turbojackie - I haven't done a century ride myself, but I met a friend of mine at the end of the Shiner Bash in Texas (3 century rides starting in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston and all end in Shiner, TX at the brewery!). We had so much fun and despite riding 100 miles in the Texas sun, my friend Andy did too. Also, my sister-in-law did the Tahoe century ride and said it was awesome. Lots of hills though... good luck!!