Southeast - Atlanta/Decatur needs a LONG "What's Up" thread too!

Yeah, all the time...probably my favorite route in intown Atlanta. There are guys of all skill levels on the Mellow Mushroom ride. There are racers who go off the front and there is a sweeper who I swear goes around 12mph. The ride usually has a ton of riders on a good night and it will break up into about 4-5 subgroups of different speeds, so you'll have no problem finding someone to ride with. ;)

Yeah, all the time...probably my favorite route in intown Atlanta. There are guys of all skill levels on the Mellow Mushroom ride. There are racers who go off the front and there is a sweeper who I swear goes around 12mph. The ride usually has a ton of riders on a good night and it will break up into about 4-5 subgroups of different speeds, so you'll have no problem finding someone to ride with. ;)

Thanks! Looking forward to it.

If you're able to make it, look for a tall dude in an Aaron's kit and come say hi :)

If you're able to make it, look for a tall dude in an Aaron's kit and come say hi :)

I've seen you before - a few weeks ago. My son was on my shoulders and he wanted to check out the bikes.

Did you end up making it out?

What are the specifics on the Mellow Mushroom ride. My Fiance lives over off of LaVista and I see you Aaron people out all the time on LaVista Road riding around in the evenings and the weekend. I may want to drop by one evening and do the ride and see how it is as I am trying to get my feet wet in group riding.

... trying to get my feet wet in group riding.

On the bottom of our calendar is a link to a great article for anyone riding in a group, particularly if you're new to it. You owe it to yourself and the others around you to read, and practice it!

http://www.sorellacycling.com/calendar.htm

On the bottom, click on the Group Riding Tips.

What are the specifics on the Mellow Mushroom ride.
6:30 pm Decatur Wonderful Evening Ride (1E)

Join us for a ride of 11 to 18 miles through Candler Park, Morningside, Piedmont Park, Ansley Park, Sherwood Forest, Druid Hills and Emory. Some of the nicest and oldest residential areas of Atlanta. Dinner and refreshments after the ride at a Mellow Mushroom. Meet in the parking lot behind the CVS drug store at the corner of West Ponce and Commerce streets in downtown Decatur. No ride if raining. Head and tail lights required from October through March. For more information, call 404-294-4800 or 770-317-4942.

Here's a link to the SBL ride calendar with the same details.
http://bikesbl.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=SBLRideCalendar&file=rides-day&ride_date=20080417

Outstanding, I will keep that in mind the next time I am over in that area, I love those N'hoods so I would love to ride through there. Thanks for the Info.

best intown route in Atlanta, in my opinion ;)

Since the weather is getting nicer, I am going to try to bring back one of the older traditions I heard died out.
I have done alone and I would enjoy doing it with a crowd.

Lets see some Friday night lights!


Where Start: Margaret Mitchell Square (top side of Woodruff park in Downtown)
When Start: we launch @ 11pm next friday night (4/18/08)
Where Going: Corkscrew @ GSU, fly up P'tree, fly down P'tree
Post Ride:FOOD!!!!

I will try to find a prize or something.

Hey, BM, I think I hear an echo in the forum. I agree that it is a great ride and I will be back out there again in a month or so. I wonder how the bikes have endured the last year without being used. I know I have not done as well as when I am riding.

US, here I come. Well, that's after a trip to India.

See you soon.

Tommy

Did you end up making it out?

I did. I lost the main group in Druid Hills (damn stop lights), and the only person who knew the route was having some problems with his chain ring - so it turned into a slow ride that day. I would have loved to see the main group go through that funky section by the gardens :eek:

Gotta school function this Thursday, but the following week - I'll try it again!

best intown route in Atlanta, in my opinion ;)

Alright well you convinced me. Barring unforeseen work fiasco's I will be at the Dec ride this week.

Hey, BM, I think I hear an echo in the forum. I agree that it is a great ride and I will be back out there again in a month or so. I wonder how the bikes have endured the last year without being used. I know I have not done as well as when I am riding.

US, here I come. Well, that's after a trip to India.

See you soon.

Tommy

Tommy -- you coming home??? Welcome back!

Tommy, I never did get around to taking and posting pics of the mess at L'ville Hwy and I-285. "Mess" really doesn't describe what it looks like. :eek:

Alrighty, I'll be there tonight. You guys need to come and introduce yourselves!

Me(Brandon) = tall guy in Aaron's kit :)

Alrighty, I'll be there tonight. You guys need to come and introduce yourselves!

Me(Brandon) = tall guy in Aaron's kit :)

I came last night and just as I was riding up to you, it was made known that it was 6:33 and time to go. So we just went. I ended up doing the 19mile option with a group that was too slow for me, but it was a heck of a good time. It actually wasn't bad to go slower cause I had no clue what the route was. The only part that was miserable was the Piedmont Park section because I was lead through a tight gravel section and had to take a small fall. Next time I need to go around that part as there is no way that it is made for bikes as it is.

I was the dude on the black Lemond in the grey plain jersey. I plan on coming out again, possibly next week. The people were very nice and I didn't even get yelled at! :)

gravel section? Did they take you through the closed off section at Piedmont park? Yikes, we don't go that way anymore. We go through the main entrance and take Piedmont for a bit to The Prado. It's more trafficky, but we don't have to deal with the gravel stuff.

Thats exactly where we went, that is the only part of the ride that was not any fun. I will just have to go around the traffic way next time. Still, thanks for the suggestion and I will try and come over next time and say hello. I said hello to Harry right after I got there since I thought maybe that being tall was relative.

Yeah, I'll be back in a few weeks. I'll have about three weeks to prepare for BRAG. So, who wants to go with me? I plan to do the self-supported thing again. I know riding to Oxford is doable, but I don't know about the way home.

Tommy

Hi Tommy. Just saw your picture on the ABC website. What's that black thing on your right leg?

Does anyone know if there are any Surly dealers in the Atlanta area?

There is a list of them at the Surly site, but I haven't seen any Surlys at these shops. I am specifically looking for a Long Haul Trucker or a Cross Check. I'd like to take one for a spin before buying. I will support a LBS if I can fond one. Thanks.

Go to http://www.surlybikes.com/dealers.html# and click on the Georgia road sign.
You'll see that Outback Bikes in L5P is a dealer. Also Cycleworks and Tucker Bicycles (aka BikeWays of Tucker).

If you want a first class bike shop to support, go to Intown Bicycles (http://www.intownbicycles.com). The shop is near Piedmont Park/Virginia-Highland. Friendly, knowledgeable mechanics and sales people and all the bike gear you'll ever need.

Hey everyone- I'm new to the forums here and just saw a thread for Atlanta folk. I'm originally from St. Simons Island/Brunswick Georgia but I'll be attending GSU this coming fall so I'm moving to Atlanta. I'm leaving my car at home though cause I don't want to pay the $800 a year parking fee at my dorm, and would rather spend that money on a bicycle to ride in the city. I'm actually planning on stopping by Intown Bicycles this upcoming week during our orientation, looking for a good around town bike. Probably a single speed. Anyway just saying what's up.

I'm actually planning on stopping by Intown Bicycles this upcoming week during our orientation, looking for a good around town bike. Probably a single speed.
Hi Alex. Welcome to BikeForums and welcome to Atlanta. :beer:

We have single speeds -- and everything else you may need for bike commuting.
Stop by the shop and visit. Robert, Rita, and David will be working Monday and Tuesday. Robert, David, and I will be working Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Hi Alex. Welcome to BikeForums and welcome to Atlanta. :beer:

We have single speeds -- and everything else you may need for bike commuting.
Stop by the shop and visit. Robert, Rita, and David will be working Monday and Tuesday. Robert, David, and I will be working Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.


Thanks a ton! I went in today and was helped by a really nice guy (not sure who, know he was a Georgia Tech grad) and I took a look at a 55cm Rush Hour. Another guy told me that y'all had ordered a 53cm that was on back-order, so whenever that comes in I'll probably buy it. I was between that and an IRO Mark V but I decided that I would rather buy from a local place where I could get help when I needed it. The only thing is that I won't be back in Atlanta till August. So if I bought it as soon as you guys got it, could it be stored in the shop until I move up there? Unless it comes in before the 28th, in that case my sister could probably pick it up on her way home. Anyways thanks a ton! Looking forward to meeting/seeing some of you in Atlanta. :)

hey guys. are there any bike stores in the atlanta area that sell commuter/touring type bikes? i've been looking around where i currently am for the summer (dawsonville) and most of the bike shops up here only have road or mountain bikes.

Intown Bicycles (http://www.intownbicycles.com) in midtown Atlanta has lots of commuter and touring bikes. Stop by and take a look and say hello.

If you don't want to drive into Atlanta, most bike shops listed below should have a bike for you.
http://www.bike4fun.com/home/members.html

I went in today and was helped by a really nice guy (not sure who, know he was a Georgia Tech grad) and I took a look at a 55cm Rush Hour. Another guy told me that y'all had ordered a 53cm that was on back-order, so whenever that comes in I'll probably buy it. I was between that and an IRO Mark V but I decided that I would rather buy from a local place where I could get help when I needed it.
Awesome!!
You probably talked to David.

to join the wazzup thread...I want to put out there that I went to Intown bikes yesterday (where RonH works) and purchased my first road bike. They were so super awesome and I got a great deal! WOOHOO for Intown Bikes!

Oh - Hi Ron - I bought the pistaschio and pearl Jamis Quest! Nice to put a face (and not just tatoos!) w/ a name!

Hi cristy. You should have told me you were a BFer. ;)
That is an awesome bike you picked out. I hope you enjoy many happy miles on it. :thumb:

For those who haven't seen it, here's the bike.

Hey - I started to, but the shop was a little busy at that time and I didn't want to disturb! I plan to ride MANY MANY miles on it and I'm sooooo excited!!!

We're never too busy to take a moment to chat.

:) Good to know. Anyway - I really appreciate all of the help I got at the shop - it was an awesome experience!

Wanted to try out little flip camera I got for my birthday, so I made a little video of my ride on Silver Comet today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-8HE8CqFRk please excuse the shaky camera, and my extreme dorkiness! haha

Hi Andy.

Good video. What camera did you get?

I'm moving to Atlanta in August and I'm looking to commute. My apartment will be located in Buckhead and I will be commuting to Georgia Tech's campus. The main problem I've seen so far is that basically my only option is riding on Peachtree Rd. for a large portion of the commute since I don't see any connections to lower traffic streets that can lead to Tech's campus.

I have been to Atlanta many times and know how crazy traffic is in a car on this road, so I'm nervous about biking. Would it be easy to load my bike onto a Marta bus (there is a stop at the end of my street leading to Peachtree) and then getting off the bus and riding from Midtown to campus?

I'm really in need of suggestions since I have no idea how commuting in these areas is realistically.

it's a flip ultra. www.theflip.com (http://www.theflip.com). fun to play with, but pretty shaky!

I'm moving to Atlanta in August and I'm looking to commute. My apartment will be located in Buckhead and I will be commuting to Georgia Tech's campus. The main problem I've seen so far is that basically my only option is riding on Peachtree Rd. for a large portion of the commute since I don't see any connections to lower traffic streets that can lead to Tech's campus.

I have been to Atlanta many times and know how crazy traffic is in a car on this road, so I'm nervous about biking. Would it be easy to load my bike onto a Marta bus (there is a stop at the end of my street leading to Peachtree) and then getting off the bus and riding from Midtown to campus?

I'm really in need of suggestions since I have no idea how commuting in these areas is realistically.

It is pretty ridiculous that a city as large as Atlanta is only connected by arterials. It makes it rather difficult to bike around to many places. I ride on Peachtree every day. I ride south of 15th, which isn't in the Buckhead section. I know from experience that traffic is a little faster up there with more lanes.

I've noticed that taking the lane really helps. You may or may not get a few extra honks, but it will force motorists to use the passing lane to pass you, rather than squeeze you off the road. And many will squeeze you off the road if you let them. Remember you have a right to the road and you should feel comfortable asserting those rights.

If you want to take marta, the buses have a bike rack for two bikes on the front. They are first come first serve. If the bus pulls up with two bikes on it you'll have to wait for the next bus. If you take the marta rail, you are allowed to walk your bike on to the train. I have done this before.

Good luck.

hey guys. are there any bike stores in the atlanta area that sell commuter/touring type bikes? i've been looking around where i currently am for the summer (dawsonville) and most of the bike shops up here only have road or mountain bikes.

You might talk with Ben over at Ben's Bikes in Athens. He will build you pretty much anything you want. Just tell him how you want it.

www.bensbikesathens.com

I'm moving to Atlanta in August and I'm looking to commute. My apartment will be located in Buckhead and I will be commuting to Georgia Tech's campus.
Hi Josh. Contact the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign (http://atlantabike2.org/) and ask them to send you the Downtown/Midtown bike map (it's free). It shows the bike friendlier streets, where you'll encounter hills, etc. You can use it to plan your commute. Depending on what area of Buckhead you'll be in you should be able to find several side streets and streets with less traffic.

Here is a pdf of the map.
http://atlantabike2.org/files/Midtown%20and%20Downtown%20Bike%20Suitability%20Map.pdf

As someone who lives in Buckhead, I can say there are a few, and I stress few, ways to get to Tech outside Peachtree.
You can connect to Northside through West Paces Ferry/Arden, and come in to Tech on the backside. Traffic's a little less that way, but it adds a few miles to the ride.
That'd be the easiest one I'd recommend, but yes, it'll be hairy just about anyway you move.

I just wanted to drop in and say "Hi" as well. My name is Ben, and I just moved down to Atlanta a few weeks ago (Decatur actually, but, I'm a grad student at GA Tech). I have an '08 Schwinn Le Tour which I commute back and forth to Tech on, but I'm looking to get more riding in too!

RonH - where is Intown? I bike through VA Highlands on my way home, and it's always good to know where a shop is when needed!

Hi Ben. I saw you in the bike shop today. Welcome to Atlanta. :beer:

Ok, so I'm posting this because my BFF Cris (http://mind-over-miles.blogspot.com/) told me to do so. She purchased a Jamis Quest Femme from RonH a little less than a month ago and said this forum might be a good place for me to ask my forty-eleven questions...so here goes:

I purchased this bike:
http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/ga/gary-fisher-tassajara-2003.jpg

about three or four years ago with the intentions of riding it. I did. Twice, I think.

Then I forgot all about it and three or four years passed. When Cris (http://mind-over-miles.blogspot.com/) started riding again a little over a year and a half ago, I got this wild hair to start riding again, too. She took me to get a new tube for my busted tire, and I went home and proudly changed my own tire. Except I blew it up. .:sigh:.

Another year passed and here we are. I still have my bike and I still want to ride it. I finally had the tire professionally changed on Friday, and my dumb (and now sore) butt decided I would go for a celebratory joyride. For an hour. On regular streets. With regular clothes on and the original seat.

I'm determined to put this bike to use, primarily by commuting to work. If you've made it this far, here are my questions:

1. Does anyone commute from south Atlanta to downtown Atlanta? :commute: Like Hapeville to GSU? If so, how do you do it? I live about 7.5 miles away, door to door, and I want to bike it, but it looks like my only option is traveling down Metropolitan Parkway (aka Stewart Avenue).:twitchy: Do I just need to bike more to get comfortable with that route?

2. Any tire suggestions? My bike is a Gary Fisher Tassajara, and I know it weighs like a metric ton, but it's all I've ever known, so I'm not worried about something lighter (besides, it'll burn more calories this way, right?). That said, I'm sure something besides the crazy off-road tires it came with would work better.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!!!:love:

Hi 4get and welcome to BikeForums.
I know there are some folks who commute from the southside. Just not sure who.
You might want to ask the folks over at the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign (http://atlantabike2.org/) (404-881-1112) if they can help you. They have contacts and know of riders in several parts of town who can give you some help/suggestions.

Thanks Ron - for pointed 4get2remember in the right direction! I told her you'd take care of her.

4get - it looks like our ride tonight may be blown... :cry:

I wanted to throw out there and see if anyone has ideas on media sources that may be interested in an article/news segment/whatever about the increase of cycling/biking as an alternative to high gas prices and how that relates to the importance of owner's keeping their property (i.e. - dogs) under control. In our bike club alone - we've had two dog attacks in the last week and one has led to a fractured hip requiring surgery that may eventually lead to replacement. Our group is looking to do something to let the non-cycling community understand the laws of the road (i.e. - yes, you do have to yield to us as you would a car) and the liability of dog attacks on cyclists (home owners don't seem to realize that their unleashed dogs are still their property...). Any ideas are welcomed - I live in Henry Co. btw, and I know the cycling club in Conyers has faced at least one dog incident here recently as well.

Thanks RonH...I'll give that a try!:thumb:

Hey, So, its looking like I may be moving to Atlanta. I've never been there and from what I hear there are hills all over the place. I come from the relatively flat Phoenix, AZ and was wondering how tough it is to ride a fixed gear in Atlanta. Also, from what research I've done online, it looks to be a fairly bicycle friendly area, is that true? Any suggestions on riding fixed in atlanta? And any tips on getting around town? thanks everyone.