2012 Century Ride

CANCELLED for 2012.
See you on August 24, 2013.

The Mad River Valley Century Ride has been canceled for 2012. We have made this decision due to:

• The devastation from Tropical Storm Irene
• Several major construction projects taking place this summer along the course route

On Sunday August 28, 2011, Irene struck Vermont with a vengeance dumping more than a foot of rain at a rate of up to 1-2 inches per hour. The storm hit the day after the 21st annual event, which was sunny and dry! And the severely damaged roads included the state highways on the course.

There are many other rides throughout the State that are in good shape. Bicycle enthusiasts are welcome to contact us at the Hyde Away Inn. We are happy to help you plan to ride other loops throughout central Vermont by:

• Providing maps
• Identifying convenient stops along your route
• Offering information about the status of road construction projects

There is still no better State for bicycling than Vermont. Our scenery and low traffic make it ideal place to plan a road biking vacation. Or enjoy mountain biking on our vast network of dirt roads, single track, or lift-served mountain ski area trails.

We look forward to a better than ever Ride in August 2013. We’ll keep you informed. Please contact Bruce Hyde at the Hyde Away Inn for more information.

It seems fitting that, on the 20th anniversary of the Mad River Century, someone should acknowledge the superb community service Margaret and Bruce Hyde provide by organizing and running this premiere bicycling event. We have been doing this ride almost from the beginning, and it is always amazing to see how well organized it is and how well taken care of we bike riders are, from bagels at the first rest stop to peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and to end with homemade cookies at the last rest stop. Then this is all topped off with a wonderful barbecue where we all get to recount our adventures. The Century brings people from all over New England to The Valley and introduces hundreds to many of its attractions.

Thank you, Bruce and Margaret, for continually putting on this great show.

— Jane W. Eckert, Lexington, MA

As published in The Valley Reporter

Thanks for the excellent century this past weekend. I know you don’t control the weather, but it was near perfect. I traveled to VT from the Philadelphia area, to ride with a friend who lives up there. It was worth the 800 mile round-trip. I’ll have to see if I can get some riding buddies from PA to join me next year.

One comment about the rest stops. It would have been nice for [some of] the electrolyte/sports drinks to be cold. Other than that, no complaints. Loved the cookies at the 80-mile. Those were key to finishing in good spirits!

I have participated in this ride 4 times and plan to go back every year. The ride is very scenic and surprisingly flat considering it takes place in the "Green Mountain State". The participants are very friendly and the stops are well stocked and convenient. One suggestion would be to have the start and finish take place in the same spot. Having to get off your bike to check in after 108 miles and then getting back on your bike to ride back to your car is not ideal. Overall though, a great century. Mark it on your calendar!

This was my first century and I can’t imagine they get better than this one. Excellent rest stops, scenic VT countryside. I will be back, it was extremely enjoyable.

This was the "BEST" of the seven century rides I did last year. With only four turns, you can get up a head of steam and keep going. Excellent food! Both during and after. I’ll go back for my third time.

This ride has never been a disappointment. The rest stops are always well stocked with food and drink the cyclists need. This ride grows in participation each year.

This century also, is plenty picturesque,.. and is surprisingly easy,..with few hills. Ride is well supported with rest stops and "Sag Wagon support,..the bonus is the food & party afterwards at Hyde Away Lodge…really a happening! Don’t miss this Century. Absolutely "A plus!"

Thank you for continuing year after year to hold one of the best century events in the northeast.

The scenic countryside was beautiful, but even more so was the food & beverage selection at the rest stops.