Texting Ban Legislation Stalled
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
I am urging you to act immediately to send a message to Sen Smitherman and your AL state senate representative. Use some of the words below at let them know that a ban on texting would be a good first step AND PLEASE PASS THIS BILL.
Why? Because if it’s illegal to text while driving, although enforcement would be difficult and near impossible, when a texting driver kills a cyclist or get in a wreck, it no longer will be “Just an Accident”.
Phone records can prove the infraction, just like a blood test or breathalyzer proves a driver is drunk. Then, the driver can be cited with this offense as well as vehicular homicide, if a fatality occurs due to his/her negligence.
Find your AL state senator by your zip code: http://www.legislature.state.al.us/misc/zipsearch.html
Senator Smitherman can be reached by phone at (334) 242-7870 in his Montgomery office,(205) 322-0012 in his Birmingham office, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Janie H. Miernik
Auburn Chapter of IMBA
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
The Auburn cycling community is building new mountain bike trails in the Auburn/Opelika area. They need your help. In order to become an official IMBA club, they need to have at least 50 members. Please consider joining so that the area can become an officially recognized IMBA chapter.
To join, please follow this link. After joining, please follow this link and click the membership tab so that you can be included in the list that will be given to IMBA. I know it's a bit of a hassle, but your help is needed.
Guntersville Training Race
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
If you're looking for a race fairly close to home, then check out the training race in Guntersville, AL. There are other "real" races going on, but a race is a race. Maximum effort is maximum effort. So, save your money and do this race instead. Information.
Alabama's Magnificent Bicycle Adventure
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
AMBA is a multi-day bike ride established to raise money to support AlaBike. AlaBike is a Non-Profit C3 corporation formed to make Alabama a better place to ride bikes. The organization hopes to accomplish this goal by enacting legislation and through education programs that make roads safer for bicyclists and more bicycle friendly. AMBA is different than other 7 day bike rides:
• AMBA is staged in one location and has out and back loops every day.
• Since AMBA is staged in one location, you set up and break down camp just once, and, your car is available every night.
• While you bike, your non-biking mate can go sightseeing, golfing, shopping or do other activities and still meet you for dinner!
Track Racing
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
There is a new national track racing series for 2010! It appears that two events will be held at the Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta.
Tour de Tuscaloosa
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
The Tour de Tuscaloosa is coming up at the end of the month! This is a fantastic race. The criterium is held near down town Tuscaloosa and is a race that you can bring the family to and they not be bored out of their minds. Their are restaurants and little shops that you can hang out all afternoon and watch the action go by!
Mark and Gina Simpson and the D.C.B.C. all do a fantastic job putting this race on. Last year they experimented in making the races a bit later in the afternoon and the amount of daylight was misjudged a bit. But, don't worry, adjustments have been made and this year's race is stacking up to be the best one yet!
Pedaling for a Cure
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
The Houston County Relay For Life Planning Committee is pleased to announce a new county-wide fundraiser for the 2010 Relay For Life. Pedalin' For A Cure, a charity bicycle ride, will take place Saturday, April 10, 2010. The ride will feature three different course distances to accomodate riders of all ability levels.
Tour Trans Alp
| Sponsor Spotlight |
Win a spot to race in the Tour TransAlp from SIGMA SPORT
SIGMA USA is proud to announce a contest where one lucky rider can win an all expense paid trip to Germany and entrance into the Tour TransAlp. The Tour TransAlp is one of the toughest and most grueling bike races for amateur riders; 7 stages and approximately 20,000 vertical meters of climbing. If you have what it takes to participate, let us know why you should win the coveted spot on team US SIGMA ROX.
Ride of Love
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
Hello everyone, the Ride of Love wouldn’t be possible and wouldn’t be as successful without DCBC…thank you all so much! Well I can’t believe it is time to kick off the 2010 Ride of Love and I really can’t believe that it is the 10th Anniversary of the Ride of Love…what an exciting ROL this is going to be!! Remember our goal: 100 cyclists and raising the most ever in one year ~$130,000 (the most raised was ~$128,000 in 2007) If you haven’t done it yet then this is certainly the year to do it!!
Huntsville's Bike Safety Campaign
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
HUNTSVILLE, AL -- Lack of money has derailed Huntsville's proposed bicycling safety ad campaign.
Things seemed to be on track. Officials announced the idea months ago, the City Council gave its blessing and the Alabama Department of Transportation promised a $197,000 federal grant to pay for it.
Regions Bank Race Weekend
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
If you're looking for a great race in some warmer weather, take a look at the Regions Race Weekend! This is a great event. The time trial course is awesome. Multiple corners ripping through down town Albany, GA. The criterium is on the same course. You won't get bored, that's for sure. The road race would be considered flat. There are some small rises here and there. The pavement is excellent.
This is an event that you can bring your family too. Stay at the Hilton Hotel (I think) and you'll be on the TT and Crit course. Roll out of the hotel and you're right there to watch the action. There is a nice little river walk area and a place for the children to play. In addition, there is a festival going on with plenty of distractions to occupy the little ones.
So, make this a family weekend. Don't burn "points" with the spouse for being gone...bring them with you.
Mountainbike News
| Mountainbike News |
For what it's worth, I'm plugging the OMSP and Tannehill trail work weekends in the next Freewheelin' column, which will print Wednesday in the B'ham News and appear online at http://blog.al.com/birmingham-community-sports/cycling/index.html
AL Cycling Association is seeking board members
| Alabama Cycling News Announcements and Requests |
The newly formed Alabama Cycling Association is seeking nominations for new board members.
The ACA is currently seeking nominations for the following positions:
Officials/Upgrade Coordinator
Male Rider Representative
Female Rider Representative
Road Racing Coordinator
Junior Programs Coordinator
Bike club help needed
| Bike Club News and Information |
The CHAFAR Tour is an annual bicycle tour that is designed to "showcase our forests and help support our children." It is a 454-mile trip that takes us through some of the most beautiful forests in our country.
This tour is put together and managed by many of the people that work in the forestry business.
In 1992, the "Alabama Logger's Council" started the ‘Log-A-Load for Kids’ in Alabama to help raise money for children's hospitals. Since then, they have raised over 6-million dollars. The "Alabama Forestry Association" (AFA), has held many events throughout the years to help raise money for this cause. The CHAFAR cross-state cycling Tour will be raising funds to go to the Children's Miracle Network to support Alabama's children's hospitals in Birmingham and Mobile.
Tour de Health Criterium
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
Registration for the Tour de Health Criterium in Mobile, AL is now open! Details
Sunny King Criterium News
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
The Sunny King Criterium, usually the first weekend in May, has moved to April 17 this year. It is again an NRC race.
For those who have raced at Sunny King, you are familiar with the full-course live race coverage provided on the JumboTron located at the Start/Finish. This is produced by a regional TV station with 5 live cameras stationed around the crit course, providing slow motion replays of any crashes on the .6 mile course and also of preme sprints and finish sprints.
SORBA Mtn Bike Summit in Pelham
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
Alabama Mountain Bikers, Unite!
Alabama Mountain Biking Summit 2010
Calling all mountain bikers and club leaders in Alabama! IMBA-SORBA invites you to spend a day immersed in mountain biking. Get organized, focused, and energized about the opportunities in your state. Hear from land managers, government decision-makers, and your peers in the world of mountain biking advocacy. It’s your sport, your trails, your voice--make it heard, and make a difference!
You’ll meet and greet, listen and learn, munch and mingle, and at the end of the day—ride your bike! Go home ready to take mountain biking in Alabama to the next level!
Michael Olheiser in Bicycling Magazine
| News Paper Articles about Cycling |
In 2009, Michael Olheiser from Huntsville, AL (www.mikeolheiser.com) went on a tear. At 34, Mike won the Masters 30-34 National Criterium and Time Trial Titles, the Masters 30-39 World Time Trial title, the Elite (Category 1 racers) National Road Race title and the Elite (Category 1) National Time Trial title. In addition, he won a stage in the Tour of the Southland in New Zealand (a UCI rated stage race).
Mike works 40+ hours a week at Huntsville Hospital as a Clinical Exercise Specialist. He was featured in the March issue of Velo News and Sportlegs, one of his product sponsors, will be placing a full page ad in Bicycling Magazine featuring Mike.
Alabama Cycling Association
| Bike Club News and Information |
The Alabama Cycling Association (ACA) has an up-to-date website that will be continuously maintained from now on. There are several exciting new developments coming in the next few weeks! There have been several new Alabama races added! Website
Butler County Relay for Life Ride
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
Make plans to attend the Butler County Relay For Life event on March 20th! Flyer
Get your Valentine a gift certificate! Infinity-Med-I-Spa supports cycling teams and races and cycling events. Reciporcate the love.
Bike advocacy event this Friday
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
Hello Alabama folks. I am writing to let you know about a bike event happening this week, "Bandaged Bike Ride" in Tuscaloosa, AL. We will be meeting at UA at 3pm on Friday, the 12th and riding to City Hall.
We are expecting a very large turn out and are hoping that the ride will bring about better conditions for cyclists in Tuscaloosa, cause right now they're pretty bad. Please see details below and let me know if you have any questions.
"The goal of the ride is to increase public awareness of the need for safer streets for cyclists in Tuscaloosa. The ride will be led by people who have been hit and we will be meeting at the steps of Gorgas Library (UA) and riding to city hall. Riders will wear bandages to draw attention to the seriousness of injuries that can and have been inflicted upon cyclists by motor vehicles.According to statistics, in the last 5 years 3 people have been killed, over 66 injured by cars in Tuscaloosa, and this is not including the many cases which weren't reported. We are calling on everyone who rides a bike in Tuscaloosa- Please come and be a part of the change that needs to happen!"
Alabama bike routes may be on the horizon
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
A network of bicycle and pedestrian routes would be created under a new plan to allow people to crisscross the state safely without ever cranking a car.
Under the statewide plan, non-motorized paths would be designated along state roads or created to connect with existing or planned trails within cities.
The paths could be wide shoulders along highways, striped lanes on the outside of city streets or just recognition that certain state roads are specially meant to be shared by motorized vehicles, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians alike.
Alabama needs USA Cycling Officials
| Alabama Cycling News Announcements and Requests |
Alabama is in bad need of some USA Cycling officials. If your club does not have an official, please consider having someone attend this class. Information.
Jefferson County Senator opposes text messaging ban
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
House Bill 35, the ban for texting while driving, has reached the Senate Judiciary Committee. It was brought up last week and carried over to an unknown future date. Three Senators have opposed the bill openly, most notably Rodger Smitherman of Jefferson County. He is the President Pro Temp and we should focus our attention with him.
His contact information is…
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone:
(334) 242-7870
He has expressed willingness to see the bill move forward if the violation becomes a secondary offense. This is unacceptable. As a secondary offense it would mean that to be charged with texting while driving, someone would also have to be committing another offense. It would not lower the number of driver’s texting because there would be no fear of the punishment. Further, if someone was actually charged with texting while driving, the texting fine would be added to the fine for the primary offense. The goal is to achieve changed behavior, not to fleece the driver’s of Alabama.
Here are the points I believe to be the core elements of the bill and our goal:
The law as a primary offense will…
· Save Lives
· Save money for the driver’s (it is not added to another offense)
· According to a survey by Nationwide Insurance, immediately reduce the number of people texting while driving by 40%.
Please contact Mr. Smitherman, especially if you live or work in Jefferson County, and let him know that you support the bill as is and you would like to see it move to the Senate Floor for a vote.
Alabama Trails Commission
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
BILLS TARGET LEADING NATIONAL ROLE FOR ALABAMA RECREATIONAL TRAILS
FOR RELEASE: JANUARY 28, 2010
MONTGOMERY, AL - Companion bills filed in the Alabama legislature (SB 258, HB 376) would create an Alabama Trails Commission to foster widespread development and link-up of green and blue-water trails throughout the state. Focused on health, family, economic and tourism incentives, the bills call for the proposed commission to coordinate local needs, goals and leadership in trail design, operation, build-up and maintenance for hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, motorized off-highway vehicles, and water sport.
Tour de Cure 2010 Kickoff!
| Charitable acts and causes |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (January 14, 2010) ‑‑ The American Diabetes Association invites all cyclist to start a chain reaction at the Tour de Cure® Kickoff, on February 4, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00p.m at Architecture Works Community Room. (130 19th St. S, Birmingham, Ala.) as they strive to change the future of diabetes and help stop this devastating disease.
Recreational and Avid Cyclists from around the region are invited to the kickoff to meet new and previous Tour de Cure participants. While enjoying food, music and door prizes, a short program will take place at 6 p.m. informing those present about The ADA’s Mission, 2010 fundraising goals, success stories and more. Individuals and teams who bring a guest that is a New Tour de Cure participant that registers at the kickoff will receive this year’s commemorative Tour de Cure In Training Long Sleeve t-shirts.
Cheaha Challenge 2010
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
CHEAHA CHALLENGE CENTURY 2010
A message to announce the 2010 Cheaha Challenge Century presented by Wells Fargo Advisors. We have a new presenting sponsor and a new date for 2010! We wish to thank Wells Fargo Advisors for supporting our event and hope you will mark your calendar for Sunday, April 18 and plan to join us in Piedmont, Alabama!
Tour de Tuscaloosa
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
The preliminary flyer for the Tour de Tuscaloosa is now up. Registration will open in a few weeks. Flyer
AFLAC Grand Prix $10,000 Crit in AL
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
Don't miss out on the AFLAC Grand Prix May 22-23rd! Details
Dick Lane Velodrome News
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
Latest Dick Lane Velodrome News
Spring Beginners Classes
We are planning two weekend beginners classes for the spring time on the following dates :
March 6th & 7th - Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm each day
March 27th and 28th - Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm each day
Bike Fit Wedges
| Training Information |
As I've studied more about the bike fitting process, I begin to notice "things" as people ride there bike-especially if I'm riding behind them. One of these "things" is the knee wobble.
A common pedaling style that I have noticed is that on the down stroke, the knee will buckle to the inside. Then, on the upstroke, the knee will go back to "normal". If you assume that most people ride at approximately 90 revolutions per minute, this is 5,400 times a hour this occurs. This side-to-side wobble is highly inefficient and can lead to knee problems.The reason this happens is that most people have a slight tilt in the foot. For most people, there is a small gap on the inside of the foot. A good way to illustrate this is to stand on one foot and then bend at the knee. Watch as your knee buckles inwards. This happens because the floor is flat and there is a gap between the foot and the floor. As you apply pressure, the foot rolls to meet the flat surface.
Birmingham Bike Club's January Newsletter
| Bike Club News and Information |
How the heck did it get to be 2010? This number just seems unreal. Whatever happened to the 90’s? The 80’s? Times were simpler then. The news media reported the news. I didn’t have a cell phone and was apparently ok without one. I had an aluminum Cannondale R400 (fat tubes and all) with down-tube shifters and was perfectly happy with the ride. I just thought the roads in California sucked.
Filing of charges in bike vs car when police don't
| Legal Articles and Information |
Most traffic violations are enforced by police officers at the time of occurrence. Citizens can get a warrant for traffic violations if a traffic law has been broken. This is not common practice and should be reserved for exceptional instances. The protocol for citizens obtaining warrants for traffic violations was provided by the City of Huntsville Magistrate.
In order to get a warrant, the citizen will need to make a case report (incident/offense report) with the Huntsville or local police department
Share the Damn Road
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
Here are some interesting jerseys that you may (or may not) be interested in. I'm simply a conveyor of information. Website
Meet Up!
| Alabama Cycling News Announcements and Requests |
Here are two very good resources to use to find bike rides-especially if you're traveling around to a new area. Website Facebook Page
Mercury Wheels
| Sponsor Spotlight |
I'd like to introduce a new sponsor to the AlabamaCyclingNews.com website, the Moontoast/Tristar Cycling Team and to PodiumFinishTraining.org. Mercury Bicycles!
Mercury Bicycles produces extremely high quality wheels and bicycles. The products are being used by the Kenda Professional Cycling Team as well as several teams across the U.S.
The mission statement (paraphrased by the writer) of the owner, Chris Mogridge, is to provide high quality products to people and not rake them over the coals or charge a premium. Essentially, give people high quality products without taking advantage of them.
Alabama Cell Phones Legislation
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
Last updated: January 14, 2010 ·
Latest driver safety legislation news: A ban on text messaging while driving passed the House Public Safety Committee on Jan. 13, 2010. Alabama hosted the nation’s first statewide summit on distracted driving in December.
Current prohibitions: None.
Fat Cyclist Blog
| Funny Cycling Stories and Funny Cycling Articles |
This website should be good reading and enjoyable. Fat Cyclist Blog
December Spokesman
| Bike Club News and Information |
Attached is the December issue of the Birmingham Bike Club's newletter the "Spokesman".
New laws regarding vulnerable road users
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
Linked below is a .pdf regarding something Oregon is considering for the protection of vulnerable road users. This might be of interest to some of you.
Clothing drive this Saturday
| Advocacy Articles, Information and Updates |
Update! Homewood Cycle & Fitness clothing drive BBL this Saturday 1/16 The clothing drive BBL is ON for this Saturday leaving from behind HOMEWOOD CYCLES. Please bring any clothes you would like to donate to the start of the ride. Please visit Tria's Website if you have any questions.
Editor's note: The Tria Market Cycling Team is always doing this type of work. They are the organizers of the "BBL". This ride is for anyone that wants to get exposed to racing or fast group rides or is simply new to the sport and everyone is welcome It's not a "death march" ride where you'll be left for dead (that comes later in the summer). Each year, Tria organizes a clothing drive to help local charities and people in need. So, instead of turning that shirt into a grease rag, consider donating it.
Redline Bike Recall
| Product Recalls and Safety Notices |
Name of Product: 2010 Redline Conquest Pro Bicycles and Framesets
Units: About 350
Distributor: Seattle Bike Supply, of Kent, Wash.
Hazard: The bicycle's fork legs can separate from the fork crown and cause the rider to lose control, posing a risk of serious injury if the rider falls.
Winter Training
| Training Information |
We've all heard the saying "Go hard or go home!" Well, I'll modify the saying and say "Go hard when you're at home!". With the heart of winter settling in and the frigid temperatures and rainy weather keeping us indoors, we're becoming too close with our trainers.
Too often people simply get on the trainer and just ride and complain of boredom! No longer. Get on the trainer and have a plan. Plan to go hard. Not all out hard as if you're racing, but hard enough to meet your goals. For example, if you're in the middle of your base period "Zone 3 Tempo" is in order. If you're at the end of your base period "Zone 4 Threshold" is in order. Both done in big gears and low cadences for muscle strength development.
Updated-2010 Master Event Calendar for Southeast
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
2010 master event calendar for the southeast. This calendar is very much a work-in-progress. If you are putting on an event or if you know of an event, please contact me. I especially need assistance on the century/charity type rides since I'm not directly in the "loop" for those. The list will be continuously updated, so please save the link and periodically refer back to the link for the latest updated list.
Cross-a-nooga
| Race & Ride (Century Type Events) Info and Updates |
Hey all of you 'crossers! Get one more shot at cyclocross glory this weekend in Chattanooga! Don't miss "Cross-A-Nooga" and don't miss out on what appears will be some epic cross weather to add that extra bit of European flair.
Thinking about skipping your next workout?
| Training Information |
Thinking about skipping your workout? Just give me 20 minutes!
Florence Bicycle Club
| Bike Club News and Information |
The Florence Bicycle Club is looking for action shots of people on their bikes to add to their Facebook page! If you have some you'd like to share or if you would like to join their page, click here.
My Apologies
| Alabama Cycling News Announcements and Requests |
My apologies for the lack of updates lately. My wife gave birth to our first daughter on December 4th. Add this on top of the holidays and the mandatory "Baby Tour" 2009 and the endless stream of visitors, I haven't had much of a chance to work on the site (or to get sleep). I have also been working on another project that has consumed what little time I've had left. Plus, the cycling season is probably at it's lowest point of the year during the holidays anyway, so there usually isn't much news going on.
On piece of news I'm curious about is why all of the logging trucks and heavy duty logging equipment on State Park Road in Pelham?
I will get back to daily updates soon. I am currenlty working on a comprehensive southeast regional events calendar that will include, I hope, all of the events that are going on in 2010 in AL, MS, TN, GA, LA and parts of FL and the Carolinas.
Training Tire Survey
| Alabama Cycling News Announcements and Requests |
Which brand of tire and model of tire is your preferred tire for training?
- Event and Ride Calendar
- Stocking Stuffer Ideas
- Fairhope Bicycle Company
- ACN is on Facebook.
- Hawk Racing Wheels
- What the BBL is all about
- Ride and Event Calendar
- Look! No hands!
- BUMP's "Bridge the Gap" Fund
- Oak Mountain State Park news
- Daddy Mart...Opening Soon
- Petition to keep the Individual Pursuit in the Olympics
- Birmingham Bike League Ride Details
- Saturday BBL Winter Training Series
- How to get more bicyclists on the road
- Yield to Life
- For some reason....
- Bit Slow....
- Bike Stunts
- EZ Bike Products
- Bike Link Christmas Sale
- Easton EA 30 Stem Recall
- Dale Pusey-Seattle to Tampa bike ride
- Race Across the Sky showing at Trussville
- Two Miles in Two Days




























































