Georgia Centuries

[skibum]

There's a bunch of centuries in Georgia in the upcoming weeks. I plan to do the full century for some and shorter options for others. I thought I'd share the list with the TE gals in case anyone is looking for a good organized ride.

9/5 Share the Road Challenge This one combines the 'Beyond Six Flags' route with the 'Silk Sheets' route. I love Silk Sheets, Beyond Six Flags is a little industrial. The ride benefits the Atlanta Bicycle advocacy group so it's a good cause.

9/11 Wilson 100 Nice route, well supported. It's considered to be somewhat flat compared to other centuries in the area so many riders try for a personal best century time on this ride.

9/17 Beautiful Backroads Century The name says it all. It really is a beautiful route through the rolling hills of north Georgia. I remember it having some of the best rest stops of organized rides in the area.

9/25 Six Gap Century and Three Gap Fifty One of the toughest centuries in the area. The century goes over six mountain passes with more than 10,700 ft of climbing. This is the area where they did the mountain stages for the Tour de Georgia.

10/1 Brawl 4 I just heard about this one recently and have never done it. It has 11,840 ft of climbing so it's not likely that I'll do it. Too much climbing after Six Gap the week before.

10/8 Tony Serrano Memorial Ride The ride is in memory of a local triathlete who was killed while riding his bike last year. It's the inaugural century ride; there was a memorial ride not long after his death last year but it was shorter. It looks like a pretty good route. Proceeds benefit bike safety and awareness programs.

If anyone knows of any other good organized rides in the area, please share. I'm always looking for something new to try out.

[shewhobikes]

Do you know anything about the Cruisin in the Country ride in early November?
http://www.claxtonevanschamber.com/historystats.htm

I've heard it's fun and a nice ride before (hopefully) the weather gets too cool. I'm in Birmingham and we have lots of rides every weekend close by through this month and next, also.

[skibum]

I know some people who did it last year. They said it was a great ride and plan to do it again this year. I'll have to check my schedule. If I can work it out, I'm hoping to go along with them.

[Pedal Wench]

Skibum - I've got the same list, but I'll add one more that's in the works...

The Southern Bike League (www.bikesbl.org) is talking about organizing a century (with shorter options) to raise funds for Katrina victims. It might be the weekend of October 1/2, and it will be the 'Land Of Sunsets' century. It starts at the Hiram trailhead of the Silver Comet, goes to Rockmart on the trail and then on roads to Alabama and back. I'll keep y'all posted.

I'm planning on all of them (slept through the alarm today and missed the Share The Road Century - ooops!!!) Look for everyone there!

[skibum]

Hey Audio-A, thanks for the info. I had heard there might be something in the works to benefit the hurricane victims but didn't know any details. I know it's probably hard to put something together quickly but you also want to have the ride while the tragedy is fresh in everyone's minds. Keep us posted on the details. That's one I'd like to do.

[skibum]

I haven't seen any more details on a possible ride organized by the SBL but I did see this blurb on one of the other websites I visit:

The L5 Flyers/Aarons Racing Team are planning a Hurricane Katrina relief ride on Oct. 1. Preliminary details can be found here.

It looks like the L5flyers are teaming up with Emory to put this on and the ride will start somewhere on the Emory campus.

[Shaula]

Those who have done this ride - how are the hills? I'm looking at doing the 50 mile - my husband the century. I'm a newbie to cycling.

[Pedal Wench]

I'm not sure, but I heard it was a fairly gentle ride - rollers, and no huge climbs. I was thinking about this one, but it's too far from ATL. Just take it at your own pace, eat and drink often, and enjoy yourself!

[Nanci]

I thought I'd find out when Six Gap was, next year, and see if I could get into the Econo Lodge by the start- already booked! But I am happy to say that, even though entry isn't open yet, I am booked into the Holiday Inn in Dahlonega. i hope there is a wine festival at Three Sisters again next year!!

Nanci