BY SAMUEL JONES
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Riders will roll out from downtown for a race that promises equal parts challenge and adventure, winding through red gravel roads, wooded backcountry and the rolling terrain of East Alabama.
The Opelika Okey Dokey, a gravel cycling event scheduled for May 9, will bring cyclists of all skill levels to the area for a unique race experience built around endurance, strategy and community.
The event is part of a larger series designed to highlight smaller towns across the Southeast.
“The idea is to go to smaller towns across the Southeast that have great gravel riding and a downtown that can support an event like this,” said Samson Large, marketing director of Cycling Quest.
Starting and finishing in front of John Emerald Distilling Company, the event will feature three course options: a 34-mile short route, a 65-mile intermediate route and a 103-mile long route.
Each course begins at 8 a.m. and takes riders across miles of hard-packed red dirt roads with sections of gravel and steady elevation changes.
Unlike traditional races, the Okey Dokey uses a timed-segment format designed to balance competition with camaraderie. Riders travel together between segments before pushing for time on designated stretches of the course.
Opelika stood out as a host site because of its ability to handle both the race and the atmosphere surrounding it.
“Opelika was really the first town we found that had the right mix — plenty of hotels, great restaurants and a downtown that’s perfect for starting and finishing an event like this,” Large said.
The route itself offers a scenic but demanding ride, weaving through timberland, creek crossings and rolling hills that reflect the region’s natural landscape. Organizers say the terrain can serve as ideal preparation for larger gravel races, including events like Unbound Gravel.
Support services will be available throughout the race, including on-course medical teams, mechanical assistance and multiple aid stations stocked with food, drinks and supplies.
Participants can also expect post-race festivities, including raffles and a social gathering for riders to unwind after completing their routes.
“The historic downtown really makes it — it’s a great space for riders to finish and just hang out, with vendors, food trucks and music all in one place,” Large said.
The event is open to a wide range of participants, and while gravel bikes are recommended, organizers note that any bike in safe working condition can be used.
Beyond the race itself, the event is also expected to have an impact on the local community.
“It brings something for local riders to be part of, but it also shows off what Opelika has to offer to people coming in,” Large said.
For those not competing, the event still offers something to enjoy.
“For anyone, you don’t have to ride to come,” Large said. “The vibe makes it different and special.”
With its mix of competition, scenic riding and a strong community atmosphere, the Opelika Okey Dokey is set to deliver a full-day experience both on and off the bike.
