This was the 1st Skyway Beer Run, and we had a blast! It was just a group ride/camping trip dreamed up by some mountain bikers from Auburn. None of us had ever ridden this route before or participated in the recently launched Skyway Epic race, which was an out-and-back on part of this route. This first event was held on the 3rd weekend of May in 2014. There were 11 riders and another 4 supporters who hung out at camp during the ride, available in case help was needed. The route was 47 miles on mostly rocky, rutted Talladega National Forest service roads, starting at the Sylaward trailhead (Sylacauga, Alabama) and ending at Cheaha State Park (Delta, Alabama). Everyone was awe'd by the course, both by the difficulty of the climbs and the thrill of the downhills. The climbs were often brutal, and numerous downhills were over a mile long each. Group camping was perfect, and the beer was delicious. No one regretted committing to the challenge, and everyone was very happy about what they were able to accomplish. It was an epic ride. Everyone acknowledged that they'd pushed it to their limit. We came back to Auburn telling all out friends how awesome it was and that we had to do it again next year.