(You're Impatient and don't want to read this. Click HERE to go straight to the 2008 web site.)

Clarksville Sunrise Rotary Club

ANNOUNCEMENT

IT’S 2008 AND TIME FOR THE "BIG SPLIT!"

Two Rides!! Two Dates!!

Labor Day Classic – 62-Mile & 25-Mile Rides: Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sunrise Century – 100-Mile Ride: Saturday, September 20, 2008

Both Rides Will Stage From Rossview High School off Exit 8 of I-24

We've been hinting for the past two years and now it's going to happen!

In 2008, we will move the 100-Mile Sunrise Century from its original Labor Day weekend date to Saturday, September 20th. We will continue the Labor Day weekend event by staging a 62-Mile ride along with a shorter 25-Mile ride. This event will reclaim the moniker of "The Labor Day Classic" and will be held on Saturday, August 30th.

Why the split?

The reasons are many: The continued growth of the combined century and metric century. Available parking for all participants. Improved support at registration and at rest stops. Requests from our volunteers and century riders to spend more time with their families on Labor Day weekend. Afternoon heat in early September.

We also recognize that our century course continues to be - to the best of our knowledge - the only sub-four hour century in the United States. We have searched extensively to find others to challenge our claim, but they are either keeping their ride a secret or it doesn't exist.

The Sunrise Century. Fast. Really Fast.

A sub-four century gives us bragging rights to having the fastest hundred miles in the USA. We believe that’s really unique and special in the world of cycling. We have decided to expand that concept by separating the 100-mile ride from the shorter events, so elite single riders (sorry -  tandems are not allowed to participate in this event) will have open roads to attempt to beat the current record of 3:56:11 and weekend warriors can shoot for a personal best.

Two major advantages of the later date immediately come to mind. First, the later date should be cooler and more conducive to optimal physical performance. Second, we can offer a safer ride since there will no longer be a need to merge longer routes with shorter routes or staggered start times.

Obviously, we are not limiting the century ride to elite riders. We will support those who seek an optimal time over 100 miles as well as riders who just want to enjoy the beautiful open country without the caveat of "a few challenging climbs."

Regardless of the event we'll be there to support you.

All the good things you have come to expect from the Clarksville Sunrise Rotary Club’s sponsorship of a bike event will continue, along with improvements you have suggested. After four years of sponsoring this event, we believe we have a feel for what riders want and what riders need to be safe and still have a great time. At both the Labor Day Classic and the Sunrise Century we offer: sag coverage, multiple, well-spaced, well-stocked rest stops, EMT coverage, end of ride meal, massage services; shower and clean up facilities, timing clocks, and door prizes. "Elite" peloton support will only occur for the 100-Mile event, however.

Registration fees are being determined and a discount for registration for both rides, if made at the same time, is anticipated. More details will be announced and posted on this web site by April 1st.

In 2008, the 100-mile route and the 62-mile route will be the same as in 2007. For those familiar with the local roads, the new 25-mile route will follow the 62-mile route left onto Port Royal Road, then right onto Sale Road, then right onto Old Guthrie Road, where it will merge with the 62-mile for the return to Rossview High School.

The updated web site is in place.

Click HERE to enter the 2008 web site. Read about the great effort of the elite peloton to break 3:53:00 on a really windy day back in 2007.

Questions?

Email "rideinfo at clarksvillecentury dot com" (This is the anti-spam format. Knock out the spaces, exclude the quotation marks, use the @ sign, etc. You know the drill. )