After 51 editions, one of the oldest centuries in the US, the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride, is currently on hold for 2018 due to changes at the organization that runs it.

The Minnesota Ironman Ride originated in the biking activities put on by youth hostels in the state and today it is owned and run by Hostelling International USA, the US wing of the Youth Hostel movement.

Hostelling International has appealed for another non-profit to take on the event.

The pre-helmet era at the Ride. Credit: Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride
The ride, often considered the start of the cycling season in the upper Midwest has been held every year since 1967 on the last Sunday in April. The 1967 ride was the first organized century ride in the state and pre-dated the first Ironman triathlon by 10 years.

The Ironman name is owned by the World Triathlon Corporation, a commercial juggernaut with a global series of triathlons leading to its famous finale at Kona. The WTC has allowed the Minnesota event to continue to use the Ironman name and that license can be transferred to another charitable non-profit, according to Jon Ridge, Hostelling International USA's Central Region VP, who announced the suspension.

"Hostelling International USA is going through an organizational change. We hope the ride continues and would offer support and expertise to any non-profit group that wishes to take over the ride," he said in a statement.

"I share this news for several reasons. First, so you know the ride is not scheduled for 2018. Second, to ask that you spread the word of our interest in finding a new owner. And third, because this ride means a great deal to so many of you," said Ridge.

"Over 100,000 cyclists have ridden the Minnesota Ironman. You are likely one of them. Some riders have joined us for decades with over 40 years in their saddle on our ride. Hundreds and hundreds of volunteers have also supported the ride. Some also have been with us for nearly 40 years. This rich Minnesota cycling tradition has brought cycling adventure into so many lives."

"I want to share a heartfelt thanks to all of you for riding in this grand event...in spite of all its physical challenges...and for supporting our organization by doing so," said Ridge.

Around 1,800 riders pre-registered for 2017 down from around 3,500 in 2016 according to press reports. The highest participation was 5,500 riders in 2000.

Over the years, the location of the ride has migrated around the state including Minneapolis, Buffalo, Lakeville, Stillwater and Waconia, where there were five routes between 19 and 93 miles.

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