How far do I have to ride my road or MTB to say I have ridden an "epic" ride?

Do I measure in miles/km or time in the saddle? Is every century epic? Can a 10 mile ride be epic?

Perhaps the definition is related to pain, suffering and self-punishment.

Maybe a string of mechanicals along the way plays a part. Does a flat tire count? or two or three?

Solo or with buddies?

How about a long ride on an unknown road or trail?

It's relative to the rider. Twice as long or more as a normal ride could be a good rule of thumb, although if your normal rides are really short (time or distance), then this might not seem epic.

Venturing into unknow territory can make a ride epic. The definition is fast and loose.

Last week's semi-epic
Ride report

I only consider it semi-epic because of the conditions. When I go back and do it round trip, I will consider it epic.

I consider the following are mandatory requirements in order to clasify for an epic:

Minor Repair at least once!
Blood!
Being Lost!
Taking at least twice as long as planned!
Being Lost Again!
Running out of food or water!
Needing a tool you forgot to bring!
Did I mention being lost?
Getting to the point on the ride where you're hating life!
When back to the car, you have a huge smile on your face and make a comment like, "That was a blast, let's do it again next week!"

Lots of things can make a ride "epic." I was riding a mountainous century in Virginia/West Virginia a couple of weeks ago, with thunderstorms during the last 15 miles. Between the climbs, the views, the rain, and lightning on the mountaintops, it was epic!

(Cool ride report, racerx!)

I agree with all the above; I'd only add one thing: for me, it's also when I get back to the car and collapse across the two front seats, over the emergency brake, and it's still soooo comfortable. this is also generally when my cell rings, by the way.

--alex.