A tour through the picturesque horse farms of northern Marion county.
The century will start at 8:30 am at the Loften High School at 3000 East University Avenue. The Gainesville Police Department will lead out the pace vehicle, followed by hundreds of charging cyclists. Expect cohesive packs for the first 20 miles before the first of the hills take their toll.
The rides proceed through the north Marion County horse farms, past miles of wooden fences surrounding manacured pastures, many with prancing thoroughbreds who will occasionally race you along the fence. Early riders may catch a jockey working out the next triple crown winner on one of the practice race tracks along the route.
After traversing country back roads to get back near Gainesville, the ride traverses the most scenic portions of the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. Speeds will need to be moderated to avoid conflict with other trail users and to make sure you stay on the trail as it twists and turns. There will be an alternate route for those following the pace vehicle and who insist on maintaining high speeds to the very end.
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Bagels and muffins will be available at the start, and hot dogs at the finish. The century visits the Flemington rest stop twice, and the lunch rest stop at the midway point. We will also have a rest stop at the point where you join the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail.
