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 Northeast Alabama Bicycle Club
16th Annual Cheaha Challenge Century Comments
"I hope you add age to the web site on results because I like to see where I stand amongst my age group. Thanks!"
 
Tim Webb
Birmingham, AL
"My fourth Cheaha! I plan to keep coming back to test my legs every spring. The combo of watching the races the night before, the great support, beautiful scenery, challenging course, all add up to make you feel like finishing is quite an accomplishment, no matter the time. A rather brisk shower this year was easily offset by chatting/riding with Frankie Andreau, having sunscreen applied by a volunteer on top of ol'Cheaha, and making a new best friend (assault Mt. mitchell 2007) in a paceline on way back to Peidmont. Thank you to all the volunteers, oganizers, and sponsors in 2008."
 
Bruce Petitt
Tuscaloosa, AL
"CC was a GREAT ride. We had a blast. Short of the big crash early on - I was right behind it, literally - the ride seemed to go off without a hitch. The weather was outstanding - the rest stop well stocked and the volunteers were the BEST!! Thanks for putting on such a first rate ride!"
 
Mary Trufant
"The weather couldn't have been better and the roads were low traffic and smooth. What could be better? The support staff was very friendly and seemed like they really wanted to be there. Great job and I'll definitely see you again next year."
 
Timothy Hornyak
Prattville, AL
"This is a fantastic ride with a beautiful course and great support. The feed stops were a lot of fun and I enjoyed cruising out with some large groups and talking with everyone. On the return trip I hooked up with a group hammering home and the paceline and fast pace was even more fun then on the way out. Overall this is an excellent century ride for all abilites and I look forward to returning next year for another great ride!"
 
Frankie Andreu
Good 'ol Detroit
"This was the first century that I have done. My parents and son came to cheer me on, then they followed me on the course and cheered when they passed me. Now they want to get bikes and join me for next years challenge. This was a great ride and I'm so glad I did this. The support from the community was awesome. See you next year."
 
Deborah
Powder Springs
"I'd love to come back and ride the Challenge again. It seems to grow every year. I think of you folks as May approaches and I wish you all the best. Regards to all the volunteers, especially my friends in Calhoun County Civil Defense."
 
Philip Milazzo
Jeffersonville, PA
"It is always a pleasure to participate in an established event such as the Cheaha Challange. The volunteers and organizers have this one figured out very well. From the time I arrived until I departed, it was obvious that a tremendous amount of planning is behind this program. The folks that cooked and served both breakfast and lunch were awesome. I am lloking forward to returning next year for the 2009 edition. France was beautiful this time of year as well."
 
Paul Kuehn
Springdale, AL
"What a great day and a great ride! This was my first century and I loved it. I can't wait to do again next year."
 
Terri Sullivan
Shelby, AL
"The volunteers who provide support at the rest stops and on the course deserve all the credit for making this one of the top events in the South. What a great job and great attitude they displayed! My wife and I made vacation plans to be sure to ride Cheaha for the first time in our second year of riding. We will do the same in the future,if needed, we will be back with friends! I will have to say that the prettiest city limit sign I have ever seen was "Peidmont" on the way back in."
 
Samuel Scott
Atmore, AL
"Incredible AGAIN! This is my third year riding and my third year doing this event. Every year seems to get better and better. Special shout out to Wig - the bike shop guy that provided support for the ride. What a guy - I got a flat - puncturing tube and tire.... I thought I was doomed. Wig pulled up gave me a tire, changed the flat and even held my bike while I remounted! The guy never asked for a dime... Thanks all - AGAIN - Great Event! PS: the spaghetti sauce at the finish was fantastic!"
 
AJ Beach
Mobile, AL
"There is a reason it is called "Challenge"... I now know we have no hills in lower Alabama... I made 68 of the 102... My husband, Samuel made it all the way with a 53 / 39 ! beautiful country side, 33 mile stop "tour de France"... breathtaking... and that was partially due to the hill leading up to that stop... 2 miles per hour! I walked up the last 50 yards at 2.9. I will return next year, to the top of Cheaha I will go... the ride back down the mountian was thrilling! great support, very organized. I am so thankful I was equipped with a granny gear! This is a don't miss event for us forever! Noble Street is fabulous too!! a weekend not to be missed.Thank You NEABC!!"
 
Sherri Scott
Atmore / Goodway, AL
"This Century ride truly could be the "Toughest Ride in the South" It was every bit as tough as The Assault on Mt. Mitchell and I found it tougher than the 3 State~3 Mountain Century Challenge and "Blood,Sweat and Gears Century" The Rest Stops were absolutely the best !! Rest Stop #3 was really something... way to go !! A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers, EMS, Police/Troopers, Ham Radio... You all made this ride special and survivable ! Special Thanks go to Mark Dooley of Columbus, Alabama, for his tremendous Pull for the last 15 miles when my old body didn't want to go any further!!"
 
Steve Ranz
Harrison, Ohio
"Congrats, and a HUGE THANKS! to all who volunteered to help make this one of the absolute cycling highlights of the South! This was my third and it seems that it's better every year! The Volunteers, the organizing committee, NEABC, and especially the people of Piedmont really make it an incredible event! My wife is ready to move us from Atlanta to Piedmont as soon as I retire! My buddies and I had another wonderfully challenging treat - and a special thanks to 'Superman' - who pulled me the final 8 miles into town!"
 
Phil Ozell
"Finish instructions seemed pretty elementary: folks @ finish line would tell me my time & I report in to blue tent, what happened: finish line folks asked me to stop long enough to get my bib # and distance and answered me nothing else rq'd. I followed instructions given at start to report to blue tent, folks there said as long as finish line got my info, I was good-to-go. My cue to go eat! Everything else about the ride was so positively outstanding, the time-recording is very machts-nichts. I wasn't "racing", I waited a lot for my ride buddy, it was my first century, and it was just such a beautiful day for a tremendously organized ride staffed by incredibly gracious volunteers, get the idea? Thanks again."
 
Dan Newton
Madison, GA
"This was one well organized event. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the Cheaha Challenge. Thanks to my friends who suggested the compact crank, it was certainly necessary, and special thanks to the volunteers who helped out, A-1 job! My friends and I are already making plans to return next year."
 
Brian Burgett
Jasper, AL
"I had a great time! Two days after finishing the 102 miles, I am still running on the adrenaline high I got as I descended from Heflin Mountain and realized that I was home-free to the finish line!!! I had no idea if I could finish the whole enchilada on my first ever attempt, but I think the party atmosphere all along the route kept me smiling and dancing on my pedals. On all those long climbs, I had a chance to become intimately acquainted with my little ring, which I seldom use. I also discovered that 5 mph was my friend! Thanks for a great ride! I'll certainly be back."
 
Carol Livingston
Tuscaloosa, AL
"Beautiful route, very well-organized, great community support. The local presence on the route made it as safe as possible. Very impressive job by all involved. Combine all that with the festivities surrounding the event, and it's a no-brainer! Sign me up for next year."
 
Chris Wood
Anniston, AL
"Fabulous Ride! Grand Support! Hope everyone noticed: Zero Litter on the course, Zero litter after 650 Riders and 300 volunteers, and Zero Glass on the course. Fantastic Event! Please refill the pickle jars for next year. Thank you."
 
Monte Deschner
Tuscaloosa, AL
"This was my first year to do the CCC,I have only been cycling for 6months and I did the 66.It was a challenge,but a wonderful experience thanks to all the wonderful workers from the rest stops to the cops,and volunteers.The support made a new rider like me feel safe and I hope to be back next year."
 
Teresa Chamblee
Boaz, AL
"Great ride!!! Will recommend to others. I could not believe the amount of support on the road and the quality of the rest stops. Even the townfolk of Piedmont were cheering us on as we rolled out. Some even cheered for me on the way back in. It was a great experience."
 
Andy Goodson
Nashville, TN
"Another great ride as usual and its nice to see even more people doing it. Please bring back the timing clock though."
 
Robert Edwards
Leeds, AL
"Another Great CCC+! Year after year this ride sets the standard for what an organized ride should be with all the volunteers, food, fun, goodies, oh and more food. Keep up the great work."
 
Matt Crouse
Tallahassee, FL
"Wow!! What a ride!! Hats off to all the support groups!! Perhaps, better traffic control at the end would be helpful...(almost had issues with a truck...), but, otherwise GREAT!!!"
 
Mike McGinnis
Trussville, AL
"This was my second time to do Cheaha, and it was a blast all over again! Thanks to Mike Poe and all of the great volunteers that helped to make this ride one of the best in the country. Big time congrats to Pixie Hicks of the Druid City Bicyle Club in Tuscaloosa - she did 3 State 3 Mountain the day before. Riding both centuries makes for a fabulous weekend!"
 
Steve
Kimberly, AL
"This was my first year to ride in the CCC. I completed 47 miles. I am new to the sport and 45 years old. I was so impressed with the quality of the roads, the beauty of the land and the support at intersections and rest stops. I have never felt that safe on a ride. I can't wait until next year. Thank you to all the volunteers that make this work and the fans along the road sides."
 
Teresa Smotherman
Montevallo, AL
"My son, Mike Powell, came all the way from California to participate in the Cheaha Challenge with me, and pulled me to the #2 Rest Stop. I had hoped he would go on and "do his own thing" in the mountains after that (he did) rather than push me beyond my limits. I think he finished in about 6-1/2 hours, and I finished in somewhere around nine hours (#401), but 7:23 on the bike. I left ALL my energy on the road, and basically had nothing left. What a beautiful day for the event! My son has done a half dozen centuries and a double so far this year - all in southern California, but this one was FAR tougher than he was expecting, despite my warning him about "The Toughest Ride In The South!"
 
Bill Powell, Executive Director
Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce
Hoover, AL
"The entire weekend was a real treat. The community makes it even better. I'm a North Alabama boy originally (from Florence) so I can appreciate that good ole N. Alabama hospitality and down home friendliness. You do fine work."
 
Richard
 
"I participate in many rides (RAGBRAI/El Tour etc...) and this is one the best events... will definetly be back next year!"
 
Robert Audette
Chicago, IL
"Spectacular experience! This was THE best supported ride that I have ever done -- and the support people were all friendly and masters of Southern hospitality. I'll be back next year. The ONLY suggestion I have for improvement is that Rest Stop #3 have a couple of hunky young guys without shirts in addition to the lovely young ladies that were posing for photos so we ladies could enjoy getting our picture taken as much as the guys did! Seriously, it was fantastic -- it delivered everything it promised!"
 
Babs Evers
New Orleans
"Wow, you all really know how to put on a bike event. What is there not to like? The Civic Center of Piedmont Start/Finish, the course and scenery, the volunteers everywhere went beyond expectation, traffic control, the meals, the SAG support, the rest stops, the bells and cheering from supporters (thanks, that helps!), and oh yeah - the Podium Girls and a taste of France. Class act everywhere. And loved Sweet Home Alabama playing at the start. The only tough part was the 102 miles, but I enjoyed every minute. Thanks!"
 
Al
Marietta, GA
"Kudos again to NEABC and Piedmont Alabama for another great Cheaha Challenge Century. A special thanks to all of your many volunteers who did a fantastic job at everything from registration and packet distribution to manning the Sags, blocking intersections and preparing and serving lunch. They all seemed to be enjoying the event as much as the riders. I can assure you there were a couple of climbs during which I would rather have been manning a rest stop. The podium girls at Rest Stop #3 were again a highlight and served as a great excuse to get off the bicycle for a few minutes to "rest". This is a century that challenges the best cyclist but also offers good alternatives for the more casual riders. We'll see you again next year."
 
David Shope
Atlanta, GA
"Many thanks to the residents of Piedmont who cheered all day from their front lawns along (hwy 9/main street??), it's quite amazing to receive such support from the community, and it really brings a smile to a tired rider's face to be received at the final mile with such enthusiasm."
 
Mike Enervold
Birmingham, AL
"Every mile of the ride made every mile of the round-trip drive from D.C. worth it!! The ride was well organized, very well supported, and the volunteers and fellow riders made the 16th ride a sweet and memorable experience."
 
Tony Militello
Washington, DC
"Once again the Mountain wins.That's 8 for the Mountain and zero for me! Hats off to Mike Poe and hundreds of volunteers for another great year!! For those cyclists that haven't done the "Cheaha weekend", you are missing out on one of the greatest cycling events in the country! There is a great little ski area in Vermont whose tag line is "SKI IT IF YOU CAN", Cheaha should be "RIDE IT IF YOU CAN"!!"
 
Marcus
Anniston, AL
"This ride gets better every year, thanks for the doing this ride. I had the best time, and will be back for years to come. Stage 3 is great... need that every year."
 
Jeromy Watts
Piedmont, AL
"Even though I bonked hard in the last 10 miles, I really enjoyed the ride again this year. Thanks for ordering up the perfect weather! I especially thank the volunteers for handing up water to those of us too bent on beating the clock to stop. And Red Diamond tea is a great recovery drink! "
 
Darrell O'Quinn
Birmingham, AL
"This has to be one of the best rides anywhere. The support was incredible as well as the scenery. I am used to climbing being from WNC but this Century was a " Challenge " indeed. I can't say enough about the volunteers at the rest areas. I will definitely be back next year."
 
Bob Melton
Cullowhee, NC
"Great support --- at rest stop 3, someone accidently stepped on my rear wheel (laying on grass) and bent the rim/broke spoke. The guy on a motorcycle instantly jumped in, trued up the rim on the spot and got me going again for the remainder of the ride. Whoever that was, thanks a million! Excellent ride, support, and organization."
 
Jamie Dore
Norcross, GA
"Outstanding job again this year guys! Support was one of the best."
 
Michael Hayes, DCBC MTB Coordinator
Tuscaloosa, AL
"The ride was fantastic! The volunteers did a great job, the scenery was stunning, and the climbs were a blast and really gave me a feeling of accomplishment. After 60 miles on the pebble-paved park service road, we dropped back onto the smoothest ribbon of asphalt I have ever been on, and for the last 20 miles I glided along like I was in a dream. The last 8 miles were even downhill with a tailwind. It could not have been any better! Next year, can we have little road-side signs identifying the mountains when we get to them? It is great that they are named on the map (I memorized them so I could track my progress), and the elevation profile is very well done, but if the 5 major mountains were identified on the course it would be easier to know where we are are. Thank you!"
 
Andy McClure
Trussville, AL
"Great Ride! Well Supported. One thing that might have improved it slightly is to add a little traffic support at the end of the ride in Piedmont. Crossing the intersection the last mile, while trying for a time, was treacerous. Thanks again!"
 
Bob Vezeau
Roswell, GA
"Other than the leg cramps it was stil the best!!!!! Plan on riding it again next year!! "
 
Bobby Yancey
Oxford, AL
"Great support staff, great SAGS, and amazing support from the local community. I can't say I've ever done a century that was this much fun. The challenge is just the icing on the cake. Thank you to all who helped make this such a great event!"
 
Greg
Vancleave, MS
"Well it hurt, but I only did the 88 mile ride, but it was fun thank god and it was not hot. I was stunned how many women were out there riding this distance. It was great. Oh, and yes, the podium girls were nice."
 
Matthew Lovoy
Birmingham, AL
"GOD BLESS AMERICA & THE CHEAHA CHALLANGE. WORKING IN IRAQ THIS YEAR. HOPE EVERYONE HAS A SAFE & FUN RIDE. DID THE 88 MILE THREE TIMES. SPECIAL YIPEE TO THE 88 MILE CLUB."
 
KEVIN FEHELEY
JACKSONVILLE / BAGHDAD

 

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