Reputation: Regional Tennessee event.
[01]
Course Overview
Southeast Tennessee's grassroots monster in the Cherokee National Forest.
88 mi
Distance
11,500 ft
Elevation
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Location
March 28 (last-Sunday-of-March pattern: 2025 Mar 30, 2026 Mar 29 — SUNDAY race), 2027
Date
~250
Field Size
$60
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Team Mad Cow Ramble 
Photo: YouTube / Team Mad Cow Ramble Rapid Expeditions' grassroots mountain race out of Tellico Plains (~900ft): Wily 88 flagship — 88 miles with 11,500+ ft through Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests (climbs: Basin Gap, North River Road, Farr Gap — 88 only); Wondrous 63 — 63 miles/8,800+ ft; new 38-mile option (2026, stats unpublished). Police-escorted neutral rollout, 4 aid stations, sunset cutoff, ~250 riders, camping vibe. PRIOR PROFILE 75mi/5,000ft matched no real option — corrected 2026-07-13. RACE DAY IS SUNDAY.
Signature challenge: Basin Gap, North River Road, and Farr Gap — three named climbs stacked into the Wily 88's 11,500+ feet.
20
MILE
Basin Gap
One of the Wily 88's marquee named climbs, early in the course (88-mile route only).
40
MILE
North River Road
Second marquee climb, roughly midway through the course (88-mile route only).
60
MILE
Farr Gap
Final marquee climb before the run to the sunset cutoff (88-mile route only).
RIDERS REPORT
Cumulative climbing
Riders report approximately 7,000 feet of climbing by the halfway point, indicating significant elevation gain throughout the race.
[04]
From the Field
We've done like 7,000 feet of climbing or something already... 10 miles to go the sun is out about 70 degrees probably oh it's beautiful out here.
Team Mad Cow Ramble · 216 views
It's 82 degrees... we're gonna go home it'll be 42. What a day... got 13th you got 14th in our category pretty good on a fat bike.
Team Mad Cow Ramble · 216 views
10 miles to go the sun is out about 70 degrees probably oh it's beautiful out here
Team Mad Cow Ramble · 216 views
it's 82 degrees 82 we're gonna go home it'll be 42. what a day
Team Mad Cow Ramble · 216 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Waucheesi Bike Race? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
March 28, 2027 WAUCHEESI BIKE RACE
RIDERS REPORT
Riders successfully completed the race on fat bikes, finishing 13th and 14th in their category.
[08]
Train for Waucheesi Bike Race
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
4
Climbing
7
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
8
Technical
6
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
6
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Chattanooga (CHA) 1.5 hours or Knoxville (TYS) 1.5 hours
Lodging
Tellico Plains has limited lodging. Cleveland or Chattanooga have more options.
Food
Small town with limited dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
3
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Panaracer GravelKing TLC 43mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Waucheesi Bike Race?
Late March timing in Tennessee Appalachians hits transition season weather where conditions remain unpredictable. The mandatory lighting requirement for 88-mile riders reaching rest stop 4 after 6:00pm acknowledges potential for finishing in darkness during shorter spring days. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Waucheesi Bike Race?
Race requires downloading GPX files since the course won't be marked, with packet pickup available Saturday evening or race morning at Tellico Grains Bakery. Four fully stocked aid stops provide support, though conflicting start times (8:00am vs 9:00am) across sources reveal coordination gaps.[3]
How adventurous is Waucheesi Bike Race?
Routes traverse Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests with 'amazing vistas' along the Cherohala Skyway and Bald River area. Unmarked course navigation through remote forest roads adds self-reliance elements beyond typical supported gravel events.[1]
How prestigious is Waucheesi Bike Race?
Wood-fired pizzas from Tellico Grains Bakery and craft beverages create a quality post-race experience, with prizes for top three finishers in competitive distances. The artisanal bakery setting elevates the atmosphere beyond typical small-town gravel events.[3]
Should I race Waucheesi Bike Race?
If you're in Tennessee and want a remote mountain challenge—yes, it's a solid regional event. If you're from out of state—there are better options.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Waucheesi Bike Race 63 mile (copy)ridewithgps.com/routes/38315398
- Other Sources Rapidexpeditionsrapidexpeditions.com/waucheesi-bike-race.html
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/10043/the-waucheesi-b...