I’ve been around the Atlanta triathlon community for a number of years now, and if you asked me about some of the local patriarchs of that sport I would quickly spout off names like Fox Ferrel, Jon Adamson, and “Ageless” Earl Lassiter. But I must admit that I am a little clueless when it comes to knowing Atlanta’s own cycling gurus. With cycling as the June theme of Competitor Southeast, I asked around for some names and there were two that kept surfacing. I contacted these elder statesmen from the Atlanta pedaling community, Tommy Hanks and Ray Miller, and asked them what they thought we should include in this issue.

When I told my mom I was going to interview Tommy Hanks, she immediately got very excited. Her “boy” had finally “made it.” However, her heart was slightly broken when I said, “No, Mom, not THAT Tom Hanks…” Atlanta’s Mr. Hanks, I found out, is not a long-time cyclist as I had originally assumed. In fact Tommy has only been active in the cycling community for the past six years or so. However, this former Marine turned successful finance professional has developed a following through his website and weekly emails, which go out to several hundred people and contain information on upcoming rides, tidbits on cycling in Atlanta, and funny anecdotes based on rumors or truths.

Ray Miller is also an accomplished professional, having built his career by “helping companies succeed.” Unlike Hanks, Ray has been around the cycling community a little longer and considers the expansion and growth of the North Atlanta Riding Club (NARC) one of his greatest accomplishments.

To those outside the sport, Atlanta may not be considered a Mecca for cyclists – despite the growth of road racing and the success of the Tour de Georgia, the Athens Twilight Criterium and other events. But according to Tommy and Ray, we’re certainly making progress. Many municipalities, like Roswell and Decatur, are leading efforts to increase bike lanes that make communities more bike-friendly. Roswell Mayor Jere Wood, as you’ll read in this issue, has developed a creative way to use “cycling advocacy” as a vehicle for implementing other key policies, acknowledging the growing popularity of the sport.

Not convinced to jump on the two-wheeled bandwagon just yet? That’s OK, because beyond the cycling theme of this month’s issue, you’ll also find great information on the upcoming US 10K Classic race, explore the new exercise craze called “CrossFit” and learn how to get dirty at Muddy Buddy 2008!

So whether you’re tackling the Silver Comet Trail, the Cartersville Budweiser Plant ride, or heading down to Columns Drive, enjoy our ever-growing Georgia cycling community. Don’t forget the spare CO2 and tubes. You never know who will need some assistance out there, especially since Ray and Tommy can’t be everywhere! Enjoy life’s journeys.