Greetings from Atlanta.
 

I found the site a few days ago while I started looking for some good resources on bicycle touring. Looking to stop dreaming about great tirps and take control of my life. I would like to get in better shape and tour the country by bicycle, starting with getting the bike and myself together. I have both a mountain bike and semi-road/touring bike. I have done a lot of backpacking and would like to take those skills to get out of the car and onto the road. I look forward to seeing what I can learn here.

Patrick

Welcome, I think you'll find this forum will help you out with your goals in cycling.
You talk about traveling away from Atlanta, but along those same lines, I have a question for you. I will be visiting Atlanta this week, arriving tomorrow night. I'm bringing my trusty steed (mtn bike) and plan to do some touring of the city. How is cycling in the city? Are there any mountain bike areas within riding distance of downtown? Anyway, hope you enjoy the forums, and good luck with your riding.
Mike

Hi Patrick, Sam here, a fellow Atlanta area biker.

Welcome to our cyber playground :D: :P:

Welcome Patrick.

Look forward to hearing from you.

(another crazy Georgian)

Blake

Here are some links: http://home.att.net/~mark.livingood/bikerides.html

For those in the Atlanta area or travelling to it, you may want to surf over to the Southern Bicycle League's Website at: http://www.bikesbl.org There is a plethora of information available there on weekly organized rides, downloadable ride maps/cue sheets, links to other resources and a several discussion forums.

For off-road riding, go to: http://www.sorba.org the Website of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Organization.

In general, there are some nice rides through Buckhead (residential) on the North side of town that cross back and forth over the perimeter (I285) and Atlanta's autoban (SR400). However, the best riding can be found outside the perimeter. There is a rails to trails project called the Silver Comet Trail that can also be accessed from town by using the Georgia PATH system, although I recommend staying on the road and paralleling the PATH until you get to the Trail. The Silver Comet is a mixed use trail that can be congested close-in to the I285 starting point. The further West you go the less crowded it becomes.

For true off-road, single track there are also come close-in options. On the East side of town is the "Yellow River Recreation Area" which includes two 5mi loops of hiking/biking/equestrian trails. The River trail is relatively easy but can be made "fun" and or more challenging by cranking up the speed. My wife likens it to a roller coaster ride -- noting that we ride a full suspension, off-road tandem mountain bike. The Creekside trail is a bit more challenging with longer climbs and more technical sections. It's been raining here for several days so the trails may or may not be useable. Also not too far away is Blankets Creek in Woodstock, GA; about 30 minutes from downtown (going against traffic). It's been nicknamed by some as "Tsali-South". Although not nearly as long as Tsali's trails, the terrain once you get to the real trail via the sloppy forest service road is really quite nice.

Just some thoughts.

Thanks for the welcome. I look forward to getting back in shape, on the road and living life.

Add229, what is your ride schedule going to be???

Not too sure at the moment, lots of plans, have to reduce my workload and get on the bike. Probably start mostly in Western NC, BRP etc, and work my way up, when I am in shape I would like to head west, work less, bike and live more. I am just getting started, I must have had an inspiration while I am enjoying the outdoors and open spaces in Wyoming. I am glad that I found this place, with the response I have gotten so far this should be a very motivational place.

Patrick

Well as far as local training rides I have been hopeful to find someone to do moderate rides at Stone mountain park starting soon. I will be doing 20 milers to begin with and work up from that but riding around the park can be monotinous for some.

I do go to Stone Mountain fairly often to hike and kayak. I might take you up and try to ride there too. I would also like to ride the Silver Comet Trail, I have done part of it, time to finish. I am out in Wyoming at the moment and will be on the bike when I return. I just need to get in better shape and up to speed.