We have Sold Out!

Registration has closed.
There will be no on-site registration.
You can still Volunteer and ride a half day.
Days Until the Ride 15
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the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club of Washington, DC, proudly presents the Back Roads Century a 100 mile bike ride September 19, 2010 in the Shenandoah Valley.  We also offer distances of 65, 50, 30 and 25 miles.
Come join us for one of the most beautiful rides in America. Each fall, cycling enthusiasts gather for this scenic ride, just west of Washington, DC. The Virginia countryside is an ideal setting for riding, with gently rolling hills, historic landmarks and fun!
five distances to choose from, 100, 65, 50, 30, and 25 miles Choose the distance that's suits your ability. There's the 100 mile century ride for experienced cyclists.  A 65 mile metric century, for those who aren't quite ready for the full 100 miles.  A 50 mile half century. And a 25 mile quarter century that's family-friendly over easier terrain.
it's not just about riding, we'll also have some fun Riding is just part of the activities we have planned. After the ride we'll have a cookout with home-made barbecue, hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and other treats, which is included in your registration fee.  Looking for that perfect souvenir of your 100 mile ride?  We'll have Back Roads Century logo gear and our DJ will keep the party going while he hands out door prizes.  So be sure to stick around after the ride.
be sure to slow down, you might just see some History Our rides travel through historic towns and villages that helped shape our nation's history. We start in Berryville, VA, a colonial crossroads settlement.  You’ll pass through the historic towns of Middleway and White Post; and one of our rest stops is at the Burwell-Morgan Mill, established in 1785.
enjoy the sights of the Shenandoah Valley Come see some of the most beautiful scenery in America. The Shenandoah Valley lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east, the Allegheny Mountains to the west, the Potomac River to the north, and the Roanoke Valley to the south.  Enjoy the open meadows, farmlands, historic towns and beautiful fall foliage.

Back Roads Century Jersey

WOW! We’ve just created one of the most stunning cycling jerseys ever.

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You’ll be proud to wear our Back Roads Century jersey while cruising down the highway. But beware, lots of other riders will be asking you “where did you get that jersey, its beautiful”.

The essence of our ride is captured in this fantastic design from Primal Wear - with a farmhouse, a windmill and a barn; complimented by the rising sun, bright green pastures and a beautiful blue sky. Vertical yellow stripes complete the design with a splash of color.

We’ll have a limited number of jerseys available for sale the day of our ride. You can pre-order and reserve your jersey by shopping at our online store. Pre-orders are guaranteed to be available for pick up the day of our ride. Plus, you can pick up your jersey in the morning because we’d love to see you wearing it during the Century!

So don’t wait. Once our inventory sells out, we won’t have any more jerseys available.

About Our Sellout


Many riders have expressed disappointment that the Back Roads Century sold out for 2010 before they were able to register.  A tremendous volume of riders registered just before the August 31st deadline, when our free t-shirt and water bottle offer was about to expire.  So many in fact, that we had no choice but to close registration.

Every event has a limit and there are only so many riders that we can comfortably accommodate.  We felt that this limit had been reached and had no choice but to enforce it.  We would have preferred to give you warning that the event was going to fill, but the rush of registrations happened so quickly that it just wasn’t possible.  We’ve even looked into the possibility of adding more riders however we’ve decided that it’s not a viable option.

While you may be disappointed that you’re not riding this year, please keep in mind that the popularity and success of the Back Roads Century is to your benefit.  Potomac Pedalers members should be proud of the fact that our ride is recognized as one of the premier cycling events in the region; drawing riders from all across the country.  It contributes to the fiscal well-being of the Club, and our success assures the entire cycling community that the Back Roads Century will remain an annual tradition for many years to come.

So next year, please register early before we reach our limit.  I can assure you that it will be a sell out again.

Sincerely,
Mark Alpert
Chairman – 2010 Back Roads Century

berryville

Our ride originates in the town of Berryville, VA, which was surveyed by George Washington in 1750, and is now the center of commerce for Clarke County.

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Burwell-Morgan Mill, the oldest operable merchant mill in the Shenandoah Valley (established 1785) is a rest stop along our route.  You can go inside for a visit.

whitepost
White Post was owned by Thomas Fairfax in the 1730's.  When you ride thorough town, you'll see the actual "white post" placed by George Washington.
middleway

Step back in time, as you ride through the town of Middleway, WV, founded January 15, 1786 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

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The White House Farm 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup, will be on display at the Jefferson County Elementary School rest stop for you to enjoy.

Got Questions?

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Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for everything you've ever wanted to know about a Century, but were afraid to ask.  Learn the basics such as, what is a Century or how do I use a cue sheet? You've got questions, we've got answers.

More To Explore...

Need to get Ride-Ready?  Then this is the place to be.  You'll learn about indoor training, mileage logs, weightlifting, nutrition, cycling gear, and more.


Frontpage Image trainerTraining
Here's where you'll learn the best and most efficient ways to train for a Century.  Whether it's on the road or in your basement, we've got you covered.

 
Frontpage Imageduraace Equipment
Learn what equipment works best for a Century, and how to be sure you get the right products to match your ability level.  We're gearheads and we know it.

 
Frontpage Image appleFitness and Nutrition
You not only have to be a strong cyclist to complete a Century, you have to be strong.  Learn about fitness and nutrition for Century riding.
  
 
Frontpage Imagebook Cycling Stories
Members of Potomac Pedalers submit cycling stories each month for our newsletter titled "Pedal Patter".  Here you'll find a selection of stories about cycling adventures.

 

Cycling Polls

How many Centuries have you ridden in?

Pre-registration Ends August 31st

Register by August 31st and you'll receive a free Back Roads Century long sleeve logo t-shirt and a free Back Roads Century logo water bottle

Plus, we'll mail your rider number to your home for a "show and go" start.  No standing in line!  Hurry, this offer ends August 31st!

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Additional bottles, t-shirts and sweatshirts are available for purchase at the Back Roads Century Store.  Click here to shop.

Century News

Live Music at Burwell-Morgan Mill
Enjoy the sounds of Charlie Casabona's Trio, playing live music at the Mill in the morning.  Charlie plays the Fiddle, Mandolin and Banjo.  Genevieve O'Loughlin makes the Celtic Harp Sing. …

Century Rider Comments

The Ride is Great
This is the best century because it's got just enough hills to keep the ride challenging and interesting, without being too difficult.  I put this ride on my calendar every year because I don't…

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Back Roads Century
Sep 19, 2010
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