Race promoter Duncan McGuire said the upcoming Tour of Atlanta in Dawson County is more than just a bike race.

“You’re going to see the best cyclists from around the southeastern United States racing right in your backyard,” McGuire said. “It’s a rare opportunity.”

The Tour of Atlanta is scheduled for May 28-31 in Dawson County, a race in which 300 cyclists will compete for $12,000 in prizes divided among several different competitive skill levels.

McGuire said races on Sunday will be the most spectator-friendly. “They’re smaller races, so the cyclists will be coming by more often for those who want to see them,” he said.

He said races will affect traffic, but not drastically.

“It’s what’s called a rolling closure,” he said. “They will be moving along swiftly.”

The athletes pedal anywhere from 20 to 40 miles per hour.

Most of the races will begin from Gold Creek Parkway, while another starts at Riverview Middle School.

Last year’s Tour of Atlanta was held in Alpharetta and Roswell, while the final stage was held in Dawsonville. The prior year, it was held in the Gwinnett County area.

Three different categories of competitive athletes race the Tour of Atlanta, including beginner, novice and elite. A masters category for those older than 35 also will compete.

McGuire said “a lot of local cyclists look forward to this ... but we get competitors from all around the Southeast.”

In addition, he said, there will be Continental U.S. Pro teams in attendance.