Hemet century - what to expect?

[thenomad]

I'm back in to cycling and plan to make the Hemet century my first of hopefully several more centuries.
I chose it because it's near my 31st birthday and gives me a winter training goal.

Other than "riding 100 miles" does anyone have tips on what to expect? Anything unique to the event that I should know? Urban riding? Hot? Good or bad rest stops? Difficulty parking?

I figure I'll just bring the usual tools, tubes, pump, camelbak, bottles, energy food and hope for the best.
:rolleyes:

Any other locals with tips? How about suggestions for future centuries? Preferrably not the 14,000 ft of climbing type.

[caligurl]

the first loop: some horrible roads (pot holes); some urban riding; some VERY trafficky riding around the freeways; nice peopls at the sag stops... good food (good junk food, i should say... i like junk at centuries! lol!) GREAT lunch at the end! YUM! i just realized planet ultra moved their mulholland challenge up a week... so it now conflicts with this so i can't do it this year! i was actually gonna ride the 2nd loop this year since i've done the first loop the last two years.

really no need for a camelback... the rest stops are close enough for 2 bottles... and i don't take food cuz that's what the sag stops are for!

[lsits]

What Caligirl said. I did loop #1 two years ago. I think thay changed the route last year to avoid Cajalco Rd. That was the hairiest part of the ride for me. I think that the construction on Temescal Rd is pretty much done. I rode to Tom's Farm about a month ago and it was pretty goo to that point.

You shouldn't need the camelback or the energy bars. The rest stops are pretty well stocked.

[thenomad]

Cool. I'm going to train with the camelback every ride. #1, more weight. #2, get used to using it. #3, I just bought it so I'd better get my $ worth out of it!

Good to know it seems like a nice ride.

[ronjon10]

... and i don't take food cuz that's what the sag stops are for!

Cali, have you ever been burned by not bringing anything? I've heard stories about some rides running low or out of water, food etc? I'm a bike tourist at heart, so I'm always carrying excess stuff (food, multiple tubes etc), even for 50 milers!

(back on topic)

I'm thinking about doing this one as a follow up to Solvang. The Mulholland challenge is probably a bit out of my league. Plus I live in the area and can easily do that Mulholland whenever I want.

[caligurl]

Cali, have you ever been burned by not bringing anything? I've heard stories about some rides running low or out of water, food etc?.

nope.... i've always had food available... not necessarily anything i like (stagecoach) but always food and water! and i've done a bunch of organized rides!

[Rick@OCRR]

I agree with what Caligurl says too, and I would add that the 2nd loop is more scenic, has better quality road surfaces and for the most part, fewer traffic issues. I say "for the most part" because the first and 2nd loop are the same on the last part of both, and the base of the Railroad climb is the worst traffic location. Just be patient with the traffic and you'll be fine.

Yes, those of us who ride the Hemet double get to climb Railroad twice!

Cali has it spot-on about the food (excellent to the point of "I can't believe I'm eating this good on a bike ride!") and the people at the ride Headquarters, and those out on the course are super friendly and helpful. You'll enjoy the ride whichever route you take, but having ridden both several times, I recommend the 2nd loop.

Oh, and I always use a Camelback on Hemet, but agree that you could get by without one.

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

[thenomad]

I ride on the street in the morning anyhow, not really used to bike trail only riding, so maybe the traffic won't bother me. Or maybe you mean the amount of riders?
How easy is it to find your way around in an unfamiliar area? Is it marked in some way?

[ronsmithjunior]

I agree with what Caligurl says too, and I would add that the 2nd loop is more scenic, has better quality road surfaces and for the most part, fewer traffic issues. I say "for the most part" because the first and 2nd loop are the same on the last part of both, and the base of the Railroad climb is the worst traffic location. Just be patient with the traffic and you'll be fine.

I'll also agree that the second loop is better. FYI, about 10-15 miles into the loop you get to Sage Canyon, which is the only notable climb on either loop. After the canyon you will then have some big rollers before it settles down. Total climbing on the second loop is something like 2500 ft, so it is not much.

The support at Hemet is great. I have never wanted for anything, plus they have pound cake at most of the stops, and I love pound cake. :D

[Rick@OCRR]

Actually, Nomad . . . I don't remember the Hemet course being marked. But my memory has been known to fail me, so I can't say for sure. In either case, you do get a well done, easy to use route sheet (with a map on the back) for either loop, so finding your way won't be a problem.

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR