Ride Ambassadors
Clem Bell is a new Ambassador in 2023. He is no stranger to the ride, as he completed the ULTRA and TT, and he will ride the ULTRA and ride two times in the TT for two separate categories he is entered in for 2023! When he rides, you know he is going the distance each and every time.
Clem rode over 19,000 miles in 2022, earning the Most Consistent Rider award by the Southern Crescent Cycling club that he is a member of. He just recently finished first in the Selma to Montgomery Ride. His list of accomplishments continue to grow, but he is also one of the nicest people you will meet and engage with at the Cheaha Challenge. You can find him on FB, Instagram and Strava, so check him out and interact with him as he gets prepared for breaking his previous best time for the ULTRA, and make sure you get signed up for the ride through the link below so you can join him!
Tracy is a 3 time finisher of the ULTRA, and she loves the long distance events when you look at other completed events on her resume. She has completed the Triple Bypass in Colorado, the Horrible Hundred in FL, Six Gap in GA and the Ride across the USA and 24 Hours of Sebring! I can't say for sure, but she was probably still flashing her trademark smile at the end of each of these.
Tracy is about to embark on the Sea 2 Key Double Century in Florida, and will also be riding in France later this summer to tackle several iconic climbs from the TDF. She makes it all look easy, and through all of this, she even found time to start a successful ride in Florida called the Mt Dora LIVE IT Ride that takes place in March each year! Put it on your calendar for rides to attend in 2024. You can find Tracy on FB, Instagram and Strava as well. Check her out and interact with her as she continues to strive for new heights and to push for more in the sport!
Travis is a finisher of the ULTRA and Challenge (both the old course that started in Piedmont, and new course). Travis has been a part of the sport for over 20 years and has racked up an impressive resume in both races, Gran Fondo's and triathlons during that time. He has been a Cat 1 cyclist that has raced in elite races all over the US, qualified for the Gran Fondo World Championships and is a multi-time finisher of 140.6 Ironmans. There is not a lot that Travis has not completed in endurance sports.
Travis is putting in his miles for some upcoming challenges this year, and you can follow him on FB, Instagram and Strava to get tips and see how he is making gains. Check him out and see how he has become a top finisher in the ride over the years!
Seeing Kat on the top step of the podium has become a common occurrence at the Cheaha Challenge. She has been the fastest overall female multiple times, and won her age group last year against stiff competition. Kat has been used to tough competition though over the years having raced in elite races and attacking criteriums all over the US. Kat raced for the Mellow Mushroom elite team, and was a valuable teammate for Laura Van Gilder, one of the best riders the US has seen.
Kat is still pushing herself in various disciplines of cycling these days and is a successful entrepreneur with her company HighBar Nutrition. Her FastKat bars can be purchased through the website, and they are a wonderful alternative to the mass produced bars you find from other companies in the market. Find her on Strava, or through FB and Instagram to stay up to date on her latest adventures, or reach out for some nutrition advice to help you be the best you can be.
Brian is one of the most impressive cyclists we have seen participate in the Challenge and ULTRA over the years. He has completed both over the years and it seems very tame when you look at his list of accomplishments. For years, he was an elite bike racer and has had some top placings in races such as Athens Twilight and the Sunny King Criterium. He decided to start riding longer endurance events and has completed the Race Across America (R.A.A.M.) twice, finishing 4th overall and was the 1st American in 2017! Brian added the Tour Divide to his list of accomplishments in 2022.
Brian is still riding and putting in big miles in 2023, but also continues his role as a professor at Samford University. If you think you are tired, and don't feel like getting out on the bike, then follow him on Strava or follow him on FB. You will be inspired to get out and push on despite any fatigue when you see Brian somewhere in America stopping off around mile 200 of his training ride to fuel up and complete his ride.
