Pacific Northwest - 2009 crater lake century

I wanted to let everyone know about the Crater Lake Century Bike ride that will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2009!! This is our 5th year for the ride. The National Park Service limits us to 300 riders, therefore we have 225 spots for Century Riders and 75 spots for Metric Century Riders.

Many experienced Century riders have stated that this is the most beautiful Century they have done. Of course I agree, however I am a little biased:):). Take a look at the Riders comments to see what past riders have said about the ride.

If any of you have ridden in the ride, please post up your past experience with the ride. We work very hard to deliver an exceptional ride with exception BBQ after the ride. Of course the 33 mile Rim Drive around Crater lake is the talk of the ride. The photos on our website just don't do it justice...

Anyway, enough of my blabbering... please view our website at http://www.CraterLakeCentury.com

Thanks for your interest

RIDE THE RIM!!!

Bill Haskins
Ride Coordinator
2009 Crater Lake Century

Below are a few pics of last years ride!!!

I've always wanted to do this - consider me registered for this year! Looking forward to a great ride with spectacular views!

6,000 ft gain?
I wish I could do it, but I think even the metric would be a strain on my granny gear.

Since you have ridden it in the past, cyclekf, how many centuries should a rider have under their belt before attempting this one?

This is a great ride - one not to be missed. If I wasn't riding RSVP for the 1st time with my son that weekend I'd be there for sure.

Did it 2 years ago. I'd say it's the best century ride I've done. Great (friendly, good food) support, quiet roads, and spectaular views. The best part is the finish: almost 30 miles downhill from the rim. Cruising like we were on motorcycles. Don't let the elevation gains scare you - the climbs are managable - nothing I would call horribly steep just be prepared for long uphill stretches so get ready in advance by putting in some hilly miles in your training (I rode is with a 39/26 low gear), pace yourself, enjoy the rest stops and make sure you hydrate and you'll be ok.

i've never done the century ride but i ride the rim each year.

did it last year, the views was freaking awesome. check the weather before you go, cuz it got up to 100 last year.

6,000 ft gain?
I wish I could do it, but I think even the metric would be a strain on my granny gear.

Since you have ridden it in the past, cyclekf, how many centuries should a rider have under their belt before attempting this one?


ok.. a couple of confessions.... I have never ridden my own Century Ride.... I have done parts separately but never at one time.. :D

None of the climbs are greater than 6%. There are a few corners that are 7% to 8% gradient but they are very short. My suggesttion is to do the Metric Century first. Although in my opinion it is almost as hard as the Century. We have Sag stops every 20 miles so you have several opportunities to refuel and rest.

The Metric has one very consistent LONG climb, (for those of you that have done the Century, this is the long downhill that is a kick to ride. I hit 60 mph for the 1st and only time on my bike). The climb is manageable however you just need to pace yourself and don't be ashamed to get off your bike a take a rest. There are beautiful trees and scenery to sit under and relax!!!

Kick up your mileage and find some hills and you should have no problem completing this ride!!!

did it last year, the views was freaking awesome. check the weather before you go, cuz it got up to 100 last year.


Last year was a fluke... It was a record heat day at Crater Lake. It almost never gets over 85 in the summer at Crater Lake!!! The heat absolutely was a major factor last year, however the views were still AWESOME!!! We have also learned from last year and will be putting in an extra water station on the back side between the 2 and 3rd sag stop. There won't be any food but lots of water to refuel and cool off!!

Don't forget to tell everyone about the homemade chocolate chip cookies. It is amazing how the simple pleasures make such a difference!!!

I really hope to see everyone ride this Century, once you do it you will agree that it is the "MOST BEAUTIFUL CENTURY IN AMERICA"

6,000 ft gain?
I wish I could do it, but I think even the metric would be a strain on my granny gear.

Since you have ridden it in the past, cyclekf, how many centuries should a rider have under their belt before attempting this one?

I don't think the elevation gain is the real challenge with this ride, PDX. I've done plenty of 7,000 - 9,500' elevation gain rides (centuries and doubles) and the 6% long climbs are tedious but not un-rideable.

The tougher part, IMO, is that 3000' of the climbing is done at an elevation between 6,500 and 7,500 feet! That's some thin air to be climbing in if you're a lowlander like me (tall climbs are 3,500' - 4,000')

I don't think the elevation gain is the real challenge with this ride, PDX. I've done plenty of 7,000 - 9,500' elevation gain rides (centuries and doubles) and the 6% long climbs are tedious but not un-rideable.

The tougher part, IMO, is that 3000' of the climbing is done at an elevation between 6,500 and 7,500 feet! That's some thin air to be climbing in if you're a lowlander like me (tall climbs are 3,500' - 4,000')


baaahhh.... Oxygen is overrated... lol :lol::lol:

We actually gave a rider oxygen last year, once he got it for about 5 minutes he was off and running. He finished the ride

baaahhh.... Oxygen is overrated... lol :lol::lol:

We actually gave a rider oxygen last year, once he got it for about 5 minutes he was off and running. He finished the ride
So the ride IS breath taking!:D

I hope to come over for this ride, sounds beautiful!

Below is an what the LONG uphill climb for the Metric Century looks like. The climb continues around the corner at the top of this picture. The good news is both Metric and Century riders get to enjoy this on the Downhill side.

Last year was a fluke... It was a record heat day at Crater Lake. It almost never gets over 85 in the summer at Crater Lake!!! The heat absolutely was a major factor last year, however the views were still AWESOME!!! We have also learned from last year and will be putting in an extra water station on the back side between the 2 and 3rd sag stop. There won't be any food but lots of water to refuel and cool off!!

I rode the Crater Lake Century for the first time last year and it was fabulous. I'm glad to hear the extra water stop is being added, that was my one & only quibble with last years' ride -- but I realize last year's heat was well out of the ordinary.

A bunch of friends & I are really looking forward to this years' ride. I'm recovering from a crash so I probably won't do much of the route this time, but it'll still be great to be back. :)

Cheers, - Jo.

Thanks JO
Sorry to hear about your crash... There are some ways to cut the course shorter and still get to ride the rim. We are going to have a full ride once again. There are still a few spots available so please sign up if you are interested!!! www.craterlakecentury.com (http://www.craterlakecentury.com)

Ride Director
Bill Haskins

Bill,
I signed up for the ride a few weeks ago and now I have a couple of friends planning to come down with me. I'd like to get them tickets for the BBQ, how would I go about doing that?
Thanks!
Mike

Hey Mike
You can purchase the tickets when you pick up your bib#'s. They are $10.00 each.
See you soon!!
Bill

At check-in the morning of the ride? Excellent!
Can't wait! (I'll be the guy bringing up the rear.)

I will be the guy in the REd Toyota Tundra with the electric cattle prod helping you up the hill... LOLll:lol:

Keep training and make sure you track me down on the Rim!!

Bill

i will be the guy in the red toyota tundra with the electric cattle prod helping you up the hill... Lolll:lol:



moooooooooooooooooo

Hi Jobob

Great to see you and LeeBob....cripes....I wish I could join you all but we are in SLC that week. I hear nothing but great things about this ride and the folks who put it on. I rode it last Saturday. Next year this one and Shasta!

Have fun!

Is the route marked with Dan Henrys or other signage? Or are we navigating on our own?
Thanks!