Fwd: The 24th Annual Cherohala Challenge - Saturday, June 6, 2026
Country Roads Cyclists
From: Maggie Rogers <mag...@restonbikeclub.org>
Date: Sun, Feb 8, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Subject: Re: The 24th Annual Cherohala Challenge - Saturday, June 6, 2026
To: Rob Vargas <rob.var...@yahoo.com>
Cc: <pres...@nrvbike.org>, <rgoligh...@gmail.com>, Chris Griffin <in...@restonbikeclub.org>, <abrtc...@gmail.com>, <harfor...@gmail.com>, <crcycli...@gmail.com>
Please pass this message along to all of your members:We are pleased to announce that the Smoky Mountain Wheelmen are hosting the 24th annual Cherohala Challenge. We are moving the start location this year to beautiful Vonore, TN. Join us Saturday, June 6, 2026, for breathtaking views and pride inducing climbs on one of three world class routes.First is a 36 mile route taking you through scenic valleys and rolling hills with 2100 feet of climbing.
Then there is a metric century, 62 miles, taking you through scenic rolling TN countryside through the quaint towns of Philadelphia and Blue Springs and returning you to Vonore.
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, head 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. Finish with your fellow Dragon Slayers for an epic post ride meal back in Vonore.
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.
For complete event information, please see Smoky Mountain Wheelmen - The Cherohala Challenge® (smwbikeclub.org).