Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo 2026 — Jacksonville, AL

Date
May 16, 2026
Location
Jacksonville, AL
Venue
775 Park Ave NW
Start Time
7:00 AM
Entry Fee
$20.00 – $135.00
Events
ULTRA, UCI Qualifier - Please Select Age Group, 100 Mile Challenge - Non UCI, 84 Mile Challenge, 62 Mile Challenge, 44 Mile Challenge
Includes
T-Shirt
View Registration

The Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo takes place on May 16, 2026, in Jacksonville, Alabama at 775 Park Ave NW. This cycling event offers nine distance options ranging from 5 miles to 126 miles, accommodating riders of varying abilities and goals. Participants can choose from a 5-mile intro ride, shorter distances of 12 and 24 miles, mid-range options of 44, 50-mile ultra, and 62 miles, or longer challenges including 84, 100-mile ultra, and 126-mile courses. The event starts at 7:00 AM. Entry fees range from $20 to $135 depending on the distance selected, making it accessible for different budgets. Whether you're looking for a recreational spin or a full-distance gran fondo experience, this multi-distance format allows you to choose your own challenge level.

From the Race Organizer
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 r

Hotels Near This Race

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Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo 2026 — Jacksonville, AL

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for May 16.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Jacksonville, AL. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo 2026 — Jacksonville, AL?

Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo 2026 — Jacksonville, AL takes place on May 16, 2026. The race is held in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Where is Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo 2026 — Jacksonville, AL held?

Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo 2026 — Jacksonville, AL is held at 775 Park Ave NW in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Where can I find hotels near Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo 2026 — Jacksonville, AL?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Jacksonville. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.