Gwinnett Area Trail Riders: G.A.T.R. | A Chapter of S.O.R.B.A » Group Rides

Chapter Meeting @ Johnny’s Pizza – Monday, May 10th @ 7 p.m.

Cheryl — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:55:21 +0000

** Moved place and time due to weather **

Lawrenceville
3375 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
678.985.8288

Near Five Forks Trickum…

Saturday Race: Volunteer, Socialize and Group Ride at Tribble Mill

Cheryl — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:19:51 +0000

GATR is hosting the Dirty Spokes Duathlon at Tribble Mill Park!

Come hang out, volunteer, socialize and take in a group ride on what promises to be a nice spring Saturday.

Volunteers should arrive at 8 a.m. in the playground parking lot. GATR will have a banner and tent set up near the start of the race. Volunteers will act as stewards on the course.

If you can’t volunteer, come out anytime before noon and support the team with a group ride to follow on the race course trails.

Group Ride this Sunday 10:30 a.m. at Jackrabbit Mountain

Cheryl — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:18:35 +0000

When: Sunday, April 18th
Ready to Ride: 10:30 am
Where: Jackrabbit Mountain Bike Trails (Just outside of Hiawassee, GA)

There are about 15 miles of smooth, fast and beginner friendly trails at Jack Rabbit Mountain. Please join us for a fun chapter ride and cookout.

After ride social: Cookout at the trailhead. We will be grilling some brats. Please bring some sides (chips, cookies, etc) to share and BYOB.

Driving Directions: http://www.sabacycling.com/Talk3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=618&p=2057&hilit=jackrabbit+directions#p2057
(Approximately 1:45 hours drive from Gwinnett County)

Trail map: http://sabacycling.com/jackrabbit-trail-map.pdf

SingleTracks Review: http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/jack-rabbit-trails.html

MTBR Review: http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-north-carolina/trail/PRD_411205_4567crx.aspx

Saturday, April 10th Stonewall Falls Group Ride

Cheryl — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 04:14:50 +0000

Steve Durant will lead us for a 11 mile ride in Clayton Georgia. Meet
at the trail head for an 11 a.m. start or at 10 a.m. at the I-985 /
Exit #20 / Candler Rd – GA 60 Waffle House.

We have a monthly group ride scheduled for September, so come and
preview the trails on what promises to be a beautiful spring day.

Directions:
White Twister and the Stonewall Falls biking loops are located
approximately 2 miles south of Tiger on Hwy 441 South. Turn onto USFS
road #20 at the beige metal building and go 1-1/4 mile on the gravel
road. Turn right at the intersection, go 50 yards and park in the
parking area. The Stonewall Falls loop starts by continuing past the
parking lot and following the signs. The White Twister starts
approximately 40 yards prior to the last turn for the parking area (on
your left as you are driving in).

High Bluff and Stoneplace trails. This trail system starts at the
Interpretive Center in the Tallulah Gorge State Park. The Interpretive
Center is approximately 12 miles south of Clayton on Hwy 441. The
Interpretive Center is 1/2 mile from Hwy 441 on the left side of Hwy
441 when you are traveling south. A parking permit is required.

For more information on local riding routes and trails, call or visit
the welcome center, or contact the SORBA Northeast Georgia chapter at
nesorba@sorba.org.

http://www.gamountains.com/whattodo/recreation/biking.php

http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/stonewall-falls-loop.html

Night Ride at Tribble Mill this Friday followed by beer and mexican!

James Carrington — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:20:37 +0000

Our third night ride of 2010 will be at Tribble Mill this Friday. Please be there ready to ride in the playground parking lot at 7pm, or 8pm for the second sweep. Registration is required for this event. Related posts:

Ride & Day Trip to Jack Rabbit Trails, this Sunday is canceled

James Carrington — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:25:08 +0000

This ride is canceled due to the weather forecast for Sunday, which is calling for showers all day.

These trails are smooth, fast and beginner friendly; perfect for Singlespeeds! Be ready to ride at 10:30a.m.
We will be joined by folks from Gainesville SORBA, and Atlanta SORBA.
We will have a social after the ride at the trailhead. Plans are to grill some brats and enjoy the afternoon. Please bring something to contribute like cookies, chips, etc. Bring your own drinks and a cup to put it in.

Check this post for updates. Plans may change if rain is likely.

If you want to car pool, either start a thread on the forum, or post comments at the bottom of this page.

Visit the following link for a map of the trail system. http://www.sabacycling.com/jackrabbit-trail-map.pdf

Visit http://www.sabacycling.com/ for information about Jack Rabbit Mtn. Bike Trails.

GATR Night Ride Program

James Carrington — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:34:12 +0000

In partnership with GCPR, GATR has formalized a night riding program in the following Gwinnett County Parks: Yellow River Park, and Tribble Mill Park.

Some key things to note about this new program is that it is a trial between GCPR and GATR. It’s up to us to show the county that there is in fact a demand from the Gwinnett community for night riding in Gwinnett County Parks. Therefore it is up to us to make sure we have a big turn out of people for these rides. So please go ahead and register for all 4 rides with Activity Code: LPGY14003 today! Or choose specific rides from the links below. If all goes well with this trial program, we stand a good chance of negotiating a more frequent night riding program next season.

Night riding is currently not allowed in Gwinnett County Parks. Only through these official sanctioned events will you be able to legally ride your bicycle at night in the park.

GATR has official ride leaders who are registered with the county – these ride leaders will carry cell phones, keep the groups together and help to ensure the safety of all riders.
This event is covered under our IMBA-SORBA insurance
Extra instructors and ride leaders will be provided for 1st time or ‘newbie’ night riders
Please arrive 1/2 hour early for gear check and quick info session and assigning of guides
Ready to Ride (RTR) at 6pm, and 7pm for second wave of riders (latecomers)
Anyone NOT pre-registered will not be able to take part in this event (this will be enforced by the parks representative present at the event)
70% of all revenue from fees comes back to our club, the remaining 30% goes to the park – so it’s a win for everyone!

All participants MUST pre-register for the rides. The cost is $4 per ride, or $12 for all 4 rides.

Don’t forget to check the “Enroll?” box before “Add to Cart” (if you do not check the box, it will not add to the Shopping cart).

To register for all four rides as a DISCOUNTED package (Activity Code: LPGY14003)
To register for FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26th at Tribble Mill Park (Activity Code: GCAA14001)
To register for FRIDAY, MARCH 26th at Yellow River Park (Activity Code: LPGY14001)
To register for FRIDAY, APRIL 2nd at Tribble Mill Park (Activity Code: GCAA14002)
To register for FRIDAY, APRIL 30th at Yellow River (Activity Code: LPGY14002)

Click Here to register, then either login or create an account with the website, then use the activity codes listed above to find the events you wish to register for.

We seem to still be having issues with the Gwinnett County website, so if you still need to register for the upcoming night rides (the first
being this Friday at Tribble Mill), then you can actually call Rhodes
Jordan Park and register over the phone. The number is 770.822.5414

Also, if you live outside of Gwinnett County, the price of all 4 rides
is actually $18, not $12. If you think the website is charging you the
wrong amount, then i would advise you to use the telephone
registration instead and speak to a human. :)

Mountain bike night ride-SORBA night ride rules apply-rider must have head and tail lights attached to person. Ride is for beginner to experienced.

A note from our President:

Hi everyone, I just wanted to chime in here and point out a few things about these rides.

Some of you may be asking yourself, why do i now have to pay for these rides?, and why are half of the rides in April, when it is now that we need them, not when the clocks go forward and the nights get lighter?

Well, let me first say that this new night ride ‘program’ is a trial setup between GATR and Gwinnett County. Traditionally night riding in Gwinnett County parks has been strictly forbidden, except for a small handful of sanctioned GATR rides like we’ve had in the past. In the future we want you guys to be able to have more night rides than just a handful each year. We want you to be able to night ride every week during the winter months – wouldn’t that be great?!

As part of our efforts towards making night riding more widely accepted by the county (and with a little inspiration from our good neighbors over at RAMBO) we’ve come up with a new way of having the night rides setup that better meets the needs of the county, AND fosters a more collaborative and formal relationship between the bike club and the local government.

Right now we have four rides lined up, one in February, one in March, AND two in April. Now we know that when the April rides come around the nights will be starting to get lighter, and this doesn’t really do us a whole lot of good in the immediate short term when we really need it. All i can say is that for now, these are the cards we have been dealt, and we intend on playing the best game we can!

The ball is in our court now guys, if we can collectively as a group, prove to the parks people that there is in fact a high demand for night riding in Gwinnett County, then we stand a much better chance of getting more regular night rides on the calendar when the 2010/2011 night riding season begins.

In more basic terms, the more of us that register for these rides, the better chance we have of establishing night riding in Gwinnett County Parks as a more regular activity.

Please help us to make this happen and register today for all 4 rides – it’s only $12!

All the rides will also be followed by an after ride social at a local bar/restaurant.

Thank you for your continued support,

James Carrington
President, GATR

February Group Ride @ Oconee Heritage Park

Cheryl — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:35:15 +0000

GATR February Ride Information

Who: Everyone
When: Sunday, Feburary 14th at 1 p.m.
Where: Oconee Heritage Park,
After: La Parrilla (Mexican)

Info link: http://www.sorbaathens.org/trails/oconee-heritage-park
Trail map: http://www.ocprd.com/Heritage%20Park%20Trail%20Map.pdf

Trail Directions from SORBA Athens website
From Athens, take the Macon Highway (old 441) toward Monroe about 13 miles until you see a pet cemetary on the right.
Park is 1/2 mile past here on right with a large pavilion set in a field about 100 yards from
the road (used for horse shows). Park near the pavilion and ride the singletrack in a clockwise direction.

Here’s some other information I found that maybe more helpful for a GPS owner or if you want to print a map. A street address doesn’t seem to be readily available. The map says Farmington on the website, the LAT/Long comes up with Bishop, while we have Watkinsville.

Latitude: 33.754031498216385
Longitude: -83.43704223632812

Google Satellite Map Link

Google Map Link

Upcoming Group Rides

Cheryl — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:47:05 +0000

All skill levels are welcome. Night riders will need to have a light or borrow a light.

Fort Yargo Night Ride – Friday, January 15th

Meet in the main mountain bike parking lot.
Ready to ride at 6:30 p.m.
2 groups planned – faster group will will the outer loop (approx 12 miles) and slower group will do the inner loop (approx 6 miles)
Make sure you have a light or one to borrow
Must be out of the park by 10 p.m.
Forum Link – http://www.sorba.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=30814

Monthly Group Ride at Chicopee - This ride had to be canceled again due to the weather and muddy trail conditions.

Ready to ride at 1 p.m.
Meet at first parking lot on the left (upper lot)
After ride social at La Parrilla, Mexican Restaurant located in the Publix SC at intersection of Atlanta Hwy and Winder Hwy near Exit 16.

Link to the Ride Schedule for 2010

2010 GATR Ride Schedule

James Carrington — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:29:35 +0000

Our Ride Coordinator and Director At Large, Krista Combs is responsible for putting together this sweet ride schedule.

Taking into consideration trail conditions, weather etc. Dates, Times, and indeed locations are subject to change, we will update this page with any required changes as the year unfolds. The closer it gets to each ride we will post more detailed information on directions, places to stay, meet up locations for carpooling etc. We’ll also announce these rides on the forum.

January - This ride had to be canceled again due to the weather and muddy trail conditions.

Chicopee, Gainesville GA

Ready to ride: 1:00PM
After ride social: La Parrilla, Mexican Restaurant located in the Publix SC at intersection of Atlanta Hwy and Winder Hwy near Exit 16.
Directions to restaurant: Google Maps
Info link: Gainesville SORBA

February 14 Sunday

Heritage Park, Watkinsville GA

Ready to ride: 1:00PM
After ride social: La Parrilla (Mexican)
Info link: http://www.sorbaathens.org/trails/oconee-heritage-park
Trail map: http://www.ocprd.com/Heritage%20Park%20Trail%20Map.pdf

April 18 Sunday

Jackrabbit Mountain Bike Trails (Just outside of Hiawassee, GA)

There are about 15 miles of smooth, fast and beginner friendly trails at Jack Rabbit Mountain. Please join us for a fun chapter ride and cookout.

Ready to ride: 10:30AM
After ride social: Cookout at the trailhead. We will be grilling some brats. Please bring some sides (chips, cookies, etc) to share and BYOB.
GPS Coordinates: @35.000402,-83.761976
Driving Directions: http://www.sabacycling.com/Talk3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=618&p=2057&hilit=jackrabbit+directions#p2057
Trail map: http://sabacycling.com/jackrabbit-trail-map.pdf

May 8 Saturday

FATS (IMBA Epic Ride), Augusta GA

Ready to Ride: The IMBA Epic Ride will being at 9:00 am
After ride social: IMBA Closing Party and BBQ from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm (Tickets are $20 per person,
and can be purchased on site at the Summit or at https://www.imba.com/catalog/2010-world-summit )
Info link: http://www.imba.com/epics/forks_area_trail_system.html
Directions: http://www.scgreatoutdoors.com/park-forkareatrailsystem.html
Trail map: http://www.sorbacsra.org/FATS%20Map%202%20102107.JPG

May 16 Sunday

Dauset Trails Nature Center, Jackson GA

The Dauset Trails Nature Center is described at Singletracks.com as “… a great place with a good variety of trails and beautiful scenery. Good beginner stuff. All trails are very well marked. Riders of all levels will love this place. Huff ‘n Puff is a great advanced, technical trail. “

Ready to ride: 1:30 pm
After ride social: Fresh Air Barbeque – tried and tested by many a rider!
Driving Directions (to Trailhead): http://www.dausettrails.com/driving.htm
Trail Map: http://www.dausettrails.com/DT-2002b1.pdf
Bike Routes: http://www.dausettrails.com/bikeroute.html
Info link: http://www.dausettrails.com/trails.htm

June 19 Saturday

Blankets Creek, Woodstock GA

Ready to ride: 11:00AM
After ride social: Las Palmas
Trail Info and Driving Directions: http://www.sorbawoodstock.org/trials/
Trail Map: http://www.sorbawoodstock.org/storage/blankets_trail_map-Lrg-v2.jpg
Trail Review: http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-georgia/trail/PRD_167560_4541crx.aspx

July 25 Sunday

Chicopee, Gainesville GA

Ready to ride: 9:30AM (1st group, 30+ miles), 1:30PM (2nd group, approx. 15 miles)
After ride social: La Parrilla, Mexican Restaurant located in the Publix SC at intersection of Atlanta Hwy and Winder Hwy near Exit 16.
Directions to restaurant: Google Maps
Info link: Gainesville SORBA

August 7 Saturday

Bull Mnt Area Ride, Dahlonega GA

Turner Creek, Bull Mnt, No Tell, Black Creek Falls etc. (see http://www.mtbtrailreview.com/blog/bull-mountain-dahlonega-georgia-mountain-bike-trail-review/)
Ready to ride: 9:30AM at the Bull Mountain Parking Lot
Ride Level: Intermediate (Plan on 25+ miles)
After ride social: Plan on hanging out after the ride (bring some chairs and beverages) before heading to the El Jine Te Mexican Restaurant (100 North 400 Center Lane, Dawsonville).

September 4 Saturday

Drama Queen Ride 3 (hosted by Mulberry Gap and organized by the Cartecay River Bike Shop), Ellijay GA

The following information was obtained from Cartecay’s website: http://www.cartecaybikes.com/announcements.aspx

Ready to ride: 9:00AM
Where: Mulberry Gap: http://mulberrygap.com/

Route: Pinhoti 2 to Pinhoti 1 then up Bear Creek to Potato Patch. Left turn to Tibbs, down Tibbs to Milma, right turn to Wendy Gap, left down Wendy Gap to the road. Option 1-left turn back to Mulberry Gap; Option 2-left turn to Cool Springs Rd; turn right onto Cool Springs over to the bottom of Ft Mountain. At Hwy 52 turn left, go up the mountain to Pinhoti 3 and back to Mulberry Gap.
Ride Level: Advanced – hardcore ride

October 2 Saturday

Raccoon Mountain, Chattanooga

Mountain Ride – May want to coordinate overnight stay
Ready to ride: 11:00AM
After ride social: TBD
Info link: http://sorbachattanooga.org/

November 14 Sunday

Stonewall Falls and White Twister, Clayton GA

Ready to ride: 11:00AM
After ride social: Los Gerrados
Info Link: http://www.gamountains.com/whattodo/recreation/biking.php

December 12 Sunday

Big Creek Park, Roswell GA

Ready to ride: 1:00PM
After ride social: Mojito Cafe
Info link: http://www.rambo-mtb.org/index.php