The Auburn Century -- Wildest Ride in the West

After experiencing our Century Ride you will not feel like death, but instead like you've died and gone to heaven!

So you think you can Cowboy up to The Wildest Ride In The West? Ah heck, it is just a day. And a day it is!! Whether you choose to take it easy and follow our stagecoach route, or take on one of the most epic cycling adventures into the Sierras, you will soon discover that what is "in them there hills" is pure cycling GOLD!!  

The Stagecoach route will warm you up and allow for a foothill cycling experience with two aid stations and a turn around at the railroad town of Colfax. 

The Pony Express will take you to the quaint and perfectly preserved "one horse town" of Dutch Flat. But figure out any "hitches in your giddy up" because the first relentless ascent to this hitching post (aka. aid station), will having you questioning what your horse power really is! Once there, your efforts will receive a gracious welcome, quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger at the beautiful restored Dutch Flat Hotel.

Upon leaving this one horse town, you'll then retrace your way back to the Colfax rest stop.

The 40 and 80 miles head home to Auburn, the Outlaws and Lone Rangers head on over to begin a breathtaking, three mile descent into the Wild and Scenic North Fork American River canyon. No high tailing it here, this steep and hair-pin filled road will rejuvenate your spirits for the start of the legendary Iowa Hill climb. This is an arduous and relentless 1.75 - mile ascent, where the grade averages 13.5% and reaches 20% near the finish.

At the top of this climb you'll be greeted by hooting and hollerin by our banchee of supporters along with a water only rest stop. Although the gradient lessens, your climbing legs will still be asked to carry the load for the next fifteen miles. Along the way, you'll pass by many historical gold mining sites including Iowa Hill, where thousands lived during the second half of the 19th century. Today, as you pass through the lone remaining general store, you'll feel that civilization is just a distant memory.

We'll have a lunch stop at the beautiful Sugar Pine Reservoir.

When you get back on the saddle, you'll head towards China Wall, the gateway onto a magestic and serene roadway that leads you into the heart of the Sierras. But hold on there Cowboy, we have plans to make you right at home here in our heartland with a slice of our homemade pies!! Here you will sit down and  enjoy the views off this lofty perch showing an unparalleled look into the Humbug Creek drainage. Outlaws head back to the barn from here (one more aid station in Foresthill, read below), Lone Rangers begin the final push into the heart of our Sierra Nevadas.

This epic, quiet and truly breathtaking section of the ride will lead you on a narrow and unmarked paved road that will become distant and more serene, as you gradually climb further along the crest between the North Fork and the Middle Fork of the American River Canyons. Breath deep, and enjoy this awesome beauty. Your point of return will be a water stop that allows for a moment of rest before returning back to Foresthill. As you coast into Foresthill you'll be greeted by many friendly locals and you'll find our last rest stop within the Foresthill Community Park.

The remaining twenty miles are filled with fast descents and several short, steep climbs. Before completing your ride, you'll pass over the highest bridge in California, third tallest in our Nation. Enjoy the ride and all the wonderful views.