Sunny King criterium to benefit American Cancer Society

There will be five amateur races as well as pro NRC men's and NRC women's races at the Sunny King Criterium on the evening of Saturday, May 6. The races will be held in Anniston, Alabama, USA, and will benefit the local Relay for Life American Cancer Society fund-raiser. Entry fees from all races will be donated to this charity. More than $7,500 was donated from the 2005 race.

"The Men's PRO race has a full field and registrations continue to roll in for the amateur races," said Bo Nolen, registration chairman. "With one week to go before the event, we are having a great rider response, which is necessary in order for us to meet our goal of raising $10,000 to fight cancer," Nolen added. All amateur races remain open to new registrants and day-of-race registration will be available until the fields reach their limits.

The 4th Annual Sunny King Criterium is the final race in the USA Crits Series and has been selected a Top 10 Event in Alabama. It is the main event of the Noble Street Festival,, which includes 25 local restaurants serving from tents in the streets, a street market for artist, a free concert, children's art, and the Mellow Mushroom Mad Dash 1K Run. The festival attracts more than 8,000 to downtown Anniston, a town of 25,000 residents. NASCAR-style bike racing is a local favourite, as Anniston is also home to the Talladega SuperSpeedway NASCAR track.

The 14th Annual Cheaha Challenge Century bike ride is early the next morning, May 7. More than 700 riders will tackle the almost 8,000 feet of climbing, traversing Cheaha Mountain, Alabama's highest point. This recreational ride benefits Alabama's longest rail trail, the Chief Ladiga Trail, having donated $16,000 to date. Registration for the Cheaha Challenge remains open and will be available at the festival and the morning of the ride. There is no rider limit. All events are organized by the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Club.