About the Ride
“This is the best of the many century rides that I have ridden. Great facilities, top notch organization and support and real dedicated bunch of cyclists.”
“For its short history, I am very pleased with how this event has grown and evolved. I loved the 2010 event and then enjoyed the 2011 event even more.”
“The volunteers were great. I felt so important coming into the feed zone where people offered to hold my bike. They also refilled my drinks.”
The Ride
The Sub 5 Century Challenge is a timed road cycling event that will put your quest for a personal best in motion. All riders will be organized into 16 Rider Groups of 16 riders giving you the opportunity to test your endurance on a course that encompasses three counties in north central Illinois. The field is limited to 252 riders.
There is also an untimed recreational ride that will give you the opportunity to ride from 25 to 75 miles at your own pace, individually or in a group.
The Rider Profile
All riders understand and appreciate that this event is about more than just the bike, it’s about supporting Parkinson’s Research. Click 3 Steps to Successful Fundraising. Click Sample Fundraising Letter.
Sub5: A road cycling enthusiast whose goal is riding at a +20 mile per hour pace as a member of a group drafting each other. Riders must have some experience riding in a single paceline, double paceline or echelon. Since drafting will be key to maintaining the group’s pace (and for reasons of safety) aero bars will not be allowed.
Recreational: A cycling enthusiast whose goal is riding at his/her own pace either alone or in a group with riders of similar ability and fitness.
Rider Groups
Registration is open to both individual participants and teams, including clubs and bike shops. All riders and teams will be assigned to one of 16 rider groups based on their time goals.
Start/Finish Time
The first (and fastest) rider group will start promptly at 8:00 AM from Hampshire High School. Successive rider groups will depart at predetermined starting times until all 16 rider groups are on the course. Support vehicles will assist rider groups for the benefit of safety.
Rider Packet
Rider Packets will be available for pickup on Friday evening, September 7, 2012 from 6pm to 7pm as well as Sunday morning from 6am to 7am. Riders are strongly encouraged to pick up their packets on Friday evening. Each packet will contain the rider identification, route map and promotional items.
Hotel Information
Local hotels are pitching in to help make the 3rd Annual Sub 5 Century Challenge for Parkinson’s Research a continued success by offering interested riders a good night’s sleep before the big ride. Rooms are available at discounted rates for the night of Friday, September 8, 2012. Click here for additional information and a list of the hotels.
