5th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge 2003

	The 5th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Saturday, August 2nd, 2003
	Cost: All routes $30 if registered by July 24; $40 thereafter
	How to get there
	2003 Registration
	Overnight accommodations in the area
	Other local centuries in 2003

The 5th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge
The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club returns to invite you to one of the most scenic centuries on the California coast.
One of the fastest growing Century Challenges and regarded as one of the most physically challenging cycling century rides in the Western US .
Once again we are offering 3 challenge options:

»The Century Challenge
100 Mile loop, for those who love to push themselves to the edge of exhaustion this ride will challenge the most advanced riders.
The Climbs- on this 100-mile loop, you will first ascend Eureka Canyon Rd. to breathtaking views of the bay. You will then ride on to some of the most challenging climbs in Santa Cruz County for 10,000+ feet in elevation gain. A very fit rider will be glad to have a low gear of 39 front and 28 rear. Given the difficulty of this ride, the maps will indicate bail-out routes back to the start.
The Descents- This is no course for riders who fear The Downhill. The roads are sometimes in the shade, sometimes rough, and the switchbacks occasionally blind. Your brakes and tires had better be in good shape!
Click here for 100 mile Ride Profile

»The Metric Century Challenge
Our Metric Century will provide you with beautiful climbs and stunning scenery and still offer a serious challenge.
The Climbs- On the 100K loop are in excess of 5000+ feet following the same route as the 100-mile route.
The Descents- descend many of the same roads as the 100-mile route. The same skills will be required of you: solid climbing ability and keen concentration on the technical descents.

»The Half Metric Challenge
A thirty mile loop offers a unique blend of coastal cliffs and redwood groves
Enjoy a leisurely ride through a dream landscape with shady, forested climbs and descents. Ocean views, breezes, and tantalizing scents of redwoods and sages will accompany you to a Santa Cruz-style gourmet rest stop.

Driving Directions
From San Jose Take Hwy 17 south to Hwy. 1 south. In Aptos, take the Freedom Blvd. exit and turn left over the freeway. Turn right at sign for Aptos High School.
From Monterey Take Hwy 1 north to the Freedom Blvd. exit in Aptos and turn right. Turn right at sign for Aptos High School.

Ride is limited to 500 riders
Metric Century and Full Century Start Time: 6:30am to 8:30am
Half Metric Century Start Time: 8:00am to 9:30am
All routes close at 5:00pm.

The Santa Cruz Climate
Along the coast, mornings and late afternoons are typically foggy and cool. Daytime highs rarely reach 90 degrees. If it is foggy and windy, temperatures can feel like the fifties to a sweaty cyclist coming down from the mountains after a day of hard riding. Rain is always a possibility so come prepared.
Check current Santa Cruz weather . Bring at least a vest wind breaker. Staying overnight? Nights are foggy and cool.

Sustenance
Recharge at rest stops with a variety of fluids, fruit and homemade items. Plenty of real food will be on hand so your afterburners don't get snuffed. Eat well before starting the 100- or 65-mile routes. After your ride, enjoy a massive burrito feed and bowls of Marianne's ice cream.

Trey's True Wheels

If you can't make this one there are always more.
Santa Cruz County offers other centuries.