Meanwhile, come here and ride Bike Against the Odds. Where else can you stay in downtown and ride to the start? The ride starts at lake Merrit. Within a few miles the city vanishes as you climb the East Bay hills.

You'll climb some of the same roads the Tour de California, through Redwoods and be rewarded with incredible views of the Bay. The ride is limited to a few riders, you may feel it's your own supported tour especially if you're in the back of the pack like me

Food and support are great, especially the organic lunch at the end. Route marking gets better each year, last year they took a page from AIDS Lifecycle and had moto-crew, roving and stationary motorcycle support (yeah!!!!).

I rate rides by the food and this is one of the best around. Chico Velo Club centuries food is as good as BATO but the two are tied for best food in my book.

Pledge goals are very achievable and the prizes .... well I think it was last year one of the members of the Velo Girls club won in a random drawing her choice of ANY K2 bike!