2011 Major Taylor Mountains Summit Helen, Georgia April 20th – April 23rd, 2011

Join Major Taylor clubs from around the U.S., as we converge on the challenging mountains, valleys, and country roads of North Georgia for our annual spring training camp. With roads made famous by the Tour de Georgia professional stage race and the Six Gap Century (one of the hardest rides anywhere), challenge yourself on the same roads that have hosted Lance Armstrong and others. Easier routes are planned too. Four days of incredible rides, great camaraderie, good food, and memories for a trip of a lifetime.

The Rides

Wednesday: Sky Lake Tour. A 22 mile evening warm-up around the alpine village of Helen, past beautiful Sky Lake, and finishing on the twisting, easy climb to Anna Ruby Falls. Thursday: 3 Gap Challenge. Push yourself on a 75 mile tour of some of the best climbs in Georgia, for more than 5,000 feet of uphill that criss-crosses the Appalachian Trail. All of these roads starred in the Tour de Georgia. Climbs of 7, 4, and 2 miles – grades of 4-6%. Shorter, flatter options of 50 and 25 miles.

Friday: Soquee Valley Tour. A recovery ride through the river valley west of Helen. Start with a 12 mile downhill pedal to nearby Clarkesville, on nearly isolated mountain roads – twisting and turning the whole way. 50 miles, with shorter options. Saturday: Mountain Lakes Zig-Zag. We’ll tackle the twisting, roller coaster roads skirting three mountain lakes, riding through two state parks, and assaulting one big climb. You’ll go back home to tell your friends about Lake Rabun Road, we promise. 60 miles with a shorter, less hilly option. “The road goes on forever and the party never ends…” The Weather Escape from your winter weather a few weeks early. High temps in Helen average between 60 and 70 degrees in late April - one of its sunniest months of the year. Accomodations The Metro Atlanta Cycling Club (MACC) – your host for the 2011 Major Taylor Summit - has secured 20 lodge rooms and 3 cabins at Unicoi State Park, just outside of Helen, Georgia – in the northeast corner of the state. Half of the lodge rooms have two double beds; the other ½ have two double beds and a loft that sleeps two more. All of the rooms are $120 per night. The cabins can sleep 4-6, and vary on price. Unicoi Lodge has free wireless, a common room in the Major Taylor lodge for sharing stories and revisiting the day’s ride, a game room, a beautiful nearby lake, and outdoor grills. Best of all is an all-you-can-eat restaurant buffet in the lodge, a short walk from your room. Fuel up right in the Lodge before your morning rides.

To reserve your place, call Unicoi Lodge at 1-800-864-7275 and tell them you are part of the “Major Taylor Summit.” Rahsaan Bahati’s 2010 escape attempt Register before February 20th to guarantee your room in our comes to naught as Summit attendees chase reserved lodge building. www.unicoilodge.com for more info. him down

Stuff to Do (When You Aren’t Riding, or Talking About Riding)

Helen – dozens of activities in this campy alpine-themed town, from shopping to go-karts to river tubing. Hiking – literally hundreds of miles of trails, including some that leave right from the Lodge, and the nearby Appalachian Trail. Anna Ruby Falls – a 200 foot waterfall just a couple of miles from the Lodge, and a short hike from the parking lot. Restaurants – many restaurants and bars are within a short drive.

Mountain Biking – Can’t get enough riding? Unicoi State Park boasts a NORBA Nationals course at the Lodge itself. Rent bikes nearby. Fishing – Unicoi has a lake right on the property, and nearby Dukes Creek offers the best fly fishing in Georgia. Mountain Crafts – Art, crafts, and mountain culture are all nearby in Helen, Dahlonega, Clarkesville, and the Mark of the Potter cultural MACC eats up the road on NC- center. 129 on the way to the Cherohala Skyway’s 5,500 ft vistas

There are no fees for the 2011 Major Taylor Summit. MACC will provide SAG support, and will fund it with donations the day of the rides. But we would like to know who’s coming in advance, to plan logistics and support.

To Register for the Summit, and to keep up to date as details are added, go to:

www.maccattack.com