Due to scheduling issues, it looks like my GF and I will not be doing the Ride for Roswell this year. To make up the lack, I might be doing the "100 Miles to Nowhere" instead.

100MtN is another cancer fundraiser, invented and run by the blogger behind FatCyclist.com. The idea is that a century is the distance that "separates the men from the boys" if you will: you don't have to be a pro to finish, but if you're not, it'll hurt. There are lots of scheduled century rides, all over the country. The schtick behind 100MtN is in two parts: first, it can be done anywhere; second, that it has to be done in the most boring manner possible.

So no rides through the beautiful rolling countryside, admiring the forests and fields. No rides along scenic mountain ridges. No rides through beautiful historic cities. It's got to be somewhere boring.

Pretty much anything is exciting when you see it for the first time, so the ride is to be done in laps. The recommended maximum lap distance is two or two and a half miles, if memory serves, so you're going to be seeing the same scenery many times. The truly hardcore do it on an exercise bike or on bicycle rollers.

This year's edition of the 100MtN is scheduled for June 2nd. I'm not sure where I'll be that day, so I don't know where I'll be riding. It could be a short loop on campus, or maybe around the block at the GF's place. Either way, it should be a good time! Or, rather, not a good time, which is kind of the point.

Being an individual-effort race does have perks, of course. You can take rest breaks when you want, and don't have to line up at porta-potties. Instead of munching Clif Bars, you can have a grill cooking burgers somewhere along your loop. And every rider gets to define which division they are riding in, with the intent that everyone gets to win their division. I'm thinking I have a strong chance of winning the "Marine/History Grad Student/30-40" bracket.

Posted by: Boviate at 08:27 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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