Southern Highlands bike meet moving to Woodstock, Ball Ground

A three-day bicycle racing meet comes to Cherokee County next spring, as the Tour of the Southern Highlands Stage Race moves from Hall County to its new host cities of Woodstock and Ball Ground.

Now entering its sixth year and touted as the first stage race in the state since the Tour de Georgia ended in 2008, Southern Highlands – formerly the Gainesville Gran Prix – happens March 3-5.

The event begins on Friday with a pro men's and women's prologue criterium in downtown Woodstock, according to the Southern Highlands Facebook page. It will happen concurrently with Woodstock First Friday festivities, with live music, food and vendors.

On Saturday, pros and amateurs will participate in a time trial to the outskirts of Woodstock, followed by a rolling circuit race course. On Sunday, the event moves to Ball Ground for a road race, the crowning of winners and more music, food and vendors.

Southern Highlands also is a USA Cycling Junior National Team Selection Race, according to the event’s organizer, Dingo Race Productions.

Information: bit.ly/2g00R1v