Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association News:

1st Annual Town of Murphy Police Department Bicycle Rodeo set for
Postponed Until Saturday, May 18th

The Town of Murphy Police Department along with Big Lots of Murphy, Steven Aft State Farm, S.A.B.A. Cycling, Appalachian Outfitters, The Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Cherokee County and the McDonald's of Murphy, would like to invite you to the 1st Annual Town of Murphy Police Department Bicycle Rodeo. This bicycle rodeo will take place in the Big Lots parking lot on May 11th, 2013, from 9am to 11am. This bicycle rodeo will teach children the proper way to signal, turn, brake and most importantly, bicycle safety. The month of May is Bicycle Safety Month.

There will be three age groups: 5-8, 9-10 and 11-12. Children that are younger will be given the opportunity to participate as well. Preregistration is recommended, however it is not required. Although, children that preregister will receive a free bicycle helmet. We will have a free drawing on six bicycles, boys and girls, from each age group as well as free snacks, prizes, shirts and other items donated by our great sponsors listed above. A professional bicycle mechanic will be on hand to give minor tune-ups to the children's bicycles that need it. Parents are encouraged to have their child's bicycle "road ready" though.

Please feel free to contact Chief Justin J. Jacobs at (828) 837-2214, or jjacobs@murphypolice.com, for further information. In the event of rain, the bicycle rodeo will be postponed until May 18th. For further safety tips and information please visit Safe Kids North Carolina Here.

"The Power House" Set for May 19

Appalachia Gravel Grinders is four race series on gravel and paved roads using cross or mountain bikes. This year's series focuses on endurance racing in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, East Tennessee and North Georgia.

In its inaugural year as a "series" the events are slated to attract many of the top contenders in the nation. The Power House start and ends at Smoky Mountain Christian Camp in Tellico Plains, TN.

Read more about the series and Register Here.

Lake Chatuge Rotary Sponsors Bike Ride For Peace

 SABA member Ron Scroggs completed Sam’s Ride for Peace, a part of Veterans for Peace, held April 28 to May 4. The ride started in Raleigh, NC and ended with a rally for peace in Washington, DC. Prior to the event, Lake Chatuge Rotary Club President Cheryl Barrett announced that the Club has joined in sponsoring Ron for the journey. The sponsorship is the Club’s way of participating in Rotary International’s current annual theme: PEACE THROUGH SERVICE.

The 350 mile Sam’s Ride for Peace left Raleigh on April 28 and traveled through Virginia to end on  on May 4 at Lafayette Park in DC. Sam Winstead, an 88 year old World War II Marine Corp veteran, lead the ride for the second time. He fought with the First Marine Division in Peleliu and Okinawa, which he found to be horrendous and barbaric. He comments, “In recent years I’ve become so disturbed by the cost of war in lives, money, and natural resources that I couldn’t sit quietly any longer. I had to take a stand.” Sam has been a member of the Roxboro, NC, Rotary Club for 37 years.

Lake Chatuge Rotary Club was represented in Sam’s Ride for Peace by Ron Scroggs of Murphy. Ron is retired from public utilities in Florida and heating and air business in Hayesville. He is a veteran of the US Army, having seen combat duty in Vietnam in 1968. He was a helicopter crew chief and and, when in flight, the door gunner. He agrees with Sam Winstead that we need to pay more attention to achieving peace and avoiding war. “I hope this Ride will call attention to the issue,” he comments.

Ron Scroggs is an experienced cyclist, and in pursuing his hobby, he normally rides 100 miles each week. He is a member of the Southern Appalachian Bicycling Association, and has been heavily involved in the construction and maintenance of the Jackrabbit Bike Trail. Sam's Ride for Peace is held annually and is open to all cyclists, not just veterans.

 For additional information about Sam's Ride for Peace, contact  Rev. Dr. Rufus H. Stark II at (828) 389-3683

No SABA Century Ride in 2013

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the SABA Century Ride, usually scheduled the 3rd Saturday in May, will not take place in 2013.

The club is utilizing its resources and will be working to put on a bigger and better event at a new location in 2014. We hope to have additional information in the coming months as we meet with our organizing committee.

Sam's Ride for Peace

Sam Winstead is an 88 year old World War II Marine Corp veteran, discover what his ride is all about.

Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional Road & Time Trial National Championships

May 25-27 - Chattanooga, TN

2013 will feature new faces and new scenery at USA Cycling's Pro Road & Time Trial National Championships. The event moves to the "Scenic City" of Chattanooga after several years in Greenville, S.C. In addition, for the first time pro women will ride for Stars-and-Stripes the same weekend as the men!

For more details and an event schedule look here

SABA Member Pat Turner Recaps
Ride Across the Country!

Coming Next Month!

BIG RING CHALLENGE set for
September 28, 2013 at Jackrabbit Trail, Hayeville NC!

Chain Buster Productions is excited to present the fourth annual Big Ring Challenge 6-hour endurance mountain bike race. The event will be held on the Jackrabbit Trail system in Hayesville, NC. The race course is very fast ! Miles of Single track that never ends. Following the banks of lake Chatuge. If you liked roller coasters as a kid, then this course was designed for you. Remember, remain seated at all times, keep your arms and legs inside the bicycle, and if you experience motions sickness, turn your head to the left...

For additional details and registration visit Chainbuster Productions Here