12 Scenic Century Rides

Written by
See all of the beauty America offers, 100 miles at a time. These 12 century rides come with scenery you will never forget.
Mission to Ride
Montrose, Colorado - May 9, 2015
1 of 13
Most of the climbing is done early in the ride, but the reward is worth it—stunning views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The ride then descends back toward Montrose for the more flat second half that explores beautiful western Colorado.
Santa Fe Century
Santa Fe, New Mexico - May 17, 2015
1 of 13
Pass through old mining towns and climb the hills of Ortiz and San Pedro Mountains on ancient Turquoise Trail. Get a first-hand glimpse of life in America's southwest.
Challenge of the Centuries Bicycle Ride
Hartwell, Georgia - May 23, 2015
1 of 13
Choose from three scenic routes of 35, 65 or 100 miles on this two-day event through backcountry roads and minimum traffic in the Hartwell area of Georgia. Loops range from moderate to challenging, with each offering some of the most unique and picturesque scenery you'll find anywhere in the Southeast.
San Diego Century Bike Tour
Encinitas, California - May 30, 2015
1 of 13
The unique geography of San Diego allows century riders to take in the beautiful beaches as well as climb challenging mountains just a few miles inland. This is one of Southern California's most esteemed rides.
Tour de Steamboat
Steamboat Springs, Colorado - July 18, 2015
1 of 13
Take on 110 miles of northern Colorado terrain, including landmarks like Rabbit Ears Pass, Gore Pass, Upper Craven and Wolford Mountain.
Harlem Valley Rail Ride
Millerton, New York - July 26, 2015
1 of 13
The century ride has 8,783 feet of elevation gain as it rolls through upstate New York, with several miles on the car-free Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Millerton is near the New York state border with Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Crater Lake Century
Klamath Falls, Oregon - August 15, 2015
1 of 13
Get amazing views of the United States' deepest lake, as this ride takes you along the rim so you can see the blue water and the Cascade Mountains at this cherished national park.
Mammoth Fall Century and Gran Fondo
Mammoth Lakes, California - September 11-12, 2015
1 of 13
This bucket list race features jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Nevada Range, Mono Lake and the White Mountains. Do bring your climbing bike, as the course starts at a cool 8,000 feet of elevation and has well over 6,000 miles of climbing sprinkled throughout the 100-mile course. But what fun would spectacular views be if you didn't have to work to get there?
Maine Lighthouse Ride
South Portland, Maine - September 12, 2015
1 of 13
Several distances are offered, including a 100-mile trek that passes nine of Maine's iconic lighthouses and ventures into breathtaking coastal areas.
Tahoe Sierra Century
Olympic Valley, California - September 12, 2015
1 of 13
This "Miles for Music" ride gives all proceeds to the music programs at North Tahoe Middle and High Schools. Enjoy the views as you climb 6,800 feet including a summit of Donner Pass.
Tour de Whidbey
Greenbank, Washington - September 19, 2015
1 of 13
Explore the island located in the Puget Sound, not far from Seattle. The terrain features farmland, rural roads, and 360-degree views of the sound and everything it touches.
Santa Barbara Century - Gran Fondo
Santa Barbara, California - October 17, 2015
1 of 13
Explore one of Southern California's gems, where the coastline and mountains squeeze tightly together. The result is a century ride with challenging climbs and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands.
1 of 13