Boasting 9,714 feet (3000m) of climbing, the century course tests the stamina and endurance of cyclists with challenging climbs, gaps, and descents.   The 100 miles – 160km race is a back and forth loop with Cheaha Mountain (2407 feet – 733m) as highest climb of the day before reaching the turning point at 50 miles for the century turnaround. The finish is back at the Pete Mathews Coliseum on Jacksonville State University’s campus.

Besides the Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo Century as official UCI qualifying distance, NEABA also offers distance options of 24, 44, 62, 84 and 126 miles on the same course as non-qualifying distances.

Major climb of the day is Mount Cheaha that has to be done twice (top after 42 and 57 miles) …but also other climbs with the names of White’s Gap, Heflin Mountain, Horseblock, Not Again, OH SHIFT!, and Adam’s Gap at the turning point have to be done twice.