal Peasant, 675 S. Lumpkin Street Athens, GA (Driving Directions)
This Friday is the last Firkin Friday.  Terrapin Beer Company donated five firkin casks to help us raise money to build trails at Trail Creek/East Athens Community Park (EACP).  The cask for this Friday May 31st will be the Maggie's Peach Farmhouse Ale.  100% of the proceeds from the cask will go to SORBA-Athens.  There will also be raffle prizes including SORBA-Athens merchandise. The first three Fridays have been a huge success and a ton of fun.  It's just one big party for the local mountain bike community.  Raising money for trails doesn't get much easier than this...all you have to do is drink beer!  

Five Points Growler Tree Hugger Percentage Month
When:  All month long in May.
Where:  Five Points Growlers, Athens, GA (Driving Directions)

For the entire month of May, Five Points Growlers will donate 25% of every Terrapin Tree Hugger Growler purchase to SORBA-Athens. 


  You can find out more about SORBA-Athens including info on how to join SORBA/IMBA on our club info page.  Membership comes with several benefits including a dvd, a magazine subscription, and discounts from many top biking companies.  Membership is as low as $20 for youth/students under 24, $30 for individuals, and $50 for families.  A big chunk of your membership fee goes right back into building trails in the Athens area.  You can also show your support and help us raise money by purchasing SORBA-Athens Merchandise.  We are selling our own special blend of Jittery Joe's Coffee (Singletrack Mind): $12 each or $10 for SORBA-Athens members.  We just got in new dri-fit styleSORBA-Athens tshirts:  $15 each or $12 for SORBA-Athens members.  We also have a few custom SORBA-Athens pint glasses left: $8 each.
 
  Many local businesses have contributed to SORBA-Athens in the last six months including: Sunshine CyclesKrimson KafeBen's BikesThe HubMama's BoyNew Balance ShoesSteak and ShakeKebaBarberitosAthens Bagel CoFuzzy's Taco ShopHome DepotTrader Joe'sThe Royal PeasantTifosiFive Points GrowlersChain Buster RacingWeevil, and Pro Gold.  We appreciate the support.  We want to send a special thank you to The Grill and Terrapin Brewing Company, who have made very generous donations.  Please show your appreciation by patronizing these businesses and thank them on behalf of SORBA-Athens.  As always, huge thanks to our volunteers.  We would not have trails to ride on if it were not for you. 
  
Cheers,
SORBA-Athens 

Facebook
Email
   
 *If you know of anyone who wants to join the SORBA-Athens email list, please have them send an email to sorbaathens@gmail.com with "subscribe" in the subject.*
 
 
Firkin Fridays at The Royal Peasant in Five Points
When: Every Friday in May at 5 p.m..
WhereThe Royal Peasant, Athens, GA (Driving Directions)

Every Friday in May is Firkin Friday at the Royal Peasant.  Terrapin Beer Company donated five firkin casks to help us raise money to build trails at Trail Creek/East Athens Community Park (EACP).  Every Friday at 5 p.m. we'll tap a Terrapin cask at the Royal Peasant with a different beer every week.  The cask for this Friday May 24th will be Tree Hugger Ale.  100% of the proceeds from the cask will go to SORBA-Athens.  There will also be a raffle with prizes including SORBA-Athens merchandise and free entry to the RecreationAle Flatrock Challenge race put on by Chain Buster Racing and sponsored by Terrapin Beer Company.  Raising money for trails doesn't get much easier than this...all you have to do is drink beer!  

Five Points Growler Tree Hugger Percentage Month
When:  All month long in May.
Where:  5 Points Growlers, Athens, GA (Driving Directions)

For the entire month of May, Five Points Growlers will donate 25% of every Terrapin Tree Hugger Growler purchase to SORBA-Athens.  Cheers!
 
 
When: Tuesday, May 14th, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: East Athens Community Park, Athens, GA (Driving Directions)
The Green loop and the Orange Crush loop are pretty much complete. Here's a trail map. The last thing we need to do is lay a little more gravel and tamp it all down really well. Bring a wheel barrow and a tamper if you have one. Don't worry, ACC will bring out a utility vehicle for the long haul on the upper Orange Crush loop. We'll only use wheel barrows for the short haul on the lower Green loop.  As always, we will ride when we finish working. After we put the finishing touches on Green and Orange Crush, it's on to Phase 2 where we hope to build another 2 - 2.5 miles of trail by the end of the year.   Bring gloves, water, and your bikes.
 
 
Meet at the Main Trailhead(green arrow just before the main entrance) at 8:00 a.m. Free trail passes for the day are included. This volunteer workday is a great way for individuals, families, or community service oriented groups to do some great outside work. Meet other volunteers of Hard Labor Creek State Park and enjoy the work, company, and the outdoors.  We will be doing some finish work on a  0.75 mile extension to the Red Trail.  There are also 4.5 miles of new Blue Trail flagged and ready to start building if we get a large crowd.  Bring gloves, water, and your bikes.
 
 
  We started this newsletter to give you as much info as possible regarding mountain biking news and events in the Athens area.  If you want info on trails so you can plan your ride, our Trails Page has everything you need.  As for news and upcoming events, here's the scoop:  

Chapter Meeting:  
When: Thursday 5/9/13 at 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Terrapin Brewery, Athens, GA (Driving Directions)
We have lots to discuss (See below).

News: 
Terrapin Twilight Recap
Click Here for Results and Photos
The Terrapin Twilight Off Road Warrior MTB Criterium was a success.  The racers seemed to really enjoy the Time Trial Qualifier course at Trail Creek/EACP.  The trails were (and are) in great shape thanks to all of our volunteers.  Many compliments and expressions of gratitude were sent our way.  If you weren't there for the Finals on the downtown Crit course, you really missed out.  Nixon was doing wheelies as he passed the announcer's stage during the race and still keeping pace with the pack.  Drew Genteman did a lap while drinking a Terrapin brew.  And no one will ever forget when SORBA-Athens member Howie Davis became an instant Twilight Legend by racing in a tiger suit.  Good times man...good times.   

New Loop at Payne's Creek
When:  South Loop officially opened May 1st.
Where: Payne's Creek, Hartwell, GA (Driving Directions)

The new 2 mile South Loop at Payne's Creek is officially open.  This gives Payne's Creek a total of 9 miles.  If you haven't made the drive out to Payne's Creek yet, you should.  It's about an hour away from Athens but well worth the drive.  Here's a Trail Map.  It is fast and flowy and a ton of fun.  As it get's warmer you can take a dip in Lake Hartwell when you are done riding.  Also, the campground is amazing with some sites right at the water's edge.  Payne's Creek is one of SORBA-Athens' official trails.  SORBA-Athens member Jud Turpin and his crew have a done a fantastic job out there. 

Fundraising:
Firkin Fridays at The Royal Peasant in Five Points
When: Every Friday in May at 5 p.m..
WhereThe Royal Peasant, Athens, GA (Driving Directions)
Every Friday in May is Firkin Friday.  Terrapin Beer Company donated five firkin casks to help us raise money to build trails at Trail Creek/East Athens Community Park (EACP).  Every Friday at 5 p.m. we'll tap a Terrapin cask at the Royal Peasant with a different beer every week.  The cask for this Friday May 3rd will be Hopsecutioner with Citra Hops added.  100% of the proceeds from the cask will go to SORBA-Athens.  There will also be a raffle with prizes including SORBA-Athens merchandise and free entry to the RecreationAle Flatrock Challenge race put on by Chain Buster Racing and sponsored by Terrapin Beer Company.  Raising money for trails doesn't get much easier than this...all you have to do is drink beer!  

Five Points Growler Tree Hugger Percentage Month
When:  All month long in May.
Where:  Five Points Growlers, Athens, GA (Driving Directions)
For the entire month of May, Five Points Growlers will donate 25% of every Terrapin Tree Hugger Growler purchase to SORBA-Athens.

SORBA-Athens Merchandise
You can show your support and help us raise money by purchasing SORBA-Athens Merchandise.  We are selling our own special blend of Jittery Joe's Coffee (Singletrack Mind): $12 each or $10 for SORBA-Athens members.  We just got in new dri-fit style SORBA-Athens tshirts:  $15 each or $12 for SORBA-Athens members.  We also have just a few(less than 8) custom SORBA-Athens pint glasses left: $8 each.Merchandise will be available to purchase at all of the Firkin Fridays this month at The Royal Peasant.  You can also email us and we will make arrangements to get the merchandise to you. 

Work Parties/Swap Meet/Volunteer Appreciation Day:
Hard Labor Creek Work Party
When: Saturday, May 11th, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge, GA (Driving Directions)
Meet at the main trailhead at 9:45 a.m. Free trail passes for the day are included. We will ride when we finish working. Here's a trail map. Work could include cutting back brush, raking, helping construct bridges or putting up directional signs. If you need additonal info, call 706-557-3001. Bring gloves, water, and your bikes.

Trail Creek/EACP Work Party
When: Tuesday, May 14th, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: East Athens Community Park, Athens, GA (Driving Directions)

The Green loop and the Orange Crush loop are pretty much complete. Here's a trail map. The last thing we need to do is lay a litlte more gravel and tamp it all down really well. Bring a wheel barrow and a tamper if you have one. Don't worry, ACC will bring out a utility vehicle for the long haul on the upper Orange Crush loop. We'll only use wheel barrows for the short haul on the lower Green loop.  As always, we will ride when we finish working. After we put the finishing touches on Green and Orange Crush, it's on to Phase 2 where we hope to build another 2 - 2.5 miles of trail by the end of the year.   Bring gloves, water, and your bikes.

Heritage Park Work Party, Swap Meet, and Volunteer Appreciation Cookout
When: Saturday, June 1st, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, Watkinsville, GA (Driving Directions)

June 1st is National Trails Day. We plan to make some improvements to the Heritage Park trail system which will likely include rerouting a rough section, bench cutting some off camber sections, and improving drainage in some low lying areas. We will have a volunteer appreciation cookout and ride after we finish working. SORBA-Athens will provide the food (probably burgers and dogs and a vegetarian option) for the cookout. We are also having a swap meet. Got some spare parts or bikes laying around that you want to sell? Bring 'em out to Heritage on June 1st. Swap meet spots are free for all volunteers/$5 suggested donation for everyone else.  Bring gloves, water, and your bikes. 

Races/Rides:
Chain Buster Series
When: Next race is May 4th at Fort Yargo and then May 25th at Harbins Park with more later in the year.
Where: Several locations in Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina.
Anyone involved in mountain bike racing in the southeast knows about Chain Buster Racing.  They have nine races scheduled so far in 2013.  As we mentioned above, their upcoming RecreationAle Flatrock Challenge race is sponsored by Athens' own Terrapin Beer Company.  You can win entry into the race during our Firkin Friday raffles every Friday in May at the Royal Peasant in Athens.  Whether you plan to race or just go out to watch the action, you are in for a good time.

Challenge of the Centuries Bike Ride
When: May 24th & 25th
Where: Bell YMCA at 281 Opal Extension, Hartwell, GA 30643 (Driving Directions).

The Challenge of the Centuries bicycle ride in Hartwell, Georgia occurs on the Memorial Day weekend with rides on Saturday and Sunday. Choose your distance: 35, 65 and 100 miles and ride one day or two. It's an official Bicycle Ride Across Georgia training ride and is presented by the Kiwanis Club of Hartwell to benefit local charities.  It's a road ride, but we thought it was worth sharing since some of us ride on the road as well.

Ride With GPS
When:  Whenever you want to ride.
Where: All over.

Ride With GPS was forwarded to us by one of our members, David Seagraves, who has created 6 challenge routes to follow.  You can follow routes created by others, create your own, keep a training log, or join a competition.  It's free to sign up.  We haven't tried it yet, but thought it was worth sharing.

A Worthy Cause:
Small Dreams Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on honoring the life of Brittney Fox Watts by inspiring individuals and communities to improve global and environmental awareness. Check them out.  They are holding their 1st Annual Fun Run Towards Sustainability on Saturday, May 18th.
  
  You can find out more about SORBA-Athens including info on how to join SORBA/IMBA on our club info page.  Membership comes with several benefits including a dvd, a magazine subscription, and discounts from many top biking companies.  Membership is as low as $20 for youth/students under 24, $30 for individuals, and $50 for families.  A big chunk of your membership fee goes right back into building trails in the Athens area. 
 
  Many local businesses have contributed to SORBA-Athens in the last six months including: Sunshine CyclesKrimson KafeBen's BikesThe HubMama's BoyNew Balance ShoesSteak and ShakeKebaBarberitosAthens Bagel CoFuzzy's Taco ShopHome DepotTrader Joe'sThe Royal Peasant, and Pro Gold.  We appreciate the support.  We want to send a special thank you to The Grill and Terrapin Brewing Company, who have made very generous donations.  Please show your appreciation by patronizing these businesses and thank them on behalf of SORBA-Athens.  As always, huge thanks to our volunteers.  We wouldn't have trails to ride on if it weren't for you. 
  
Cheers,
SORBA-Athens 
Facebook
Email

   
 *If you know of anyone who wants to join the SORBA-Athens email list, please have them send an email to sorbaathens@gmail.com with "subscribe" in the subject.*

 *If you wish to be removed from the SORBA-Athens email list, please send an email to sorbaathens@gmail.com with "unsubscribe" in the subject.*
 
 
The Terrapin Twilight Off Road Warrior Criterium was a success.  Congrats to Robert Mobley on his finals win.  Congrats to Alex Ryan for winning the Time Trial Qualifier.  Mad props to Howie Davis for livening things up with the tiger suit.  We hope to have the MTB Criterium at Twilight again next year.  Photos and results below.

TIME TRIAL QUALIFIER
Results
Photos

FINALS
Results
Twilight Photos including the Warrior Finals


 
 
Here is all the info you need to plan your Twilight Weekend. Be sure to start it off right at the Twilight Kickoff Happy Hour Friday at Little Kings.

Printable Twilight Schedule of Events

Twilight Americana Music Festival(Friday Night)

Terrapin Twilight Official Website

SORBA-Athens Twilight Events:
SORBA-Athens/Bike Athens Twilight Kickoff Happy Hour
When: Friday, April 27th 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Little Kings Downtown Athens (Map)
Description: SORBA-Athens and BikeAthens would like to get all the cyclists in Athens (commuters, mountain bikers, recreational cyclists, road racers, etc) out for an event under the same roof. Too often, these various cycling communities do not mingle or even know each other. Twilight is a great time to bring folks together.  We will have a table setup with info about SORBA-Athens and Bike Athens.  We'll also be selling our Single Track Mind Blend Jittery Joe's fundraising coffee, the last nine remaining custom SORBA-Athens pint glasses, and, if we are lucky, our new SORBA-Athens t-shirts will be ready.  No cover charge.  Drink specials: $3 draft beers and well drinks.  Printable Flyer(Please Share)  Come have a beer with us!


Terrapin Twilight Time Trial/Off-Road Warrior Criterium
IMPORTANT UPDATE: OK, you asked for it, you got it. YOU MUST USE MTB DRIVETRAIN for the TT and the finals.
When: Saturday, April 28th. Time Trials start at 9 a.m. at EACP. Finals on the Crit Course downtown will start at 6:40 p.m.
Where: East Athens Community Park (Map) & Downtown Athens
Format: Time Trial Qualifier (1.6 miles) at East Athens Community Park trail 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Qualification to be determined by finish position in the TT. Top 40 qualify for the Twilight Off Road Warrior Criterium Finals on the downtown Athens Twilight Crit Course.
Equipment restrictions: Must use a mountain bike frame and flat handlebars (MTB style). Tires must be a minimum of 1.5" wide, established either by the manufacturers original markings on the tire, or by testing the tire in a jig at the race start. Jig tire test is done WITHOUT the rider on the bike. Tread pattern on tire is open – slick or knobs, your choice. 26", 27.5" or 29" wheels allowed. Gearing is open. Fully rigid, hard tail, or full suspension bikes are all OK.  Click Here to Register to Race  We strongly recommend you register online.  However, you can register Saturday morning at EACP from 7 to 9 a.m. (Cash or Check only unless you register online).
More Details: This race is USAC sanctioned. This means that they have to list you in a category. The category thing is just for USAC purposes. The competition is OPEN, meaning all racers compete against each other: men, women, old, young, fast, slow, new, experienced - just one big melting pot. BUT when you sign up you must pick a category. If you register online and don't know which category to sign up for, sign up for category 3. Ignore anything about Pro on the registration page unless you have a Pro MTB USAC license. As for awards/money, ignore the stuff about medals on the registration page. Prize Pool is $500 (10 deep) for the Finals only. Facebook Event (check here for last minute updates)
Volunteers Needed:  We still need a few volunteers to help out with the Time Trial at EACP Saturday morning from 8:30 to 1 p.m.  (We will likely finish up well before 1 p.m.)  Click Here to Volunteer 

Cheers,
SORBA-Athens
Facebook
Email
  
*If you know of anyone who wants to join the SORBA-Athens email list, please have them send an email to sorbaathens@gmail.com with "subscribe" in the subject.*
 
 
When: Friday, April 26th 5 - 8 p.m.

Where: Little Kings Downtown Athens

Description:
SORBA-Athens and BikeAthens would like to get all the cyclists in Athens (commuters, mountain bikers, recreational cyclists, road racers etc) out for an event under the same roof. Too often, these various cycling communities do not mingle or even know each other. Twilight would be a great time to bring folks together.  Feel free to download the flyer and share it  with friends or post it at your favorite trailhead/bike shop/wherever.  Happy Hour Specials:  $3 draft beers and well drinks.  Cheers!

 
 
Don't forget to register for the Terrapin Twilight Off Road Warrior Criterium. A time trial qualifier will be held at East Athens Community Park 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on the day of the race (4/27).

Off Road Warrior Facebook Event

Twilight Website

**If you want to keep with what's going on with SORBA-Athens, please send an email to sorbaathens@gmail.com with "subscribe" in the subject.**