I think that IFJane did a great job explaining why centuries are popular here in the US. I would guess that the century talk is much heavier on this forum than it is in most american towns in general, though (perhaps this is different out west). For example, cycling is huge in my town, and there are a few century rides near by, but 90% of them are of the 'challenge' variety because we happen to have some great riding just west of us. ('Challenge' meaning that there is more than 8000ft of climbing in the 100 miles). These are the only century rides I had heard of prior to joining TE (except for the MS150), and I was always of the impression that the riders who did these challenge centuries were freaks of nature. How could you not be with names like "Blood, Sweat and Gears" and "Mountains of Misery"?

In addition, prior to joining this forum, I knew of very few actual century riders. I know about 50 cyclists (at work) and only a tiny handful of us have done (or aspire to do) centuries (maybe 5?). A vast majority of the club riders in my area max out at metric century distances and have no desire to do longer.

So my point is that while it sounds like we are all 'century-bound' in this country, I don't think that is necessarily the case. I think that so many of us TE ladies are inspired by the MP's, V's and etcs...of the community, that we all want to do more than the 'average American'.