Juan Foote

Hi guys (and gals), I am a returning rider who lives in McDonough, GA about 45 mins below the airport. I have just recently gotten back in the saddle, and at the moment am riding at a beginner level. I am interested in finding out about some scheduled "road" rides in and around the area. I talked to the fellows over at Trek Atlanta, but their ride is a bit too advanced for me at the moment, and is something I would like to work back up to.

I am much more interested in trying to find riders in the Henry County area with a similar skill level, or who don't mind "waiting up" for an experienced, but out of shape rider. I am trying to avoid having to go all the way to Atl, or Peachtree City to find rides. I do not mind riding in weather above 42-ish, which is a good threshold for Ga, it's rarely colder than that here anyway. I prefer riding on paved paths, or neighborhoods rather than on traffic-ed roads at this time. I generally ride about 10 miles a day, three times a week right now, averaging around 10MPH.

Would like to hook up with a weekly (beginner/intermediate) group ride, and possibly with other riders for a bi or tri weekly ride. I am most available during the week and to some degree on Saturdays. My Sundays belong to paintball...lol. The nearest and most appealing location that I have found so far is the PATH trail out at Panola (Acadia) Mountain. Any other information about good trails, rides, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Martin

RonH

Hi Martin. Stop by Epic Bikes and talk to Tim (the owner) about rides that leave from his shop.
Also check out the ride calendar on the Southern Bicycle League's website (www.bikesbl.org). There are a few rides down your way that are listed there.

Juan Foote

Thanks for the warm welcome Ron. I had heard people talking about that shop, but apparently just missed it passing by. It is amazingly close (if not next door) to an aquarium/salt water supply that I browse from time to time.

I didn't realize there were already so many things going in the area. I guess, like the shop, that if you aren't looking you wouldn't know. I am going to look further into those and see how things work out. Thanks much.

Juan Foote

Went by and talked to Tim. He is very informative, and seems like a really good guy. We talked for a bit about the rides and meets at his shop. It seems that most things will crank back up in the spring, which will give me the chance to gain that additional 6mph average I need to stay in the pack.

Juan Foote

Re-upping this thread.

I am looking for a much more relaxed group to join, or even a few individuals in the McDonough area to ride with. Tim at Epic is great, but ALL their rides are geared for people much faster than I care to try and be right now. I joined them for a bit last year and hurt myself. I don't mind riding miles, I just can't bust ass the whole way along at the speeds they are making.

RonH

Did you check out the ride calendar on the Southern Bicycle League's website? --> www.bikesbl.org

Here's one on Sept 10.
1:00 pm 2nd Annual Bicycle Ride to Make History - Senoia East (2S - Senoia, GA)

Join in this updated, fun, easy tour of charming Senoia, for bicyclists of all ages and abilities! View the varied architecture, hear tales of residents past and present and historical tidbits of the National Historical District homes, century-old churches, and more. Learn of sites where numerous films have been shot, in part, including Fried Green Tomatoes, The War, Andersonville, The Mighty Temptations, and Broken Bridges. With 19 additional points of interest, the original tour has been updated and changed to two distinct tours, given morning (Senoia West - 9:30-11:30+) and afternoon (Senoia East - 1:00-3:00+). Riders can participate in either or both tours. Each tour ends at the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum, where riders can win door prizes, enjoy light refreshments, and take a walk through time. Enjoy Senoia's restaurants and shopping afterward. Recommended donations are: Single tour - $10 for adults and $5 for children under 13; Both tours - $15 for adults and $7 for children under 13. Proceeds benefit the SAHS. Donations are tax deductible. Helmets required. Due to frequent stops, walkable cycling shoes are recommended. Riders looking for a longer ride may choose a self-supporting 25, 40 or 50-mile Senoia Southsider route afterwards. Starting location - The Senoia Children's Park located on Seavy Street in Senoia. The number of riders is limited--space will be held on a first come, first served basis. For more information and to pre-register, email Bonnie Bobbitt at bbbobbitt@yahoo.com. For more information, email Bonnie Bobbitt, or call 770-490-6605. For more information, email Bonnie Bobbitt, or call 770-490-6605.

Bonnie is a long time rider down that way