Self-Supported Centuries and What's Your Favorite Century

[jobob]

I've come across several centuries that are described as "self-supported." Why would someone do a self-supported century? Isn't that basically just like any other time when you go for a long ride? What am I missing?

The other benefit to a self-supported century - which, at this point, I interpret as a long group/club ride with no registration fee, and hence no support provided - is that you get to try out new routes with the benefit of a route slip, and in the company of others who might already know that route.

I used to go on a lot of club rides through unfamiliar areas. Nowadays since I know those areas, and I'm more confident in planning out new rides for myself in unfamiliar areas, I rarely go on club rides anymore. I enjoy the freedom and flexibility of riding solo.

[roadie gal]

Here's a list of California rides by date: http://www.bbcnet.com/RideCalendar/RideListDate.asp

It's been a while since I did a century but I've done the Sierra Century. It was a beautiful, well supported ride.

A friend of mine organizes the Tahoe Sierra Century. It's for a great cause: music instruction in the middle and high schools.

The America's Most Beautiful Ride around Lake Tahoe is just that. Unfortunately it's already full. The Team in Training has basically taken over that ride.

You can check out the whole list. There's a ton of them.

[Aint Doody]

Check out www.bicyclepaper.com for all sorts of rides in the Northwest.

[Alex]

Thank you to everyone for the recommendations and the ride calendars!

Alex