Riding 100 miles is a classic cycling challenge. Long enough not to take lightly but short enough not to require extreme effort like sleep deprivation. A century is often called the bicycling equivalent of a marathon. I remember my first- in 2002 on a mountain bike on the Cardinal Greenway in Muncie, Indiana. I don’t remember century #100, but #200 was one of the hardest- on a heavy, single speed Buffalo Bike!
So what would make #300 unique? As the (former) Guinness World Record holder for the largest GPS drawing by bike, aka Strava Art, that seems like a good idea:
Here’s the details- and if you’re reading this in early April 2025- please join us!
- April 18, 2025, start at 730am in Star City, Indiana (northwest of Logansport)
- Course route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50143266
- Follow along!: https://maps.findmespot.com/s/0Z34
But this ride will be much more than a cycling milestone. One of my earliest bosses and first mentors was Rick Huibregtse. Rick taught me about blending engineering and leadership, telling stories not just giving presentations, and the challenges of global engineering (he lived and worked in Portugal and Luxembourg). On Day 2 of my ride across the US, Rick brought a jug of water and shared tips for avoiding rattlesnakes (tips that I put into practice just 2 days later!) Here’s a photo as we sought shade before I headed into the Mojave Desert:
Rick is only 62 and was an outdoors enthusiast: mountain biking, scuba diving, backpacking, surfing, skiing and offroad motorcycling / camping. Not any more, as he has been diagnosed with the terminal progressive disease ALS (Lou Gherig’s disease). It affects about 12 people of every 100,000 per year in the US and has only a few years of life expectancy. Rick is unable to work, and has progressed into difficult phases of the disease, spending time at home with friends and family. If there’s one thing that defines long distance cycling, it’s tenacity and perseverance. But Rick’s fight is far tougher and more serious. We need to cure and prevent this disease.
So in tribute to Rick and all those who are fighting for a cure for this little understood and incurable disease, the “Century for a Century” will be to support ALS research. If you ride- please donate $100. I’m donating $300 for century #300. If you’re reading this, please consider a donation of any amount and share it here, or tag us on social media to spread the word and encourage others to do the same.
One of my favorite mantras is “There’s no such thing as can’t, only won’t.” We’re all capable of far more than we realize. Which is true. But when it comes to ALS, no matter how hard you fight, today the disease wins. Let’s end that. Please consider donating and honoring those who are battling ALS.
Why I Ride 