General Ride Information
General Ride Information
General Ride Information
This is the place to start for basic event information. Here you'll get a summary view of the ride, and what it entails. For more details on each of the subjects below, just click on the links and you'll learn things such as what food is at each rest stop, or an extensive list of what to bring the day of the ride. Have fun exploring.
Ride Date
The ride will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2011
The ride starts at Clarke County High School, 240 Westwood Road, Berryville, VA 22611, about 60-90 minutes west of Washington, DC.
There are five courses for riders of all abilities - 25, 30, 50, 65 and 100 miles. The courses are on public roads in Virginia and West Virginia.
Everyone is Welcome to Ride
This event is open to the public and all cycling enthusiasts are invited to attend. Our 25 mile course is family friendly over flatter terrain.
| Registration Fee Schedule |
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| Amount | Eligible Riders | Beginning | - | Ending | ||
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| $45.00 | General Public | May 1st | - | July 31st | ||
| $40.00 | Potomac Pedalers Members | May 1st | - | July 31st | ||
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| $50.00 | General Public | August 1st | - | August 31st | ||
| $45.00 | Potomac Pedalers Members | August 1st | - | August 31st | ||
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| $65.00 | All Riders | Sept 1st | - | Sept 12th | ||
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| On-line Registration Closes Sept 12th |
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| $100.00 | On-site Registration (limit 100 riders) | Sept 18th | - | Sept 18th | ||
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* Note - Registration will be limited to the first 2,000 riders, and will close at that |
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Registration Fee Includes
- Cue Sheet
- Mechanical Support along the routes
- Rest Stop Food and Drinks
- Cookout after the ride with hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and more
- Back Roads Century Logo T-shirt when you register online by August 31st
- Back Roads Century water bottle when you register online by August 31st
- Rider number mailed to your home when you register online by August 31st
September Registration
- You will not be guaranteed to receive a free t-shirt or water bottle - only if available
- You will need to pick up your rider number at the registration desk in the morning
On-site Registration Option
On-site registration will be limited to 100 participants, only if our event has not reached capacity.
After You Register Online
You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your registration. Approximately 2 weeks before the event we will mail you your Bike Number and Wristband (if you registered by August 31st). The Bike Numbers will be used for identification by our Support and Gear, and our photographers. The Wristband will be used for identification at rest stops and the post-ride cookout. If you register after August 31st, you'll need to pick up your Bike Number and Wristband the morning of our event.
Event Capacity
Our event capacity is 2,000 riders. Once we reach 2,000 registrants will will close registration. We sold out in 2010 and we expect to sell out again in 2011.
There is a rolling start (show and go) from 7:00am to 9:30am. Please adhere to the following recommended starting times so that riders of the same ability are grouped together. This will help to avoid congestion on the road and at rest stops.
- 7:00am - 7:30am - 100 Mile English Century Riders
- 7:30am - 8:00am - 65 Mile Metric Century Riders
- 8:00am - 8:30am - 50 Mile Half Century Riders
- 8:30am - 9:00am - 30 Mile Extended Quarter Century Riders
- 9:00am - 9:30am - 25 Mile Quarter Century Riders
Route Riding Times
Routes are open from 7:00am to 6:00pm. Be sure to return before 6:00pm, when the route services will close; and start early if you plan on doing the 100 mile ride!
Rider Check-In
If you registered on-line by August 31st, you do not have to stop at the registration area before you ride. Simply apply your Wristband and attach your Bike Number, then get rolling. We want you to get started early and enjoy your day without standing in line.
If you registered in September, you'll need to stop at the registration area to pick up your Wristband and Bike Number.
The 25 mile course is on mostly flat terrain and would be classified as an easier ride. The 30, 50, 65 and 100 mile rides are on “rolling” terrain, meaning that they have some hills, but don’t have any long mountain climbs. Click on the link above for full course descriptions, and we've also posted interactive course maps on our website.
All rides will have designated rest stops along each route. There will be water, sports drinks, fruit, snacks and other food. Rest stops are noted on your cue sheet and the distance between them differs, depending upon which course you choose - 25, 30, 50, 65 and 100. Generally, they’re anywhere from 13 to 25 miles apart. You should review your cue sheet for the exact mileage.
After the ride you're invited to join us at the post-ride cookout. This is included in your registration fee. We'll have home-made barbecue, hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and other treats.
Where do I get my free t-shirt and water bottle?
T-shirts and water bottles will be available for on-site pickup from 7:00am – 5:00pm (if you registered by August 31st) at the registration desk. Therefore you have the option of picking up your shirt before or after your ride.
Information Desk
The information desk will be located at the entrance to Clarke County High School and will be staffed from 7:00am – 6:00pm
You must wear your Wristband identification at our rest stops and post-ride cookout; and you must place your Bike Number on your handlebars for our Support and Gear to identify you. Helmets are required. Click on the link above for a full list of what to bring.
Locker Rooms
Locker rooms at Clarke County High School (the ride start/finish location) will be open so that you can shower and change clothes. Be sure to pack a gym bag with clothing, towel, soap and shampoo.
Berryville, VA is approximately 60-90 minutes west of Washington, DC. Many riders simply get up early and drive to the ride start. Others prefer to stay overnight in the area, or even make it a weekend trip to explore the Shenandoah Valley. We have an entire travel section on our web site of where to stay, what to do and what to see.
Parking is at the Clarke County Fairgrounds, around the corner from the ride start at Clarke County High School. You will enter the Fairgrounds on State Route 7/West Main Street, and you can print out directions on our web site. Look for our parking attendants to direct you - parking is free.
Bicycle Repair
Mechanics will be on hand to perform repairs and adjustments.
Souvenirs
We plan on offering Back Roads Century logo items for sale, such as water bottles, etc. Check our web site for the latest information on what will be available.
MarathonFoto photography service will be taking pictures throughout the ride. After the ride they will e-mail you photos in which you (your rider number) appear. You can browse through the proofs and choose photos you would like to purchase. They will offer various sizes and formats to choose from.
We will have support vehicles traveling along all routes, throughout the day. Their official name is “Support and Gear”, more commonly known as “SAG”. Just look for a vehicle with a SAG sign in their car window.
Safety Rules and GuidelinesHelmets are required in order to participate in the Back Roads Century. You will be traveling on public roads in Virginia and West Virginia, and you must obey all traffic laws pertaining to each state. Comprehensive safety guidelines are posted on our web site.
Refund Policy
No refunds will be issued; the event is rain or shine