I rode this event last year but the hills crushed me like a bug:

http://www.centuryride.com/

It just made me more determined and this year I completed all 103 miles
and 8,606 feet of elevation gain!

Despite several business trips this spring, I managed to put in over 500+ miles
of training in the 8 weeks or so before the event as well as intentionally
riding the steepest local hills in the area.

The weather was perfect - it started out in the low 60's and topped out at
about 75. I drank at least one 20 oz bottle each hour and ate 150 to 200
calories an hour. I am now sick of Cliff, NuGo and Larabars but the event
organizers had ample fruit and other high energy snacks every 20 miles or so.

At mile 50, the road climbed 2,000+ ft in just over 5 miles with a grade of
10 to 12% for the last mile and a half section. I was unable to keep up with
my friend Chad so when I met up with him at the rest stop at the top I smiled
and gave him the excuse that I had to stop to smoke a cigarette

My longest training ride was only 60 miles and I was expecting to be hurting
big time on the last 30 mile section but it wasn't as hard as I thought.
Fatigued and tired but none of that "legs on fire" feeling that I have had
in the past when riding beyond my limits.

I was impressed with the number of very fit older (60+) riders (both men
and women) including an older couple on a tandem bike who made the
steep climb - the rider in the back (the wife) has no brakes or ability
to steer. I hit 50 mph on the descent and the tandem easily exceeded
that - she is probably still not talking to her husband.

I must say it was a very very satisfying accomplishment.

John