PPTC's 2008 Historic Back Roads Century started on a crisp September morning (9/21/08) in Berryville, VA. A beautiful, sunny, blue-sky day treated the almost 800 registered riders to an event that many commented was one of the best supported Century rides they had ridden. Join us next September for PPTC's Century (more details to come in 2009).

Ed Brandt (PPTC's soon to be chair) writes the following:

PPTC Century the amazing has become routine...both for the riders and the people that put it on.

I can imagine the first time a Century challenge was offered. What comes to mind is some mountain climbing event which required a full summer worth of training. At the extreme is Mt Everest climb, and even that doesn’t get press anymore since it's done so many times (even though climbers still die in the attempt). Well, riding a century may not equate to climbing Mt Everest but it still goes down in my book as a pretty impressive accomplishment.

So mark your calendars for Sept 20, 2009…double down!! That means we’ll go for twice the numbers.

With only a month of advertising we had 550 pre-registered riders (with 100 on the last day of pre-registration) and 232 on-site registrants. Under terrific skies and mild temperatures a fine day of cycling was enjoyed by all. The rest stops were praised for their creativity and food choices, with the musicians at White House Farm, the potatoes at the Mill and the tomato sandwiches at White Post earning the highest praise. The Clarke County High School band under the direction of Mark Curry celebrated the return of the riders. When they finished the Clarke County High School Band boosters took over making satisfying food for the finishing riders. Some indulged in a well-deserved massage offered by Cliff DeWitt’s team.

Berryville’s Boy Scout troop provided a great breakfast to those in need. Next year, we hope to move them from the fairgrounds to the high school to make this more accessible. With almost 800 riders, there were only a few accidents (bikers down), but only one warranted more than anti-septic and band-aids. One cyclist slipped on gravel and dislocated a thumb and also required several chin stitches. SAG cared for 8 minor medical or "exhausted rider" situations and resolved 7 mechanical problems out on the route. Dean Self counts everything, and his SAG team was praised for their wonderful job and prevalence along the route

The feedback from riders is that the rest stops, food, cue sheets, route marking, sag support, parking, massage, etc. worked well. Many said PPTC’s Century ranks as one of the best supported Century rides they had attended. One suggestion is to have ice cream at the end so everyone can drive home all “sugared up”. Keep the suggestions coming.