HISTORY. This ride has been around since the mid-1980s, traveling under a variety of names depending on sponsor: Labor Day Classic, the Labor Day Century, the Clarksville Labor Day Century, the Clarksville Century, The Silver Bullet Century, and the Free ’n’ Easy Bicycle Rally. Old-timers and bike-ride historians know it wasn’t always held on Labor Day weekend. Back in the eighties, it ran on the first weekend in June.

For the past few years, the ride has been sponsored by the Clarksville Sunrise Rotary Club, under the name of the "Sunrise Century" but incorporating a variety of shorter routes: metric, 49 miles, 21 miles, 25 miles, that have varied as we looked for the best combination of events.  Every year, the Sunrise club has worked to improve the ride.

Based on 2007 post-ride comments, club members elected to make the most major change in years: split the event between two dates, with two different names:

• The Labor Day Classic on the Saturday before Labor Day (August 30, 2008) for 62-mile and 25-mile riders.

• The Sunrise Century on Saturday, September 20, 2008, for century riders only, with a separate start time and rolling support for elite riders.

Why the split in 2008?

The reasons are many: The continued growth of the combined century and metric century stressed riders and volunteers alike. The need for more parking for participants at Rossview High School. A desire for 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.

The Sunrise Club also recognized that the 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 riders will have open roads to attempt to beat the current record of 3:53:00 and weekend warriors can shoot for a personal best.

Two major advantages of the later date for the 100-mile route 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. Volunteers will bend over backward to keep riders safe, hydrated, and on course.

But we're also counting on you to do your part. On the day of the event, everyone will sign a legal waiver in order to ride. By signing, you PROMISE TO ABIDE BY “SUNRISE” RULES. They’re not burdensome or unreasonable, and we have to enforce them—for the sake of everyone’s safety and enjoyment and to maintain insurance coverage. Gee, we hate to be ride Nazis, but here's what we ask:

• Wear an approved helmet all the time. (Duh)

• Don't start the route early. (Our route Marshals will not know you are out there.)

• Stay on your assigned course.

• Obey all traffic laws.

• Be nice to your fellow riders.

• Be respectful of home and property owners along the way.