Yonah Preserve to Host a Georgia Cycling Race in 2024
The “Clash in Cleveland” becomes part of the Northside Hospital Race Series
BLUE RIDGE, GA – The Georgia Cycling Association announced today that Yonah Preserve will host the fourth race in Georgia Cycling’s “Northside Hospital Race Series.” Thousands of student-athletes, volunteer mountain bike coaches, and spectators will head to Cleveland, GA on October 19 & 20, 2024 for the “Clash in Cleveland.”
Yonah Preserve Trails becomes a new addition to Georgia Cycling’s lineup of youth mountain bike race locations. The trails are located within Yonah Preserve, a 1,000-acre piece of property in Georgia’s White County.
The new venue is the result of a significant investment of resources by the Georgia Cycling Association and its partners. Part of the site work needed to make the location suitable for Georgia Cycling competition included building two new bridges. A 26-foot bridge and a 20-foot bridge are now permanent additions to the public park managed by White County Parks and Recreation. In addition, Georgia Cycling needed to create an additional emergency access route.
“We are thrilled to add Yonah Preserve to our 2024 lineup. It truly is a herculean effort to prepare a new site for one of our races and such an effort would not have been possible without the generosity of our amazing collaborators. So many people donated their knowledge, time, and materials to make this happen,” stated Kenny Griffin, Executive Director of the Georgia Cycling Association.
The trail modifications were made with an eye toward the future. Griffin added, “We fully intend to make Yonah Preserve a multi-use venue for the Georgia Cycling Association. It is our goal to continue a long-lasting relationship with the community of Cleveland and White County.”
The Northside Hospital Race Series is a slate of five mountain bike races held at various locations across Georgia each autumn. Student-athletes, in grades 6 through 12, from over 80 different youth mountain bike teams are expected to compete in the 2024 Race Series. Teams are located across the state and are open to all students, regardless of ability.
Student-athlete registration for the upcoming season will open on Monday, April 1, 2024.
This project was only possible with the help of the following partners:
Support from White County’s Director of Parks & Recreation
Northeast Georgia SORBA and Flow Motion Trail Builders were integral in the design and construction of the new emergency access route.
Strong Rock Camp, MountainCraft Builders, and Cleveland Wood Preserve donated time and materials to build the two new bridges.
The Georgia Cycling teams from White County were a tremendous asset in pushing this project to completion.
About Georgia Cycling Association
The Georgia Cycling Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people across the state of Georgia through the active and healthy lifestyle of cycling. With a mission to inspire Georgians to get outside and ride a mountain bike, the Georgia Cycling Association activates inclusive programs that champion the interests of everyone who rides or wants to ride a bicycle in Georgia. A “no tryout” philosophy ensures programs are open to all Georgia students. For more information, visit georgiacycling.org.