2010 Shasta Summit Century Bike Ride Big Success, 2011 Version Already Being Planned

What kind of person rides their bike 140 miles – up and down four summits – then immediately registers to do it all again the next year?

If you were at the start/finish of The 2010 Shasta Summit Century bike ride, you’d know the answer.

The 2010 edition of the popular Siskiyou County bicycle ride came off under ideal conditions; more than 670 riders challenged themselves on the ride’s four courses (140 miles, 100 miles, 60 miles and 30 miles) – the hardest of which climbs more than three vertical miles.

Ride Director Tom Chandler said “it was the most successful Summit Century ever.”

“We had no real issues on the road, the weather was perfect, and the 670 riders helped us raise a record amount of money – which we grant to local youth sports teams that need a hand.”

The riders were equally enthusiastic about the ride, at least if this post-ride email is any indication:

I wanted to let you know I had a fantastic time at my 1st Mt. Shasta Summit Century! My girlfriend and I did 100 miles, another girlfriend did 60, my husband did 72, and all of us were very happy with the routes, the food, and the support! The friendly, happy, helpful volunteers were the best! We will definitely be back next year! Thanks for a great experience,”

Summit Century One of “Top 8 Most Challenging” in West

The Mount Shasta Summit Century is a challenging bike ride – one that spans four summits in the Mount Shasta area, and finishes at the end of the road on Mount Shasta – a 14 mile climb ending at almost 8000′ in altitude. Its toughest course is the equivalent of a Tour de France mountain stage – the kind of thing better suited to Lance Armstrong than a couch potato.

Along the way, riders are supported by local volunteers manning rest stops (heavily stocked with sports drinks, food, fruit, etc).

It’s this support – and the stunning course – which keeps riders coming back (and ridership in steadily growing):

You guys are the greatest! Not just the Everitt Overlook rest stop, but all the stops were staffed by fantastic volunteers and stocked with great food. This ride is my favorite in California and I praise it everywhere I go, partly because of the roads and the terrain, but also because of the incredible hospitality we get in town and from the ride support crew and volunteers. Thanks for putting on such a wonderful event.

The 2011 Edition of the Mount Shasta Summit Century is set for August 7, 2011. Visit The Shasta Summit Century website for more details.