The Century Ride

This ride is not for everyone.  This is a ride for those who are up to the challenge, for those whose bucket list includes doing the most challenging rides, and those who want the thrill and satisfaction of conquering the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway all in the same day. A full day of long sweeping corners, majestic views with challenging climbs and amazing descents as you ride from Tellico Plains Visitor Center to the mighty Tail of The Dragon where you will snake your way through 318 curves over an 11-mile stretch. After the Dragon, you will climb through the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forest as you merge onto the Cherohala Skyway for some amazing descents, but before you are finished you will have one last climb as the Cherohala Skyway takes you back to the Tellico Plains Visitor Center.

If you finish this most challenging ride in under 7 hours you will earn the right to the Dragon Slayer Finisher Medal.  At the end of the day, you will have conquered 115 miles along with climbing a summit of 5,384 feet, with a total climb of 10,350 feet for the day.  Yes, it can be done in 7 hours and, in fact, some of the elite riders will conquer it in just over five hours. Bradley Cobb completed it in five hours and 40 minutes in 2015.

The Black Knight jersey will be awarded to the best male and female finisher of the Cherohala Challenge Century ride.