2014 Kill Bill Century: May 4, 2014 at 7am

Well it is that time of year again… I’m 10 pounds overweight, but I can’t resist the wonderful spectacle that is the Kill Bill Century. I think this is the 6th time I’ve lead the ride and it never gets old with me.

Everyone looks so happy! They haven’t started the ride yet.

For those not familiar with the ride, here it is by the numbers:
Distance: 108 miles
Elevation gain: 12,800 feet
Location: North Arlington, Falls Church and a little dip into Annandale.
Number of turns: 475

You read that correctly.

Oddly enough, the finishers still look happy??? I think they’re happy that they don’t have to climb any more hills.

Last year we had an amazing ride. We had 20 people start and 10 finish. Everyone that set out with the intent to finish the whole thing did so. By far that is the most impressive year yet. Usually we start with 15-20 people and have anywhere from 2-4 complete the whole ride.

Since the route has almost 500 turns in such a confined area, it tends to be lead by the few of us that have ridden it many times. It has historically stayed together as a group. This group needs to keep moving. Elapsed time for this ride is usually between 10 and 11 hours. I encourage people to study the route and learn as much as they can. I understand that no-one has the encyclopedic knowledge of the route that I have gained by creating it. It helps to have people who are familiar. The link to the full route will be finalized today.

Because the route is quite compact, it is very easy to complete part of the ride. I’ve also heard talk of people setting up party places along the route. Last year rcannon, consularrider and the wonderful folks at Bikenetic all had cheering sections out for us. We had folks ride 30 miles, 60 miles and even join us for the last 35 miles of the ride. While we encourage folks to do shorter versions, please keep in mind that the bus needs to keep rolling if it is going to make it to the finish. I’m not going to be riding this loop quickly, but it will need to keep rolling.

This is a fund-raising ride! While a donation is not required by any means, I ask that people donate to my cause: Gang Rescue and Support Program (GRASP). The fundraising site will also be up later today. GRASP Is a peer-run group that gets kids out of gangs. It has been around for over 20 years and been used as a model all over the US. My mom is co-founder.

Facebook Info Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/232435336956758
Even if you’re not on Facebook, you should be able to see that. It is a public event.

Please let me know if you have questions. I’m happy to answer them!

Pete