Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo
When is Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo?
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Jacksonville, AL.
What distances does Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo offer?
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo offers 62 events: Chief Ladiga Cruise - 12 Miler, Time Trial, 24 Mile Challenge, Chief Ladiga Cruise - 25 Miler, 44 Mile Challenge, Chief Ladiga Cruise - 50 Miler, 62 Mile Challenge, 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 19 to 34 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Qualifier - Please Select Age Group, 100 Mile Challenge - Non UCI, Male Ages 16 to 18 - 100 Mile Challenge, Female Ages 16 to 18 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 19 to 34 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 35 to 39 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 35 to 39 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 40 to 44 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 40 to 44 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 45 to 49 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 45 to 49 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 50 to 54 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 50 to 54 - 100 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 55 to 59 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 55 to 59 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 60 to 64 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 60 to 64 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 65 to 69 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 65 to 69 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 70 to 74 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 70 to 74 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 75 to 79 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 75 to 79 - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Male Ages 80+ - 84 Mile Challenge, UCI Female Ages 80+ - 84 Mile Challenge, ULTRA, Junior 9 to 14 Non-UCI Time Trial, Junior 15 to 18 Non-UCI Time Trial, Male Eddy Merckx Time Trial, Female Eddy Merckx Time Trial, UCI Male Age 19 to 34 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 19 to 34 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 35 to 39 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 35 to 39 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 40 to 44 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 40 to 44 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 45 to 49 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 45 to 49 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 50 to 54 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 50 to 54 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 55 to 59 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 55 to 59 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 60 to 64 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 60 to 64 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 65 to 69 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 65 to 69 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 70 to 74 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 70 to 74 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 75 to 79 Time Trial, UCI Female Age 75 to 79 Time Trial, UCI Male Age 80+ Time Trial, Handcycle Category - Time Trial, UCI Female Age 80+ Time Trial.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Ladiga Cruise - 12 Miler | 12.0 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| Time Trial | 12.0 mi | $40.00 | Register |
| 24 Mile Challenge | 24.0 mi | $70.00 | Register |
| Chief Ladiga Cruise - 25 Miler | 25.0 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| 44 Mile Challenge | 44.0 mi | $75.00 | Register |
| Chief Ladiga Cruise - 50 Miler | 50.0 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| 62 Mile Challenge | 62.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| 84 Mile Challenge | 84.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 19 to 34 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Qualifier - Please Select Age Group | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| 100 Mile Challenge - Non UCI | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| Male Ages 16 to 18 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| Female Ages 16 to 18 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 19 to 34 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 35 to 39 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 35 to 39 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 40 to 44 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 40 to 44 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 45 to 49 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 45 to 49 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 50 to 54 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 50 to 54 - 100 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 55 to 59 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 55 to 59 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 60 to 64 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 60 to 64 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 65 to 69 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 65 to 69 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 70 to 74 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 70 to 74 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 75 to 79 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 75 to 79 - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Ages 80+ - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Ages 80+ - 84 Mile Challenge | 100.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| ULTRA | 126.0 mi | $120.00 | Register |
| Junior 9 to 14 Non-UCI Time Trial | — | $20.00 | Register |
| Junior 15 to 18 Non-UCI Time Trial | — | $20.00 | Register |
| Male Eddy Merckx Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| Female Eddy Merckx Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 19 to 34 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 19 to 34 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 35 to 39 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 35 to 39 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 40 to 44 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 40 to 44 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 45 to 49 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 45 to 49 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 50 to 54 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 50 to 54 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 55 to 59 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 55 to 59 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 60 to 64 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 60 to 64 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 65 to 69 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 65 to 69 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 70 to 74 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 70 to 74 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 75 to 79 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 75 to 79 Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Male Age 80+ Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| Handcycle Category - Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
| UCI Female Age 80+ Time Trial | — | $40.00 | Register |
How much does Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo cost?
Registration for Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo starts at $100.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo held?
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo is held in Jacksonville, AL at 775 Park Ave NW.
About Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo
The Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo is a ride for all cyclists, no matter your experience level in the sport. This ride has a bit of everything from the ULTRA course that features 126 miles of the toughest terrain around, down to the traditional 100, 84, 62, 44 and 24 mile routes on the Challenge course and the 50,25 and 12 mile options for the Chief Ladiga Cruise. Some of those distances offer the chance to ride up Mount Cheaha, the highest point in the state of Alabama.
The ride started as a recreational ride that riders would participate in with the goal of racing the course to get a fast time, while others would start with the singular goal of simply finishing. The ride still offers those opportunities to this day, but they are a bit more defined than it was in 1993. There is a competitive aspect to the ride with both the UCI Gran Fondo World Series and Gran Fondo National Series affiliations to qualify for the UCI World Championships and USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships respectively, as well as the Time Trial held the day before the Gran Fondo for those looking to race and ride as fast as they can. For riders looking for a tough ride to challenge themselves to complete, but maybe not as concerned about time goals, then you can find it here. We are blessed with hundreds of riders who participate with the goal of finishing and having a great time among the various distances. We also have options for new cyclists, or those who just like easier social rides, such as the Chief Ladiga Cruise and the shorter distances of the Cheaha Challenge route. When it is all done, we gather around at the finish area and have great post-ride meal to tell stories of how the ride went and connect with other riders from all over the US, and the World.
The Cheaha Challenge is now in it's 32nd year, where it has grown from the humble roots from that first edition to become the largest annual cycling event in Alabama, and one of the largest in the United States. We are excited to continue the tradition in 2026 and we look forward to seeing you on the start line!
Saturday, May 16, 2026: Eubanks Welcome Center, Piedmont, AL
Time Trial will be held on the freshly paved Chief Ladiga Trail!
Sunday, May 17, 2026: Pete Mathews Coliseum, Jacksonville, AL
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo & ULTRA (with distances of 24, 44, 62, 84, 100 and 126 miles).
The Chief Ladiga Cruise ride on the paved rails-to-trail (with distances of 12, 25, and 50 miles)
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo - What's Included
- Pre-Ride Party – Enjoy a phenomenal meal by local favorite – Effina’s – on Saturday evening. Discounted price of $15/head for all.
- Pre-ride breakfast at JSU – Free to all: riders, family, friends, vendors, volunteers, sponsors.
- Pre-ride devotion - By Dunaway Conner, inside Pete Mathews Coliseum (7:00 am).
- Post-ride party – Buffet by Cooter’s Rib Shack and entertainment. Free for all riders. Discounted price $15 head for non-riders.
- Fully stocked Rest Stops - Depending on the distance chosen, Challenge and ULTRA riders have access up to 12 Rest Stops (The Chief Ladiga Cruise has 5 Rest Stops.)
- Law enforcement support
- Medical support on courses and at Start/Finish by JSU’s College of Nursing Trailer, with support from Highland Health Systems.
- SAG and technical support.
- On-course communication.
- Official custom number bibs.
- Professional Timing – TopView Sports. Chip time – start to finish.
Option to order custom event jerseys, bibs, and shorts by Mumu Apparel. - Custom ride T-shirts.
- Bragging rights for ULTRA Finishers ONLY, and ULTRA Finishers receive a custom Finisher Shirt (Non-Finishers will receive the ashes of their burned shirts). ULTRA Finishers have the option to order the custom ULTRA FINISHER jersey.
- Finisher medals
- Massage Therapy On-Site
- BIKEXPO – At Pete Mathews Coliseum Saturday and Sunday.
- HOT SHOWERS AT THE FINISH!
A Top 10 Event in the State of Alabama as selected by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel in 2006, 2010, and 2012.
Accommodations
Bike Expo
2026 BIKE EXPO VENDORS AND INFO
Please plan to visit the vendors at our BIKEXPO – all day on
Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Pete Mathews Coliseum.
The Cheaha Challenge BIKEXPO will showcase a diverse range of cycling merchandise and services from leading industry brands. This helps to provide the ultimate exposure for you to promote your merchandise or services. The Cheaha Challenge BIKEXPO takes place in Jacksonville, AL at the Pete Mathews Coliseum. Over 1500 riders, plus friends and family, will attend the Cheaha Challenge weekend of events on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026. We are thrilled and honored to once again qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo and TT World Championships, as well as the Gran Fondo National Series.
EXPO DATES, TIME AND LOCATION
Friday, May 15, 2026 Vendor CHECK-IN and SET-UP 4:00PM-7:00PM
Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 8:00am to 8:00pm (Vendor CHECK-IN & SET-UP at 7am)
Sunday, May 17, 2026 5:30am – 7pm
Pete Mathews Coliseum – 775 Park Ave. NW, Jacksonville, AL
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR RIDERS
Saturday, May 16, 2026
7:00 am - Start of Time Trial in Piedmont, AL (Finishes at Pete Mathews Coliseum)
Chief Ladiga Trail closed 6 am to 11 am
Packet Pickup / RegistraCon 8 am – 8 pm
Pre-Ride Dinner Party – 5 pm – 8 pm
Sunday, May 17, 2026
5:30 am – Free Breakfast for all
7:30 am – Cheaha Challenge/ULTRA start
8 am – Chief Ladiga Cruise start
Post-Ride Party – 11 am – 7 pm
EXHIBIT SPACE
- Vendors will have the option to setup inside Pete Mathews Coliseum near registration/packet pickup. Indoor spaces are limited, and each will accommodate an 8’ table (must provide own table). Foot traffic is very low on Sunday after the start, but riders do enter the Coliseum to use the restrooms and showers.
- Vendors can choose to setup both days inside, both days outside, or one day in each location (I recommend Saturday inside for packet pickup and Sunday outside to be near post-ride party).
- Exhibitor must provide their own table, chairs, pop-up tents, etc. Please note that the outdoor EXPO area is located in the parking lot of Pete Mathew’s Coliseum, near our main event tent. The paved surface will not allow tents to be staked down. We recommend bringing sand bags or concrete weights to secure your tent.
- Our event venue is adjacent to the Chief Ladiga Trail, a local Rails to Trails multi-use path that connects to the Silver Comet trail at the Alabama/Georgia border. If applicable to your product, this may afford an opportunity for attendees to DEMO your product.
COST - Registration Due by April 23rd - $20.00 for outdoor 10'x10' space/ 8' table indoor space or $30.00 for outdoor 10’x20’space
FOOD
Saturday - Pre-ride Dinner Buffet ($10/head)
Sunday - Pre-ride Breakfast (Free to all!), Post Ride Lunch Buffet ($10/head)
Have questions? Contact Drew Nelson, Expo Director at: ccgfvendors@neaba.net and we will send you the details for sign-up
CCGF Ride Ambassador Program
2025 Ambassador Application
Thank you for your interest in our ambassador program! Answer the questions below for our team to review to pick our ambassadors for 2025.
What you can expect to receive:
- One free entry into the 2025 event for yourself
- One free 2025 event kit
- Free pre-ride meal voucher
- Perks and large discounts on cycling gear and nutrition from several companies within the industry
- Unique discount code and one free entry to give away through a contest
What is required of you:
- Attend the 2025 Cheaha Challenge and participate in it
- Avoid making controversial or derogatory posts and comments on social media
- Provide updates and share your progress with others as you prepare for the Cheaha Challenge
- Lead or host group rides, either in-person or virtual that help further outreach efforts
The application window is open from August 19th through September 8th. We will review applications upon closing and announce the winners by Friday, September 13th.
Cheaha Challenge History
History of the Cheaha Challenge
The Cheaha challenge was the brainchild of Mike Vickers past president of the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Club, now the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association.
Mike had a vision of the bike club holding a ride from Piedmont down Highway 9 up the scenic drive over Cheaha Mountain to Adam's Gap and back.
My first response when Mike told me about his grand idea was: "Who in the world would want to do that?"
We were cycling together down Highway 9 early one spring morning in 1990 when I first heard his idea.
He explained to me that he wanted to establish a challenging bicycle ride up Cheaha Mountain. When he finished his description, I thought it was a rather wild idea to say the least. To ride from Piedmont, down HWY 9 (I could understand this - this area was made for cycling - long, gentle slopes, beautiful views.), up the Scenic Parkway - all the way - to the top of Cheaha Mountain. Then, down to Adam's Gap. Then, turn around and go back. 102 miles. 8 major climbs in each direction. Over 7,000 feet of elevation gain.
But, Mike Vickers convinced me that people would want to do it.
After all, the little town of Wichita Falls, Texas had a ride called "The Hotter n' Hell Hundred," a hundred mile century ride through north Texas. What's in Wichita Falls, really? Why would people want to drive or fly all the way out there to ride 100 miles on a bicycle? In August. Well, apparently it was fun, it was challenging and everybody was doing it. This ride is now capped at 10,000 riders.
So, Mike convinced me that "if we did it" - if we established this ride to the top of the highest point in our state on a scenic drive along the world's oldest mountain chain - that people would come and ride it. We did, and, they have, ever since spring of 1993.
The Cheaha Challenge is now the largest century ride in the State of Alabama and is part of the reason our area is becoming such a destination for cyclists. First, nature blessed us with the highest mountain in Alabama, and some of the most beautiful valleys (our Alexandria and Choccolocco Valleys) and with forested mountain bike trails. We have the state's first rail-trail in our Chief Ladiga Trail. So, there are many reasons to grab your bike and come to our area.
A multitude of volunteers and sponsors have made the Cheaha Challenge ride special - it is undoubtedly one of the best-supported century rides anywhere. From the registration people to the safety folks to the smiling faces at all the different rest stops - we welcome our local cyclists and those from afar - California, France and other places. There's the friendly folks in this section of Alabama. There's all the Public Safety groups along the route - out to help if needed and to cheer on the cyclists. Then, there's the crazy rest stops - one year there was one with a Tour de France theme complete with the famous Tour devil, a small Eiffel Tower and even two pretty podium girls. And, then, there are the views along Skyline Drive as it leads to the top of Alabama.
Mike Vickers was right. The Cheaha Challenge is worth a drive.
Recorded by Barry Nicholls, 2014
Why We Do It
Mark Wiltshire, M.D. was a local family practice physician and president of the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Club for several years. Mark was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in March of 1997 and he died in October later that year.
Dr. Wiltshire was passionate about cycling; frequently leading local road and mountain bike rides. Year after year he was very involved in organizing the Cheaha Challenge which started in 1993 - even after his diagnosis in 1997.
Mark was a big supporter of the Chief Ladiga Trail - a local Rails-to-Trails project. At the time of Mark's death, only a few broken miles of trail existed in Alabama - mainly in Piedmont. Thanks to the cooperation of the cities of Anniston, Weaver, Jacksonville, and Piedmont, and support from the Calhoun County Commission, the Cleburne County Commission, Jacksonville State University, the Chief Ladiga Rail Trail Board, and many local concerned citizens, the Chief Ladiga Trail is now complete from Anniston to the Georgia state line where it connects to Georgia's Silver Comet Trail, creating a paved greenway from Anniston to Smyrna, Georgia - a distance of approximately 100 miles. It is the longest continuous paved rail trail in the U.S.! Mark would be proud and excited about the trails continued development.
The organizers of the Cheaha Challenge work hard each year to host the ride in a fashion that would be pleasing to Mark. We also donate a portion of the ride proceeds to the Chief Ladiga Trail in his honor. Since 1998, we have donated over $22,000 to the Trail. Thank you for participating in our event so that we can continue to support this wonderful rail trail project.
Recorded by Barry Nicholls, 2014
Chief Ladiga Cruise Info
The 10th Annual Cruise ride offers distances of 12, 25 or 50 miles on the Chief Ladiga rails-to-trail. There will be rest stops along the course, which is entirely on the paved bike path through Alabama's countryside, with Dugger Mountain as the backdrop. The Cruise ride is geared for new riders, those getting back into cycling, Boy Scouts seeking the 50-Miler Bike patch, or anyone looking for a slightly less challenging ride than the Challenge. For more information, please refer to the links below.
You must stick to the approved route or you will be disqualified. For example, traveling past Rest Stop 3 at the state line will result in a disqualification.
Cycling Awareness Campaign
The Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association (NEABA) is honored to present the Cycling Awareness Campaign: “See me. I’m a cyclist.”
After the 2021 death of Ben Szostak, a friend and fellow cyclist who was hit by a vehicle on Highway 77 near Lincoln, AL while on a training ride, his family designated NEABA as a recipient of memorial funds in his name. NEABA was humbled at their generosity and voted to honor Ben’s memory by utilizing 100% of those funds to create this campaign.
The striking digital campaign will be spread across social media (Please share!), and the eye-catching print posters have been delivered to all Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver’s License Offices (76 locations) for display to direct drivers to think of cyclists as people they could know – parents, business owners, friends, etc. and to train drivers to take notice of cyclists on the road. Posters will be delivered to any bike shop, business, bike club, etc. in Alabama that would like to display them.
In spring of 2023, billboards will go up in several locations on I-20 and Hwy 21, imploring drivers to see cyclists. And we are lobbying for a deeper emphasis on cycling awareness in the driver’s license curriculum, with the intent of educating drivers that bicycles are vehicles and cyclists have the same rights to the road as they do, and how to lawfully encounter and pass cyclists by giving them three feet of clearance.
NEABA thanks the Szostak family for making this campaign possible (Jillene Szostak), Bike Law Alabama for sponsoring the billboard campaign (Danny Feldman), The Anniston Star for their gift of a photographer (Bill Wilson), ALEA for their support (Lain Hawk, Driver License Examiner lll and Chief Jon Archer), and to Candace Taylor for the art. Thanks to NEABA, too, for fully backing this campaign.
The wonderful models in these ads? These are actual cyclists living in or around our area. If you cycle near Anniston or Birmingham, you will recognize them. Not one turned me down, and I truly appreciate them giving of their time and efforts to bring this campaign to fruition: Mike Poe, Demetrious White, Jessica & Tim Johnson, Lucy Vandervoort Morris & daughters, and Dunaway Conner. Y’all rock!
Want to donate to this campaign to extend the reach? Or want some posters? Message us at cheahachallenge@neaba.net or donate through the donation page found here.
See me. I’m a cyclist.
Directions to Ride Venue
DIRECTIONS FROM BIRMINGHAM, ALA., TO JACKSONVILLE
Take I-20 East towards Atlanta
Take the Hwy 21 North exit (No. 185) in Anniston/Oxford
Turn left onto Hwy 21 North towards Jacksonville
Drive 14 miles until you enter the city limits of Jacksonville
After you drive around the Jacksonville town square, go to the fifth red light and turn left onto Hwy 204 – Rudy Abbott Highway
Proceed one mile on Rudy Abbott Highway
Pete Mathews Coliseum is on the left
DIRECTIONS FROM ATLANTA, GA. TO JACKSONVILLE
Take I-20 West towards Birmingham
Take the Hwy 21 North exit (No. 185) at Anniston/Oxford
Turn right onto Hwy 21 North towards Jacksonville
Drive 14 miles until you enter the city limits of Jacksonville
After you drive around the Jacksonville town square, go to the fifth red light and turn left onto Hwy 204 – Rudy Abbott Highway
Proceed one mile on Rudy Abbott Highway
Pete Mathews Coliseum is on the left
DIRECTIONS FROM CHATTANOOGA, TENN., TO JACKSONVILLE
Take I-59 South towards Birmingham
Take the US 431 South Exit (No. 183) at Attalla/Gadsden
Turn left onto US 431 South towards Anniston
Proceed through Gadsden and stay on US 431 for 18 miles
Turn left on Hwy. 204 (Rudy Abbott Highway)
Proceed on Hwy. 204 for 12 miles
Pete Mathews Coliseum is on the left
DIRECTIONS FROM CULLMAN, ALA., TO JACKSONVILLE
Take US 278 East towards Gadsden
Turn right on US 431 South when US 278 dead ends (approximately 50 miles) towards Anniston
Proceed through Gadsden and stay on US 431 for 18 miles
Turn left on Hwy. 204 (Rudy Abbott Highway)
Proceed on Hwy. 204 for 12 miles
Pete Mathews Coliseum is on the left
DIRECTIONS FROM HUNTSVILLE, ALA., TO JACKSONVILLE
Take US 431 South (Governors Lane) out of Huntsville towards Gadsden
Proceed through Gadsden and stay on US 431 for 18 miles
Turn left on Hwy. 204 (Rudy Abbott Highway)
Proceed on Hwy. 204 for 12 miles
Pete Mathews Coliseum is on the left
Event Trip Planning and Special Events
Visit Calhoun County
As you make plans for your trip, utilize the resources that Visit Calhoun County has to offer. They have you covered on finding information about restaurants, attractions and events that will make your stay a great experience.
Fair on the Square
We are excited to see the Fair on the Square return in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, May 20th! There will be food, vendors, kids activities and much more, so make plans to attend after you swing by and grab your ride packet and get your pre-ride in.
FAQ's
GENERAL:
1. What are the rules to qualify for the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championship in Aalborg, Denmark
Riders who finish in the top 25% of their age group at this ride will qualify for the World Championships. You can view more on the qualifying page.
2. What accommodations are available in the Jacksonville, AL area?
Details are coming soon on the accommodations page.
3. What is included in the registration fee?
Details are on our Race Info Page.
4. What is the weekend event schedule?
Details are on our Event Schedule Page.
5. Where is packet pickup and registration?
Packet pickup for TT riders will be at Pete Matthews Coliseum for TT riders on Friday, May 17th from 5-8. Packet pickup will be open at the start area for the TT on May 18th starting at 6 AM.
Packet pickup for all riders for Sunday's events will be at Pete Matthews starting at 8 AM on Saturday until 8 PM. Pickup will open up at 5:30 on Sunday morning at Pete Matthews until 7:30 for all Challenge and ULTRA riders, and 8 AM for all Cruise riders.
6. We want to create a Team? What are the rules?
Details are on our Ride Rules Page.
7. There is $3,250 in cash prizes and other Awards this year? Where do I find that info?
Details are on our Awards Page.
8. May I buy a t-shirt?
Maybe. Please go to the NEABA booth after the ride starts. Any of this year’s leftover shirts will be for sale. We also have previous years’ shirts/jerseys for sale, too.
9. How do I buy an event jersey/bibs/shorts? How do I buy an ULTRA Finisher jersey/bibs/shorts?
We have a limited quantity of this year’s jerseys for sale for $95, and previous year’s jerseys for lower prices, for sale at the NEABA booth. Our merchandise store will open for post-event orders on May 20, 2024. Both event kits and ULTRA Finisher kits will be on sale for three weeks after the ride.
10. May I exchange my jersey/shirt for a different size?
Yes, as long as we have inventory.
11. You ran out of my size shirt. Can you order another one for me?
If we can’t substitute a size that is agreeable with you, we will order a shirt for you, but there will be a $5 mailing charge. Please fill out the appropriate form at the NEABA booth.
12. May I pick up someone else’s packet/jersey?
Yes, unless it's for the century route - the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship Qualifier. Century riders must be present and show their I.D.
13. Where can I get a map? A cue sheet?
There are Challenge/ULTRA/Cruise maps and cue sheets on the registration tables at packet pickup. Also you can print and download. We will also have all official routes downloadable for GPS units and phone apps to have with you during the ride for turn by turn navigation.
14. Do I have to wear my bib number?
Yes. You will be disqualified if you do not.
15. Can I switch my distance before the ride?
Yes, for every distance EXCEPT the ULTRA. Once you register for the ULTRA, you will not be allowed to switch to another distance category before the start on May 21, 2023; however, if you decide halfway through riding the ULTRA you would prefer to do the century ride (or less), you can switch your category after you finish by going to the Timing Trailer. This will change your distance for the official results.
16. What if I don’t end up actually riding the distance I signed up for? What do I do?
Please let the timing people at the finish line know, so they can switch your distance.
RIDE DETAILS:
1. Where is registration? Where is packet pickup? Where is the NEABA booth?
Inside Pete Mathews Coliseum, in the lobby, and the NEABA booth will relocate to the main tent after the ride starts.
2. Where are the bathrooms? Porto-potties? Showers?
Bathrooms – Portopotties are located outside near the start/finish chute. Bathrooms and showers are located inside Pete Mathews Coliseum.
3. Where is the pre-ride party this year?
The pre-ride party is held at the main tent at Pete Mathews Coliseum on Saturday, May 20th from 5 – 8 p.m. Buffet is catered by Effina’s of Jacksonville/Anniston. There will be vegetarian and gluten-free options. Cost for riders and non-riders is $15/each.
4. Where is the START/FINISH?
The Start/Finish is located at the main entrance (northside) of Pete Mathews Coliseum, 775 Park Ave NW, Jacksonville, AL. There are huge towers and banner marking the Start/Finish.
5. What time is the start of the Challenge/ULTRA?
7:30 a.m.
6. What time is the start of the Cruise?
8 a.m.
7. Do riders have to line up a certain way?
Yes. Line Up Instructions To Be Announced.
8. What time/where is breakfast?
Breakfast is from 5:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. under the main tent, the great big white one, on the northside of Pete Mathews Coliseum. Included in your event fee. Free for all!
9. What time/where is the post-ride party?
Lunch/Dinner is served buffet-style from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., catered by Cooter’s Rib Shack. Cost is free for riders, $10/each for non-riders. Vendors can purchase meal tickets when they register. Volunteers eat free.
10. Can non-riders eat lunch/dinner?
Yes, for a $15 fee.
11. Can Volunteers eat the buffet on Sunday?
Yes!
12. Where/when is the pre-ride devotional service?
The brief pre-ride prayer service is at 7 a.m. inside Pete Mathews Coliseum.
13. Are there any cutoffs?
Yes, there are three cutoffs on our routes.
12 noon (Miles 42.9) - There is a cutoff for Century/ULTRA riders at Cheaha State Park (Rest Stop #4). Riders will not be allowed to go on to Adam’s Gap (Rest Stop #5) past 12 noon. Riders will be directed to leave Rest Stop #4 and head back to Jacksonville.
1:00 p.m. (Mile 55.4) - For ULTRA riders, they will not be allowed to turn from 281 onto Cheaha Road after 1 p.m.
4 p.m. (Mile 96.9) – For ULTRA riders, they will not be allowed to turn from Hwy 9 onto Choccolocco Road after 4 p.m.
14. Where do I pick up my UCI medal? Where do I pick up my event medal?
The UCI medals will be at the awards table next to the podiums. The event medals will be at the awards table by the podiums.
15. What are the Time Trial Details?
Start: Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.. All details and course info will be posted in November 2023.
Finish: Pete Mathews Coliseum, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL (Same venue as the Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo & ULTRA, and Chief Ladiga Cruise)
For more information, check out the Time Trial Page.
16. Where is Lost & Found
Lost & Found will be located at the NEABA booth.
GPS Route Maps/Route Info
All route maps are current for 2026. Each link offers a downloadable route for GPS computers to use during the ride. Riders opting for the 82, 96.5, and ULTRA options will not enter the state park, as they have in years past. The 82-mile riders will turn around at the top of Mount Cheaha on Hwy 281, while the 96.5 and ULTRA riders will ride straight over the top and down to Adams Gap. We had to make this change due to the road conditions in the park, which were affected by the construction of the new hotel.
Downloadable GPS Maps
Time Trial - Course Map and Elevation Profile
Cheaha Challenge (Cruise Ride, 24, 44, 62, 82 and 96.5 mile and ULTRA) - Course Maps and Elevation Profile
Gran Fondo National Series Information
The Cheaha Challenge is an official 2026 Sena Gran Fondo National Series event. This includes an opportunity for riders who participate in the Cheaha Challenge to earn Series Points and qualify for the 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship. Scoring for Gran Fondo National Series points at Cheaha Challenge will be determined by adding each rider’s overall Start-to-Finish time with their segment times. Age groups for scoring will be matched to Gran Fondo National Series age groups and may not follow the same primary age groupings used at Cheaha Challenge.
Specificity calculation for GFNS Gran, Medio, and Piccolo placement and points will be calculated in the following way:
Gran Route = Cheaha Century Route (Start-to-Finish time) + (3 Mile Climb segment time) + (Adam’s Gap segment time) = (competitive time for GFNS Gran Route placement and points)
Medio Route = Cheaha 84mi Route (Start-to-Finish time) + (3 Mile Climb segment time) = (competitive time for GFNS Medio Route placement and points)
Piccolo Route = Cheaha 62mi Route (Start-to-Finish time) = (competitive time for GFNS Piccolo Route placement and points)
Individual/Team Awards Info
Century/ULTRA Awards for 2026
Can you say, "THREE KOM/QOM Segments?"
$3,250 In Prize Money!
Individual Awards & Categories
Time Trial - Time Trial participants will compete for the following:
- Overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place - men and women - Custom awards presented (Note: UCI doesn't award overall winner designations).
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in each age group - men and women receive UCI medals. In addition, 1st Place in each age group receives a UCI Jersey.
- See Age Groups Below (Note: UCI doesn't recognize 18 and younger.)
KOM/QOM Competitions - Winners are eligible to receive awards for Overall or Age Group Awards. A cyclist can win all KOM/QOM competitions:
- 3 Mile Climb
- Lake Chinnabee to the Top
- Chimney Peak
Overall M/F, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place = total of 6 awards per KOM/QOM (Total of 18 awards)
1st Place: $100
2nd Place: $75
3rd Place: $50
TOTAL OF $1,350
Challenge Century Overall Fastest Time – Winners are eligible to win KOM/QOM (3 Mile Climb), and will be eligible for UCI Age Group awards as well.
Overall Fastest Cumulative Time, not first three riders across the line.
Male/Female, 1st, 2nd, 3rd = total of 6 awards
Besides check, each of the Male and Female top three times will receive a custom award.
1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $75
3rd Place: $50
TOTAL OF $550
Challenge Century Age Group – No cash prizes for age group awards, just awards. Overall winners of the Century ride are eligible to win Age Group awards and KOM/QOM. Age group winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd/male and female) will receive a UCI medal. Also, 1st Place age group winners (male and female) will receive a UCI jersey. Note: Age is determined by age on December 31 of the year, and Age Group Categories are set by UCI. Top 20% of each age group will receive a UCI medal. Riders must come to the Awards Tent to claim.
M/F, 1st, 2nd, 3rd = total of 60 awards, no cash card, just awards
0-18** 50-54 75-79
19-34 55-59 80+
35-39 60-64
40-44 65-70
45-49 70-74
**Not an UCI age group, so ineligible for UCI World Championship. But will receive CCGF award.
ULTRA Overall – Overall winners of the ULTRA are eligible to win all KOM/QOM Competitions – 3 Mile Climb, Lake Chinnabee to the Top, and Chimney Peak. Note: There will be no Age Group Awards for the ULTRA.
Overall M/F, 1st, 2nd, 3rd = total of 6 awards:
1st Place: $200
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $75
TOTAL OF $750
Team Awards & Categories
Quantity – A Team is comprised of all members registering under the team name, no matter which distance they choose to ride (Cruise – ULTRA). The award is based solely on the number of riders on each team. Team with most number of riders wins! Winners receive a check to the cycling initiative non-profit of their choice.
1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $200
3rd Place: $100
TOTAL OF $600
Mark Wiltshire Cheaha Challenge Spirit of a Champion Award (Inception 2016)
This award is in honor of Mark Wiltshire, M. D., a local family practice physician who served as president of the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association and was one of the originators of the Cheaha Challenge Century ride in 1993. Wiltshire was a passionate cyclist, both road and mountain bike, and a staunch supporter of the Chief Ladiga Trail before his death in 1997 after a short battle with cancer.
The Spirit of a Champion Award embodies Wiltshire’s attributes, and is a way to recognize a cyclist who inspires us by cycling despite physical limitations or illness.
2016 Winner – Bill Rogers
For 2016, the Cheaha Challenge Spirit of a Champion award committee awarded Bill Rogers, Wells Fargo Advisor Regional Director, for his passion for cycling and commitment to supporting the Cheaha Challenge ride so others can enjoy the sport of cycling.
2017 Winner - Brian Smith
For 2017, the Cheaha Challenge Spirit of a Champion award committee awarded Brian Smith of Tuscaloosa for his inspiring dedication to the sport despite physical limitations.
2018 Winner - Wayne Spooner
For 2018, the Cheaha Challenge Spirit of a Champion award committee awarded Wayne Spooner of Trussville for his dedication to the sport of cycling, particularly by facilitating training and organized rides in our state. Despite battling cancer, Wayne continues to be an inspiration to all who know him.
2019 Winner - Jeff Brooks
For 2019, the Cheaha Challenge Spirit of a Champion award committee chose Jeff Brooks from Anniston for his commitment to the sport of cycling and for his ability to comeback after serious accidents involving a dog, an armadillo, and a pickup truck. Jeff is an inspiration to the local cycling community.
2020 - Event was canceled due to pandemic.
2021 Winner Tracy Draper
For 2021, the Cheaha Challenge Spirit of a Champion award committee chose Tracy Draper from Eustis, FL for her passion for cycling and commitment to help others in the sport. Despite coming back from serious health and emotional issues, Tracy's infectious enthusiasm for life is evidenced by her personal mantra, so simple and profound -- "LIVE IT!"
2022 Winner - Brian Toone
In 2022, Brian Toone was one of the first individuals that came to mind when discussing what this award represented. Brian suffered serious injuries several years ago when he was hit by a car while riding. In Brian's typical fashion, nothing was going to keep him from coming back and achieving new heights on the bike. He has completed RAAM twice since this accident, and holds the distinction of being the first American finisher, and 4th overall finisher in the 2017 RAAM!
2023 Winner - Travis Sherman
The 2023 award recipient is no stranger to adversity. Travis had to overcome serious injuries sustained in a crash several years ago at the US 100K Classic in Atlanta, GA. Travis did overcome these injuries despite the adversity of having to start back and rebuild what was lost in this crash. Travis has continued racing, but does so in a variety of events that interest him. Most recently, he competed in the IM 70.3 Chattanooga, and we look forward to seeing him back on the roads of the Challenge in the future.
Past Results
Rest Stop Locations
2025 Rest Stop Locations
ULTRA
Some tweaks coming due to sinkhole opening on Cheaha Rd requiring a re-route.
Century Ride
- Rest Stop 1 - 11.9 miles in and again at 84.3 miles in
- Rest Stop 2 - 21.6 miles in and again at 74.5 miles in
- Rest Stop 3 - 30.5 miles in and again at 65.6 miles in
- Rest Stop 4 - 40.6 miles in and again at 55.5 miles in
- Rest Stop 5 - 48.1 miles in
82 mile option
- Rest Stop 1 - 11.9 miles in and again at 70.3 miles in
- Rest Stop 2 - 21.6 miles in and again at 60.6 miles in
- Rest Stop 3 - 30.5 miles in and again at 51.6 miles in
- Rest Stop 4 - 40.6 miles in
62 mile option
- Rest Stop 1 - 11.9 miles in and again at 49.3 miles in
- Rest Stop 2 - 21.6 miles in and again at 39.5 miles in
- Rest Stop 3 - 30.5 miles in
44 mile option
- Rest Stop 1 - 11.9 miles in and again at 31.3 miles in
- Rest Stop 2 - 21.6 miles in
24 mile option
- Rest Stop 1 - 11.9 miles in
Cruise Ride
Rest Stop 1 - 6 miles in and again at mile 44
Rest Stop 2 - 12.5 miles in and again at 37.5 miles in
Rest Stop 3 - 25 miles in at the AL state line
Ride Ambassadors
Clem Bell is a new Ambassador in 2023. He is no stranger to the ride, as he completed the ULTRA and TT, and he will ride the ULTRA and ride two times in the TT for two separate categories he is entered in for 2023! When he rides, you know he is going the distance each and every time.
Clem rode over 19,000 miles in 2022, earning the Most Consistent Rider award by the Southern Crescent Cycling club that he is a member of. He just recently finished first in the Selma to Montgomery Ride. His list of accomplishments continue to grow, but he is also one of the nicest people you will meet and engage with at the Cheaha Challenge. You can find him on FB, Instagram and Strava, so check him out and interact with him as he gets prepared for breaking his previous best time for the ULTRA, and make sure you get signed up for the ride through the link below so you can join him!
Tracy is a 3 time finisher of the ULTRA, and she loves the long distance events when you look at other completed events on her resume. She has completed the Triple Bypass in Colorado, the Horrible Hundred in FL, Six Gap in GA and the Ride across the USA and 24 Hours of Sebring! I can't say for sure, but she was probably still flashing her trademark smile at the end of each of these.
Tracy is about to embark on the Sea 2 Key Double Century in Florida, and will also be riding in France later this summer to tackle several iconic climbs from the TDF. She makes it all look easy, and through all of this, she even found time to start a successful ride in Florida called the Mt Dora LIVE IT Ride that takes place in March each year! Put it on your calendar for rides to attend in 2024. You can find Tracy on FB, Instagram and Strava as well. Check her out and interact with her as she continues to strive for new heights and to push for more in the sport!
Travis is a finisher of the ULTRA and Challenge (both the old course that started in Piedmont, and new course). Travis has been a part of the sport for over 20 years and has racked up an impressive resume in both races, Gran Fondo's and triathlons during that time. He has been a Cat 1 cyclist that has raced in elite races all over the US, qualified for the Gran Fondo World Championships and is a multi-time finisher of 140.6 Ironmans. There is not a lot that Travis has not completed in endurance sports.
Travis is putting in his miles for some upcoming challenges this year, and you can follow him on FB, Instagram and Strava to get tips and see how he is making gains. Check him out and see how he has become a top finisher in the ride over the years!
Seeing Kat on the top step of the podium has become a common occurrence at the Cheaha Challenge. She has been the fastest overall female multiple times, and won her age group last year against stiff competition. Kat has been used to tough competition though over the years having raced in elite races and attacking criteriums all over the US. Kat raced for the Mellow Mushroom elite team, and was a valuable teammate for Laura Van Gilder, one of the best riders the US has seen.
Kat is still pushing herself in various disciplines of cycling these days and is a successful entrepreneur with her company HighBar Nutrition. Her FastKat bars can be purchased through the website, and they are a wonderful alternative to the mass produced bars you find from other companies in the market. Find her on Strava, or through FB and Instagram to stay up to date on her latest adventures, or reach out for some nutrition advice to help you be the best you can be.
Brian is one of the most impressive cyclists we have seen participate in the Challenge and ULTRA over the years. He has completed both over the years and it seems very tame when you look at his list of accomplishments. For years, he was an elite bike racer and has had some top placings in races such as Athens Twilight and the Sunny King Criterium. He decided to start riding longer endurance events and has completed the Race Across America (R.A.A.M.) twice, finishing 4th overall and was the 1st American in 2017! Brian added the Tour Divide to his list of accomplishments in 2022.
Brian is still riding and putting in big miles in 2023, but also continues his role as a professor at Samford University. If you think you are tired, and don't feel like getting out on the bike, then follow him on Strava or follow him on FB. You will be inspired to get out and push on despite any fatigue when you see Brian somewhere in America stopping off around mile 200 of his training ride to fuel up and complete his ride.
Ride Photos
Ride Rules
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo - Ride Rules
(Rules for UCI Qualifying can be found on our UCI Qualifying Page)
HELMETS - are required at all times.
Century Rider's Cutoff and ULTRA Rider's Cutoff
Century Rider's Cutoff: For the Cheaha Challenge century riders, we are enforcing the 12 noon cut-off at the right turn to Adam's Gap leaving Cheaha State Park (past Rest Stop 4), this is 42+ miles into the ride, and we will require that you turn left coming out of the park after 12 noon and head back towards Jacksonville on your bike, thus completing the 84 mile option.
ULTRA Rider's Cutoff: For the Cheaha Challenge ULTRA distance riders, besides the 12 noon cutoff above, the ULTRA has two additional cutoffs:
1. 1:00 p.m. cutoff to turn off 281 onto Cheaha Road to start the new Chinnabee Lake section. Riders not making the 1 p.m. deadline will be directed to stay on 281 back to the Top of Alabama inside Cheaha State Park, then return to Jacksonville with the century riders.
2. 4:00 p.m. cutoff as riders turn left off Hwy 9 onto Choccolocco Road. Riders not making the 4 p.m. deadline will be directed to stay straight on Hwy 9 with the century riders.
These cutoffs are to ensure you don't miss the Post-Ride Party, and that you are off the course by dark! But more importantly these strict cutoffs are for your safety and the safety of our volunteers and emergency/law enforcement personnel.
Please abide by these cutoffs. Thank You.
SAFETY
Safety is our utmost concern, so please review this information for your safety and that of your fellow riders. The Cheaha Challenge is not a closed course - there will be vehicular traffic on the roads, with the exception of Bain's Gap and Chimney Peak on the ULTRA course. Check out Ride Director’s post concerning RULES after the 2019 event (https://www.facebook.com/cheahachallenge/posts/2362890853757872?__tn__=K-R )
Riders must show I.D. when picking up rider packets.
Helmets are required.
Be aware of other vehicles at all times.
Watch for bumpy/rough road conditions.
Be cautious around curves and on downhills.
Obey traffic laws.
Stay to the right at all times.
Heed course marshal warnings.
NO earphones, iPods, etc. are allowed.
No private SAGS are allowed on the course.
Please ride smart. Be safe. There are some dangerous sections on the course.
ULTRA course is for experienced riders only.
TYPES OF BIKES ALLOWED
We allow you to ride any bike of your choosing for our event. This includes the following types of bikes (note restrictions listed):
Road Bike
E-bike or Pedal-Assist Bike (NOT ALLOWED ON THE TIME TRIAL COURSE)
Recumbent Bike
Hand Cycle Bike
Tandem Bike
Time Trial Bike
Mountain Bike
Tri Bike
Gravel Bike
Cross Bike
Unicyle
Tricycle
RESTRICTIONS
For those riders on the equipment listed below on the Century course, per UCI rules, your times will not be eligible for qualification for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, including overall and age group awards.
E-Bike or Pedal-Assist Bike
Recumbent Bike
Hand Cycle/Bike
Tandem Bike
Time Trial Bike
Bikes With Aero Bars
And for those riders on the equipment listed below on any of the Challenge or ULTRA courses, per our rules, your times will not be eligible for overall or age group awards, KOM/QOM, Team Category based on speed, or ULTRA Finisher status.
E-Bike or Pedal-Assist Bike
Tandem Bikes
RIDER NUMBER
Your individual rider number must be attached to your back or side at all times. You must be wearing your number to access our Rest Stops. You will be disqualified and/or banned if you wear another rider’s number.
CHEATING
Cheaters beware! To keep the integrity of our ride, we go to great lengths to ensure the accuracy of our results. For this reason, we have added tracking measures and mandatory check-ins on the course.
TRACKING: There will be timing mats at the following points: Start, 3+ Mile Climb Start, 3+ Mile Climb Finish/Rest Stop 4 (crossed two times - going out to Adam's Gap and coming back from Adam's Gap), Chinnabee, Chimney Peak, and the Finish.
MANDATORY CHECK-IN: Volunteers will record cyclist's bib numbers at the following Rest Stops: Adam's Gap/RS5, Chinnabee, MDA Office/RS6, and Chimney Peak/RS7
Anyone found guilty of fraudulent results will be disqualified (DQ'd) and banned from the event in the future.
SPECTATORS: Don't Get Your Rider DQ'd!
For the 44, 62, 84, 100 and ULTRA – no spectators are allowed on the course. For the safety of our riders, volunteers, and support crews, we do not want any other vehicles on the course. Riders are not allowed to have outside support during the ride, as we have already arranged for support. DO NOT plan to meet your rider on the course.
Spectators are allowed at pre-authorized areas – Start, Finish, MDA Office parking area (ULTRA course), and via our official Transport.
Chief Ladiga Cruise: Spectators are welcomed and encouraged to follow their riders by stopping at road crossings along the Chief Ladiga Trail, and at the Eubanks Welcome Center in Piedmont.
COURTESY
Remember, we are all visitors on these roads. Be respectful and stash your trash. Any rider caught littering will be disqualified from the event. There are plentiful Rest Stops along the routes, and they will be happy to take your trash. NOTE: This includes water bottles. Leave water bottles ONLY at designated REST STOPS on the course. Otherwise, we will be fined by the Forest Service.
Also, Share the Road applies to both vehicles and bikes. Be courteous and careful when cars are on the routes. Please review these common mistakes:
No switchbacking - Do not zig-zag when encountering steep climbs. Going into the other lane of on-coming traffic, in order to minimize the pain of the climb, is very dangerous for obvious reasons.
No packs - Please ride single file close to the shoulder of the right lane when possible, especially on climbs that are not closed to traffic. Cars not associated with the event will not expect riders to be on the road. Be aware that cars may pass riders, not expecting there to be other riders approaching them in the other lane.
No trash - If you throw trash on the course anywhere but at designated Rest Stops, you will be disqualified.
Challenge/ULTRA Distance Option Changes
Once registered, cyclists can switch any distance option except for the ULTRA distance. Once you have signed up for the ULTRA, you can switch the distance achieved at the finish line – only. In other words, if you sign up for the ULTRA, and you decide mid-ride to do the century, you can switch your distance at the finish with the timing company, not before the ride. You will get credit for the century ride and will be listed in the final results as having completed the century. (Why? Because we want the ULTRA riders to commit to the challenge of the ULTRA when they register. It’s all in the training! So be sure you want to commit before you register.)
Age Policy
Your age for our event is determined by your age on December 31st of the year of the event.
For the UCI Qualifiers, the UCI doesn’t recognize riders 18 or younger, so these riders will not receive an official UCI Medal at the Awards Ceremony.
The Century and ULTRA are for riders 16 years old or older. If a 15 year old or younger wants to register for the Century or ULTRA, registration must be cleared and approved through the Race Director, Stuart Lamp: cheahachallenge@neaba.net.
Early Starts / Wave Start
Early Starts – Cyclists will not be allowed to start ahead of their assigned waves.
Wave Start – Cyclists must start in their assigned waves or risk being DQ’d.
7:30 AM - Century (Racing Group) - 0-44 Age Groups
7:33 AM - Century (Racing Group) - 45-54 Age Groups
7:36 AM - Century (Racing Group) - 55-70+ Age Groups
7:39 AM - ULTRA Riders
7:42 AM - Century (Non-Racing), 84, 62, 44 and 24 milers
8:00 AM - Cruise Riders
QUALIFYING FOR THE UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Please visit our UCI Qualifying Page for specific details
Refunds: No refunds. No deferrals. No transfers.
Challenge/ULTRA Distance Option Changes: Once registered, cyclists can switch any distance option except for the ULTRA distance. Once you have signed up for the ULTRA, you can switch the distance achieved at the finish line – only. In other words, if you sign up for the ULTRA, and you decide mid-ride to do the century, you can switch your distance at the finish with the timing company, not before the ride. You will get credit for the century ride and will be listed in the final results as having completed the century. (Why? Because we want the ULTRA riders to commit to the challenge of the ULTRA when they register. It’s all in the training! So be sure you want to commit before you register.)
Schedule of Events
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo - Schedule of Events
We offer Online Registration ONLY until online registration closes on Friday, May 15 at 12:00 p.m. Walk-up paper registrations will be accepted Saturday, May 16th pre-ride at ride venue, Pete Mathews Coliseum, Jacksonville, AL. NOTE: Time Trial registration is online only. There will be no day-of registration.
Friday, May 15, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Number Pick up for Time Trial Racers Only at JSU Pet Mathews Coliseum
Saturday, May 16, 2026
6:00 a.m. - Check-In for Time Trial at Eubanks Welcome Center. Bring your ID.
7:00 a.m. - Time Trial Start - Schedule to be announced after online close on Friday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m.
TBA - Time Trial Awards - 30 minutes after last rider crosses the finish
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Packet Pickup/Registration inside Pete Mathews Coliseum. BIKEXPO outside Pete Mathews – Vendors are open all day.
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Pre-Ride Party under the main tent at Pete Mathews! Local favorite, Effina’s, will supply a fantastic pasta bar with multiple choices of pastas, sauces, protein, and veggies (Vegetarian and Gluten-free options are included!), as well as a salad, and dessert. Dinner Buffet is a discounted price of $15 for ALL - riders and non-riders. Buy your tickets when you register, at the registration link, or at the door.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
5:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. - Packet Pickup/Registration inside Pete Mathews Coliseum (Registration for the Cruise will be open until 7:45 a.m.). Pre-Ride Breakfast under the main tent. Free for everyone!
7:00 a.m. - Devotional: The morning devotional will be inside Pete Mathews in the bleachers of the Coliseum. Devotional given by Dunaway Connor.
7:30 a.m. - Cheaha Challenge and ULTRA Wave Starts.
Wave Schedules:
7:30 AM - Century (Racing Group) - 0-44 Age Groups
7:35 AM - Century (Racing Group) - 45-54 Age Groups
7:40 AM - Century (Racing Group) - 55-70+ Age Groups
7:42 AM - ULTRA Riders
7:42 AM - Century (Non-Racing), 84, 62, 44 and 24 milers
8:00 a.m. - Chief Ladiga Cruise Start
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m - Post-Ride Party! Post-Ride Buffet is FREE for all registered riders as it is included in your registration fee. Do not purchase a ticket for yourself if you’re a registered rider, but do purchase for your guests at $15 for non-riders. Buffet is catered by Cooter’s, and will include barbeque, salad, veggies, vegetarian and gluten-free options, bread and dessert. Note: Cost is FREE for registered riders; $15 each for non-riders.
Awards Ceremony: TBA
Weekend Area Activities
There's plenty of things to do in and around the area!! Great for your "off bike" time and for friends and families not participating in the ride
Pete Mathews Coliseum
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL 36265
May 16-17, 2026
Want to be a vendor? Contact Drew Nelson, Expo Director at ccgfvendors@neaba.net
Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail
Don't leave your mountain bike at home!!! Coldwater Mountain is an IMBA Ride Center with over 35 miles of challenging singletrack.
For more info and trail conditions visit: www.neaba.net/coldwater-mountain
McClellan Mountain Bike Trails
The McClellan Bike Trail consists of approximately 20 miles of purpose built singletrack and is perfect for mountain bike riders of all ages and skill levels. It is the first specially design NICA trail in the state of Alabama.
For more info and trail conditions visit: http://www.neaba.net/mcclellan.html
Black Creek Mountain Bike Trails
The Black Creek Trails consist of 15 trails and connectors for those who enjoy walking, running, hiking, and bicycling.
For more info and trail conditions visit: http://www.noccalulafallspark.com/black-creek-trail
Area Attractions
Anniston Museum of Natural History
The ULTRA
The ULTRA was created with two goals, to highlight the natural beauty of our area and to add to the challenge of the Challenge, so that finishers would know they’d completed something extraordinary. This ride is so tough that you get a finisher shirt as you cross the finish line to go with the finisher medal. You have to finish though, or you will receive your shirt in a bag of ashes in the mail if you don't!
Brooke Nelson had this to say about how the ULTRA took root, "Our ULTRA course design team consisted of local riders who knew all aspects of Cheaha Mountain and the surrounding area’s climbs. We asked for input and data as to what the course should entail, and it became clear that the course had to include certain climbs besides Cheaha Mountain: Bain’s Gap, Cottaquilla, Chimney Peak. The plan was always to add Chinnabee to the top, the hardest category 2 climb in the state, which we did a couple of years in.". The first year saw a sizable number of takers to this challenge, with about a 50% finish rate of all starters. Brooke took the idea of burning the remaining shirts and sending ashes to non-finishers and created the ultimate motivation for anyone who did not complete to come back and overcome the following year.
We have always been proud of the Cheaha Challenge, but the ULTRA ratcheted up the misery level that separated those who could thrive while suffering and those who could not. You can add your name to the list of finishers in 2026 and meet the challenge that only the ULTRA can provide. Your mission is to get to the top of the climb in the video at mile 122, as it is all downhill from there.
Time Trial Info
See Start List At The Bottom Of The Page
Join us for the 6th Annual Cheaha Challenge Time Trial on Saturday, May 16th, held in conjunction with the weekend events of the Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo Century & ULTRA on Sunday, May 18th. Experience the thrill of exiting a time trial podium down a ramp and vying for a position at the World Championships!
Our TT is a qualifier for the UCI World Time Trial Championship to be held in conjunction with the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship. Age groups are determined by racer’s age on December 31st of 2026.
UCI World Time Trial Championship qualifier – Finish top three of your age group or in the top 25%, and you’re going to qualify for the World Championships! (Note: UCI recognizes only age groups of 19 years old and above.)
1. Eddy Merckx Division – Don’t have a TT bike or all the gear? No problem, this TT Division is for you. Merckx racers must be 19 or older, and will not qualify for the UCI World TT Championship. In order to race as “Merckx” you may not use any of the following (even one will switch you to “Aero”): disc wheels, wheels deeper than 50MM, aero helmets, shoe covers, aero bars. Allowed items are: Aero road helmet (no teardrop shape, ears cannot be covered) and skinsuits. Overall winners receive awards. No age group awards for this division.
2. Handcycle Division – H1-H5 Male & Female scored separately.
Time Trial Registration
We offer only online registration until Wednsday, May 15th at 11:59 p.m. when online registration closes. Time Trial registration is online only. No walk-up or day-of registration. Start lists with start times will be released on Friday, May 17th to all registered participants via email, and on the website.
Start Location and Route
The start of the time trial is at the Eubanks Welcome Center in Piedmont, AL on Saturday, May 16th. This location is not the same location as the finish, so you need to make arrangements to either ride to Piedmont prior to 7 AM for the start, or drive to the start and be prepared to ride back once all riders are off the course on the Ladiga trail.
GPS route map can be found here. The route is largely on the Chief Ladiga Trail from Piedmont, through Jacksonville. You will cross Hwy 204 and then make a right turn once you are on the campus to proceed to the finish line. The trail is rough in spots, so please keep your head up while riding. The trail is set to be paved within the next year, which will make this course much nicer and smoother for future events.
Awards and Finish Amenities
We will provide breakfast biscuits from Chick-Fil-A for all TT participants, as well as assorted soft drinks and water. Please wait around for awards, as we will do these as soon as possible upon completion of the TT at the finish area. We will award the UCI awards, as well as the custom Cheaha Challenge medals for all groups (UCI and non-UCI) as close to 9 AM as possible.
Training Rides
2025 Training Ride Schedule
Training Ride #1 - Saturday, March 15th @ 8:30 AM CT Canceled due to anticipated severe weather
Training Ride #2 - Saturday, March 29th @ 8:30 AM CT
Training Ride #3 - Saturday, April 19th @ 8:30 AM CT
Training rides for this year's Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo and ULTRA are almost set. Riders can take advantage of one of the three opportunities to ride and understand the course if they have never taken part in the ride. Each ride will begin from the Shoal Creek Ranger District (45 Highway 281, Cleburne, AL 36265). Dates are listed below. You can go to the Facebook Event Page that is linked below to add this to your calendar and to find out more details about the rides on each specific date.
These rides are self-supported, so please bring all nutrition and spare tubes/tools you need to complete the ride with you. There is a stop at Cheaha State Park where you can purchase water, drinks, snacks, etc, so bring cash for this as well. If the ride is going into the park beyond the gate, then you will need to pay the $5 park entrance fee at the store. We cannot waive this fee, and it is required to go beyond the gate.
We are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones at this year's training rides.
UCI Gran Fondo World Series Qualifying Info
The Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association (NEABA) is honored to again host the qualifiers for 2026 UCI Gran Fondo and Time Trial World Championships to be held in Japan.
We are thrilled the UCI has chosen our rides and look forward to again inviting cyclists from all over the world to visit our little corner of the world on the weekend of May 16th & 17th, 2026. Riders who finish in the top 25% of their age group will qualify for the World Championships.
Saturday, May 16th: Cheaha Challenge Time Trial, - TT details to be updated shortly
Sunday, May 17th: Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo Century is the qualifier for all age groups.