I am planning to ride my first metric century, the Civil War Century. Has anyone ever done that event? Any suggestions?

Thanks

You will find the metric a piece of cake. The 100 miler will take your blood test. Enjoy!

The metric has a fair amount of climbing, but isn't too bad. The full century is the more challenging ride, for sure. But both are lovely rides with gorgeous routes.

Be prepared for hot and humid weather, keep hydrated and pace yourself - you'll do fine!

Can you give me the who, what , when and where of this event. Sounds fun. History and riding.

buddy

Here is the website for the ride..

https://www.baltobikeclub.org/index.pl/cwc

Chief

In addition to the Civil War Century here is another great event:

https://www.seagullcentury.org/

Sign up early. This is the first year (at least in the past 3 years I've ridden it) that there was a cap on the number of riders. I won't be there this year, but have done the "club ride" version which means it's the same ride but without all of the extras.

Yea, Im gonna do this ride on my own later this year once it cools down a bit.

-D

Does anyone have the cue sheet for the civil war ride? The map they provide is a little vague on the details.

I have the cue sheet for the century ride, but this will probably be better:

https://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...-Cebtury-Route

I don't remember when I mapped this, but I think it's up-to-date.

Thanks for the map that is much better than what is posted on the website. I am not sure if I am going to make this event this year as I am having some bike fit problems I am trying to get worked out. If so I will see you all there, if not I am going to ride it later in the year solo.

Chief

I caution anyone to be aware of the huge number of riders in this event - over 6,000! It's a fast, flat, and scenic course. But there's a mix of fast riders and novices together. Pacelines (pelotons) often grow to 50 to 100 riders. These people don't know each other or their abilities and riding habits. Crashes occur going 25+ mph from someone in the group doing something dumb or overtaking slower riders.

It's a fun event but also dangerous. I'm seem some huge pileups.

we should maybe try an impromtu group ride maybe? Could be fun.

-D

+1, but maybe when it starts to get cooler out.

hmm could be interesting, I was going to go our one of these days and scout the route to see where water is available to do this self supported. I know that there is a spring available on the climb up route 491 that I have used a few times with no issues but I need to figure out the rest. If it works out that there is enough water available I have no issue with doing this in the heat.

Well yea, Everyone (myself included) seemed to be saying they considered a solo ride later in the year. That's what got me thinking.

-D

The following towns should have opportunities for food and water:

Thurmont (Start)
Myersville
Sharpsburg
Boonsboro
Smithsburg (before long climb up Raven Rock Rd)
Fairfield
Thurmont (Finish)

IMHO, I'd try it on a Saturday, because many stores in this region may not be open on Sunday.

So what kind of pace would everybody be interested in doing this at?

Chief

Easy... somewhere in the 18-20 mph range.

Just kidding!

My long distance riding has been sucking lately with heat/exertional cramps. If I were to do the ride, I'd rather go easy--somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 mph average since there's about 7,000ft of climbing.

I feel like I am working out my fit issues here lately so I may be game here in a few weeks.

if anyone gets a chance, would they please burn a confederate flag for me?

thx!!