Sorella Cycling
May, 2017
THIS SUNDAY: Our Annual Sorella Meeting - BE THERE!!
Join us at our sponsor, Eventide Brewing, for our annual club meeting this Sunday, May 7 @ 5pm. We'll have a recap of last year and announce exciting plans for 2017. Meet our fantastic sponsors and meet new faces.
Complimentary great food and beverage (free Eventide glass and 6-6oz samples)! Plus we'll have raffles, including 10 free entries to Hincapie Gran Fondo, 2 free entries to Six Gap Century, Cycliq camera lights and goodies from Atlanta Cycling. Plus each Sorella attending will get one of our new custom Sorella water bottles! Friends can join at the meeting if they haven't already!
Please consider bringing a canned food item (or other non-perishable food items) to support the Community Assistance Center. Emily Burrows will have collection bins at the entrance and will deliver items on behalf of Sorella. Click here for a list of requested items.
***Sorellas only this time, please -- we'll have other events that include the Fellas!
Sunday, May 7, 2017, 05:00 PM
Eventide Brewing, Grant Street Southeast, Atlanta, GA, United States
USAC Masters Southeast Regional Championship
Sorellas Dawn Hill, Susan Barrett, Eleanor Adams, Barb Stella and Jennifer Klein stormed USAC Masters Southeast Regional Championship weekend April 22-23, which included a road race, time trial and criterium in Gwinnett. It's the only event in Georgia with age-graded road racing. Lots of age group podiums on a hilly course in the first really hot race of the year. And Barb Stella made the podium in the Men's B Master's Race!!
Although radar showed 100% chance of rain at Gwinnett Technical College for the Crit Sunday, Mother Nature was in support of our fearless Sorellas, who only encountered sprinkles the last few laps. The women's masters field was mighty impressive with a pro and several Cat 1s mixed in. Our Sorellas finished in the pack, and took home age group honors: Eleanor fourth in 40-49, and Jennifer a win in the crit and the Omnium for in 60+ .
The Pisgah Stage Race
by: Cambrie Epperson, Jenna Downey, Kim Cross, and Brittany Montgomery
The Pisgah Stage Race is held every spring in the Pisgah National Forest right outside Brevard, NC for the past 8 years. At the end of last year we all started pondering could we do this race, did we want to, and who all could we get to commit to the journey. Four Sorellas and a couple friends took on the challenge of the five day mountain bike stage race. It covers 140 mountain bike miles over the week and over 20,000 feet in elevation. You are on single track trails within the forest over 80% of time. It boasts the tagline #roots, rocks, repeat and it delivered. Our group was split between the women’s open and women’s master class for the overall race results. Also each day, there is a race within the race with times endure stages. This was the biggest turn out of women the race had seen, over 30 women between the two classes. We had so pretty impressive competition, from current pros, retired pros, wannabee amateur pros like ourselves (LOL) and ladies just out there to have a good time. We were lucky for great weather over the week and also the comradery of the group that kept us getting up each morning and completing another stage. Here is a glimpse of 4 of the 5 stages thru each of the Sorella racers eyes.
Featured Sorella: Meet Maria Carmo!
Tell Us About Yourself: Occupation, relationship status, children, pets, where you live, where you're from, hobbies…
I am Brazilian and I moved to the US in 2004 all by myself to work so I could buy a house in Brazil for my mother (and I did!). I have my own cleaning business that I have managed for about 11 years. It was very hard in the beginning; I was very lonely and missed my family and friends every day. I am a happy single girl and I love making new friends and helping others. I live in Sandy Springs, GA and I love all kinds of sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, swimming, running, and taekwondo. I am currently a black belt after 10 years of practice and I tried out for the Sidney, Australia Olympics in 2000!
What made you decide to join Sorella?
I bought a Jersey at Peachtree bikes that had Sorella Cycling on it. One of my friends asked me if I was a Sorella. I said no because I didn’t know it was a women’s cycling club. I had been doing all of my rides alone but was thinking how much I wanted to be part of a club. Then I met Amy Plummer and she invited me to a Sorella meeting and ride. The group was so nice and organized!
Do you do Road, Mountain or Cyclocross?:
I ride road and mountain bike and recently became track certified at the velodrome
Types of bike(s) you ride:
I have a 2015 Trek Marlin 5 and 2016 Cannondale Synapse
Your Favorite place to ride:
Definitely the Silver Comet Trail and Blankets Creek
Your dream ride:
I want to ride my bike on the top of The Great Wall of China!
Biggest accomplishment on your bike:
I rode my first century at SCT on October 29, 2016. I didn’t even know what a century was! I trained 3 times before doing the ride!
Why you love being a Sorella:
I love being a Sorella because I get to be a part of something bigger than myself. There is nothing better than a great group of people who supports and encourages each other to make riding more fun and safe. Thank you to my sisters for welcoming me to the family!
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Sorella School: The 'Drome
Each month, the Sorella newsletter will feature a new article called "Sorella School" where you can learn more about cycling-specific lingo, culture, events, and other things you always wanted (but never knew you needed) to know. Our inaugural article is courtesy of Emily Burrows, Sorella Vice President.
A velodrome is defined as a cycle-racing track, typically with steeply banked curves made of concrete or wooden planking, where track-racing events can be held. Events vary from sprints, endurance events, team, and individual efforts - and all are performed on fixed-gear, brakeless bicycles. At first it sounds like reckless, certain doom. But riders develop incredible, subtle control as well as enormous power. Watching groups warm-up on a track is not unlike watching schools of fish dance - fluid movement, mesmerizing beauty. It's truly something to behold.
There are fewer than 30 velodromes in the United States and Atlanta (East Point) is lucky enough to be a home for one. After visiting the '72 Munich Olympics, city officials were so inspired that they promptly returned and began construction on their very own track. The Dick Lane Velodrome, completed in 1974, is known affectionately for its rustic character. The measurements are a little off (in feet instead of meters), and the concrete is a little rough (it was poured by the sidewalk contractors and not professional - velodrome builders) and it is indeed the only velodrome in the world with a large oak tree and creek in the center of the in-field.
Dick Lane, which is managed in partnership with the city of East Point and the East Point Velodrome Association, runs a full program of racing and training, including a youth-program. Completion of certification classes are required prior to riding, but the classes are welcoming of all experience levels, the cost is reasonable, and rental bikes available. Even if you have no interest in racing on the track, the vast majority of the races (which happen several nights a week) are free and open to the public. So pack a cooler with some frosty (and/or adult) beverages, haul out your lawn chair, and come experience this rare gem in our very own backyard. For more information on weekly racing and other events, visit www.dicklanevelodrome.com
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#SORELLARIDES
Recurring:
Monthly Beginner Ride
When: Saturday, May 6th
Open to: Club Members Only
Leaves from: See Below
Beginning riders can meet on the first Saturday of the month for a developmental road ride. Each ride begins with a 15 - 30 minute review of basic road skills. We will have lunch or coffee following the rides. The dates and locations of the remaining rides will be:
• May 6th 9 am Silver Comet Trail- Smyrna Bikes Location
• June 3rd 9 am Stone Mountain Park
Questions? Contact Amy Plummer
https://www.facebook.com/events/1825178461066842/
or Option 2:
Emily Burrows, Club Vice-President, can work with individuals on parts of the Atlanta Cycling course during the morning hours. Contact Emily for more information.
Eventide Brewery Ride
When: Thursday, May 11th - Ready to Ride @ 6:00PM
Open to: Everyone
Leaves from: Eventide Brewery
Join Sorella ride leader Brittany Hopson Montgomery (Bhop) for the monthly Eventide Brewing Intown Road ride. The group will leave Eventide to enjoy a 14-16 mile no drop loop all intown on streets that are not busy during rush hour! This will be a very chill social ride, no crazy climbs, very beginner friendly. Ride time is approximately 1:15-1:30.
Brews afterwards at Eventide to quench our thirst at the discounted cost of $8 (normally $12) for riders. https://www.facebook.com/events/2293114994246361/
May Group Ride – Silver Comet Trail
When: 2:00 - Sunday, May 21st
Open to: Sorellas, Lady friends and fella friends
Leaves from: Silver Comet Trail (Hiram Depot)
Our monthly comet rides have been great with over a dozen participants (when weather permitted). Please join us on the third Sunday each month February - November, and bring your other ladies and fellas to join us.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1425630050822064
Wednesday Evening Women’s Buckhead Road Ride
When: 6:30 pm through August
Open to: Sorellas and lady friends
Leaves from: E Rivers Elementary School
This ride runs the first Wednesday in April thru September and is led by Sorella Linda Rathje. Start time is 6:30pm (6:15PM in early September) and it will leave from the parking lot at E Rivers Elementary School at the corner of Peachtree and Peachtree Battle. Restrooms are available at Starbucks, across the street if you need them. If you ride to the start you can either join us at E Rivers or meet us at Cherokee Rd. and Andrews Drive. The pace is 14-15 mph which doesn't sound like much but the route is a hilly 21 miles. It is not a beginner ride. You should be comfortable riding with a group in light traffic and in hilly terrain. It is a great opportunity to improve your climbing skills and step outside your comfort zone, with a friendly group of women. There are a few pretty good climbs (4 or 5) and you can take these as hard and fast as you want. We regroup at the top so everyone can continue to socialize to the next climb. The group usually grabs dinner after the ride at La Fonda.
For questions, contact Linda at lrathje@bellsouth.net
Tuesday Atlanta Cycling Ladies Road Ride
When: 6:30 through August
Open to: Sorellas and lady friends
Leaves from: Atlanta Cycling, Vinings
Tuesday Atlanta Cycling Vinings Women's ride takes place weekly! Atlanta Cycling Vinings Women's Road No-Drop Ride is every Tuesday March - October (March 6:15PM / Apr-Aug 6:30 / Sep 6:15 / Oct 6:00). Route often follows the 18 or 22 mile route on low traffic streets following a painted route at no drop pace. The emphasis will be on meeting others and on becoming more skillful and comfortable while road riding. Departing at the same time is a MENS/MIXED group, riding a different route ~24 miles. More info at http://atlantacycling.com/articles/atlanta-cycling-group-rides-pg37.htm
Special, Non-Recurring:
5th Annual North Atlanta Cyclofemme Ride
When: Sunday May 14th
Open to: Everyone, Supports Wellsprings Living
Leaves from: 8650 GA-92, Fairburn, GA 30213
Donation: $10 to benefit Wellspring Living, a non-profit organization working to change lives and restore hope to those persons and families affected by sex trafficking in Georgia.
Join ride leaders and coordinators, MIchael Friedlander, Korey Gotoo, and Leigh Dietz for the 5th Annual North Atlanta Cyclofemme ride, Sunday, May 14, 2017 at 8:30 am for a brief meet and greet followed by 3 ride options in Silk Sheets—Fairburn, GA. Wheels down at 9 am with 3 ride options: a 25 mile route for those that need encouragement, support and just a casual ride, a 35 mile conversation to slower-paced ride out and back, and a 50+ mile option for a more brisk (16-18 mph) Intermediate level pace--if needed, there will be an "A" faster group and an "B" moderate pace and all routes are "no drop".
THIS RIDE IS FOR ALL LEVEL RIDERS, MEN AND WOMEN BOTH. All routes are no-drop. Each route will have chaperone Sorella or "Sorella Fella" ambassador riders and SAG available. Join nearly 200 other women cycling groups gathering around the world celebrating "the power of the pedal for positive social change".
Sorella Membership Update
Please join me in welcoming our new members who joined us during the month of April:
Laura Milligan, Rosie Levy, Kristen Campbell, Sharon Murphy, Kathryn Taylor, Sarah Khoshnood and Donna Hoffman
Also, Courtney Holder & Paula Johnson have renewed their commitment to our wonderful organization!
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Their mission is to make motorists aware they’re being recorded in the hope they provide you with additional space and respect while sharing the road, consequently making road cycling safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Cycliq’s products include the Fly6 – a Rear Tailight with 30 Lumen LED light & 720p Camera with audio and the Fly12 – a Headlamp with 400 Lumen LED light & 1080p camera with audio.
At Sunday's Annual Meeting, we will be giving away Cycliq lights generously donated to our club!
You can follow Cycliq on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter!
http://www.facebook.com/Cycliq
http://twitter.com/Cycliq
https://instagram.com/cycliq/
Visit www.https://cycliq.com for more information.