The Alabama Backroads Century Series for 2017 includes four new rides in its 13 events spanning the year from April to November and the first event outside the state's borders.

Credit: Alabama Backroads Century Series
As usual, the Cyclepaths Challenge in Monroeville kicks off the season, but, in a change, the Glassner Autumn Challenge in mid-October is no longer the finale.

New addition Gears & Beers: Bayou 100 now takes that position on November 11 with the Fenner Ride over the state line in Milton, Florida on October 21 also falling after Glassner.

The ABCS described the Fenner Ride as its "Out-Of-State Invitational".

"We hope to inspire surrounding states to start up their own Series, to introduce our Alabama Rides to our Florida neighbors, and to ramp up numbers for this established event which benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida," explained the announcement. "Success will mean we'll be looking at a new out-of-state ride to feature from now on as a one-time invitation. And, yes, Centurion medals will be awarded!"

Alongside the Fenner Ride and Gears & Beers, the Spring Krusher and Cycling for Sight join the Series as well.

The Old Howard 100, the Hot Hundred, the All You Can Eat Century and the Johnny Ray Century have been culled.

The Cheaha Challenge century is also part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series and offers the chance to qualify for the World Championships in Albi, France.

The ABCS was set up to promote long-distance cycling in Alabama and support the century rides in the state as well as benefitting charity and advocacy. The title sponsor is Buffalo Rock/Pepsi.

Each of the events in the series awards Centurion medals to finishers. Riders who complete four events receive an embroidered patch and those riding 10 centuries earn an ABCS "Champion" jersey.

A roll of honor of all finishers is maintained on the homepage of the ABCS.

2017 Alabama Backroads Century Series

April 1              Cyclepaths Challenge   Monroeville

April 8              Tour Autauga   Prattville

April 29            Tour de Blue   Moody

May 6               Spring Krusher   Elkmont

May 21             Cheaha Challenge & Ultra   Jacksonville

June 3              TriStates 100   Dothan

June 24            Cycling For Sight   Montgomery

July 22              W.C. Handy 100   Florence

August 26         North Jefferson Century   Gardendale

September 30   Birmingham Bicycle Club's 44th Annual Century   Ashville

October 14        Glassner Autumn Challenge   Pintlala

October 21        Fenner Ride   Milton, Fla

November 11     Gear & Beers: Bayou 100   Mobile

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