Standard Deluxe's Dirt Road Century Ride sells out in record time

The already sold-out Standard Deluxe Dirt Road Century is returning to Waverly on October 19. The dirt road race will begin and end at the eclectic Standard Deluxe music venue.

The race boasts three different routes: a 30, 60 and 100 mile option. The 60 and 100 mile race routes are competitive, awarding a first, second and third place prize for the top three females and males in each route. The coveted prize is a handcrafted, mustache-themed mug courtesy of Opelika craft shop Birdsongs.

In keeping with the grassroots spirit of the event, non-competitive riders also have the opportunity to win fun prizes based on categories such as human wheelbarrow races and a mustache contest.

“This ensures everyone has the chance to win even if they aren’t the fastest on the bike,” said event spokesperson Mike Bowen.

  

All participants can enjoy a free meal (and a cold beer) following the race, as well as live music and games at the Standard Deluxe. The event is family-friendly.

"We started this race as a fun grassroots way to increase cycling awareness in the area, highlight the beautiful roads and landscape Alabama has to offer and, most importantly, provide a laidback, fun atmosphere for people to hang out and enjoy good food, music and comradery,” said Scott Dirksen, another event spokesperson. “Even with the increase in demand for the event, we will never compromise the grassroots dirt road bike experience for all levels of cyclists and spectators."

  

Registration for the race sold out in a record four weeks earlier this summer. Interested cyclists can still register for the waitlist for each route. Those interested in attending the event without competing are also encouraged to sign up for the volunteer list. Sign up to volunteer here. 

For more information about the Standard Deluxe Dirt Road Century, contact Mike Bowen at michael.john.bowen@gmail.com or Mark Gomez at mark.gomez2013@gmail.com. Those interested can also click here. 

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The 17th annual Johnny Ray Century will take place on September 7, starting and ending at Red Clay Brewing Company in downtown Opelika.

This year, the non-competitive Johnny Ray Century has been added to the Alabama Backroads Century Series and will be hosted by the Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee. Participating cyclists will enjoy “riding a classic rail line” on the scenic (though rugged) rural roads of Lee, Chambers and Randolph counties.

The Johnny Ray Century benefits the Davis-Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease. Proceeds from the $50 registration benefit the continuation of the work of promoting physical activity—especially cycling—to slow the progression of the neurological disease.

New this year, the ride will start and end at Red Clay Brewing Company, where over 300 participants will sip Mama Mocha’s coffee and fuel up with a light breakfast before the 7 a.m. start time. A lunch of lasagna and salad—and, of course, a frosty craft beer—awaits the cyclists upon completion of their ride.

Another new addition to the event is a simultaneous gravel route called “The Dirty 66.” Riders will have the choice to participate in this route in addition to four others: the 20 mile “Cusseta Commuter,” the 34 mile “Twin Silos Shuttle,” the 60 mile “Lafayette Short Line” or the 104 mile “Johnny Ray Century.”

All routes will be fully supported with friendly volunteers, support and gear vehicles and rest stops with plenty of fluids and snacks.

  

The Johnny Ray Century began in 2002 after a push from the local community to create a trail following the rail line between Opelika and Roanoke. The name of the event is in remembrance of Opelika native Johnny Ray, a train engineer who engineered a passenger train along the rail line twice a day over 75 years ago and became a well-loved local celebrity.

Online registration for the event is now open. All participants are guaranteed a free t-shirt if they register by September 1.

Pre-registered participants can attend the Packet Pick-Up Party at James Bros Bikes in Opelika on Friday, September 6, from 4:30-7 p.m. Day-of registration begins at 6 a.m. at Red Clay Brewing Company on September 7.

For more information on the ride, contact Shirley Lazenby at shirleylazenby@msn.com or visit www.eastalabamacyclingclub.com/johnnyraycentury.

If you're interested in volunteering for the Johnny Ray Century Ride, click here to sign up. 

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