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Cherohala Challenge

Sat June 6, 2026
Vonore, TN 37885 US Directions

Events

Cherohala Challenge Century - 115 Mile

Price: $70
Time: 7:00AM EDT 5:00PM EDT
Registration Opens December 15, 2025 at 8:00pm EST

Metric Century - 62 Mile

Price: $70
Time: 8:30AM EDT 3:00PM EDT
Registration Opens December 15, 2025 at 10:00pm EST

Charles Hall Memorial - 35 Mile

Price: $35
Time: 8:30AM EDT 1:00PM EDT
Registration Opens December 15, 2025 at 10:00pm EST

Place

414 Hall St
Vonore, TN US 37885

Description

The Smoky Mountain Wheelmen proudly present the 24rd Edition of the Cherohala Challenge. 


The event offers three distinctive rides that almost anyone can find a ride that will fit their skill level with rides of  35, 62, and 115 miles. 

Join us Saturday, June 6, for breathtaking views and pride inducing climbs on one of three world class routes.

The 2026 edition moves the start/finish to Vonore to enhance, safety, new routes, and a new overall experience!

 

The title event, the Cherohala Challenge Century, is not for the faint of heart. This once in a lifetime ride tests riders with 115 miles and 10,350ft of climbing across two states. Riders begin in Vonore heading climb to Deals Gap and brave the fabled 318 curves of the Tail of the Dragon. After besting the beast, riders will descend the mountain into the Joyce Kilmer Forest near Robbinsville, North Carolina. What goes down must come up and riders begin their ascent across the magnificent Cherohala Skyway. 

And keeping with tradition, DRAGON SLAYER medals will go to all who conquer the beast in 7 hours or less.

No Knight is complete without their retinue so the ride provides you with a staggering amount of support. Experienced SAG vehicles are joined by moto support, mechanics, amazing rest stop crews, and friendly staff.

The Wheelmen are proud of our legacy and want you to come experience one of the Southeast’s premier rides!  Start training now to SLAY THE DRAGON!

  • All routes are fully SAG supported with well-stocked rest stops. 
  • Free post-ride meal. 
  • All riders must wear helmets.
  • Custom Event T-shirt for all riders who preregister.

Custom cycling kit available to purchase now. 
https://teamstore.agile-sportswear.com/store/the-cherohala-challenge/

 

Packet pickup and late registration:

Friday, June 5: 
4-8pm, location TBA

Saturday, June 6, Day of Ride:
115-mile and 62-mile routes from 5:30-6:50am at Vonore School
35 mile and 62 mile routes from 5:30-8:20 at Vonore School.


Ride Start Times:

115-mile route starts at 7:00 am.

62-mile route starts at 8:30 am.

35-mile route starts at 8:30 am.

 

Routes:

Routes are available on Ride with GPS. All you need is the free account. RaceDay Events is providing the paid tier of perks!
https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Event/436995/aSFU6IbEF6yncsbwkrHOhtrRWrZoIvBA



 

 

Route Information

All riders get full digital maps and turn by turn directions through Ride With GPS.
If you don't have an account already, you will only need to make a FREE account. The paid level of benefits comes free to all riders who connect their accounts to the event using the link below.

https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Event/293505/kW6INhkXtWAlNiQqiQdoNq3viROfs5wb

 

 

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

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