Back Roads Century

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The Back Roads Century offers routes of five distances - 100, 65, 50, 30 and 25 miles.  You're welcome to choose the route that best suits your ability and interest.

During registration we ask you what distance you plan on riding.  We use this information to plan appropriately at our rest stops.  You are not "locked in" to a specific distance when you register, and you may choose a different distance than you told us during registration.

English Century (100 miles)

The first half of the English Century takes you from Berryville, VA, northeast into West Virginia and circles through the historic town of Middleway, WV.  Your first rest stop will be at Washington High School (mile 31.5).  You'll then head east towards the Shenandoah River. The route then goes south, back into Virginia and returns to Clarke County High School.  Here you’ll have an opportunity to relax, change clothes if the temperature’s rising and grab a bite to eat.  Our English Century is a figure 8 course, which consists of two separate loops that go out and back from the ride start.

The second half of the English Century starts from Clarke County High School and travels south.  You'll stop at the historic Burwell-Morgan Mill (mile 63).  You should take a few minutes to go inside of the Mill to see it in operation.  Admission is included with our ride - just show them your rider number.  The next stretch of our Century parallels the Shenandoah River, heading south.  This is considered the toughest section of the Century, so save your energy and plan accordingly.  You'll then turn north and take a break at White Post Restorations (mile 78).  White Post is the home of our “world famous” tomato sandwiches.  Be sure not to miss this treat!  The ride then continues north and you'll travel right next to the river for some incredible views.  Your Century will culminate with a ride down Main Street in Berryville, VA and then return to Clarke County High School.

The full Century has approximately 4,500 feet of climbing which would be considered moderately hilly

Metric Century (65 miles)

The Metric Century heads south through Clarke County, VA.  You'll pass by stone fences and incredible farmland views as you arrive at your first rest stop, historic Burwell-Morgan Mill (mile 13).  After the Mill you'll continue south, paralleling the Shenandoah River.  You'll then turn west for a challenging climb to your rest stop (Fairview Church) located at the top, at mile 30.  Here you can stretch your legs and grab a drink.  After the rest stop you'll head down a long descent which circles back to the east.  You'll then make your way to White Post Restorations (mile 43) so you can enjoy our tomato sandwiches.  After White Post you'll ride right next to the Shenandoah River for some incredible views.  Your Metric Century will culminate with a ride down Main Street in Berryville, VA and then return to Clarke County High School.

The Metric Century has approximately 3,000 feet of climbing which would be considered moderately hilly.  There is one good climb on this route that you won't find on our full Century.  It's the perfect ride for cyclists looking for a challenge.  Plus, if you're training for other Century rides this fall, our Metric Century is an ideal training ride.

 Half Century South Loop (50 miles)

The Half Century heads south through Clarke County, VA.  You'll pass by stone fences and incredible farmland views as you arrive at your first rest stop, historic Burwell-Morgan Mill (mile 13).  After the Mill you'll head south paralleling the Shenandoah River.  You'll then turn north, arriving at White Post Restorations (mile 28) so you can enjoy our tomato sandwiches.  After White Post you'll ride right next to the Shenandoah River for some incredible views.  Your Half Century will culminate with a ride down Main Street in Berryville, VA and then return to Clarke County High School.

The South Loop Half Century has approximately 2,500 feet of climbing which is considered moderately hilly. 

Optional Half Century North Loop (50 miles)

Our 100 mile Century consists of two 50 mile loops, known as the North Loop (1st half) and the South Loop (2nd half).  The South Loop is the preferred Half Century for a few reasons.  It has two full rest stops during the ride, whereas the North Loop only has one.  The South Loop has a bit more rustic scenery as opposed to the North Loop.  The South Loop has a similar amount of vertical climb as the North Loop.  However, the South Loop hills are a bit shorter and steeper than the North loop hills.  Therefore if you plan on riding a Tandem, or you have difficulty with short, steep hills, then you may want to consider riding the North Loop.  It's your choice.

The North Loop Half Century has approximately 2,200 feet of climbing which would be considered moderately hilly.

Extended Quarter Century (29 miles)

The Extended Quarter Century follows the same route as the Quarter Century (above) until you reach the Burwell-Morgan Mill rest stop.  Then, instead of heading back towards Berryville, you'll ride down to the Shenandoah River banks for some incredible views.  There are a few tougher hills near the river, so get ready for a little more challenge than the Quarter Century.  After the river you'll turn back towards Berryville and head down Main Street to culminate your ride.  This route adds 5 miles and a few hills to the Quarter Century.

The Extended Quarter Century has approximately 1,400 feet of climbing, which would be considered moderately hilly.

Quarter Century (24 miles)

The Quarter Century heads south through Clarke County, VA.  You'll pass by stone fences and incredible farmland views as you arrive at your rest stop, historic Burwell-Morgan Mill (mile 13).  After the Mill you'll head north paralleling the Shenandoah River.  Your Quarter Century will culminate with a ride down Main Street in Berryville, VA and then return to Clarke County High School.

The Quarter Century has approximately 900 feet of climbing, which would be considered an easier ride.