ABCS Cyclist,
We are very proud of our 2019 schedule of ABCS events…most seasoned Series rides with a former Series one returning! Visit their pages at
www.alabama-backroads-cycling.com
for frequent updates on
Primal Wear
jersey offerings and open registration.
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Meet organizers Billy & Stephanie Ritch, the absolute best at anything they take on, including the planning of the
Finale Restoration Ride
. This event benefits the restoration of the historic Kymulga Grist Mill in Childersburg. Past RR's have made possible many wonderful upgrades at the Grist Mill Park, so plan to come enjoy this laid-back ride, enjoy the views on your choice of routes: 8, 32, 70, or 103 miles, and maybe even pull out that tent and join us around the campfire!
Pre-ride breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy and assorted fruits and post-ride lunch by
Pork N Pedals
with slow-smoked pulled pork, smoked chicken, homemade deviled eggs, cole slaw, green beans, bread and home-made banana pudding! A vegan dish will also be provided.
SAG support and HAM radio operators will be on course plus well-supported Rest Stops offering the snacks, Gatorade, ice, and water you'll need.
Primal Wear RR jerseys available to order through Dec. 22nd. Sign up and order
here
.
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Our Cyclepaths Challenge Ride Directors, Dana & Terry Hornady, are dedicated to the support of
Smile-a-Mile
, providing hope for families affected by childhood cancer. They are also bicyclists and understand your needs! As a matter of fact they are ABCS CHAMPIONS, having pedaled 10 of our 2018 century routes! They also love gravel-riding and have added what sounds like a super fun event on Sunday, April 7th and have named the weekend "Pick Your Poison." For taking part in either ride, you'll be awarded the Cyclepaths "UNTIL THERE IS A CURE, WE WILL RIDE" embroidered patch to add to your Primal Wear jersey. Registration and jersey purchases available
here
. Above models: Tim Benefield & Gabby Moody...will there be a date announced at the 2019 Cyclepaths Challenge? Be there and find out!
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REGISTRATION
And, here we have Spring Krusher organizers, Liz & Rusty DeShazo, also outdoors people....and see what it led to! They are awesome partners working together and with our other Series Directors! The Krusher raises funds for
Huntsville Family Services,
offering counseling services for any aspect of life. Comments on the 2018 event:
"The volunteers were excellent. Road markings we're very clear. The selection and quantity of snacks available at the rest stops is among the best. The rolling rest stops are a brilliant idea!"
Other survey comments have nudged Liz and Rusty to do some re-routing on the century course which will put riders on better pavement...so plan to sign up for the 2019 Spring Krusher for an even better experience and lovely Spring weather to 'krush' it in!
Here's the
link
to sign up and get it on your calendar.
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If you've ever taken on the planning of an event, you know it becomes a "family affair!" Tackling the re-building of the Cheaha Challenge has brought the entire Brooke Nelson Family into the fold, and what a talented group it is! Every year, Brooke, family, and the
NEABA
manages to add to this world-known event, first by making it a UCI-Qualifier and now by giving you the opportunity to qualify for the UCI World Time Trial Championship! Brooke has a way of looking at her event through the eyes of cyclists at any skill level and provides supported distances from the Chief Ladiga Cruise (12, 25, 50 miles) to the grueling ULTRA (126 miles/13,492' climbing!) We are so proud to include the Cheaha Challenge and all it provides you in the 2019 Series and hope you challenge yourself to ride and enjoy the weekend festivities of this Gran Fondo event. Visit their
website
for details and dates on Training Rides and register
here
!
* The ULTRA 129-miler is the 1st event in the 2019 TRIPLE CROWN Double Metric Challenge! Keep scrolling to view prize information included with our
BBC 100
and
Glassner Autumn Challenge
!
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Meet our TriStates 100 Ride Director, Joe Varner and some of his Children's Hospital Support Crew. This ride benefits The
Dawn Pitchford Fund
of
Children's of Alabama
and has HUGE support by friends affected by childhood illness as well as backing by his
Dothan Area Cyclists
. TriStates is one that can give you some real bragging rights since the century route takes you into Florida, Georgia, and of course Alabama. It is known for it's mild elevation feature, friendly volunteers, great rest stops, excellent road markings and wonderful hosts at Bethel Baptist Church. Watch the TriStates
website
for registration opening soon and be sure to follow their
Facebook
page for the latest news!
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Next, meet David Cumbie, Director of our W.C.Handy 100. David has been an awesome partner with boundless enthusiasm for his event and the Series! Plan to set aside at least this full weekend to not only enjoy the supported courses of 21 to 107 miles, but to take in the festivities of the "
W.C.Handy Music Festival
." Undertake that 107 miles and you'll have bragging rights to pedaling 3 States in one day (AL, MS.,TN), and enjoy a good number of miles on the
Natchez Trace Parkway
. Last year with 15 States represented, we expect record-breaking numbers in 2019 and hope you'll share the news about this wonderful event with your friends back home. Follow the Handy on
Facebook
and visit any of our ride's pages at
www.alabama-backroads-cycling.com
for updates.
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JOHNNY RAY CENTURY - OPELIKA - SEPTEMBER 7TH
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Welcome back Johnny Ray Century! 2017 was a rebuilding year for the JRC with the
Opelika Bicycling Advisory Committee
picking up the reigns. Reports from 2018 riders said "Bring back the JRC!" Shirley Lazenby is the Ride Director and as you can see, has abundant enthusiasm for life and instills that into her love of the outdoors and cycling. A few comments from 2018: "Rest Stops were perfectly spaced...helpful & motivating volunteers...great high-energy snacks...excellent road markings!" If you had any concerns over the busy SR77 section, a re-route is in the works! Follow JRC news
here
and watch their
page
on the Series site for opening registration coming soon.
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The AYCE re-entered the Series with a bang in 2018, showing off their new headquarters at the
Bob Harrison Wellness Center
and treating riders with amazing eats at their Rest Stops. Director Jamie Miernik is known for her dedication to
AlaBike
in making our State more bicycle friendly and has been a huge support to the Series in posting those big "CAUTION BIKES ON ROAD" signs you see on many of our Series routes.
Comments from 2018:
- Of all the ABCS rides I have done over the past 3 or 4 years, this is my FAVORITE ROUTE!
- I felt safe, was able to refuel, and the scenery was fantastic
- Event was well organized; street markings were very good, stations well attended (friendly people) and stocked.
Your survey suggestions were very helpful and as always thanks for your
time...yes, road marking will be larger in 2019 and an earlier start time! Visit the AYCE site at
https://tinyurl.com/nbazjn9
for updates.
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In 2017,
Birmingham Bicycle Club
members were inspired by Ride Director Wayne Spooner in his fight with cancer to benefit the
UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center
through the BBC 100. Their message to you is to be diligent in protecting exposed skin when out on your bicycles.These folks do an excellent job of supporting you as you ride distances of 14, 25, 45, 64, 102, or 127 miles, all with beautiful views along the way! Yes, last year they added the
Mountain Goat Challenge Double Metric
, the 2nd event in our
Triple Crown Challenge
and if you accomplish all 3, you'll be sporting this cool polo shirt at season's end...keep scrolling for more!
SURVEY SAID!
- Excellent ride, excellent volunteers at aid stations, excellent bike techs, excellent positive reinforcement at points and finish!
- I love this event. I’ve only done it twice but it’s been great. The start location. The route. The volunteers. The post ride food. All excellent!!
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Comments from the survey you were so kind to take:
- The organization, people and volunteers were amazing and probably one of the best event rides I have completed.
- The REST stops were amazing, I really appreciated all the volunteers and the food and snacks were excellent!
Your suggestions were well-accepted and appreciated too! For 2019, Directors Robert & Bonnie Traphan have consolidated ride headquarters, including breakfast, registration, lunch, and showers into one convenient facility with routes still starting from the Capital City of Montgomery. Back by popular demand, the routes will be streamlined and optimized to take riders back South to the beautiful and quiet country roads of Pintlala and Hope Hull of Southern Montgomery County. Watch for updated route
maps
coming soon.
Be sure to follow GAC on
Facebook
, on
Twitter
,
and on their
website
for updates.
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You guessed it! The
Glassner Capital City 200K
is the 3rd event in our
Triple Crown Challenge
on October 12, 2019.
With finishing this final double metric route, you'll be sporting not only that cool polo shirt but also this smart-looking cap at the end of our 2019 season!
Registration for all 3 events will open soon, but why not start now by signing up for our
Cheaha Challenge ULTRA
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GEARS & BEERS: BAYOU 100 - MOBILE - NOVEMBER 9TH
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Meet Ride Director Jenn Greene. Yes, she loves dogs and fosters many in the Mobile area including Charlie, 'Shop Manager' at
Delta Bike Project
. G&B is a major fundraiser for the DBP and a non-profit, volunteer run organization dedicated to promoting and improving access to bicycle transportation. The DBP offers access to a free community workspace to learn repair skills, programs that allow people in need to earn a bicycle, and low cost used bicycle and part sales.
This year with the Ride Start venue having moved to
Fort Conde,
a huge space was available to offer an unbelievable breakfast spread followed by lunch setup including cloth table coverings and riders being entertained by the Mobile Symphony Orchestra!
Riders can choose from four distances – 8.2 miles, 30 miles, 63 miles and 100 miles and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Mobile gulf area. Be sure to follow G&B on
Facebook
and on the Series
website
for updates.
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We are honored by the support of these Sponsors. Please remember to send your business their way and THANK YOU SPONSORS!
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Alabama Backroads Century Ride Series | abcs@mgmbikeclub.org |alabama-backroads-cycling.com/
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