Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Weekly Rides & Events

Saturday, May 30th is The Ruby Ride... first annual ride presented by Franklin Daybreak Rotary.  3 routes to choose from: 24 mile, 63 mile and 100 mile.  Ride begins at 9am at FHS, registration begins at 8am.  Cost of ride is $40.00 and includes post ride meal from Vlass House Grill.   Stop by bike shop for more information, or check out www.therubyride.com .  
 
GROUP RIDES
Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at S Macon Elementary on Addington Bridge Road at 5:30pm.  We will be doing the Coweeta Loop. 
 
Thursday Group Urban Assault Ride will begin at Macon County Library at 5:30pm.  All levels of riders are encouraged.  This ride is part off-road and part on-road, so mountain bike is preferred.  Ride lead by Scott Baste.
 
Thursday Beginner Ride will begin at Smoky Mtn Bicycles at 5:30 pm and we will ride on the Greenway.  Comfort, Hybrid, or Mountain bike preferred due to gravel sections on the Greenway.  We have bikes available for use, if you want to introduce folks to riding with group in a casual setting.  Ride will also cover shifting gears and proper riding etiquette.
 
Pam & Dave
Smoky Mountain Bicycles
179 Highlands Road
Franklin, NC  28734
828-369-2881
 
 

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Weekly Group Rides and Upcoming Events

This Saturday, May 23rd is the 12 hours of Tsali at Tsali Trails near Bryson City, NC.  Race will be from 11am-11pm.  Racers can consist of a 4 man team, 12 hour solo, or 6 hour solo.  Smoky Mtn Bicycles is a sponsor of this event and will have event tent set up all day Saturday... come out and join us support riders from all over.  Visit www.goneriding.com for more information.
 
SABA is also having their 5th Annual Vineyard ride this Saturday, May 23rd.  Pre-ride briefing will be at 8:30 with the ride to begin promptly at 9am.  There has been a change in the route this year, adding just a few miles, but taking us to a couple of other destination points.  There is no charge for this fun ride. The ride will begin and end at Crane Creek Vineyards, in Young Harris, GA as in years past.  This year, we will ride into the town of Murphy and make a stop at the Daily Grind and Wine.  Then, it's off to the vineyard on Martin's Creek Road before the finish at Crane Creek. Come out an join us, we'll be riding rain or shine.  Visit www.sabacycling.com for more information.
 
Don't forget the 1st Annual Ruby Ride will be on Saturday, May 30th starting at Franklin High School at 9am.  Registration begins at 8:00am.  Ride options are 24, 63, and 100 mile routes.  Post ride meal will be catered by Vlass House Grill.  Registration fee is $40.00 and there are still t-shirts available if registered before the 30th.  Visit www.therubyride.com for more information.  I have attached a registration form.  We are also still looking for volunteers to do rest stops and SAG vehicles to drive the course.  Please contact bike shop if interested in volunteering.
 
GROUP RIDES
Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at the bike shop at 5:30pm.  We will be doing the Burningtown Loop.
 
Thursday Group Urban Assault Ride will begin at Macon County Library at 5:30pm.  All levels of riders are encouraged.  This ride is part off-road and part on-road, so mountain bike is preferred.  Ride lead by Scott Baste.
 
Thursday Beginner Ride will begin at Smoky Mtn Bicycles at 5:30 pm and we will ride on the Greenway.  Comfort, Hybrid, or Mountain bike preferred due to gravel sections on the Greenway.  We have bikes available for use, if you want to introduce folks to riding with group in a casual setting.  Ride will also cover shifting gears and proper riding etiquette.
 
PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT WE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 25TH IN OBSERVATION OF MEMORIAL DAY! 
 
Pam & Dave
Smoky Mountain Bicycles
179 Highlands Road
Franklin, NC  28734
828-369-2881
 
 

Monday, May 18, 2009

FW: Jackrabbit update

Please see update below on Jack Rabbit.
Pam
-----Original Message-----
From: joanna atkisson [mailto:yotee56@dnet.net]
Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2009 4:07 PM
To: yotee56@dnet.net
Subject: Jackrabbit update

Just got back from the trails and all is repaired and the trail is open for use.  I'm proud of our new district ranger for seeing to this so promptly.  I don't know if further repair will be needed in the future, but for now, it is open.
Joanna

Friday, May 15, 2009

FW: Important Trail Info- Jackrabbit Temporarily Closed

From Joanna Atkisson, President of SABA (Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association) -
I have been contacted by the USFS District Ranger, Steve Lohr, in regards to the required temporary closure of the Jackrabbit Trails due to a problem at the site at the entrance of the trail where the culvert is. This site is collapsing, partially due to high water but primarily due to destruction caused from beavers. It is not readily noticable from above, but there is concern that it could possibly collapse as people are crossing this area. The USFS will be working on this on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16th. Hopefully, this can be corrected and the trail reopened very soon.   But, there is a good chance of heavy rain this weekend, so we don't know if the problem will be able to be fixed at this time or not. It may require a new culvert, which would require additional work in the future.
I will keep people informed as I am notified of any updates- please stay posted to the website message board also.
Thanks
Joanna Atkisson
 

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Weekly Group Rides and Events

Okay folks.. there's a lot going on this week! 
 
May is Bike to Work Week is May 11-15 and to celebrate Friday, May 15th is Bike To Work Day!  We encourage all riders to ride to work and try to encourage people to try bicycle commuting as a healthy and safe alternative to driving. 
 
Saturday, May 16th is the Relay for Life Duathlon at Tassee Greenway Location beginning at 10am.  4 mile run, 11.6 mile bike ride, and 2 mile run. 
 
Also, Saturday May 16th there will be a FREE Bicycle Maintenance Seminar at 11am at the Home & Leisure Show at the Macon County Community Building.  We will cover changing flat tires, "on the bike" adjustments, and daily maintenance issues.  Free water bottle and patch kit!! 
 
Sunday, May 17th is "Celebration of the Bicycle" which is a bike show to display bikes for generations ago and today - there will be awards for Most Unique Bicycle, Longest Distance, Best Vintage Bicycle, Best Kids Bicycle, Best Mountain Bicycle, Best Road Bicycle, Best Custom Bicycle.  Celebration will be held at Hungry Bear Subs from 11am-3pm.  Cost to enter your bike is $7.00 and there will be Italian Buffet to enjoy during the show.  We'll also test your knowledge... When was the bicycle invented? What is the most expensive bicycle in the World? When was derailleur developed?  When was the first Tour de France?
 
GROUP RIDES
Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at S Macon Elementary on Addington Bridge Road at 5:30pm.  We will be doing the Patton Valley Loop.
 
Thursday Group Urban Assault Ride will begin at Macon County Library at 5:30pm.  All levels of riders are encouraged.  This ride is part off-road and part on-road, so mountain bike is preferred.  Ride lead by Scott Baste.
 
Thursday Beginner Ride will begin at Smoky Mtn Bicycles at 5:30pm and we will ride on the Greenway.  Comfort, Hybrid, or Mountain bike preferred due to gravel sections on the Greenway.  We have bikes available for use, if you want to introduce folks to riding with group in a casual setting.  Ride will also cover shifting gears and proper riding etiquette.
 
Sunday Group Road Ride will begin at Franklin Fitness Center at 10am.  Route to be determined morning of the ride.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Saturday, May 23rd - 12 hours of Tsali in Bryson City, NC.  Come out and race as a team or try the 6 hour solo or 12 hour solo.  Smoky Mountain Bicycles is a sponsor of this event and will have tent set up near the start/finish line.  Come support and cheer on local racers!!  Additional information at www.goneriding.com
 
Saturday, May 30th - THE RUBY RIDE - choose from 24, 63, or 100 mile routes.  Proceeds benefit the Child of Macon County, through the Child Service Coordination Program.  Cost to ride is $30.00 which includes t-shirt, rest stops, and post ride meal from Vlass House Grill.  Additional information at www.therubyride.com
 
WOW.. hope I got everything!!  Get out and ride!
 
Pam & Dave
Smoky Mountain Bicycles
179 Highlands Road
Franklin, NC  28734
828-369-2881
 
 

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Charlie Ledford

Check out the article on Charlie Ledford "Lifelong Franklin resident dominates Mountain Bike Racing Series" in the Macon County News.  Great job Charlie!
 
 
 
Pam & Dave
Smoky Mountain Bicycles
179 Highlands Road
Franklin, NC  28734
828-369-2881
 
 

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Weekly Group Rides

This week's Wednesday Group Road Ride will leave from Smoky Mtn Bicycles at 5:30pm .  We'll be doing the Windy Ridge Loop. 
 
Thursday is Urban Assault Ride from Macon County Library at 5:30pm.  All level of riders encouraged to attend.  Ride led by Scott Baste.
 
Also, Thursday is beginner rides on the Greenway at 5:30pm from the bike shop.  Mountain bike or comfort bike recommended... we have bicycles available for use, if you are trying to get family and friends introduced into cycling.  All level of riders encouraged to attend.
 
Pam & Dave
Smoky Mountain Bicycles
179 Highlands Road
Franklin, NC  28734
828-369-2881