President

Thank You!

Many thanks to all of our CBC members and others who helped achieve this year’s Cycle Sequatchie (CS).  With more than 400 motivated riders and great weather, it was a fantastic day and a hands-down success. Not only were your efforts pivotal in making CS the phenomenal ride it has become, but you truly promoted cycling in the most positive way.   

The CS survey results are in and the overwhelming–and I mean overwhelming–majority of comments clearly demonstrate that the overall ride and the rest stops were outstanding. With more than a quarter of riders responding, 95% rated CS as either “Awesome” or “Great”, while a full 97% rated the rest stops as either “Excellent” (93%) or “Good” (6%). Cycle Sequatchie riders sung your praises in every area–from course marking and road marshaling, to organization and rest stops. The New Orleans theme, the cheese sandwiches, and the SKRATCH hydration were all called out for excellence…all the products of our own CBC members!

SHOUT OUTS:

Route Marking:  Scott Self. Scott almost single-handedly market the routes. Thank you, Scott. One CS rider commented:  “Great job by all involved! Rest stops were amazing, course markings were clear and the after party was a great finale!!“

Packet Pickup:  William Daley & Alan Serotta (Owen), Beverly Short, Rich Rudner, John Pound, Cindy Pape, Lou Pape, Patty Nihells, & Gray Fletcher (Dunlap).  “Fantastic experience from registration to all the post-ride party afterwards. This ride remains the best biking event in East TN.“

Road Marshals: Scott Self, Rich Rudner & Tom Jamison. “Very impressed with a fabulous ride! Well supported, well organized, excellent route.” 

Rest Stop – Faith Baptist.  Beverly Short, Sharon Russell, RIchard Russell, & Patty Nihells. “Great selection on snacks and locations were well placed…Skratch hydration mix was CLUTCH!“

Rest Stop – Pikeville Church of Christ: Marjorie Whiteside, Kevin Whiteside, Joseph Unjakoti, Tom Hennie, Sam Beck, & Debbie Beck: “They go above and beyond!! I mean, grilled cheese?!?! Wow!”

Rest Stop – Stephen’s Chapel:  Peggy Olson, Donna Killian, Gray Fletcher, Michelle Anderson, & Michelle Gossett.  “Got some beads at the last stop and will cherish them with the memories…Friendly people, great refreshments, Jambalaya!!”

Set Up/Break Down/CBC Table:  Athena Moundalexis, John Pound, Team Beck (Debbie & Sam), Team Russell (Richard & Sharon); Rich Rudner

LEST WE FORGET….more Shout Outs

*  Town of Dunlap. For hosting CS and providing such a wonderful and welcoming venue!

* Sequatchie & Bledsoe County Authorities  – for welcoming CS and for their vital support and assistance.

* Faith Baptist Church, Pikeville Church of Christ, & Stephen’s Chapel for graciously letting us use their facilities and helping make our rest stops the awesome places they were.

* Arron Curtis & Owen Cyclery – for wonderful and essential SAG support.  “Great choices, excellent cycling assistance and volunteers”  

...AND LAST BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST

* To Shannon Burke and Celeste Cyr for their amazing talent in creating and orchestrating an awesome ride with some of the best road cycling anywhere. 

If I missed anyone, it’s purely accidental. You all rock! Thank you…Thank you…Thank you. 

Also, don’t forget the CBC Fall Social and rides on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Dunlap!

See you on the road,

Tom

Cycling Hall Of Fame, President

Owen Cyclery to be Cycling HOF Presenting Sponsor

The Chattanooga Bicycle Club is pleased to announce a new partnership with long time bicycle community supporter Owen Cyclery as Presenting Sponsor for the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame Classes of 2025 and 2026.

Founded in 1973 by Tom Owen, Sr., Owen Cyclery is a full-service bike shop in Hixson and the go-to place for high-quality bicycles such as Cannondale, Scott, BMC, and Salsa.  Aside from  selling bikes and giving sound advice to all comers, Erik Hunt and his experienced team continue the company’s 50+ year tradition of actively promoting bicycling as well as supporting a wide array of cycling initiatives in the Chattanooga area.

This tradition had its origins in 1967 when Tom Owen, Sr., an early cycling safety advocate and innovator, co-founded  the CBC.  Moreover, for nearly three decades Owen Cyclery has been a sponsor for the CBC’s 3 State 3 Mountain Century as well as the current Cycle Sequatchie Century and 3 Mountain Challenge. We are honored to have Owen Cyclery as an ongoing partner and Presenting Sponsor for the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame.

The Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of those individuals who have distinguished themselves as members of our local cycling community; positively impacting the sport of cycling.  Although only established in  2022, the HOF has quickly become an institution in the local cycling community. Eleven area cyclists in three classes have been inducted so far. 

Nominees are now being accepted by the Cycling HOF Nominating committee for the Class of 2025.  If you know of someone who should be recognized please contact Forrest Simmons via forrest.simmons4@gmail.com.

More information on the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame can be found under the Cycling Hall of Fame tab at ChattanoogaBicycleClub.com.

Volunteer Opportunties

Volunteer Interest Meeting – New Date!

Cycle Sequatchie 

August 6, 2024 6:30 PM

ODD STORY BREWING – 1604 CENTRAL AVE., CHATTANOOGA, TN 37408

We’re hosting a volunteer interest meeting for those who’d like to know how to get involved in helping CBC host the Cycle Sequatchie Century this October. There are lots of ways to volunteer; some include ways to participate in the ride. So please; mark your calendar and plan to join us! We have a volunteer role that will fit you like a new pair of bib-shorts!

Pedal, smile, repeat!