Now Open for Registration: 2015 100 Miles of Nowhere
A TL;DR Note from Fatty: If you already know what the 100 Miles of Nowhere is and want to get on with the registering before it fills up, just click here to go register.
Here is a sad fact: I have never played “Jungle Ball.” Ever. In fact, I have very little idea of what it is (I know it is played in a pool and that there is a ball involved, but little else). I don’t know what the rules are (very few, I am told).
But my twins know, thanks to Camp Kesem. And in fact, one of them tells me playing Jungle Ball is one of the things she likes best about Camp Kesem. The other twin tells me that making so many friends — fellow campers and counsellors — is what she likes about it.
Both of my twins have been to Camp Kesem for each of the past four years, and both want to be counsellors at Camp Kesem someday.
Camp Kesem has helped defined who my girls are, has made a huge difference in their lives.
And that’s why, for the fourth year running, The 100 Miles of Nowhere (#100MoN) will be to benefit Camp Kesem, a nationwide community driven by passionate college student leaders, supporting children through and beyond their parent’s cancer.
That said — and very much in keeping with Camp Kesem philosophy — the 2015 100MoN will be the most ridiculous, awesome fundraiser ever, both in terms of swag and participation.
Let me tell you what I mean.
What Is The 100 Miles of Nowhere?
The 100 Miles of Nowhere is a race without a place. It’s an event in which hundreds of people participate . . . all by ourselves. (Or with a friend. Or with 20 friends.)
It’s a very strange thing where you pay $99.95 (shipping is free) for some awesome swag and the privilege of riding your rollers, trainer, or a very small course (like around the block or up and down a hill) for 100 miles.
And then the profits from your entry go to Camp Kesem — camps all across the U.S., dedicated to giving kids affected by a parent’s cancer a week of carefree fun, at no cost to them.
I did the first 100 Miles of Nowhere by myself, back before I knew it would be annual at all. The next year — and every year after that — a bunch of us have done it. In fact, now every year the 500 available spots sell out in no time.
Then, after the event, I ask you to send me your stories — like your awesome videos, or descriptions of your completely insane courses — and I post new ones every day (this year, I plan to posted a new story from a reader every couple of hours. I plan to carry on that tradition this year, as well.
Please, let me know what your 100 Miles of Nowhere idea is in the comments. I don’t care whether it’s a simple, straightforward, brutal session on your trainer, or 3000 laps in your circular driveway (yes, really).
Your crazy needs to be shared.
What 100MoN Gear Do Race Participants Get?
I’m pretty sure that each year I ask my readers if you’d be OK with a simplification of the 100 Miles of Nowhere, including much less swag.
Each year, you overwhelmingly say, “Sure, that would be fine. This isn’t about the swag.”
And then I have such a rush of gratitude toward your generosity that I say to myself, “My readers are so generous, how could I not dig up a whole bunch of amazing swag for them?” So here’s what you’re get with your $99.95 registration.
First, the must-have item: the event t-shirt:
This will be available in Small – XXXL for men’s sizing, and XS – XL for women’s sizing. One of these shirts is gonna fit you, and they look great. The back looks like this, although we still need to lay out the sponsor logos:
’Til now, the t-shirt or the jersey (keep on reading for info about the jersey, ok?) has been the only wearable item you get for the event. And as far as I know, there’s no other event that gives you multiple wearables.
Pffff. Slackers.
This year, everyone who registers for the 100 Miles of Nowhere will also get these awesomely loud 100MoN socks:
These go with everything, but especially with the 100MoN jersey (yeah, keep reading for info on that). These socks are the same make and fit as the 5” Fat Cyclist socks I’ve been selling with DNA, and I love them. These are seriously nice socks. When you register, be sure to specify your size (S/M, or L/XL). For what it’s worth, I wear a size 10 shoe an wear the S/M. If my feet were any larger, I’d go with the L/XL.
Is that it for the 100MoN gear you’re gonna get? Nope, not even close.
A lot of events give you a cheapo bottle, which I find pretty annoying at a couple of levels, mainly because cheapo bottles suck and have to be repurposed.
I am not going to give you a cheapo water bottle. No. I am going to give you something you’ll actually use: a K.E.G.
Front and back view shown — you get one of these, not two.
These ingenious things hold everything you need to fix a flat or a chain, neat as can be, in a watertight container. Even the lid is ingenious, securing a patch kit and a masterlink. Then pop it into a bottle cage for easy retrieval whenever you need it, and move it between bikes as easy as can be. Plus, you’ll have the extra benefit of not having a dorky-looking saddle bag hanging between your legs.
Am I done? No, still not done. You also get a 100MoN musette bag, great for slinging over your shoulder the next time you need a handup at a race.
Once again, front and back shown. You get one of these, not two. You don’t need two.
Or the next time you want to carry a musette. Or just to hold other stuff. It’s like a purse, but lighter and more cycle-y.
But what if you want a jersey? Well, how about this:
Now, you do not get this jersey with your 100 Miles of Nowhere registration. This is what we call an “upsell.” However, this jersey — the same fit and fabric as I use in the Relaxed-Fit Fat Cyclist jersey — is only $69.95 (that’s $15 less than I sell the regular jersey). You can buy this as an add-on when you register, or you can buy it separately (it comes in both men’s and women’s sizing) for family members who are going to be riding with or supporting you.
Yeah, I know. Pretty great. But wait, there’s more!
What ELSE Do 100MoN Racers Get?
The official 100MoN gear is only part of the swagfest 100MoN riders can expect to receive. You’ll also get all of this:
1 Month of TrainerRoad: I love TrainerRoad. I truly believe that a big part of the reason I raced my fastest LT100 at the age of 49 was thanks to this amazing suite of training workouts. I’m going to be using TrainerRoad again — even moreso than last year, in fact. And now you can try it out for a month, too, for free.
Inspired to Ride: I think Ride the Divide is one of the best cycling movies that’s ever been made. And now Mike Dion — creator of Ride the Divide — has produced a new movie, Inspired to Ride, about a small group of unsupported cyclists in their quest to get from the West Coast to the East, as fast as possible. Watch the teaser here, and also be assured — because I’ve seen it — that this is an incredible, inspiring, and fun film. 100MoN racers will be given a code to stream this video…maybe something fun to watch as you ride your rollers for six hours?
Sufferfest video, “Extra Shot:” I love and use Sufferfest videos in my training. Not only are they brutally hard, but they’re clever and entertaining, plus they feature great cycling footage (Plus, Sufferfest plays well with TrainerRoad!). “Extra Shot” is a great video to get a short, intense workout in…whether you’re using it on its own when you don’t have time for a long ride, or as a bonus workout, for a day when you feel like you deserve to be punished.
2 GU Energy Gels and and 1 Single-Serve GU Hydration Drink Mix: I don’t even know what I could say about GU that I haven’t said before. Their energy gels just work. As in, you take one, and you find you have the energy to keep going for another half hour. I train with GU anytime I’m out on my bike for more than ninety minutes, and I never ever race without it.
2-Serving Packet of CarboRocket RocketLytes and CarboRocket Rehab Single-Serve Stick Pack (Chocolate/Coconut flavor): If you ride long enough, you’re going to need electrolytes to keep from cramping. You’ll definitely want to use these while you ride your 100MoN. And after the 100MoN, you should use the chocolate/coconut recovery drink. For one thing, it’ll make you feel better. For another thing, it’s delicious.
Race Plate, provided by BikeMonkey: Hey, it’ not a race if you don’t have a race plate, is it? No sir/ma’am, it is not. And you are going to get yourself a race plate you will be proud to put on your bike as you race around your block / in your basement / up and down the steepest hill you can find for 100 miles. And then you’re going to want to frame that race plate. Luckily, it’s a nice-enough-looking race plate that it’ll look good when it’s framed.
When Do Racers Get Their Stuff?
You get it during the first week of November. Unless you’re not inside the United States, in which case it’s going to take a few weeks longer to get to you, obviously (like, you’ll get it in late November).
When Is the 100 Miles of Nowhere?
This year, the “official” date of the race is Saturday, November 7. This brings the 100 Miles of Nowhere back to its roots, making it an event that’s great to do indoors. That said, if November 7 is still good outside weather for you, by all means take it outside and make it a fun, strange thing to do with friends, rather than a solitary form of torture you inflict upon yourself.
And, thanks to the flexibility of the event — i.e., it’s just you, really — if November 7 doesn’t work for you, you can do it another day.
Like in October, if you feel like it. Or December. Or later this afternoon if you just don’t have anything else to do. It’s your call, really. (But your 100 Miles of Nowhere race plate and swag will arrive around Halloween, regardless of when you do it).
How Long Is the 100 Miles of Nowhere?
The “100 Miles” part of 100 Miles of Nowhere is more a guideline than a rule. For example, if you would rather ride 50 miles, that’s fine with me. So is 25. One person wrote me asking if she could walk 100K — and of course the answer was, “You bet, and please take pictures and send me a writeup of your story.”
Or if you’re a runner and you want to do a marathon on the treadmill, that would be awesome. If you’re a swimmer, swim five miles. I’m not picky.
And of course, the very best thing about the 100 Miles of Nowhere is that you are going to win your division. You just need to make sure your division is specific enough that there’s no chance anyone else is in it.
And once you’ve won your division, send me the story of what your 100 Miles of Nowhere was like. I pick my favorite write-ups and publish them here in the blog. In fact, for a week or so after the event, I generally put up several stories per day.
Weirdly, the 100 Miles of Nowhere has become an odd community event, even though we all do it alone.
How Many People Race the 100 Miles of Nowhere?
500 people can register and race. That’s it. I need to limit the registration to 500 so my sponsors aren’t bled dry by their generosity.
This is important because if you don’t register pronto, you aren’t going to get in. This will sell out, generally within 20 – 24 hours.
In other words, you shouldn’t sit on the fence. And considering the cause and the swag, why would you?
Questions? Comments? Ideas?
I’m looking forward to hearing your ideas for what you’re going to do for your 100 Miles of Nowhere; please leave a comment saying what you’re thinking you’re going to do.
And if you have questions, please leave those in the comments. I’ll be paying close attention to comments and answering as frequently as my day job allows.
Good luck in registering, and have a great race!
Comment by Corrine | 09.21.2015 | 10:11 am
Woohoo! I’m in! Don’t know how I’m going to do my 4th 100MoN since I’m having double knee replacement surgery in 2 weeks but I’ll figure it out. It will have to be part of my rehab!
Comment by Christina | 09.21.2015 | 10:19 am
I’m IN, after being shut OUT last year.
I first had to do math, converting my chest size to centimeters and then dividing by 2.
I have five bikes total, four currently rideable. They are a Cannondale Trail 6 (my daily driver, since I don’t own a car), a 1971 Schwinn Varsity (three speeds, 500 lbs +/- 450 lbs), Bacchetta ATT 20, and a Catrike Trail. Seems like 25 miles per bike on the one mile loop near my house is in order, though the hill has be rethinking the Schwinn.
LET’S DO THIS THING!
Comment by Turn The Damn Cranks | 09.21.2015 | 10:21 am
I’m back. And maybe this year I will finish my race as planned. Then again, maybe I will plan something insane and fail. Like 400 MoN to make up for the past three years when my 100 MoNs have been more like 25 MoNs. (If not, my kids will have another good shirt to sleep in as I refuse to wear gear from events I don’t finish.)
Comment by Bart the Clydesdale | 09.21.2015 | 10:30 am
I am in! I will have to do my 100MoN late since Nov 7th is the Iceman Cometh and I don’t really want to ride a trainer for several hours after racing.
Unless I become lost in the back woods near Traverse City on race day then I might really tally up 100 miles of Nowhere.
Comment by Paul Guyot | 09.21.2015 | 10:39 am
I’m in! And did you notice the sizes I chose???
That’s right, baby.
November…jeez… I need new arm warmers… hmm.
Comment by FellowFattyChris | 09.21.2015 | 10:40 am
Can’t wait!
This year I’m leaning towards a “happy birthday to me” version of the 100 MON on Saturday 11/14. Rather than fuel my ride with gels and bars, I’d rely 100% on birthday cake. My post race protein source would be lots and lots of ice cream.
Comment by Scott | 09.21.2015 | 10:41 am
I looked at something off road, but I don’t have a mountain bike.
I looked at something with a lot of vertical gain, but I’m not a climber.
I looked at something super short, but I already did that.
So in interest of actually winning my division this year, I have a leisurely 20 mile course that is mostly flat. It is in the middle of nowhere and five times around will give me 100 miles (I even checked the math with a friend).
Now all I need to do is find 5 hours when it’s not raining and daylight on a day off in the Seattle area.
Comment by Isaac | 09.21.2015 | 10:58 am
“I looked at something off road, but I don’t have a mountain bike.”
Sounds like it’s time for a new bike.
I’m going to have to poach this year, which makes me super sad. I’m as b’roque as Bach.
Comment by leroy | 09.21.2015 | 11:04 am
This is a great event for a great cause.
Registered before the Novocain wore off from this morning’s adventure in dentistry.
Don’t know what course I’ll do. Open to suggestions from fellow Friends of Fatty in NYC area.
Probably not asking my dog.
His idea of moral support at the dentist this morning consisted of bringing a dozen cans of whipped cream in case I wanted Nitrous Oxide.
Oh well, it’s the thought that counts.
Just not sure about his dinner idea of tortellini with Reddi-wip.
Comment by Jerry Pringle | 09.21.2015 | 11:06 am
I’m in! Third year, undefeated champion of left-handed 2x cancer-surviving engineer living on Ivy Drive division. I was on the fence about running an ultra on that date, 2 weeks after Marine Corps Marathon – this was the push I needed! So excited to do this again! 100 miles from Jacksonville to Daytona – not exactly nowhere, but a lot of running in the dark, so kinda the same thing!
You’re not just undefeated. You’re undefeatable. My money’s on you taking this race category easily. – FC
Comment by Lauri | 09.21.2015 | 11:20 am
I’m in – but pretty sure I’ll be doing it early. I live in the frozen north & I’m not on board with the whole fat bike craze yet.
Also, as a Canadian I’ll be converting my ride to 100km – as is my right in choosing the “I always mean to ride my bike more and then don’t get around to it because kid/dog/food/tv always gets in the way” category.
Comment by Tom in Albany | 09.21.2015 | 11:30 am
I registered prior to reading the post. I don’t need to read about the swag to convince me! I’ve got my route planned. It is a loop of about 0.6 miles. 100/0.6 = 166.6666666666666666 laps will be required. (Note: I love irrational numbers. I wonder why…)
My neighbors already think I’m nuts. What better way to confirm it than to spend six hours riding by their homes. But, let’s face it. It’s probably going to be more like seven hours because I’m not going to drop my kids when they want to ride some laps with me.
And, if possible, I’m going to begin this sucker so I can finish at lunch time!
Note: My longest ride of the year has been about 30 miles so, I’m looking forward to the pain!
Comment by Tom in Albany | 09.21.2015 | 11:33 am
@Leroy, Not bringing the dog will mean your ride goes undocumented. I think it should be mandatory!
Comment by Frank | 09.21.2015 | 11:40 am
You have to be a little crazy to do this. I qualify. I had trouble figuring the jersey size until I read the divide by two comment above. Duh. Well this is my third year and and I’ll do the same .7 mile Bear Creek Park loop. 143 laps. Mondonico did year one. Romic did year two. Rossin gets year three. I run out of bikes next year.
Comment by rb | 09.21.2015 | 12:23 pm
I’m in! 2 years in a row I said, “let me think about this” and by the time I came back, I missed out! Not so this year!!
A plan is formulating. It involves a race, cowbells, signs, and running up a small hill many, many times. If I am very lucky it will involve cameos by cycling celebrities.
Comment by Wife#1 | 09.21.2015 | 12:33 pm
At the request of Husband #1 @David_Marin, I got him signed up toot suite since his mobile died on the way to work.
Just what he needs, another highly inspiratal cycling event to
write a blog aboutadd to his list of awesome things to write a blog about.Comment by Wife#1 | 09.21.2015 | 12:34 pm
sigh… that should have said “inspirational”… Really Fatty, I’d pay a monthly subscription to this blog if you would just enable comment editing for us.
Comment by Rob Franklin | 09.21.2015 | 12:45 pm
Last year life with two 3-year-olds got in the way, and I had to stop shy of 100 miles. Am I the only one thinking of doing this on a fat bike?
BTW FC, who do we contact about reg issues? Paypal blew up and told me to pick an alternate method, so I switched to VISA and got a confirmation number. Minutes later Paypal told me they were charging me for the registration they wouldn’t let me complete.
Comment by BamaJim | 09.21.2015 | 12:46 pm
In again. Thinking of an off road course that kicked my butt in a previous 100 MoN attempt
Comment by Diana | 09.21.2015 | 12:57 pm
After wishing I had done it last year, I’m in this year! I’ve never gone 100 miles in one day, but I figure circling my block will be the best way to do it. I’m definitely not doing it on my trainer because I don’t trust the mileage on that lying bastard.
Comment by MikeL | 09.21.2015 | 1:29 pm
Do you have a location where a non-registrant can make a donation? Some continuing health issues will keep me from riding so I don’t want to take a slot away from someone else. Plus this is the type of cause I am a sucker for as long as I am not accosted on my way into the market to donate.
Comment by Gretchen | 09.21.2015 | 1:35 pm
I’m in! This is my 3rd 100 MoN, second in a row. For the third time I’m going to be doing the 100 miles on road bike on the trainer. Last year I did my ride on December 6th. December 4th was my one year anniversary from hip surgery. This year, I may end up doing the 100 Miles in December as well. I’ve been rehabbing the same hip and may need another surgery sometime next year.
Comment by PNP | 09.21.2015 | 1:50 pm
I’m in! I can’t ride yet, and I’m not nice enough to not take a place away from someone who can, so I’ll do penance by walking the distance around my neighborhood between now and November 7. Maybe if I walk enough, I’ll be able to get back on my bikes at long last!
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 09.21.2015 | 2:38 pm
My first and thus far only 100MoN was 200 miles down the length of NJ.
http://deepbrook.com/portfolio/longest-day_2012-06/
As I wrote there, “What says 100 Miles of Nowhere better than 200 miles of New Jersey?”
Since then, I’ve opted out. I like cycling for the social. On my trainer, the social meter reads zero. Plus, it’s on my trainer.
On any outdoor loop that meets the spirit of 100MoN, I don’t think I have the mojo to recruit fellow small circuit sufferers. Again, no social.
At the first announcement of this year’s edition, I was a solid “no.” When I saw today’s post, I was a solid “no.”
Then, it dawned on me. In Fattyworld, what says “nowhere” better than cyclocross? Cyclocross is small circuit (< 2 miles). And cyclocross is social!
I'm guessing that Sat Nov 7 will be CX in Plymouth MA (~1.5 mile laps last year). So here's my plan: 2 preride laps. 4 race laps. Maybe 4 race laps in a second field. That's 10 laps and 15 miles.
Weak.
So I'll try to turn 1-2 laps in the other gaps between races. That's another 14-15 laps, let's call it 20 miles, for 35 miles total.
Using the well-established "(dirt x 3) = road" formula, that gets me my 100MoN.
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 09.21.2015 | 2:41 pm
Uh, oh, Plymouth CX is Oct 31/Nov 1. Delivery date appears to be “early November.” Fatty, any more precision on delivery date? And would expedited shipping make a difference?
Plan B will be the next CX race I can make after Nov 7.
Comment by Sven | 09.21.2015 | 2:49 pm
Another 184 laps around the block, but as the 4-time defending champion of the “Woodlawn Heights Criterium – Fools Training for IronMan XXX” division, I’ll be fine. BTW Fatty, I will be in Panama City beach on November 7th with 2,800 of my closest friends doing IM Florida, so my 100MoN will be done a little earlier in October. WHOO-HOO!!!!
Comment by Wife#1 | 09.21.2015 | 2:53 pm
Jeff, I am intrigued by your math. Interesting.
So if I did this with my kids in November (we did the 100MoN together as a family 2 1/2 years ago but were all riding and training at that time), and the kids would be complaining NON STOP the whole ride this year because dad is the only one who has been riding…there could be an exponential mileage effect due to the whining….?
So with just the 11 year with me it would be the “(whining miles x 2) = miles completed”
With just the 14 year it would be the “(whining about makeup being sweated off miles x 3) = miles completed”
Both kids would be “(WTH was I thinking miles x 5) = miles completed”
Oh and if David did it with us…
“(WTH was I thinking and if he says go faster one more time I am calling a divorce attorney miles x 10) = miles completed”
So really, depending on how much I am willing to truly suffer, my 10 miles could be the most epic sufferfest of a 100MoN ever.
I guess I better mull this over before it sells out!
Comment by Kate | 09.21.2015 | 3:04 pm
I’m in, for the first time ever. I already hate myself. I’m leaning towards a short singletrack loop, but I’m not ready to commit to that yet.
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 09.21.2015 | 3:21 pm
@Wife#1, you’ve made the common error of the additive effect of whining: miles x (2 + 3) = miles x 5. In fact, the correct math applies the whining values exponentially: miles x 2^3 = miles x 8.
Including David goes beyond the number of fingers and toes I can bring to bear on this calculation.
Comment by Dom | 09.21.2015 | 3:28 pm
Glad I caught this when I did, suspect otherwise it’d have been sold out. Planning to get my son to ride a “simultaneous relay” with me (combined distance counts!) in the garage … think that should make my division pretty specific …
Comment by Wife#1 | 09.21.2015 | 3:42 pm
Jeff,
Dear gawd, you’re right of course! This is great…if we keep going down this path, I won’t even have to ride to win my division!
LMAO!!!!!
Comment by Christina | 09.21.2015 | 3:55 pm
I’m impressed at the amount of math that has transpired today for this event!
This is the first time I’ve felt properly trained for this, rather than coming off winter fat. This even delays winter fat procurement!
Comment by Fred | 09.21.2015 | 4:02 pm
I’ll be there for my third one.
Probably indoors again.
Not likely to go in singlespeed mode this year.
Singlespeed was a fairly horrible idea.
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 09.21.2015 | 4:38 pm
@Wife#1, slate.com recently reported the following: “Wind power was so plentiful in Texas that producers sold it at a negative price. What?”
http://www.slate.com/articles/business/the_juice/2015/09/texas_electricity_goes_negative_wind_power_was_so_plentiful_one_night_that.html
If selling power at a negative price is possible, then one would think that riding negative miles should also be possible. Riding negative miles, of course, takes on one of multiple forms:
1. Taking a nap on the couch
2. Being driven to a movie
3. Having Doug B from Upstate NY do the ride for you
Comment by Austin | 09.21.2015 | 4:48 pm
I tried to register. Then found out there’s a problem with my paypal account which will take a few days to resolve. Arrrgghh.
Guess I’ll have to wait for next year’s.
Comment by Bill H-D | 09.21.2015 | 5:14 pm
I’m in.
For those interested, my driveway is available*.
*not recommended
Comment by Wife#1 | 09.21.2015 | 5:51 pm
I like how you think Jeff! A serious beer and pizza fest, in conjunction with binge watching at least 2 full seasons of anything that has more than 12 episodes per season should be good for a double century then, right?
OMG, who knew I was in the best shape of my life?!
Comment by NZ Ev | 09.21.2015 | 6:24 pm
I’m in. Nov is our Spring down here and the weather is a bit more settled so all good. Just have to watch out for the dive bombing Magpies!!!
Comment by Albanybenn | 09.21.2015 | 6:47 pm
Just signed up for 100 miles of Nowhere.
Several years ago, I was asked by a close friend to pick up her kids at their school and bring them to their home, where she and I told them that their father was in the hospital with a new diagnosis of lymphoma. My good friend Russ, a teacher, a dad and a high school football coach fought a good fight for a couple of years, but in the end, lymphoma was too big a foe to overcome.
5 years ago another blood cancer took my mother.
Recently, two members of the cycling club I’m a member of have been battling cancer. I didn’t get to ride the Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club century weekend this year, as I was the event director. I figure I might as well get my century this year by helping those who make life better for families impacted by cancer.
Now I’ve just got to get my route sorted out….
P.S. After telling my wife about this-she had me sign her up too. She gone 86 miles in a day before, but never 100.
Comment by Jeff Helm | 09.21.2015 | 8:18 pm
Fatty &Fatty Fans,
I also had an issue trying to use paypal. I used my credit card and believe I have signed up. I will admit I was at work doing this on company time (I get paid by the hr and need to make rate), so I did rush thru the process. But, I did get a confirmation number that I did not write down and believe the site said I would get an e-mail to confirm. I have yet to get that e-mail. Is there any other way to confirm that I am registered?
Thanks,
All
Comment by Jason Thurber | 09.21.2015 | 8:51 pm
Every year this looks tempting, and every year I wait too long and miss registering. Not this year! Now I just need to figure out which loop of my neighborhood will kill my knees the least. Planning to swap between my road bike, mountain bike, Bike Friday with a tow-behind (and kid in tow) and maybe a tandem with/without stoker to keep things interesting.
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 09.21.2015 | 11:53 pm
Thanking the Best Wife I have ever had for getting me registered!
Now Elden. If I were to go back and ride Leadville in November, would you print my story? :-)
@JeffD your math is priceless! Please convince us you’re not some Arthur Laffer devote in bike clothing.
Comment by Austin | 09.22.2015 | 3:00 am
Registered! In my pre-caffeinated state I did not realise there was another option besides paypal. So looking forward to November.
Comment by Ingrid | 09.22.2015 | 3:34 am
Is there an option to contribute to Camp Kesem, without the swag but with having the fun and thrill to participate in the 100 Miles of Nowhere? I am not a cyclist (despite being Dutch) but would love to challenge myself in an equivalent in walking. Like 100K steps in a week or 100 walks around the block.
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 09.22.2015 | 8:47 am
@Ingrid, per Fatty’s comment above, you can donate directly here, avoiding the swag. Of course, you’re still free to ride!
You can donate directly to Camp Kesem at http://campkesem.org/donate/donate-now. – FC
Comment by Jim Tolar | 09.22.2015 | 8:49 am
FatMan,
I’m in again. We just announced the date for 100 Miles to Nowhere (Dobson Ranch Edition), Saturday October 24, so we’re practically in-sync!
jt
Comment by Alex | 09.22.2015 | 9:53 am
Can I combine this with another event? Like the Ride 2 Recovery Honor Ride that is taking place in Las Vegas on November 7th?
Comment by Doug (Way Upstate NY) | 09.22.2015 | 10:12 am
Dear Jeff D.
I will “do” your ride for you if you make it worth my while. And by worth my while I mean do something extraordinary for the charity……
Sincerely
Doug
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 09.22.2015 | 10:25 am
@Doug, you’ll have to take that up with @Wife#1, as you’ll be riding for her. I suspect she’ll have no objection to your also doing something extraordinary for charity.
Comment by Sarah | 09.22.2015 | 10:39 am
I really want another chance to write a guest post for you…So I signed up! I figured it was my best shot. That said, I have been planning by route since I read about this event last year, and I’m actually kind of excited about it :-)
Comment by Marie Walsh (aka Cadence Lee) | 09.22.2015 | 11:47 am
I’m going to Pac-Man ride the town of Fort Collins. Let the Strava-drawing begin!!
Comment by Madcityspecv | 09.22.2015 | 12:13 pm
I’m in for a second time. last year was “The Circle Park 500″, a 500 lap route around a circular park near my home in Madison. went off well, if a bit cold. we successfully raised over 800 dollars for Camp Kesem. This year i’m torn a bit. due to some unforeseen circumstances, I’ve not ridden much this year, and the late date of the ride means Madison will definitely be chilly. as a result, i’m polling my friends and family to see what we’re going to do. it’s possible we’ll do a relay, so i don’t have to ride quite as far, and we’ll still be able to be outside and interact with folks who bring their families to the park.
Comment by Wife#1 | 09.22.2015 | 6:27 pm
Doug and Jeff… I thought we agreed I’d be completing my 200 MoN by eating pizza, drinking beer and binge watching something fabulously frivolous for hours and hours? Has the plan changed? Tell me it ain’t so? I have been training for this event for months!
Comment by Don Kiely | 09.22.2015 | 8:54 pm
Well, being only an aspiring Fatty-class cyclist, and since running is more my thing right now, I’ll jump in and do a running race on 7 November, the Georgia Sky to Summit 50K. I know I’ll wish I had a mountain bike on the on the downhills! Better than trying to do a road bike ride here in Fairbanks in early November.
Comment by Jeremy | 09.22.2015 | 10:02 pm
Time for a little redemption and a fresh start. Last year just didn’t work.
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 09.23.2015 | 5:52 am
@Wife#1, no worries, you’re good. If you’ll check back to my “negative miles” suggestion, you’ll note that the options include “one of the following,” not all of the following.
So, if Doug renegs on his promise to ride the century (given his locale, most likely in sub-Arctic conditions on his fat bike around a fishing hole cut into the ice on a frozen lake) on your behalf, you’re training will not be for naught.
Comment by Chris | 09.23.2015 | 9:43 am
After being away from the event for 5 years I am returning 65lbs leaner and ready to go.
Last time I rode the trainer while watching western movies and it was awesome. This year I will throw caution to the wind and only watch movies from the “whats trending” line on Netflix.
Given that this is a week after Halloween I really hope there is more to watch then just Teen Vampire movies.
Comment by Pete | 09.23.2015 | 3:01 pm
My wife are both 68 y/o and over weight…we would like to ride 68 miles to complete our “68 & Overweight” category……heading for New Zealand in Jan to spend 15 days on the southwest island riding our tandem with 5 other couples….Have made 4 Santana Tandem trips (Elba, Tuscany & Chianti; The Rhine river, North West Ireland, and Down the Mississippi – Memphis to New Orleans)….on each of your trips we always ware our “Fat Bicyclist” jerseys (the one with the Clydesdale horse in pink and black)
Comment by Skye | 09.23.2015 | 6:02 pm
I’m pretty sure I can win the “100 miles of nowhere over the course of a month featuring several different states but never more than 20 miles in a day and maybe throwing in some walking, jogging or swimming” category. Its gonna be awesome. And logistically a little stupid. And full of pie.
I’m so excited.
Comment by Cyclingjimbo | 09.23.2015 | 8:47 pm
Amazed to still get in! Looks like I will be duplicating the effort of a rider from last year, kind of – we’ll be somewhere on a cruise between Tahiti and the Tuatomo Archipelago when I am able to do the 100 MoN ride, and I may not be able to take all the swag with me. Still looking forward to it. Camp Kesem does great things and I am happy to be a supporter.
Comment by Augustus | 09.23.2015 | 11:36 pm
I plan to ride in my favorite state park, Saratogs Spa State park, Saratoga Springs,NY. I like the wimpy single track, as opposed to the macho trails at our local club trails. They aren’t really the club trails anymore. The state aquifer the land and the club lost its lease, but we still call them the club trails. It matters not as I won’t be riding them. I have never ridden a century, but I will give it my best. If it is snowy I will ride my fatty bike in your honor. If it is really snowy or cold I will ride on my indoor trainer. I may also wear the jersey in thr Tourde Cure next June, as opposed to my pink Fatty jersey. For my victory dinner I will buy some raw milk cheese at the farmer’s market held in the same park. Good luck to all Fatty fans everywhere.
Comment by Herron Island Bike | 09.25.2015 | 12:03 pm
stupid question – but stops along the way are allowed, yes? If I decide to do this outside and not on a trainer?
Comment by Herron Island Bike | 09.25.2015 | 12:42 pm
:=)
One more question: I’m thinking of doing this around our very small island here in the SW part of the Puget Sound (www.herronisland.org). I can do a 2.75 mile loop, or a 1 mile loop – or even a shorter one. I’d rather do the 2.75 miles, but I can definitely go with the mind-numbing but so much fun shorter course!
Comment by Chris | 09.25.2015 | 5:06 pm
I’m in!! Which is kinda the first step to winning my division, which I fully intend to do. My loop may be a bit longer than others, but it will be devoid of beautiful vistas or views. However, it is inspired by a 1980’s video game, and who doesn’t like those? I think the next step is to get my cycling up to snuff, which may be the bigger challenge since my current long ride is a bit south of 50 miles.
Thank you for doing this, it is a pretty cool event for a pretty cool organization. I believe that you will sell out, have faith.
Comment by Kirk | 09.30.2015 | 10:19 am
I will be doing a combination ride on my custom designed Kandahar Cruiser in Afghanistan (picture to come) and stationary trainer, for the nearly 50,half crazy, three quarters broken former bull riding, member of the US Army. Cheers :)
Comment by Naftali | 10.12.2015 | 6:52 pm
I’m sure your readers would love to know that Kesem is magic in Hebrew ???