Inductees
James Bacon
James “Bub One” Bacon is widely recognized as one of the foundational figures in Chattanooga’s cycling community—a rider, builder, mentor, and advocate whose impact spans decades. As one of the founders of the Bubbas Cycling Group, Bacon, affectionately known as “Bub One,” helped produce one of the most enduring and influential road cycling organizations in our region. His enthusiasm, leadership, and camaraderie helped shape the Bubbas into a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s road biking culture.
As Chattanooga’s top cyclist in the 1980’s, Bacon consulted with David Lynskey at the time he founded the Litespeed brand. His influence on David was profound. Moreover, Bacon’s success on the bike convinced other family members to support David’s dream of developing the brand that would go on to achieve global recognition. His understanding of the sport went far beyond riding; he contributed to the innovation that elevated Chattanooga onto the world cycling stage.
On the bike, Bacon quickly distinguished himself as a formidable competitor. He rose to a Category 2 rating in his first year of racing—an extraordinary achievement that placed him shoulder-to-shoulder with professional cyclists. His strength against the clock was unmatched in Tennessee, where he held the state time trial record for seven consecutive years. In 1988, his talent and tenacity earned him a prestigious “Coach’s Selection” to compete in the Olympic Trials, marking a pinnacle in his racing career.
“Somewhere back in the mid 80s, James was driving his unreliable beater to Augusta for a national-class road race in Augusta. He was doing the Pro,1,2 race, a 100 miler. I was driving his brother, Steve (still too young to drive), who was doing the Jr. race that day. We came up on James on the side of I-20 somewhere between Atlanta and Augusta, pulled over with the steaming, broken-down beater. We loaded up his bike and proceeded to the race. Steve and I did our races and awaited the finish of the Pro race. It turns out that James had developed a slow-leaking tire with about 10 miles to go. He had been in the winning break, but had to stop to pump up the tire several times. (This is before CO2 cartridges were invented). He still finished in a respectable time, on a virtually flat tire.” [Harry Williamson]
Bacon’s influence didn’t end when the racing stopped. He later founded the annual Chicken Cross Race Series, an event that has grown into a beloved, nationally recognized cyclocross fixture. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and competitive spirit, the series draws top talent from across the country and continues to inspire new generations of riders.
Through decades of dedication as an athlete, innovator, club founder, and event organizer, James Bacon has left an unmistakable mark on Chattanooga cycling. Beyond the bike, he is also an accomplished artist and sculptor, with work featured on the Antique Carousel at Coolidge Park. His contributions embody the spirit of the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame, and his legacy continues to power the community forward.
David Lynskey
David Lynskey stands as one of the most influential figures in modern bicycle manufacturing and one of Chattanooga’s most transformative cycling innovators. A remarkably foundational figure in the commercially-available titanium bicycle industry, Lynskey helped redefine what high-performance bikes could be and forged a legacy that shaped the global cycling industry.
His journey into cycling began in 1986, when a knee injury forced him to step away from running. Turning to the bike for rehabilitation and recreation, Lynskey and a small, dedicated team engineered his first titanium bicycle in his family’s metal fabrication plant. What started as a personal project quickly revealed a new frontier—one that combined engineering expertise with a deepening passion for cycling.
“The freedom of a bike was always appealing to me. Fortunately, there are great people in this town who have added a lot to the fabric of cycling. I’ve just mostly been able to capitalize on that.” [James ‘Bud One” Bacon]
Recognizing its potential, the Lynskey family expanded their business in 1989 to produce titanium bicycles commercially, launching what would become the iconic Litespeed brand. By 1996, the family committed fully to building titanium bikes, and Litespeed’s reputation soared. In just its first three years, the company produced frames for 24 other bicycle manufacturers, and its craftsmanship drew the attention of elite riders around the world. Litespeed bicycles were ridden by cycling legends including Lance Armstrong, Greg LeMond, Bobby Julich, and Christian Vande Velde, as well as prominent enthusiasts like comedian Robin Williams.
After the sale of Litespeed in 1999 and the conclusion of his non-compete agreement, Lynskey returned to his roots with the founding of Lynskey Performance. Once again, he focused on the design and manufacture of premium titanium bicycles, further cementing Chattanooga’s reputation as a global hub for high-end bike innovation.
“David was driven and fearless. He’s trying to compete with companies that have been around for decades. He didn’t care. David said ‘I’m gonna do what I want and it’s right. I think they’re wrong on certain things. They don’t have to buy my stuff. I don’t have to sell my stuff. But I know it’s right.’” [Chris Lynskey (on his brother David)]
Through decades of vision, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit, David Lynskey has been and remains instrumental in reshaping the way cyclists around the world experience their sport. His contributions as an innovator and industry pioneer continue to elevate Chattanooga’s cycling community, making him a fitting and celebrated member of the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame.
Ali Whittier
Ali Whittier has earned a reputation as one of Chattanooga’s most versatile, determined, and inspiring endurance athletes. A fierce competitor across mountain bike, gravel, and road disciplines, Whittier is a “virtual podium machine”—a rider whose consistency, strength, and resilience place her at the front of nearly every challenge she takes on. Her passion for the sport extends well beyond racing, as she is also a dedicated advocate for the physical and mental health benefits of cycling, encouraging riders of all ages and abilities to discover the joy and community the sport provides.
“I’m inspired by Ali’s determination and relentless work ethic. Her success is built not just on talent but on the unseen effort she puts into every day. Beyond being an incredible cyclist, she’s a kind and caring friend. I’m grateful to know her and excited to celebrate her induction into the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame. ” [Melanie Blake]
Whittier’s race résumé is a testament to her extraordinary range and endurance. Her career highlights include three USA Cycling National Championship medals: one in gravel (131 miles) and two in marathon mountain bike (40+ miles). She’s also earned numerous USA Cycling State Championship medals in cyclocross, road and a championship title in XC mountain bike. On the mountain bike, she’s earned a Top 3 finish at Big Frog 65, numerous podiums at the Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25, Snake Creek Gap Time Trial and Ouachita Double (a demanding two-day mountain bike and gravel stage race), along with numerous podiums in other endurance races.
In gravel competition, Whittier placed 3rd at Finland Gravel (110 miles) against an international field, and 2nd at 114 Gravel in Portugal, which was also a UCI Gravel World Championship qualifier. She also won the inaugural Reliance Gravel’s two-day stage race and finished top five overall at both Core4 Gravel in Iowa and the Belgian Waffle Wafer Ride North Carolina. Whittier began her bike race journey in cyclocross and on the road with numerous wins and podiums in both those disciplines.
In recent years, Whittier expanded her racing to include ultra-distance, self-supported bikepacking events spanning hundreds of miles through remote terrain, often overnight and across state lines. She completed marquee races such as the Trans North Georgia Adventure (357 miles, 45,000 feet of climbing), Huracan (370 miles), and Rule of Three (217 miles). Her broader endurance résumé includes finishing the Shenandoah 100 twice, Firecracker 50, Breck Epic, Pisgah Stage Race, Steamboat Gravel, and multiple adventure races with podium results. Despite battling injury in late 2024 and early 2025, Whittier continued to post podium finishes, qualified for the UCI Gravel World Championships in the Netherlands, completed the Leadville Stage Race, and finished the iconic Leadville 100 MTB to earn her buckle.
“Ali Whittier is one of the most knowledgeable, inclusive, and dedicated cyclists that I have ever met. She is so passionate and intentional about helping and supporting the cycling community, while training like a professional athlete (and holding down a challenging full time job). She is an incredible ambassador for cycling!!! ” [Brad Cobb]
Beyond her racing accomplishments, Whittier is known for her unwavering support of fellow cyclists and her advocacy for cycling as a pathway to wellness. Whether mentoring new riders, elevating local events, or sharing her experiences to promote healthy lifestyles, she consistently contributes to the growth and vitality of the Chattanooga cycling community.
Ali Whittier’s competitive spirit, leadership, and dedication exemplify the values of the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame. Her impact—on and off the bike—continues to inspire the community she proudly represents.