Favorite cycling "Events"

broadsword7

I am rather fond of the Hilly Hundred, a multi-day event in Indiana: http://www.hillyhundred.org/

I went on the one day Hope Ride for the first time this year and gotta say it was a wonderful experience and a great SAG century ride: http://www.hoperide.org/

In addition to the above, next year I plan to do the following events, and several more if I am lucky.

RAIN (Ride Across Indiana) http://bloomingtonbicycleclub.org/events.php
OKHT (Old Kentucky Home Tour) http://www.okht.org/
The Round Barn Ride http://www.brownstownexchangeclub.org/
The Redbud Ride http://www.redbudride.com/

What are some of your favorite organized cycling events/rides?

TheBigYin

A few years back I drove "support crew" to a couple of friends who had entered the Paris-Roubaix sportive (http://www.vc-roubaix-cyclo.fr/site/) - a chance to ride IMHO the finest of the spring classics, on the same roads (and cobbles) as the pro's, even ending with a lap of the fabled velodrome, and getting a shower in the horrible facilities afterwards - all very "A Sunday in Hell" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4IDCkcnnHg for those who don't know what I'm on about) I'd rather do the "proper one" though, not the watered down ASO version...

It's probably the only one of the "sportif" rides that I harbour an ambition to ride to be honest, mainly as it's not full of ludicrous hills!

I'd like to do the LeJog (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land's_End_to_John_o'_Groats) again at some point as well - though this time, maybe take a couple of weeks over it - or ride with one of the support companies that take your luggage from overnight stop to overnight stop, and allow you to ride unencumbered. Last time I did it, I was in my 20's - took 10 days to complete the route, and had full bike camping gear on my old Dawes Galaxy. Fun, but heavy going on some of the sections.

sillygoose1977

I love the Venus de Miles here in Colorado because it the only Colorado women's only ride. It is a huge event and all the men dress in drag and ride support. I also love the Urban Assault ride. It is a bike scavenger hunt/obstacle course all around the city.

dothompson

I love the Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride

It's 52 miles from Rosarito Beach to Ensenada in Baja Mexico. The first 25 miles or so go along the coast and is pretty flat and scenic. The ride then turns inland and you have some elevation for the next few miles, you then get to a character building hill called "El Tigre" and it's uphill for about 6 miles. When you get to the top you have about 8 miles of beautiful downhill straight to the coast and have a view the entire ride. You then follow the coast into Ensenada for the post ride party. The roads are very well paved the entire route and it is very well organized. All along the route whenever you are in a town the road is lined with people cheering you on. The riders bring candy to throw to the kids along the way. It's always a fantastic day.

The next one is on Cinco de Mayo (which also happens to be my birthday).

Come join the fun http://www.rosaritoensenada.org/english/

TDSeest

Tour De Donut here in Staunton, Illinois.

They reduce your overall time by the number of donuts you eat over the 32 mile course.

Very popular ride now.

bethlikesbikes

Philly LiveStrong is a pretty awesome event. Was my first century and a memorable, moving day.

dothompson

Has anyone done the Tour de Palm Springs? I'm considering giving it a go in February and wondered if I could get some first hand information.

Thanks,

DrIanKellar

The best event I've done is the Seething 600km. Pretty route, with some really lovely bits around the 400-500km mark when you need it, great food, and lovely helpers. One of the helpers even too a cake order from me a few weeks in advance, and it was waiting for me at the 265km mark. How awesome is that!

Sadly, it's not on this year, as they are running a 400km instead. Still, I suspect it will be condensed awesome, and my entry went in as soon as it was announced.

Tracey_Smith

I did the King of the Pennines last September, hurt like hell but was a great ride with fantastic support from Evans Cycles. The Action Medical Research team also do fantastic rides, their food stops are second to none. Pasta, meat, salad and not to forget the most amazing gateaux to finish. Not good for the waistline but when your 60+ miles in they're awesome.