My club in Santa Clarita is planning our first century event for February 2009. I am one of three (3) organizing the event. So I also asked a similar question
here.
First, StephenH's comment is spot-on: you have to decide if you want a select group of riders or you want the entire cycling world coming to your door. A general rule of thumb is: the harder the course, the fewer participants will show. In the SoCal King of the Mountains Challenge (3 rides, 100+ miles each, 10,000+ feet each), only about 300 riders complete it.
Second, hillier rides should be later in the summer to allow riders to build up to the challenge.
Now, here's the list of responses I got to my question:
- Convenient SAG stops: not too close or too far
- Well-stocked SAG stops with a variety of foods & beverages
- Good post-ride meal
- Quality products
- Free samples
- Lots of friendly volunteers who talk/socialize with riders at stops
- Roadside assistance vehicles that are pro-active ("How can we help you?")
- Constantly visible & present roadside assistance vehicles
- Clear signage
- Easy-to-read cue sheets/maps
- Detailed cue sheets (should list any dangerous areas or upcoming landmarks)
- Easy-to-see arrows/markings on the road (before turns and after turns)
- A unique ride symbol to go with road markings where other ride markings exist
- Traffic control where needed (dangerous and hi-traffic areas)
- Good spot on the calendar