Sorella Cycling
May, 2018
2018 Annual Meeting Recap
By Brittany Montgomery
Check out that great looking group of ladies! We kicked off 2018 with our Annual Membership Meeting April 28th at our event sponsor Eventide Brewing. Our annual meeting is the time for our members to gather to meet new faces and also reminisce with old friends. We had around 50 ladies attend the meeting along with some of our valued sponsors! All members walked away with a pair of our kit matching DeFeet socks that are now on sale for the remainder of the membership along with our new Sorella t-shirts.
Thank you to our sponsors that made the time to come out and support us! Todd and Patrick from Atlanta Cycling provided an endless amount of cycling gear that went up for grabs in our Atlanta Cycling "shop". Carbon handle bars, cycling shoes, base layers, and even a signed Jens Voigt jersey were donated by our shop sponsor. Emory Sports Medicine was also in attendance with swag for the members to take home and shared a warm welcome with our members and while they would be happy to serve us, they hope that we don't need their services. One of our new supporting sponsors, Advanced Barcode & Label Technologies Inc. ABLT.com owned by Sorella Liz Davey, donated custom Sorella stickers for the membership to take home. We all appreciate all the raffle contributions from those sponsors that were not able to make it!
The board of directors took some time to speak around the 2018 club during the presentation. The club goals, member statistics, sponsors and race team were discussed and presented to the membership. We ended with a question and answer session that was open to all attendees! Last but not least the long awaited raffle concluded the meeting with members receiving Hincapie Gran Fondo entries, Ninja mountain bike clinics, Tifosi glasses, a Sorella Farm to Table cook book, and many more items were raffled off from our current
sponsors.
This year Fox Brothers catered in a lovely spread that all members enjoyed from beef brisket to portabella mushroom sliders. The Sorella race team and board of directors whipped up homemade desserts to go along with the BBQ. The brews were provided by our fabulous event space sponsor Eventide Brewing. The staff at Eventide were more than hospitable and made our meeting go on flawlessly.
We’d like to thank everyone who came out it was great to see you all. We look forward to
seeing you all at the end of the year party! Mark your calendar's now, the year end Sorella party will be held at Eventide Brewing on Saturday November 10th. This event will be free to Sorellas and we will welcome fellas and friends for a small fee. Stay tuned closer to time for more information, in the meantime get it on your calendar!
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Purchasing Sorella Socks and T-Shirts
If you have you been searching for the perfect pair of socks to accompany your Sorella kit, search no more....our clothier Sarah Hoots designed a custom pair of Sorella socks that pair perfectly with our current and past kits! These DeFeet socks are available in Small (shoe size W6-8) and Medium (shoe size W8.5-10.5). Socks are $5/pair.
We also have on hand a newly designed women's gray t-shirt with our Sorella logo on the left chest. These t-shirts are a super soft tri-blend material, women’s cut but not tight. We have sizes Small through X-Large. T-shirts are $10.
We will try to have a small inventory of socks and t-shirts at the upcoming recurring rides (i.e. Tues Vinings Ladies, Wed Buckhead Ladies and Monthly Silver Comet). But if you would like to make other arrangements to secure socks or a t-shirt please reach out to us using this form.
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Featured Sorella: Diane Schleicher!
What made you decide to join Sorella:
I wanted to join a cycling club that was supportive of my cycling goals. With the encouragement of fellow Sorella racers, I have improved already this season over where I was last season.
Do you do Road, Mountain or Cyclocross:
Types of bike(s) you ride:
Mountain bike - Specialized Epic 29-er which I purchased used from Atlanta Cycling. I was pleasantly surprised that I could ride a 29-er, but the Epic has a tight cross-country geometry with very moderate travel. This allows a short 5’3” rider like me to ride on such large tires.
Your favorite place to ride:
Secret Gaps and Silk Sheets are two awesome places to ride. Both are challenging courses but have less car traffic and are very scenic.
Your dream ride:
Dream ride would be the “Going to the Sun” Ride at Glacier National Park, Montana. I hope to ride that epic ride this summer when we visit our son in Missoula. You have to pay attention to the timing due to weather and park traffic. It is on my bucket list.
Biggest accomplishment on your bike:
Racing time trial at Nationals/Olympic trials in Spokane, Washington in 1988 (I missed out on qualifying for the road race by one place at the state level in Florida that year due to a crash at the sprint finish, I am glad I didn’t break any bones like a couple of my fellow racers). Also, racing the time trials and road race in the 60 to 64-year-old category at the Worlds Gran Fondo in Albi, France in 2017. Great experience… also, I hadn’t been to Europe since my college days (1979), so it was fun experiencing the things that were new and the things that had not changed.
Why you love being a Sorella:
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Sorella's Volunteering!
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Race Report: Sumatanga (Road) Race Series – Race #4 March 31, 2018
By Kim Nelson
I stumbled upon a delightful little secret on the backroads of Gallant, AL, to race in the last of 4 races in the Sumatanga Race Series. It was a beautiful day, light wind, sunny skies where a field of 17 Cat 3/4/5 women assembled at the start of the 3 loop, 30-mile course. With just one hill to speak of, it was pretty easy to guess where any attacks might take place. Teammate Sarah Hoots had raced with a few of the girls recently and was able to give me some intel on who to keep an eye on. There was no traffic to speak of, and the only downside of the course was a 1.5 mile stretch of “chipseal” that I thought surely was going to result in the loss of a number of my fillings it was so rough.
The first lap we stayed together, everyone feeling out the course as well as each other. As predicted, the gal that had won ToSH a few weeks before, attacked hard on the climb. I was several riders back and she was quick, the only way to reel her back in was to do a quick paceline. It took longer than it should have to organize and sadly, my efforts caused me to be spit out the back. Determined not to finish 10 minutes after the other girls, I put my head down and rode hard. Even the follow vehicle gave up on me and went around. But I remembered that the group had slowed, ironically, after the first time over the chipseal so I kept telling myself they hated that chipseal more than me. Before long, another dropped rider bridged up to me and we worked together until we saw the group ahead again. I was thrilled to be able to go around the Follow Vehicle and get back on before the final lap. Continued...
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Race Report: 6 hours of Warrior Creek (Mountain Bike)
By Laina Palmeri
You have to be quick if you want to get in on this race...as in be sitting in front of your computer ready to type fast and accurate at 9am sharp on a Saturday morning in January. This popular race in Wilkesboro, NC, is always a sure sell-out, so I was prepared and able to get my registration in and confirmed: Solo Female Singlespeed (SS). Yep, I just did that. This would be my 3rd time doing this race; first time was on a 2-female team with Jackie Ledoux and then again last year Female Masters Solo, on my geared Norco Optic FS. I figured I'd try racing SS since they offered this as a category and I thought the trails would be really fun on a SS (they were)! This trail system is known for all the berms...those sweeping turns in the trails that make you smile and feel like you were born to be riding them. In fact, some call it "Wilkesbermo" instead of Wilkesboro, in reference to those miles of turny, twisty, flowy fun.
I already own a 29-er belt-drive SS, but for this race I wanted to convert my Norco Revolver HT to a SS. The Revolver is much lighter and nimbler than my 29-er so it was a no-brainer to me. Plus I had a friend who was willing to help me convert it. Gearing choice was made over a couple of test rides on our local trails. I tested 34x21 and it felt pretty perfect for a 2 hour ride or so, but in the end I went with 34x22 because I wanted to be sure I could last the 6+ hours. The gearing turned out to be absolutely
perfect. I only wish the weather had. More on that later. Continued...
#SORELLARIDES
Recurring:
Eventide Brewing Thursday Intown Ride
When: Thursday May 10, 2018 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Eventide Brewing, 1015 Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, USA
Join Sorella ride leader Brittany Hopson Montgomery 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 afterward at Eventide to quench our thirst at the discounted cost of $8 (normally $12) for riders. Eventide is now open until 10:00 PM on Thursdays so we are able to ride and enjoy the brews longer!
Silver Comet Group Ride p/b Emory Sports Center
When: Sunday, May 20th, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Open to: Sorellas, Lady friends, and Fella Friends
Leaves from: The Caboose at the Hiram Silver Comet Trailhead (mile 14.5)
Presented by Emory Sports Medicine and starting at 2:00 PM from the caboose at the Hiram Silver Comet Trailhead (mile 14.5 on the Silver Comet Trail). This ride offers different distances and paces to meet the needs of all riders. A popular ride is to the Brushy Mountain Tunnel - a 32-mile round trip. Choose your distance since it is out and back). Groups will form at comfortable paces, with no one left behind. We invite all Sorellas, fellas, and friends to join us! Teri Danielson is your host with many Sorellas participating each month. Helmets required! Click the ride title above for more info.
Atlanta Cycling - Vinings, Ladies Ride
When: Tuesdays evenings: April through August at 6:30
Open to: Ladies, Sorellas
Leaves from: Atlanta Cycling, Vinings location
Join Atlanta Cycling for an 11, 18, or 22-mile ride for ladies only! This ride travels a low traffic, no-drop, marked route through the area. The emphasis is on meeting others and becoming a comfortable and skillful rider. You'll see some familiar faces as Sorella provides the sweeper for the ride. More information about the ride can be found on the Atlanta Cycling website or on our Sorella website.
Wednesday Evening Women’s Buckhead Road Ride
When: 6:30 pm April through August
Open to: Sorellas and lady friends
Leaves from: E Rivers Elementary School
This ride runs each Wednesday April thru September and is led by Sorella Linda Rathje. Start time is 6:30 pm (6:15 PM 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 or click the ride title above.
4th Sunday Decatur/Grant Park Social Ride
When: Sunday, May 27, 9:30 a.m.
Open to: Sorellas, Lady friends, and Fella Friends
Leaves from: Decatur High School
Join Sorella Michelle Hollberg for a casual beginner city ride from Decatur High School to Grant Park (7 miles each way) with a social coffee stop at the Farmers Market. All bikes and riders are welcome - commuters, urban, road - bring your enthusiasm for cycling! Click the ride title above for more info.
Atlanta Cycling Summer Gaps Training Ride
When: 8:00 a.m. May 26th, June 16th, July 14th and 28th, August 11th and 25th, September 15th.
Open to: Anyone
Leaves from: The Rock Pile, Dahlonega, Georgia
This ride is sponsored by Atlanta Cycling and begins at 8:00 at the Rock Pile. Park along the highway at the intersection of GA 60 and US 19 (The Rock Pile) north of Dahlonega, Ga. Drive time is about an hour. This is a very challenging, but beautiful 33-mile training ride over three gaps - Neal's Wolfpen & Woody's. There are store stop opportunities along the route. The early season rides are "no drop" designed for those who are new to riding in the mountains. Estimated ride time is 3-4 hours. Late season the rides change to "drop" rides and additional gaps may be added. Contact Mark@Atlantacycling.com (Duluth) for more information. 770-476-4949.
Special Non-Recurring:
North Atlanta Cyclofemme Ride at Silk Sheets
Open to: All Level Riders, Men and Women
Leaves from: 8650 GA-92, Fairburn, GA 30213
We invite ALL WOMEN, our SORELLA Sisters, FELLAS and MANY friends to join us for a special Mother's Day road ride! EVERY WOMAN COUNTS. We believe, We pledge, and We promise to inspire ONE MORE WOMAN to ride a bike this mother's day.
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. Lets all JOIN TOGETHER to stop this industry and the enormous pain and suffering it brings!
Join ride leaders and coordinators, Michael Friedlander, Korey Gotoo, and Leigh Dietz for the 6th Annual North Atlanta Cyclofemme ride, Sunday, May 13, 2018 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 42 mile ride conversation to slower-paced ride, 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. 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".
We are looking to our Sorella Sisters to JOIN US IN SOLIDARITY and open the door for just one more woman to get on her bicycle and pedal! Come whether you are NEW to cycling (or know someone who is), or a SEASONED rider willing to help us lead the way to a healthier and inspired lifestyle for the next women who wants to ride!
Light refreshments to be provided following the ride. Plan to stick around following the ride for fellowship.
Directions:
Note - church lot parking may not be available due to church services, please plan to park across the highway along Church St.
I-285 to I-20W first exit outside the perimeter - Fulton Industrial. Turn left (south) for 8 miles at which point the 4-lane becomes 2 lanes. Continue straight for 4 more miles to the intersection of GA-92 (red light at Texaco station). Turn right at the light. Turn next right to park along roadside - Church St. The church (next to Texaco) always welcomes cyclist parking except during church service hours. Drive time from Atlanta Cycling-Vinings is 30 minutes.
Sorella Membership Update
Wow! April was a big month for new members and our growing numbers are a direct result of the welcoming arms of our current members. Thank you to everyone who has spread the word about Sorella!
With that said, please join me in welcoming our newest members : Dawn Landau, Mary Helen Martin, Claudia Hiebert, Belinda Hernandez, Lisa Stoppenbach, Gabriela Soares, Jenna Earls, Megan Bronson, Carol Vails and Lynda Dunn. In addition, Laura Imbach, Brittany Mixon and Rolanda Powell chose to renew their membership for 2018! If you haven't yet renewed your membership for 2018, please remember to do so! Renew now by clicking here !
Our current membership is 197 and we are fast approaching 200! Stay tuned to find out who our 200th member will be! If you have any ladies thinking about joining (or renewing) Sorella, please share the membership link with them and let them know we have a special prize in store for the 200th member!
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Photo Roundup:
Angela Barros and Shanicka Roberts lined up for the USA Cycling Southeast Master's Regional Time Trial.
Laina Palmeri taking 1st place at Ft Yargo XC race followed closely by Deidra James taking the 3rd podium step!