I want to do my first century this year. What will be coming up around North GA? I know TarWheel in April, and Tour de Cure in May. Anything sooner? What's good to start with?

Brad, check the SBL calendar at www.bikesbl.org. You'll have to register but it's no big deal. Click on calendar to see the rides for the month.

You can also check their monthly mag at any bike shop. Local and regional rides are listed.

Well, the Tour de Cure is a metric century, at least it was last year. But that's not a bad start I wouldn't think. Right off the bat the only other organized century that I can name is the Six Gap Century out of Dahlonega, which will be the last Sunday in September. It is actually a little more than 100M, and includes over 10,000 feet of climbing.

Wheels of Fire is in March. Not too far from you in Harris co.

My favorite centuries:
Spinning Through Time
Covington
Wilson 100
Six Gap
MACC's One Love
Share The Road
Beautiful Backroads

Plus, there are always un-supported centuries. I'm sure we'll be running a few that we'll post here, and the folks on the sbl forum do some. Look for the Land Of Sunsets ride that they do - it's an easy route off the Silver Comet.

The way things are looking, a Silver Comet century is just a few weeks away from being possible.

Have you done Wheels of Fire? It looks good, a little intimidating. They bill the course as "Terrain: Rolling hills (Moderate-Strenuous)". I did a ride out at Callaway Gardens last summer. Going up the 85 where it meets the 190 - whew, I had to stop halfway up and catch my breath. Even in the granny gear I couldn't take that hill.

Thanks Pedal Wench, I got a nice list of rides now. I'll keep an eye on the sbl forum. I'm registered, but I don't hang out there too often.

If a SCT century does get organized, will you please announce it here, as well. I too check SBL when I am heading into Atlanta, but I would try to schedule one of my trips possibly on that weekend. Would love to jump in on one while I am in town.

If you want a fairly flat century and you don't mind a bit of a drive you might check out the Sweet Onion Century down in Vidalia.

Tour de Pike is in March also and is a pretty good ride.

Audax Atlanta will have a full brevet series starting in March. Those rides are 200K, 300K, 400K, and 600K -- significantly longer than a century but really fun if you get into long distance riding.

I just read The Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling over Christmas break. Googling for terms like Brevet and randonneuring lead me to Audax Atlanta's site. I've been reading all the ride stories, they're great!

BMB sounds like a blast, but who knows maybe I'll try longer rides and hate it. I still have some fit issues to work out too. All I'm committing to this year is a century.

I understand. I'm still trying to get the courage and legs to tackle more of these mega-distance routes.

+1

I did it in 2001 when I was 56. One of the locals was riding beside me for a few miles. Age came up during our conversation and he said he thought I was about 40 to 45 years old. Gotta love those folks in Vidalia.


There's also the St. Patrick's Century in Dublin, GA (not N. GA) on March 18.

Here is another century (metric and not N. GA) I've planned on doing every year for the past 5 or so years but somehow never made it down there. Maybe this year.

Dang Ron, I had no idea you were so old! I'm right behind you. Less then a week left of my 20's.

Thanks for all the info guys, I think I'm going to start with the Tour de Pike on March 17th. It looks like a good beginners course.

https://www.kiwanispike.org/tourdepike.html

Old? Who you callin' old?

If you’re looking for an early one – the Woodland-Calhoun Century out of Anniston, AL (just over the Alabama line off I-20 – not far from ATL) is on 3/24/07. I couldn’t find an official website for it but I believe that it’s run by the city of Anniston.

My candidate for the toughest century course anywhere: Brasstown Bald Buster Century – 4/28/07 out of Helen, GA. (https://www.brasstownbaldbustercentury.com/)

You didn't provide any birthday info in your profile so no one on BF will be able to offer any birthday wishes (or condolances ).
Here's an early wish for an awesome day.

Is the Brasstown ride harder than Six Gap? Not that I'm going to ride either one, but I sure am impressed by people who do.

I've ridden Six Gap, but not the Brasstown Bald Buster. But I've driven up both of them, and I don't think I'd attempt the ride up Brasstown. I've attached elevation profiles for both rides. The first one is for Brasstown, the second for Six Gap.

Are you sure that’s the profile for the Brasstown Baldbuster Century (as opposed to the old SBL ride called Brasstown Baldbuster)? I remember a lot more climbing on the former. The hardest climb of Six-Gap is Hogpen Gap – which, on the BBC, is only the warm-up before Jacks Gap with the extension up to the top of Brasstown Bald.

BBB is a butt ripper. I'm a flatlander and didn't make it on my first attempt last year. I've got some unresolved issues with Hogpen that I intend on getting straight this year.

I'll throw out a few more centuries worth the drive.

https://www.waynetourism.com/spar.htm

https://www.jimkrusecentury.com/

https://www.bicyclesavannahllc.com/

https://www.azaleacitycyclists.com/century/

Ride em all if you're feeling froggy. Just have fun......and ride a lot before BBB or 6-Gap if you attempt either one.

Michael

Also, take a look at the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia website for the dates of their rides. These are the best supported centuries (Saturday rides) I have done. In addition, you get extra days of well supported riding. Of course, if you want to ride with me, I tend to add even more days since I usually ride to and from each of the rides.

BTW In case anyone is wondering, I am looking at ways to make it the Bicycle Ride AROUND Georgia again. I don't know if the time will allow for it, but if it does, I am going for it-- two days to Columbus, seven on BRAG, and four from Savannah.

Tommy

this year I did 6 gap. great ride. but at the end of the day it was just a century. I felt the same regardless of the 10,000 feet. ...except for being wet and cold most of the day. due to my neglect.

check out the wilson in late sept. (sbl ride)

kb