Pickin' a Century

[three]

Heya Ladies (and the occasional gent):

I've been on the hunt for a century ride to commit to. A friend has agreed to do one with me this summer (it'll be a first for both of us), but we are limited to the months of June and July due to her upcoming wedding in August.

The scheduling issue has caused us to broaden our horizons farther out than we would have otherwise considered. We want something that is very well organized, has SAG support, well-stocked rest stops with friendly volunteers, and an all-around friendly vibe for first-timer century riders. This will be a girl's, pre-wedding, fitness goal challenge vacation and we want it to be a fun one.

I've looked at countless websites and emailed a few cycling clubs, as well as searching this site and others for basic info on good rides. But, I'm researched out - hence, this thread.

If you've done a century that fits the above description in any of the following states, please let me know which one it was so I can consider it. We'd like to commit to one in the next couple weeks.

States on the list: CO, IA, IL, MI, MN, MT, ND, SD, WI, WY.

p.s: CO folks - since we won't be able to train for mountain climbs (obviously), should we just cancel out CO completely as an option?

THANK YOU!

[CyclaSutra]

Little Red Riding Hood!
Logan, Utah, June 7.

All-women, all good.

But if you don't want to jaunt across the country for it, a century is what you make it.

[IFjane]

And I come from an elevation of about 1200 ft. I traveled to CO about a week ahead of time to get used to the elevation and had absolutely no problem at all with the ride. There is some climbing but nothing bad. The support is amazing; the rest stops are great - including ice cream! - the scenery is to die for, and there is a big party (**free beer**) at the end.

It was a great experience - you get lots of "stuff" including a jersey and I highly recommend it.

Oh jeez - can you tell I posted this while I was at my office? I forgot to add the link! Here you go:

http://www.vailvelo.com/riverride.cfm

Thanks for the PM, three - I never woulda known! Sorry about that!

[makbike]

How about the Horsey Hundred? It is held the latter part of May and will take you through some beautiful countryside in and around the Lexington, Kentucky area. They offer a challenging century on the first day and shorter but still challenging rides on the second day.

[IFjane]

Ummm,... which century?

I'm embarrassed PW & Three......see my original post - I edited it.

[Thorn]

Probably the wrong side of Wisconsin for you, but how about http://www.bayviewbikeclub.org/classic.htm ? Sagged, supported, fun, and, for a first-time century rider, very flat, but still a pretty ride. Mid-July ride date.

[Flybye]

I second Cyclasutra's recommendation for the Little Red Riding Hood in Utah - of course, it is the only one I have participated in but it was a FANTASTIC experience.