2010 Cheaha Century Challenge Comments
"It was my first Cheaha Challenge. I just did the first stage. The ride was great and I'm looking to do it next year. Thanks for putting on a great ride."
Daniel
Oxford, AL
"This was my first ride of this type. It was very challenging for me as a new rider, but I really enjoyed it and thought it was well organized. Thanks!"
Lisa Gowins
Sterrett, AL
"First CC and first century for me. Some folks told me I was a nut for choosing this one for my first century. I rode the route in the car the day before and couldn't get those hills out of my head that night before. I made it back in under seven minutes though and I'll be back next year to see if I can get under six. All the volunteers were super nice. Great Job!!"
Robert Montgomery
Birmingham, AL
"3rd time riding this event 100+ miles. Much cooler and better day to ride than the first weekend in May. This event's timing gives riders more opportunity to ride both rides (3-State). I hope you plan that way next year. There was the typical north wind on the way back. If you miss a train on the way back, it is a good workout into the headwind for several miles."
Stephen Prout
Monroeville, AL
"Great Ride! Excellent support. Hope you keep the new date for it - let's us do 3-State, too! Praise the Lord and enjoy His creation from the seat of a bicycle!"
Michael
Leeds, AL
"Forgot to mention n my earlier post, this was my 1st CC and only my 2nd Century since I've ben back riding, finishing tha whole Century was a gr8 accomplishment for me, finishing it below 7 hours was icing on tha cake, volunteers and course managers were awesome, I WILL b back nxt year to put another notch n my belt, thanks to evryone involved!!!!!!!!"
Kyle Guin
Winfield, AL
"Had a great time Sunday , ya'll put on a first class ride. 1st timer - rode the 88 and that was plenty with that headwind coming back. Lord willing will be back next year to ride the whole thing. Thanks again."
Greg Charlton
Prattville, Al
"This was my 5th year working as a volunteer with the Cheaha Challenge. As 1 of the 43 Amateur Radio Operators who were stationed throughout the course at 28 places, I loved being at Traffic Control Point #2 (Hwy 281 & Hwy 24 intersections). I had so many riders say "Thank you" as they rode by, either on the way up or on the way down, some maybe even both times. The organizers, participants, and all of the volunteers working together makes it a wonderful event for all involved. The weather was fantastic, thankfully no severe weather like there was last year just close to the end of the event. I plan on volunteering year after year and hope to see all you riders year after year too with new riders joining in with all the fun."
Tracy A Stephens
Anniston, AL
"Love tradition and this event just became one for me. I'll be back as long as I'm able. Thanks to the organizers and volunteers."
Chip Hagler
Lawrenceville, GA
"What a great ride, great organization, and great people who give of their time and talent to pull it off every year. Thanks to all! My first CC, and first time to ride in mountains. I was one of the three little pigs who went astray on HWY 78 coming back, and even though my friends and I rode 117+ miles instead of 102, I had a great time. As Arnold says, "I'll be back!"
Tim Lacey
Winfield, AL
"An outstanding ride. Good food, good roads, and a well organized event. I went to the second rest stop on top of Heflin Mountain. I hit 49 MPH on the way down. The weather was beautiful as well and the countryside you ride through. I grew up in DeArmanville and was happy to return for this event."
Robert Crow
Sandy Springs, GA
"Great Event! The staff and everyone involved took really good care of us. Now that I've had two days to recover, I'm ready for next year!!!"
Neil Cochrum
Talladega, AL
"Awesome weather , and awesome support for the riders, lots of support from the locals, and the local law enforcement, made me feel like I was in the "tour". The out and back was nice because you can check how your buddies are doing behind you. First time doing this ride, missed the tour de france theme, would like to have seen that and the devil running along side me. Only saw a 1-2 crazy motorist on the mt thanks to the authorities and plenty of them, felt safe and well supported will be back and tell more friends about it."
Terry
Gainesville,FL
"First Cheaha Challenge and first 100 miler. Very organized event with over the top rest stops and support. I can't say enough about this event."
John Mitchell
Anniston, AL
"Loved the ride, had a great time. Was thinking that it'd be nice if the bibs were diffrent colors based on distance. Not a complaint just an idea."
Brian Wyckoff
Tupelo
"Absolutely great event! Top notch organization, beautiful course-first class, all the way. It's a difficult course, but not a killer-I'll be back!"
Bill Stockton
Moody, AL
"One of the best and enjoyable rides I've ever participated. Hills and more hills! I wanted to do everything: pedal in the bike, cheer my friends and other riders, chat at every rest stop, look the scenery and congratulate all the volunteers. So far, a sweet Cheaha Challenge 2010."
Aldrin Torres
Atlanta GA
"It was cyclesmicly perfect!"
Jeff VanRysselberge
Birmingham, AL
"Except for tha extra 15 miles we rode due to not turning off of 78 ( yes that made it 117 miles and sum change ), I'll b back nxt year, I had a friggin ball gettin absolutely punished!!!!!!!!!!!! If u don't wanna tuff ride, stay at home!"
Kyle Guin
Winfield, AL
"This was my first time doing the challenge and it is something I have wanted to accomplish for years. It is not until the past year that I have returned to a physical condition good enough to even attempt it. This year’s CCC was a WONDERFUL first experience for me! The weather could not have been more perfect. It was also very obvious this was a well-planned and well-organized event and it showed on every front. The volunteers at the rest stops were phenomenal with their support and encouragement of the riders. I feel this event was a true and positive example of southern hospitality to all the participants who came from other states. I feel that the citizens of Piedmont should be applauded for their overwhelming support of this biking event. I felt very welcomed there and I am encouraged and eager to be in the 2011 Cheaha Challenge!"
Greg Byrne
Oxford, AL
"My son and I rode in the Cheaha Challenge yesterday, (I think the course could be more accurately named, "Hills from Hell"). He rode the entire route, 102 miles. He said after the ride, he was not sure if he was going to make it. I rode 66 miles and I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. We made it! It makes you feel so good to be so miserable.You all did a fine job in conducting this event; it makes a difference. Thanks, Shelton Beaird #559"
Shelton Beaird
Arab, AL
"Ya'll did a great job this year. There were awesome water stops and sag support (which I had to use). Now, if you can just iron out those mountains a little bit :0)"
Allyson Lamey
Mobile, AL
"Our group of 4 from Nashville area would like to thank you and all the volunteers that put this special event on. We have done 3 state/3 mountain several times and wanted to do something different this year and glad we did. Your ride is one of the best run events I have attended in my 30 years of running and cycling. The fantastic organization and support plus the fun events the night before on the crits were icing on the cake. What a beautiful ride and one tough 102 miles but we made it."
Jimmy Moore
Franklin, TN
"Amazing ride. Even tougher than I had anticipated! The ride was so well organized, the support was fantastic, the HOT showers were great, the spaghetti, the volunteers, the road conditions, and especially the weather, made this ride one I will definitely return to do next year. We really enjoyed the festival and races on Saturday. It was a great weekend. Thanks for everything!"
Cathy Kaiser
Franklin, TN
"Extradorinarily well organized with really pleasant and helpful folks. Appreciated the clever, thematic rest stops. top notch! thanks!"
Kirk Lockhart
Atlanta, GA
"Wow, you couldn't ask for a better day! The weather was terrific! The ride was unbelievably beautiful! And the NEABC, Cheaha Challenge staffers and most importantly all of the volunteers were incredibly helpful & gracious!!!! I wanted to make sure I thanked everyone I saw on the course (rest stop volunteers, radio support,etc), but they were quick to "thank" me back. I was impressed, but not surprised. I have had the privilege of living in the area many years ago and being an active member of NEABC, so I know what this ride means to the bike club, the communities it impacts and the foundations it supports. It's a top-notch ride and experience for all participants, but it's because of the entire team that puts it on. So one more time to all involved: THANK-YOU!"
David Young
Homewood, AL
"I have many positive comments about the ride. From the support, to the scenery, to the challenge, and on and on. My only negative comment is the terrible shake and bake from about the 24 mile mark to about the 35 mile mark. If that was as smooth as the rest of the course, it would be absolutely perfect. Oh yeah, could y'all also do something about the yearly head wind on the last 23 miles!"
Ronnie Sivell
LaGrange
"I had a great time. A big thanks goes out to all the volunteers, without them there wouldn't have been the challenge..."
Ryan
Columbiana, AL
"Cheaha Challenge rocked my world AGAIN! Incredible event organization, support and, of course, well, the course. This year the weather really chipped in for a perfect day. OK, the wind could've let up for the trip in on HWY9, but it's supposed to be a CHALLENGE. Been coming over for years, bringing friends and training clients; the CC never disappoints and is the equal of the best of the other regional rides. Add in the SK Crit and now the road race. Hats off to you, NABC."
Tony Myers
Atlanta, GA
"Great ride! If you haven't participated in the past, its a "must do" ride - the course offers options for various skill levels, and everything you want in an event ride - great support, sags, directions, parking, pre-and post event offerings. And the ride was so pretty! The Saturday events at the festival rounded off a great getaway weekend."
Angela Capelle
Chattanooga, TN
"Excellent ride. Well planned and organized. Beautiful and very challanging route. Many thanks to ride support for providing me a replacement wheel when I broke a spoke. Made a weekend of the trip by spending Saturday at the festival. Had a great time and look forward to next year."
Christian Bennett
Chattanooga, TN
"The Cheaha Challenge is a ride organized by riders for riders. Having registration open on the morning of the event was very nice. Over night camping, breakfast, and the spaghetti and pizza were great. I liked the staggered starts also. The volunteers were out of this world they seemed to truly be enjoying themselves. Hats off to the community of Piedmont from the police and medical personnel to the people in their yards cheering and ringing cowbells. This was my first Cheaha Challenge but it is addictive after your first visit you'll be back. Thank you to everyone and I'll see you next year."
Greg Wilkey
Dayton, Tennessee
"I loved the ride! I'm from the coast on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay where we have a few rollers but NOTHING like the beautiful mountains we road through yesterday. My son Jason lives in Homewood, Alabama so he often rides the hills and mountains. He road a very strong ride! One thing I need is a XL tee shirt. When we got back to Homewood and I showered and wanted to put on "with pride", my Cheaha Challenge tee shirt I got the tee shirt out of my bag and it was a small. I'm 6'4" tall and need am XL please!"
Jim Kellen
Fairhope, Alabama
"Well put together. The race was very challenging. Great day for it."
Craig Dorris
Chelsea, AL
"Great ride. Rest stops were fantastic. Thanks to all the volunteers!"
Josh Ray
Birmingham, AL
"I loved this ride! I can't even begin to say how much I appreciated the volunteers and their upbeat attitudes. They really were great. Thank you to all the volunteers AND the police/sheriff's office/state troopers, medical personnel and anyone and everyone else who gave their time and effort today! Secondly, I would like to say thank you to the riders. I was thrilled to meet so many of them - I found all the riders I talked to to be very nice and HELPFUL, since this was my first Century ever. In fact, I wish I could have gotten contact info for several people to stay in touch, but didn't (special thanks to yellow Jackson jersey guy and white jersey guy who helped me with my brakes coming back from turnaround at mile 51). Again, I loved the ride....I will definitely come again next year! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!"
Leah Olszewski
Alabaster, AL
"This is by far the most 'put together' ride that I've been on. The people of Piedmont were very warm, welcoming and supportive. I really appreciated it. The road from the 2nd stop until the top of the 3rd stop was terrible. This combined with the last 20 miles into a headwind made this a very difficult ride. Thanks again for all of the work and for putting on a great ride!"
Derek Manville
Alpharetta, GA
"Today was the perfect bike day. Stops were well spaced and sufficiently stocked. Loved the frozen fruit drink at the top of Cheaha. Hot showers, for this alone I will be back. Parkway road... will cause an accident if it has not already. This road needs to be resurfaced. No excuses. Head wind heading back into town made me think that this is a good area to use wind to generate electricity. A+"
Russell Mawn
Vestavia Hills, AL
"My first Cheaha Challenge and it was great!! Did 66 miles, loved all the rest stops. Everyone was so friendly!! I will recommend this ride to all my friends!! Thanks for a great week end!!"
Libby Harris
Atlanta, GA
"Well done! This was my first crack at Cheaha, and I very much enjoyed it. The hills were tough, but the rough pavement was brutal! Thanks for organizing a high-quality ride, and please pass my appreciation to your outstanding and immensely supportive volunteers. See you next year!"
George Darden
Atlanta, GA
"I am training for a half ironman in May. Myself along with three friends decided to sign up for this ride because of the difficulty which will make us stronger riders. This event was well organized and had awesome volunteers. The breakfast and lunch were awesome. Thanks for a great time."
Clark Raymond
Morris, Al