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

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The Stone Mtn Inn is on the main 5 mile loop around the mountain. The Evergreen is on the outer loop (8 miles with a few killer hills :eek:). That road is still closed at one spot because of road damage caused by last falls flooding.
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I've been wondering what the story was about that closed road. Do you have any idea when it will be fixed? One would think they would have had it done in time for tourist season.

I don't know why its taking them so long to repair the road. I read somewhere on the park website that the road is supposed to be finished in August. Ten months to repair some flood damage? :eek:

What dates will you be at Stone Mtn? Will you be at the Stone Mountain Inn or the Evergreen Marriott Conference Center.
The Stone Mtn Inn is on the main 5 mile loop around the mountain. The Evergreen is on the outer loop (8 miles with a few killer hills :eek:). That road is still closed at one spot because of road damage caused by last falls flooding.

I ride from home out there a few times a week. I'm easy to spot. I'm the old guy (65) with the tattoos on my legs. :)

Ron: I'll be at Evergreen Marriott from July 11 through 14. I am husky and will most likely be on a black unlabeled bike. If I can remember, I will try to wear my red BF 50+ jersey. I am 62 with a gray goatee and mustache. I will look for you... what time of day do you ride?

Ron: I'll be at Evergreen Marriott from July 11 through 14. I am husky and will most likely be on a black unlabeled bike. If I can remember, I will try to wear my red BF 50+ jersey. I am 62 with a gray goatee and mustache. I will look for you... what time of day do you ride?
Depends on the temperature. If its not too hot or humid I leave home around 11:30 - 12:00. That gets me to Stone Mtn around 12:15-12:45. If its hot (94+ for the high) or humid (145% :eek:) I leave home not later than 10:00.
I'll be riding my Litespeed and whatever jersey I'm in the mood for. Here's the easiest way to spot me (http://web.me.com/ronhorne/Site_2/Rons_Tattoos.html). :rolleyes:
If you'd like we can meet outside the restroom area (water fountains there to fill water bottles) at the walk up trail or in front of the carving/tram or wherever you want.
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/stnmtn.jpg?t=1277948147

If its raining (usually about a 0-10% chance) I won't be there. :rolleyes:

Depends on the temperature. If its not too hot or humid I leave home around 11:30 - 12:00. That gets me to Stone Mtn around 12:15-12:45. If its hot (94+ for the high) or humid (145% :eek:) I leave home not later than 10:00.
I'll be riding my Litespeed and whatever jersey I'm in the mood for. Here's the easiest way to spot me (http://web.me.com/ronhorne/Site_2/Rons_Tattoos.html). :rolleyes:
If you'd like we can meet outside the restroom area (water fountains there to fill water bottles) at the walk up trail or in front of the carving/tram or wherever you want.

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If its raining (usually about a 0-10% chance) I won't be there. :rolleyes:

Sounds really good... I am not a heat lover either. Will PM you as my plans firm up. I want to ride on the Silver Comet/Chief Ladiga Trails while in the area but am not sure if I will do that before or after the time at Stone Mtn. I like your bike collection, especially the cyclocross. Just finished one of those myself and will probably be riding it. (Pictured)

Nice bike. :beer: It is CF?
If you want company on the Silver Comet Trail (SCT) I can do that too. I haven't been up that way in at least 1.5 years. Wow, has it been that long? :o
FYI: If you want to do a long ride on the SCT, you'll need plenty of water. The watering holes are few and FAR between. In the more remote areas of the trail you have to go off the trail to find a restaurant or convenience store. That's why I've never ridden more than ~40-50 miles (20-25 miles out, 20-25 miles back to the car).
In case you haven't found it, here is the SCT main website. --> http://www.pathfoundation.org/index.cfm?event=showSilverComet

Nice bike. :beer: It is CF?
If you want company on the Silver Comet Trail (SCT) I can do that too. I haven't been up that way in at least 1.5 years. Wow, has it been that long? :o
FYI: If you want to do a long ride on the SCT, you'll need plenty of water. The watering holes are few and FAR between. In the more remote areas of the trail you have to go off the trail to find a restaurant or convenience store. That's why I've never ridden more than ~40-50 miles (20-25 miles out, 20-25 miles back to the car).
In case you haven't found it, here is the SCT main website. --> http://www.pathfoundation.org/index.cfm?event=showSilverComet

I'll PM you... sounds like a plan is in order.

so, I live in the Pac NW and have been car-free for many years and have little interest in owning a car. There's a good chance I'll be moving to Atlanta in the near future. How is the commuting and riding down that way? How difficult is it going to be car-free in the Atlanta metro area? I know enough that the area is very automobile-centric, but I'd like to continue this lifestyle. Any tips, opinions, experiences with Atlanta cycling?

thanks.

A few years ago Atlanta was voted the worst city for cycling by Bicycling magazine. Since then things have improved a little, but that's all.
If you live near your job then being car free can be doable. What part of town will you be working in? Got any thoughts about where you'll be living?
The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (http://www.atlantabike.org) is a good resource for cycling info.

There are many bike commuters, utility cyclists and recreational cyclist in all parts of town. You'll find lots of group rides almost anywhere in the area every day of the week. Check out the Southern Bicycle League's website and ride calendar. www.bikesbl.org

... There's a good chance I'll be moving to Atlanta in the near future. How is the commuting and riding down that way? How difficult is it going to be car-free in the Atlanta metro area?....

If your job and your home are within 3 or 4 miles of a MARTA train station, you and your bike can go a long way. The MARTA lines run pretty much north-south and east-west, with one branch going off to the north-east side of the metro area.

When I ride from my suburb (Sandy Springs) to work (downtown near Woodruff Park), I'm able to stay on neighborhood roads for 7.5 miles. The next 5 miles are on Peachtree Rd (a main thoroughfare) but that close in to the city it's not a bad ride at all. On the days I don't feel like riding the whole way, the MARTA station is only 3 miles from my house.

Riding in town seems pretty easy. Riding in the suburbs is dicier; that's where it's really auto-centric, to the point that there are some roads that I just will not ride on (Roswell Rd, Hammond Dr), but there are enough other roads that I can still get around.

Moved from NYC a little over a year ago where I used my bike, subway and the occasional cab for all of my every day travels. I do Atlanta car lite, my wife and I share a care.

I live in Atlanta in the the East Lake (http://www.eastlake.org/) / Oakhurst (http://oakhurstga.org/) area and commute to Buckhead mostly by bike and when not then on MARTA. My ride is about 10 miles each way, downtown is closer. Marta is about a mile from my house. I am about 3 miles from the Dekalb Farmers Market (http://www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com/) which is easily bikable and a great place for fresh produce, meat/fish and most other edibles. I usually only use the car to visit my folks in Cobb on weekends, mass transit blows there. Some of the MARTA stations have Zip Car if you need a rental for a few hours. Highly recommend this area. Kirkwood, Chandler Park, Lake Claire, Inman Park are good too, close to MARTA and closer intown Chandler Park, Lake Claire, Inman Park are more pricey.

Do you have kids? East Lake schools are considered inferior to most other neighborhoods but is good for the childless or people with very young ones. My kids are homeschooled. Oakhurst is part of the city of Decatur, Decatur has lots of families.

Someone posted this Google Map (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=112265726493172591675.000451b399246b638c06a&z=13) of the area when I asked about moving to the area. Not a complete lists by maps many grocery stores, restaurants, banks, coffee shops, hospitals and more on the East side.

There is also the possibility of the Beltline (http://www.beltline.org/) coming to the east side which should create some nice bike trails. They have broken ground but there are quite a few skeptics.

Thing with Atlanta is the best routes aren't always obvious and some roads are damn near impossible, high traffic and little or no shoulders. I have one stretch of about a mile that I do on the sidewalk during rush hour but a commute to downtown could be done sans sidewalk. Most speeds limits are posted at 35 or less but that dosen't keep many drivers for going quite fast and a few from getting annoyed when a bike slows them down. But for every aggressive driver you also find a car bound cyclist sympathizer. If I ever break down or just stop to fiddle with my bike someone usually stops to ask if I need any help.

End up over here and some some route recommendations I would be happy to help.

Wow. No one has posted in this thread in over a month. Is everyone out of town or just out riding and too busy to post?
Rode to Stn Mtn today. Even though the temps were cooler than its been, it seemed really hot. The heat took a lot out of me. :o

I've been out riding almost everyday. I've done some fun rides out in North Georgia this month and last but mostly I've been riding from Lawrenceville to Dacula, Auburn or Hamilton Mill and back. The heat is killing me too! I've never sweated so much in my life. I had a whopper of a headache last night after getting back from my 50 mile ride out to Loganville and back and I went through 7 bottles of water.

Tiff :)

I've been hanging out in the "did you ride today" thread. My rides are all running around on city streets and the biggest milage I've racked up in one day is around 20. Replacing car trips with bike trips is my goal, so everything is going to plan. <fingertent> Still, I see roadies heading down south of my neighborhood on Bouldercrest. It looks like there are a couple of nice rides down there 30-50 miles. Once you get outside of I-285 it turns all country down there. Maybe in another month or so I'll give that 30 miler a try one morning. But I'm not sure if that would be a good idea alone. Might have to wait until my boyfriend gets up to speed now that I've got him back on a bike.

I suppose I should formally introduce myself.....

I'm over near the Embry Hills area. I sometimes head to Stn Mtn and back, sometimes I make a loop through Tucker, then down Lawrenceville Hwy, back through the Northlake area and home. Often I bike up in Alpharetta to wait out traffic before heading home after work. I also did the South Fulton loop recently which was pretty nice. I wish I had stopped in that Serenby community. Maybe next time.

I used to commute to work on occasion but had too many frustrating experiences with MARTA.

had to take July off the bike. am back on the commute now though. only riding in the morning. the afternoon smog took it's toll on my lungs. can't wait for the temps to drop and smog alerts to go away. at 76 this morning it was so muggy I was drenched by the time I got to work. bleh.

I wish I had stopped in that Serenby community. Maybe next time.
Be sure you take your wallet with you Deren. Serenbe is an expensive place. My wife and I went there a couple of years ago to look at houses ($$$$) and the community. We stopped for a coke and a sandwich. As I recall the cokes were $2+ each. We split the $8 sandwich. :eek:

What route do you ride in South Fulton? I've never ridden down that way. I driven down there (on a Sunday morning) and it looks nice. What's the traffic like?

Be sure you take your wallet with you Deren. Serenbe is an expensive place. My wife and I went there a couple of years ago to look at houses ($$$$) and the community. We stopped for a coke and a sandwich. As I recall the cokes were $2+ each. We split the $8 sandwich. :eek:

What route do you ride in South Fulton? I've never ridden down that way. I driven down there (on a Sunday morning) and it looks nice. What's the traffic like?

Yeah, I looked at the website for the community before, it looks very expensive. But I was curious. I understand they have a bikeshop in there too.
From what I understand the South Fulton Loop is a part or subset of the Silk Sheets ride. I could be wrong.
Here's the exact route I took. I went clockwise.
http://www.sadlebred.com/maps/sfultonscenic.pdf
It's a pretty decent ride. There were a few hills, only about two of them had me questioning myself.
I saw a coyote, armadillo, wild turkey, deer, rabbits, and a few other things I don't recall that day. It was pretty scenic at parts. Roads were pretty smooth for the most part. I went on a weekday afternoon and the traffic was light to non existant. I hear it's even lighter on weekends, mostly just cyclists.

Looks like a good place to ride. I'll have to try it. Thanks.

Hey folks, new to the forum, but born and raised right here in Atlanta. Love the city, love the people and a wonderful place to ride. I've been riding for about three years now, still on my starter bike which is a Scott Speedster S30, but will soon undertake the challenge of building a new bike from the ground up, including wheels! I appreciate the challenge I guess.

Anyway, hi everyone, look forward to joining in on some of the chats!

The weather was perfect today. Well, maybe a touch on the warm side this afternoon.
Rode 40+ miles with El Conquistador De Amore. We met up at Bikeways in Tucker, then to Stn Mtn. Rested after a lap around the mtn and then rode to Avondale Estates. Stopped by the lake to catch our breath and then rode back to Tucker. We parted company at Tucker HS. He went north and I rode home on LaVista. The traffic was a real mess near Northlake Mall. Surprise, surprise!!
Thanks for the ride Deren. :thumb:

Hey everyone! So, unlike most people on here I am not in Decatur. I'm up in the Woodstock/Roswell area. I'm working and going to school at Kennesaw State University. I'm kind of new to cycling but some friends have gotten me hooked and I'm mountain biking and road cycling now.

So, I got swindled when I bought an Orbea with a crack in the frame. It all turned out good though cause it gave me an excuse to buy a carbon frame. With much researching for the best for the value I ended up with a frame and fork from HONG KONG! Yes... some people will say "Where is the history" or "A NO NAME bike"? Well, when people see my "Spinarello" (that's her name.... spin off of Pinarello) they love it. She is set up with all Campy Record.

So, I am still timid about riding on the road with cars so I've been taking the drive over to the Comet Trail. Right now I do about a 30 - 40 mile ride, but I'm shooting to be able to do 100 mile rides.

I'm mountain biking a Blanket's Creek. I love the diversity of riders there. Young, old, men, women, and the trails range from Beginner to Advanced. Not to mention that it is only about 20 minutes from my house. If anyone wants to ride there, we have a fairly large group that meets on Fridays at 6PM. Just look for the Yellow Treks and Black Gary Fishers when you pull up.

Welcome mwilso25.
Don't worry about riding a no name bike frame. A friend of mine bought a magnesium mtn frame on ebay a few years ago. The seller was in Latvia (or someplace like that?). After bike was finished it looked awesome and he said the ride was fantastic.

I'm guessing you put the components from the Orbea on the no name frame. Got pics?

I'll be in Atlanta next weekend. Suggestion for rides/good LBS' to visit?

Hmm...I'm probably not much help on a ride route. I mostly just ride around on city streets and occasionally use pieces of the in town trails. You can find maps of some trails here (http://www.pathfoundation.org/). I've been picking up my odds and ends at Outback Bikes (http://www.outback-bikes.com/) in Little 5 Points. Oh, I almost forgot, there's a heels on wheels ride (http://www.atlantabike.org/heelsonwheels) Sept. 4 at 6pm. I haven't done it yet, or any group ride actually, but it sounds like fun.

I'll be in Atlanta next weekend. Suggestion for rides/good LBS' to visit?

I don't know what side of town you'll be in but the South Fulton Loop I mentioned earlier in this thread was pretty good. Just about 30 miles. http://www.sadlebred.com/maps/sfultonscenic.pdf
From what I understand this ride is a part of the ''Silk Sheets" route which is about 68 miles total. This is a kind of rural area south of Atlanta.
Then there's the Silver Comet Trail which is a pedestrian only Rails to Trails path. It starts in Smyrna and goes all the way to the Alabama Border. It then changes names to the Chief Ladiga Trail and goes to Anniston, Alabama. The entire path is about 100 miles. If you start in Smyrna and go to Rockmart and back it's about 60 something miles.
Then there's Stone Mountain Park. There's an inner loop that's just over 5 miles and a tougher hillier outer loop that's about 8 miles. Biking into the park is free and driving in is about 8 dollars. Many people bike in.
The city of Roswell is supposed to be very bike friendly as it's mayor is supposed to be a cyclist I believe, a vast difference from the rest of the Metro Atlanta area which is not really bike friendly. I'm not familiar with any Roswell routes though.
As far as bike shops go I think Roswell Bikes is pretty good. They are pretty well stocked.

Hey RonH. Yeah, I switched all the components over and I do have to say that this bike rocks. I'm waiting on a few more things to come in the mail before I take pics, but as soon as it is finished I'll be taking some pics and I'll be sure to post them!

RonH back a few posts regarding Serenbe. that area has one of the nicest rides. The American Diabetes Association annual Tour de Cure runs through that area. Done it twice. looking forward to next year on that route.

http://www.mapmywalk.com/walk/united-states/ga/tyrone/162123679457247871

someone posted the route in mapmywalk.

Hey Everyone! So, a group of us have started a cycling club at our school, Kennesaw State University, and I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on sponsorship? We're going to be looking for sponsoring both financially and with tangable items. Has anyone worked with any companies? Any ideas or thoughts are greatly appreciated!

You might ask one or two of the bike shops up that way (Roswell Bicycles or Free Flite Bicycles) if they'd sponsor you. If not maybe they can give you some leads for corporate sponsors.

Good idea!

Newbie bike (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?677109-Riding-a-bike-IS-%93just-like-riding-a-bike%94&p=11401364&posted=1#post11401364) rider in the Vinings/Cumberland area. Will be looking, posting and hopefully meet/riding with some of you.

Too hot to ride. Looking forward for the cool morning temps to turn into an all day affair.


Good to see my old thread still kicking.

I'll be in Atlanta next weekend. Suggestion for rides/good LBS' to visit?

So where did you end up while in Atlanta?

So where did you end up while in Atlanta?

I went to all3sports, the tri shop, which was a really neat place. They had lots of really nice high-end stuff. Stopped by Roswell Bikes, but they were closed. Also went to Performance, but I wasn't crazy about anything there. I'll be back in a couple weeks or so, hopefully when Roswell Bikes is open.

Add, I ended up not bringing my bike, unfortunately. I'd like to get it up the next time.

lovely ride this AM. 63 deg is very welcome. will take the 88 this afternoon at least it's out of the 90's.

Pie Ride Day is this Saturday....

who is going for a Pie Day ride? 15 miles. Pie must be consumed. I am looking for a good place for pie in the Tucker/Emory/Northlake area.

I'm trying to decide if I want to stop at the German Restaurant and Bakery in Stone Mtn. Can't think of any other place that is cycling friendly. But I have no lock and my Litespeed is never out of my sight when I stop somewhere. What to do?! :rolleyes:

RonH was going to suggest a rottweiler but they won't be able to keep up. I didn't get out for ride Sat. :-( no pie.

funny how few pie places there are around here. unless I am missing something.

You have one of the best avatars in the history of avatardom.:D

You ride Lawrenceville Highway? I did that a couple of times, and it was scarier than the Scream Machine!

After I get my new "geek" lights set up on my commuter bike, I may start doing the Tuesday night ride from Melton's App & Tap. Several friends have invited me, so.....

The next meet up for "this" group is whenever anyone suggests a place and time.

Why is it 85 degrees? To torture me 'cause I'm stuck inside. I'm a warm, sunny day kind of guy.

funny how few pie places there are around here. unless I am missing something.

Why is cycling and pie so good? I ride by a pie factory every morning on La France Street yet nowhere to actually get any, such a tease.

Any wheel builder recommends here in Atlanta/Decatur? I just killed my second wheel since moving here from NYC in June 2009 (and 3500 miles or so). These Atlanta roads are brutal!

Why is cycling and pie so good? I ride by a pie factory every morning on La France Street yet nowhere to actually get any, such a tease.

So that's what they're baking over there! I've ridden past and wondered what yumminess they were cooking up.

Any wheel builder recommends here in Atlanta/Decatur? I just killed my second wheel since moving here from NYC in June 2009 (and 3500 miles or so). These Atlanta roads are brutal!

have you looked into Tucker Bikeways? had success with their service recently. they trued up a wheel gone bad and also setup my new wheels. rock solid.

Originally Posted by therentedmule
Why is cycling and pie so good? I ride by a pie factory every morning on La France Street yet nowhere to actually get any, such a tease.

have the similar problem up near Northlake Mall. I think it's the Publix bakery cooking early morning bread. Could stop but am on a roll by that time. Also further down Montreal Road/Lavista is Dunkin Donuts and by the RR tracks on Montreal is something cooking too. mouth is drooling by the time I get through that gauntlet. no respite for the hungry.... the idea is to loose weight not put it on. But still I need to find a sit down pie place near by for these things.

Originally Posted by therentedmule
Why is cycling and pie so good? I ride by a pie factory every morning on La France Street yet nowhere to actually get any, such a tease.

have the similar problem up near Northlake Mall. I think it's the Publix bakery cooking early morning bread. Could stop but am on a roll by that time. Also further down Montreal Road/Lavista is Dunkin Donuts and by the RR tracks on Montreal is something cooking too. mouth is drooling by the time I get through that gauntlet. no respite for the hungry.... the idea is to loose weight not put it on. But still I need to find a sit down pie place near by for these things.



When you find a good pie place please post about it here. Looks like we're in the same area.

ah lovely weather. 46 deg. this morning. this is wonderful.

ah lovely weather. 46 deg. this morning. this is wonderful.
46 degrees is lovely??? This is great hibernating weather!!
I'm waiting till noon to head out for a ride. Maybe I won't need arm warmers. :o

Homegrown, a new restaurant in Reynoldstown, where Mammy's Kitchen used to be, usually has a pie. They are a southern cooking farm to table place.