mechanical issue that could not be fixed . Wig found him a bike , fitted it , and the cyclist qualified for Worlds . How ’ s that for service !?”
The 2018 SAG team includes Patrick Wigley , Wig ’ s Wheels ; Chuck Lewis , Bikelink ; Billy Beane ; Geof Leonard , Saving Time Bike Repair ; Chris Tyree , Cahaba Cycles ; Jeffrey White , EMT ; and Keith Baxley and Bob Schwyn who supply SAG vehicles and support , Honda .
“ Everywhere you look , the sport of cycling is booming ,” Nelson says . “ All we see is growth … Alabama cyclists are blessed that with the right gear , we can ride 365 days a year if we want .” She says mountain bike venues like Coldwater Mountain and Black Creek Trails are seeing an “ explosion of visitors ”.
“ I ’ ve always said that our most exciting economic engine is riding in on two wheels
– skinny little road bike ones and knobby , fat tire ones ,” Nelson continues . Looking at Cheaha Challenge in particular she says “ 77 % of our visitors are from outside Calhoun County , 61 % from outside AL ”. In addition , “ 99.59 % say they will come back and / or recommend our events to others , 34.16 % visited Calhoun County outside of our event , and 70 % spent the night .”
As we inch closer to the weekend of Cheaha Challenge and repairs continue in Jacksonville and at JSU , Nelson says , “ we will re-evaluate exactly how we will set up the venue for this year , as it will depend on what construction may be happening at the coliseum and what equipment may be in the area .” Keep an eye on the Cheaha Challenge Facebook page and cheahachallenge . com for updates . ✽
INSIGHT
May 2018 19