Let's Ride...100 Miles

Propelling along the pavement, a heavy headwind slowing progress, muscles pumping ever furiously to accelerate, to keep going, to reach that final goal.

Riding the Rockies

I imagine this is what it must feel like to ride 100 miles timed, no less--a feat I have never attempted, and certainly have no desire to do. But for many, century rides are a welcome challenge, the true test of physical strength and endurance and the epitome of exhilaration.

Century rides are bike rides of 100 miles or more within 12 hours. It is unknown when exactly these races began, but long-distance races have been going on for what seems like forever. Cycling has been around for centuries, mostly as a means of transportation before the invention of cars. Bikes were a replacement for horses--though I think I would have preferred a horse. It wasn't until the 1860s that cycling became an official sport. It began with a short race between major landmarks, and then grew to longer races between cities, mostly in European countries. The trend crossed the pond to the U.S., where cycling became an immensely popular sport.

The League of American Bicyclists--orignally Wheelmen--began in 1880 and became the leading organization for cyclists in the U.S. It thrived for years, especially with the advent of the chain-driven safety bike in the 1890s. But soon amateur racing fell off with the rise of professionals, and the league dissolved in the early 1900s. It wasn't until the Great Depression when it was revived, but it went into decline again after WWII. Finally, in 1965, the league reorganized for good. It mostly existed as a social organization, holding annual rallies with mapped routes. In 1994, it changed its name to the League of American Bicyclists, to appease the female members, and slowly became more focused on advocacy and is now the voice for cyclists at the national level.

Under this sanctioning body, a number of bicycling coalitions now operate, providing education, social gatherings, organized rides and official races for amateur bikers. It is through these groups that many of the best century rides can be found. 

RAMROD. Seattle Times

There are hundreds of century rides across the country--and around the world--one could not possibly pick the best, or even the top 10. But I found a few that I think sound either super challenging or super fun.

• Ride Around Mt. Rainier in One Day (RAMROD) is a 154-mile ride around one of Washington State's most famous natural national icons. Riders can enjoy the scenery of the mountain and the park while climbing nearly 10,000 feet of elevation in two mountain passes.
• The Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic is a one- and two-day ride and considered one of the 10 biggest recreational races in the country. It is approximately 202 miles, and most riders finish in two days, but some get it done in one, if you're up to the challenge.
• The Tour of the Scioto River Valley, better known as TOSRV, started back in 1962 as a father-son outing before becoming one of the biggest touring weekends in the U.S. It begins in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday and riders spend the night in Portsmouth and return to Columbus on Sunday, for a total of 210 miles.
• Escape New York starts in Manhattan and crosses the Hudson River and leaves the city to explore other regions of New York. Riders can choose to go 25, 50, 65 or 100 miles along some of the best roads of the West Hudson Highlands.
• Chile Pepper Challenge in El Paso, TX is a 100-mile ride that tours Mesilla Valley. It starts and ends at La Vina Winery--post race wine party, anyone??
• Santa Barbara Century runs along the Pacific Ocean. It is a super challenging, 9,600-foot elevated ride of 100 miles. Luckily, beautiful views will make it worth the effort.
• Savage Century takes place in Newark, Delaware, and spans three states--Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. It is a bit of a hilly ride, with three that have an average grades of 8%.
• Ride Westcliffe is one of the most difficult century rides in Colorado, but also one of the most thrilling. It runs from Westcliffe to Colorado City via the Frontiers Pathways Scenic Byway.
• Hot Doggett 100 takes place in Mars Hill, North Carolina, and takes riders through the mountains of Madison County with 9,600 feet of climbing. For less of a challenge, there's the Devil's Fork Metric, a 100k or 60-mile ride.
• Red Poppy Ride is held in conjunction with the Georgetown Red Poppy Festival in Texas. It runs through scenic Eastern Williamson County. Not only do riders enjoy a pleasant spring race through country roads, they also get an impressive jersey designed with the flowers the ride is named for.
• Old Kentucky Home Tour (OKHT) is a two-day ride through the rolling hills of rural Kentucky. You have the option of a 55-mile, 72-mile or 102-mile ride, but not matter what distance you ride, all are encouraged to bring cookies for the famed "cookie stop."

Old Kentucky Home

While physically, I am more of a runner than a biker, many of these races make me reconsider hopping back on that bike and getting in gear. If for no other reason than to experience some incredible sites of our great country. There are so many places I have never visited, and to see them from the vantage point of a bike would certainly be a memorable experience. I would definitely have to train for a long time before attempting one of these, even the shorter rides, but part of me thinks I would be up for the challenge. Who wants to join me on the ride of the century?

That's a Wrap: Follow Up on Tour de Cure

Last Sunday, my aunt and uncle rode the final leg of the Tour de Cure, ending an 11-day biking journey up the coast of Australia to raise money to cure cancer. After 1,700 kms, the organization was able to reach 5,231 school children and raised over $2.1 million Aussie dollars!

I can only begin to imagine the emotions running through the riders as they reached the end of the course, pain, sadness, joy, exhaustion, success--what a whirlwind. My aunt's last update describes her feelings better than I could.

The ride in was very emotional. The thrill of making it, the exhaustion and pain of the last 11 days, the joy of seeing so many partners and families embracing, and being part of an amazing team all came to a head as we rolled to the finish. It was a truly great experience and hugs, cheers and tears that followed were deeply heart felt.

Writing about this amazing  effort is one way I am contributing, but it doesn't even begin to show you what these riders went through. Luckily, there was a camera crew with them the whole way, and a documentary is set to be released later in the year. So here is a little preview for you.

Support the Tour de Cure

If you know anyone who has battled cancer, is suffering through it, or has--sadly--passed away from the disease, then you will love this post.

The Tour de Cure started in 2007 in Australia, and has grown into a national charity and cycling tour. The goal: Cure cancer. Each year, the organization selects cancer projects, and directs all funds to those initiatives. Participants pledge to bike the route as part of a team, raising money for their efforts and the overall goal of beating cancer.

My Aunt Kathy is riding in the 2012 Signature Tour, which is currently in its 7th day. It kicked off on May 3 and will last 11 days, as riders make their way from Brisbane to Mission Beach, 1,656 km (1,029 miles).

I have received a couple updates from my aunt, since they log their acitivities every few days. She seems to be doing very well, admitting that it has been grueling at times, but definitely rewarding.

Some days are longer than others, with respect to both distance and mental/physical strain. The third day was shorter, 135 km, but there were 45 guest riders, which meant more stops than usual. Day four Harvey Bay to Seventeen Seventy--265 km--was the longest day so far, according to Kathy. She woke up at 3:30 in the morning and they were on the road by 4:20. It took them over 11 hours to reach their final destination, but my aunt's pace was a personal best, which certainly deserves acknowledgement.

Day five and six sounded epic, and I give my aunt so much credit for what she is doing, it is simply incredible. In the course of three days, the group covered 700 km, an unprecedented feat for the tour riders, and one that will probably not be repeated in future routes. Not only that, but the teams have reached out to over 5,000 school children to spread the foundation's message, and they have raised 1.7 million Aussie dollars for the cause. Not too shabby.

While the biking aspect is a serious deterant for me, personally, I will say that I am very jealous that my aunt and the other riders get to experience so many different areas of the continent. The scenery, she said, is breathtaking, and she rides through so many different kinds of terrain. On top of that, they stay in different towns and villages each night, meeting with locals and learning about the regions. What a way to travel.

Here are a few pictures from the Signature Tour Blog: