I felt like a Tour de France cyclist when I crossed the finish line at Centurion Blue Mountain in 2015. Spectators lined the roads cheering, the announcer was calling out our names as we sprinted across the line in a massive peloton, Sportsnet had cameras lined up along the road filming the final sprint. The whole experience felt surreal.  

The moment you cross that finish line you are in a state of complete exhaustion and exuberance.  Endorphins are at an all-time high and you’re minutes away from a cold beer and post-race festivities. It doesn’t get much better than this if you’re an adrenaline junkie. 2015 was my first year racing the C50 instead of the C100 and the feeling was just as exciting as I crossed that finish line. This is why thousands of cyclists flock to this area every September to participate in what is now the second largest cycling event in Canada.  

The Centurion Blue Mountain is a weekend cycling festival that attracts all levels of riders from multi-generation families to elite level racers. The Village atmosphere at Blue Mountain gives the event a European flavour and the Escarpment provides the vistas and punishing hills that make the courses so challenging.  

If you’re thinking about taking part in this amazing event in September, here’s what you need to know to complete your first Centurion, or ride your next one faster. 

Pick your distance

The C100 (yes that’s 100 miles or 160km) is not for the faint of heart. It does require some serious training but is well worth the time and dedication. If you decide to go big, make sure you follow a training plan that includes one epic long ride every 7-10 days. Work up to 4-5 hour rides by mid-summer. The C100 has over 1400 metres of climbing so make sure to include hill intervals every week. 

The C50 is still challenging but doesn’t require the same level of training commitment. Make sure to ride long every ten days (3-4 hours) and include hill intervals. The C25 is an option for those just wanting to test the waters of a mass start cycling event with little or no training requirement.  

Group riding

This is essential if you want to feel confident during the event. You will be riding with thousands of other cyclists so its essential to include group rides in your training. I always ride with my club mates in these events. Even though we are in a massive group, our small group within the peloton feels safe. If you are not comfortable riding in groups it’s worth taking some group ride clinics and practicing with your local cycling club or a group of friends.  

Ride the course

If you live nearby or can make a trip to the area prior to race day to preview the course it can be advantageous. You will learn how to pace on the climbs, where to eat and drink and where and when to recover. 

Nutrition

This can be a deal breaker if you aren’t paying attention. It’s very easy to get caught up in the ride and forget about eating and drinking. Decide before the event if you are stopping at the feed stations. If you plan on racing you won’t be stopping so make sure to pack enough food and drinks for the entire time you’re out there. Eat often and refuel quickly. Set a timer on your watch or bike computer to remind you to eat and drink every 20 minutes. Never try anything new on event day. Test out all the food and drinks you plan to take with you on your training rides. 

Pacing

This is very important and can seriously impact your results. It’s easy to get caught up in the adrenalin and rush of riders around you in the first hour. Ride the first third at a brisk pace, second third harder pace and go for broke in the last third. Going all out the first hour can backfire. Work as a group to conserve energy. Drafting isn’t cheating its good strategy and will save your legs. 

Taper

The week before Centurion is not the time to cram in the miles. The fitness level you have one week out is what you’ve got for event day. Preserve it by cutting your hours in half and keeping some intensity in your rides.  

Arrive early

Make sure you’re organized the night before and arrive at least one hour before the start. Check weather and dress appropriately. 

Have fun

The greatest aspect of Centurion is “racers race and riders ride.” Push as hard as you want and go for that personal record or enjoy yourself and ride it like a leisurely tour. 

2018 Centurion

This will be the 8^th year of the Centurion Blue Mountain taking place September 17-18, 2018. Events start on Friday night and continue on through Saturday and Sunday.

• Friday – Time Trial, free 2.5km Family Fun Ride
• Saturday morning – C100, C50
• Saturday afternoon – C50 awards, C100 awards
• Sunday morning – True Grit 40K, True Grit 75K, C25K, Kids Race
• Sunday afternoon – Awards for True Grit and Gran Centurion events
• Enjoy post-race food and music, Vendor Village throughout the weekend

New features for 2018 include:

• True Grit Off Road 40K: explore the magnificent network of dirt roads above the Niagara Escarpment on this 40K journey.
• True Grit Extreme Off Road 75K: this 75K event takes you on the toughest, most challenging hill in dirt riding.
• Centurion Quad Challenge (C4): Compete together as a 4-person team in the Friday Night Time Trial and Saturday in the C50 road ride. Details are still to be posted on this new event but the combined results of the Friday and Saturday team time (third rider across the finish counts as the team’s time) will determine the C4 standings.
• Centurion Peak Pass…an all-inclusive weekend pass. In addition to regular entry fee perks, the pass includes: choosing 1 event per day to participate in, the ability to change events up to the morning of the event, upgraded long sleeve hooded t-shirt, discounts at local bike shops, Centurion jersey at a discounted rate of $39.

For more information, check out Centurion Cycling. To register for the 2018 event, click here.

Pedal Pushers Cycling, located in Collingwood and Muskoka, offers Centurion specific training plans and programs.

Explore the roadways, mountains and rail trail networks of beautiful Simcoe County on two wheels. Learn more at cyclesimcoe.ca or by visiting Tourism Simcoe County. 

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