Ball Ground Welcomes The Tour of the Southern Highland Bicycle Race this Saturday and Sunday!
Please keep a close eye out for bicycle riders in the community. We have a number of folks here practicing up for the race this weekend.
Here is a summary of the weekend and affected roadways.
FRIDAY: We will likely see a lot of cyclists inside and near the city taking practice runs, but the Friday event itself will take place in the County out on Mineral Springs Road beginning and ending near the I-575 bridge over Mineral Springs. Just stay alert for cyclists.
SATURDAY: Valley Street will be closed from Coy M. Holcomb Street north to Depot Street.
Race headquarters will be in front of City Hall on Valley Street.
The race route will be from City Hall, north on Valley Street, west on Depot Street, North on Old Canton Road to Commerce Lane. West on Commerce, then south on Canton Highway down to Howell Bridge Road. East on Howell Bridge to Valley Street, back to City Hall and then repeat. Racing of various groups will take place beginning at 8:00 am and ending at approximately 5:00 pm.
SUNDAY: Valley Street will be closed from Coy M. Holcomb Street north to Depot Street
Race headquarters will be in front of City Hall on Valley Street
The race route will be from City Hall, north on Valley Street, West on Depot Street, North on Old Canton Road then west on A. W. Roberts Drive (372), north on Canton Highway and immediately west on Mineral Springs Road. The race will then run approximately 20 miles thru Cherokee County, coming back into the City on Howell Bridge Road and back to Valley Street. Racers will then repeat the course.
Again we are looking at 8:00 am until 5:00 pm
This event continues to bring racers from across the Country, many of whom patronize our local businesses and help jump-start our local economy for the spring/summer months.
Come on out, enjoy the fun, and see if you can spot a famous racer or Olympic team. Best viewing options include City Hall and the plaza area downtown near 4-way stop.
Have a great weekend – and remain alert.
