Events Calendar |
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2018 Skyway Epic Mountain Bike Race
Date: April 7, 2018
Time: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Event Description
Southern Fried Rides, LLC. And COGS (Cyclists of greater Sylacauga) are proud to announce the 7 th annual Skyway Epic mountain bike race held at the Lake Howard (Sylaward) trail system in Sylacauga, Alabama on April 7 th 2018. This is not your typical cross country style race where competitors complete multiple laps on a closed course. The Skyway Epic is a “back-country endurance” style event that will send riders from the Sylaward trail system all the way to Piedmont, Alabama via forest service roads and the infamous “Skyway Motorway”. The riders reaching Piedmont will be competing in the 200+ mile category that spans 2-3 days and requires riders to be self-sufficient with nutrition and mechanical supplies. Some riders will opt to ride straight through (EST~25 hrs), while some will go the “bike-pack” route and stop and set up camp on day 1 and finish on day 2-3.
The 200+ mile category was new in 2017 and is currently the toughest bicycle race to ever grace the great state of Alabama. With a mix of singletrack trail, smooth forest service roads, rough “jeep” roads, asphalt pavement and over 20,000 feet of climbing this will be a race of will, determination and attrition. There are 2 other categories for participants to challenge themselves – 60 miles and 100 miles which will be covered in 1 day. The 60 and 100 mile options are “supported”, meaning that the racers will be supplied with up to 5 aid stations which are stocked with food, water and supplies to use while
racing.
The Skyway Epic has a history of drawing as many racers from out of state as it does from Alabama.
Previous editions have seen racers from Texas, California, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. This year is no exception with the first confirmed registration coming from Iowa. The Talladega National Forest is one of the most beautiful, scenic, diverse and underrated outdoor
destinations in the south and this race uncovers its beauty to participants from around the country.
Most competitors do not expect the elevation profile that the Skyway has to offer and many comment
on being in awe of the majestic views offed on top of the Skyway.
The race starts and finishes at the Lake Howard trailhead in Sylacauga. For more information and for
sponsorship inquiries visit www.southernfriedrides.com
The 200+ mile category was new in 2017 and is currently the toughest bicycle race to ever grace the great state of Alabama. With a mix of singletrack trail, smooth forest service roads, rough “jeep” roads, asphalt pavement and over 20,000 feet of climbing this will be a race of will, determination and attrition. There are 2 other categories for participants to challenge themselves – 60 miles and 100 miles which will be covered in 1 day. The 60 and 100 mile options are “supported”, meaning that the racers will be supplied with up to 5 aid stations which are stocked with food, water and supplies to use while
racing.
The Skyway Epic has a history of drawing as many racers from out of state as it does from Alabama.
Previous editions have seen racers from Texas, California, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. This year is no exception with the first confirmed registration coming from Iowa. The Talladega National Forest is one of the most beautiful, scenic, diverse and underrated outdoor
destinations in the south and this race uncovers its beauty to participants from around the country.
Most competitors do not expect the elevation profile that the Skyway has to offer and many comment
on being in awe of the majestic views offed on top of the Skyway.
The race starts and finishes at the Lake Howard trailhead in Sylacauga. For more information and for
sponsorship inquiries visit www.southernfriedrides.com
