Cheaha Challenge

Historical weather data shows average highs of 80°F and lows of 60°F, with a 51% chance of rain on any given day. The 2025 event had a "weather delayed start" while 2021 enjoyed "all sunshine and blue skies." Despite promotional claims about "mild temperatures, clean air, and blue skies," riders need layered jerseys for "alpine breezes near the summit" and "sudden showers." The 7:30 AM start time and advice to "start early to avoid heat" suggest afternoon conditions can turn brutal in Alabama's May climate. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[11]

Online registration closes Friday at noon, but they'll take walk-ups Saturday except for the Time Trial — amateur hour planning. The Time Trial starts in Piedmont and finishes in Jacksonville with no transport provided back to your car. After the pandemic gap, "It's been well over a year with no training rides. It's good to see people again." The logistics get riders together, even if execution is rough around the edges.[7]

Mike Vickers founded this event with "a challenging bicycle ride up Cheaha Mountain," and colleagues' response was "Who in the world would want to do that?" The route follows Skyline Drive through "forested hills" that "open onto vast overlooks" across Talladega National Forest, summiting Alabama's highest peak twice on longer routes. Local course designers included climbs that "had to be there" rather than safe, predictable routes.[1]

31 years running with UCI qualifier status and 1,000 riders from 36 states and 6 countries shows solid regional draw. Top 25% finishers qualify for UCI Worlds, and it's rated one of the "Best Road Cycling Events in Southeast" by Strambecco. The growth from 80 Time Trial registrants in 2019 to 154 in 2021 indicates momentum, but it remains primarily a Southeast regional gran fondo rather than national destination.[11]

If you're in Alabama and want a local Cheaha Mountain gravel event—yes, it's a solid regional race. If you're from out of state—there are better options.