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Peninsula Century: A Challenge for Young and Old

Sister Bay ride takes place Saturday, Sept. 14

Whom do you picture when you think of a cyclist? 

Many imagine a hard-core rider with expensive shades, a slick jersey and an expensive bike. But the riders in the Peninsula Century Fall Challenge come in all shapes and sizes. 

“The image of the stereotypical rider is much different than reality,” said Brian Fitzgerald, organizer of this weekend’s Peninsula Century Fall Challenge, which will bring 700 cyclists to Sister Bay on Sept. 14. “Many are in their 50s, 60s or older, in love with a sport that helps them stay active and see the county from a different vantage point.”

Take David Steinert. He completed last year’s 100-mile route with his granddaughter Rhianna Hanson – at age 80. 

“He got me into biking,” Hanson said. It was the second century ride they’ve completed together. 

Steinert may have been the oldest century finisher, but he was not the oldest rider. Two other octogenarians took that title in the 50-mile ride. Nearly a third of all riders were over the age of 60. The youngest rider? That was 10 year-old Evan Ohme. 

Most riders come from all over Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, but others travel much farther. Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, California, South Carolina, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Indiana, Colorado, Florida and Washington, D.C., were represented in last year’s ride. Even Hawaii showed up! 

Online registration for the ride closes Thursday, Sept. 12, at midnight, but riders can still register on-site at packet pickup in Sister Bay’s Waterfront Park on Friday, 4-7 pm; and Saturday, 6-9 am. 

You don’t need an iron lung to participate – it’s a ride, not a race – and there are four routes to choose from: a flat, 25-mile route; a 50-mile route; and more challenging 62- and 100-mile routes. 

Competitive riders of all ages can also take on the King of the Hills challenge, which features three timed hill climbs in Ephraim, Carlsville and Ellison Bay, but you must ride the 100-mile distance to participate in the King of the Hills. 

Visit peninsulacenturyfallchallenge.com to get more information. 

EVENT DETAILS

Peninsula Century Fall Challenge

Date and time: Saturday, Sept. 14, 7 am

Location: Waterfront Park, Sister Bay

Description: The Fall Challenge features four routes (25, 50, 62 and 100 miles) that take riders down the peninsula’s rustic back roads and scenic shoreline, then finish at Sister Bay’s Waterfront Park. Rest stops feature great snacks, refreshments and specialty food from local restaurants.

Thyme Cuisine will provide the post-ride taco buffet, with dessert from Seaquist Orchards and Door County Ice Cream Factory, plus beer from One Barrel Brewing Company and kombucha from Tapuat Kombucha. 

Registration: Online at peninsulacenturyfallchallenge.com through Sept. 12 at midnight; on-site at packet pickup in Sister Bay’s Waterfront Park on Sept. 13, 4-7 pm; and Sept. 14, 6-9 am.

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