アニストン・オックスフォード
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo
The Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo is a May cycling event in Jacksonville, Alabama. Its routes include ascents of Mount Cheaha, the state's highest point. It is structured as a gran fondo, offering multiple route distances: the 126-mile ULTRA, Challenge routes of 100, 84, 62, 44, or 24 miles, and Chief Ladiga Cruise options of 50, 25, or 12 miles. A time trial is also featured, with categories for juniors, age groups, Eddy Merckx, UCI, and handcycles.
The longer routes feature significant Alabama climbing. The shorter Cruise distances provide an entry point for less experienced riders into the same event weekend without committing to a mountain-focused day. Originally a recreational ride, some participants sought fast times while others focused on completion. This duality persists: competitive riders can pursue qualification for the UCI World Championships or USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships through its UCI Gran Fondo World Series and Gran Fondo National Series affiliations. Meanwhile, club riders and novice fondo participants can select a distance suited to their endurance.
Gran-fondo