Southern Cross Race

If you raced last year, you probably got heckled/encouraged by the Winding Stair Dancing Chicken!

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernCrossRace/videos/9295105050582691

The Winding Stair Chicken made everyone smile!

NEW 30 MILE OPTION FOR ADULT RIDERS - REGISTRATION IS OPEN!! Ok folks, registration is setup and open for adults wanting to participate in a shorter distance course for Southern Cross. The 30 mile course is the Winding Stair Loop (going up Winding Stair of course!) so it is still challenging, even though it is shorter. We're offering the same age group categories as the 50 mile course, as well as a 30 mile e-bike category for riders who may need a little extra boost! Medals/podiums three deep in all 30 mile adult categories, with a slightly lower entry fee than the 50 mile course. Same swag and post race meal as 50 milers get. We'll see how well received this is for 2026 and can then look at making any adjustments and perhaps adding additional prizes in 2027.

Register here: https://reg1.mountaingoatadventures.com/register.php

HEAR YE, HEAR YE - next week we will be adding a 30 mile option for our adult racers. Since we started offering the 30 mile Junior course, which consists of the Winding Stair Loop, we've been asked numerous times to open this distance up to adults as well. We are going to give this a go for 2026. Full details and categories will be released next week, so stay tuned! Help us out by spreading the word to your ride buddies who may be interested in this shorter distance event.

CALLING ALL LADIES!!! Southern Cross wants you! In addition to our Women's Open division for all the fasties out there, we have women's age group categories available including Under 40, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. I'd love to see at least 10 ladies in each of these categories so grab your ride buddies and get signed up for this one! This course is mountain bike or gravel bike friendly (there are pros and cons to each, so pick your poision!!) and the on course support is top notch.
https://mountaingoatadventures.com/southernx

Most of the Southern Cross route is nicely packed in right now. The steep parts of the Winding Stair climb are smooth dirt versus loose chunder, so get it while you can! Lots of folks out riding today on the route.

Save the Date and join us on our usual first Saturday in March for Southern Cross 2026!

Southern Cross Race results have been posted. Congrats to all who finished this year's event!

Southern Cross race photos from Dashing Images have been posted! Check out their galleries at the link below. They captured photos on the Winding Stair Climb as well as on a section of gravel road along a creek near the end of the loop.
https://pics.dashingimages.com/southerncrossrace2025

Notes from the course after today’s pre-ride:
I started at the same time the race will start and despite the beginning temperature being 55 degrees, there is nearly full sun on the Winding Stair Gap climb so it felt very toasty…and that was in just jersey and shorts. Good news is that even the steep bits are pretty smooth and packed in, so it’s a tad easier than usual. The Aid Station to Aid Staion loop, aka the Noontootla Loop is fast, fast, fast! The clay is packed down smooth and there is little to no loose gravel. This may be the best condition that loop has ever been in. The ridge riding after the second aid station pass is also smooth and fast, and no muddy sections. The Cooper Gap descent down to Camp Wahsega has some loose gravel to spice things up, but it still felt smoother than usual. Overall, EXCELLENT course conditions so I think you all will really enjoy the event this year. We may see some new fastest times set!

BEST WEATHER EVER at a Southern Cross Race....registration closes tonight at 11:59 pm. Come join us in Dahlonega, GA and remember to pack your sunscreen!
https://mountaingoatadventures.com/southernx