Why should I register online?

When you register online with active.com, you receive the convenience of signing up, paying online instantly and confirming your registration and receiving additional customer service. Online registration will make registering fast, fun and easy, and you will receive a confirmation e-mail within a minute or so.  You can also forward information about the event to other participants.  Training tools are provided to help you reach your performance goals using an established training program or designing a program based on the event. There is a nominal fee to use this service.

Can I register the day of the ride?

Yes, the Registration area will be open beginning at 6:30 a.m. If you wish to avoid the lines, we encourage you to pre-register.

Who should contact if I need additional information?

For further information and details, please contact Alan Adelman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 717-503-3501.

Is the ride open to everyone?

Yes, this event is open to the general public, and all bicycle riders are welcome. All participants must wear helmets.

What are the earliest and latest times I can start the course and when will I have to be completed?

It is a “show and go” start. You may start as early as 7 a.m. You are free to ride at your own pace. Riders must enter the course by 8:00 a.m. for the full Century (100 miles), 9:30 a.m. for the 75 and 50 mile routes and 11:00 a.m. for the 25 mile route. Riders must be off the routes by 5:00 p.m.

Are there rest stops, and what are the times they are open?

Refreshments are available at the LeTort Park Pavilion from 7:00 AM. until 5:00 PM. Hot dogs, soup, and any other hot items will be available at LeTort from 10:30 AM. until 3:00 AM. The “official” rest stop for the 50 mile Big Spring Meander route will be open from 8:30 AM. until 2:30 PM.  There are 2 other “unofficial” rest stops along the route where you can get water and access bathrooms. The rest stop for the Boiling Springs Ramble 25 mile route will be open from 9:00 AM. until 4:00 PM.  The rest stop on the Opossum Lake Loop will be open from 9:00 AM until 3:30 PM.

What will it cost and what does that include?

The registration fee is $20 per rider if postmarked by August 15th,  $25 between August 16th and August 30th and $30 after August 31, 2013.  The registration is only $5.00 for those under 18, regardless of registration date.  Your registration fee includes food, support, cue sheets and maps. Each rider will be given a wrist band, which will entitle the rider to food, and SAG support.

Will parking be available?

There will be plenty of free parking at the The Letort Park.

Is the Ride “rain or shine”?

Yes!  Be prepared for rain, shine, warm, cold, tailwinds, and headwinds. Bring appropriate clothing for all types of weather.  The PA State Department of Transportation reminds you to be safe while cycling by wearing bright and/or reflective clothing.

What will the weather be like?

Temperature can vary greatly in this area at this time of year.  The average temperature for the Carlisle area for late September is a high of 75 degrees, a low of 53, and an average of 64.

Do I have to ride the whole 100 miles, or is there a shorter ride(s) available?

The Three Creek Century consists of three rides (one 50 mile and two 25 mile loops) which loop back to LeTort Park. That way you can choose the distance that suits you best. You can ride 25 miles, 50 miles, 75 miles or the full 100 mile century.

What are the routes like?

The Three Creek Century consists of a 50 mile loop and two 25 mile loops which all return you back to the start point in LeTort Park, Carlisle.

Big Spring Meander (50 miles) – This pleasant ride earns its title by following the meandering paths of the Yellow Breeches, Big Spring, and the Conodoguinet Creeks.  It is mostly level riding through rural Cumberland County, but does contain some long gradual hills. The rest stops are at the Huntsdale Fish Hatchery where huge palomino, rainbow and brown trout swim lazily in their pens, and at the scenic Laughlin Mill waterfall in the quaint borough of Newville. If you are riding the entire Century, we recommend that you begin your day with this route.

Opossum Lake Loop (25 miles) – This route takes you north and west of Carlisle and features some challenging climbs along with some level riding. A scenic overlook of Opossum Lake is included.  If you are riding the entire Century, we recommend that you ride this route second, after completing the Big Spring Meander.

Boiling Springs Ramble (25 miles) – This route features enjoyable riding over gentle terrain, although there are some gradual hills along the way.  A large portion of the route closely follows the winding path of the world-famous trout fishing stream, the Yellow Breeches Creek. Riders can take a short optional detour to visit the historic village of Boiling Springs which hugs the shoreline of Children’s Lake.  The rest stop on Leidigh Road will offer riders the opportunity to view scenic farmland highlighted by the large mountain ridges to the south. This memorable route is a wonderful way to complete your 100 mile century ride.

Will there be bathrooms available?

Yes, there will be a sufficient number of porta-pots and bathrooms along the routes, at rest-stops, and at the start/finish area.

What are the safety rules?

We hope for a relatively injury-free ride.  In order to make our event both safe and enjoyable, we are asking that you consciously adhere to all Pennsylvania bicycle laws and our own Rules.  To keep everyone happy and safe, please be considerate of our local traffic and stay to the right and allow vehicular traffic to pass.  Please obey all traffic laws, officers and ride marshals.  Wear your helmet at all times (no headsets) and be considerate of other riders and the motoring public.  Remember, the roads are not closed for this ride.

How do I prepare for a 100 mile ride?

Start with short rides over varying terrain 4-6 weeks before the ride begins and then gradually increase your distance and pace.

What if I can't finish the Ride?

If you cannot go on at any point in the Ride, one of the many support vehicles that will be cruising the routes can pick you up and take you back. Remember that we will have rest stops on almost every route, so if you're feeling tired, you can rest, eat an energy bar, drink a sports drink, and pick up where you left off. This is not a race, it's a ride, and each cyclist rides at his/her own pace.

What should my family/friends do In case of an emergency?

Anyone needing to reach a cyclist should call the emergency number that will be provided with the cue sheets.  Callers to this number will get a staff member, who will relay messages to cyclists. Your safety is our number one priority. For that reason, we strongly encourage all family members, friends, photographers, volunteers, and non-ride officials to stay off the cyclists’ route and use alternate routes instead. Pulling over, driving too fast or slow, or honking at cyclists can create severe safety hazards.

Will there be food available?

Yes, there will be plenty of nutritious food available at all the rest stops and at the start/finish area.

What will the support be on the Ride?

This ride will be fully supported.  The support will consist of:

• Communications: Cell phones will be manned at all rest stops and in all support vehicles. Volunteers and staff will be monitoring the entire route and will be alert and aware of everything happening along the routes and are able to communicate at all times.
• EMS: A complete network of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel will be available all day to patrol the route, the lunch stop, and many rest stops. If you have any medical needs, go to the nearest rest stop or flag down one of the support vehicles.
• Mechanics: Sponsoring bike shop mechanics will be available before and during the tour to assist with all repairs.
• SAG Vehicles: Support And Gear vehicles patrol the route to provide assistance to riders who need a lift or have mechanical difficulties on the route. SAG’s do not stop to make repairs to bikes, but they will bring riders to the next rest stop offering repair services. Don’t be shy about taking advantage of them if you need them.

What should I bring on the Ride?

Make sure your bicycle is in good condition before you come on the Ride. If you don’t perform your own maintenance, visit your local bike shops for a safety inspection and have them service it for you if needed.  Many people ask what kind of bike to ride on the ride.  Professionals advise to ride whatever bicycle you are used to riding and be sure you have trained to pedal it for the duration of the route you choose. If you plan to ride a hybrid or mountain bike, professionals suggest that you get “slick” or inverted tread tires, as opposed to “knobby” tires. You will find them much easier to pedal because there is less rolling distance.

For the ride:

• Helmet—no helmet, no ride!
• Water bottle
• Rain gear
• Sunscreen
• Bike parts, spokes, etc.
• Anti-chafing ointment, pain reliever (if needed)
• A basic tool kit
• Tire pump or CO2 cartridges
• Spare tube and patch kit
• If you have odd sized tires or tubes, bring an extra spare
• Personal ID and medical insurance cards
• Appropriate biking shoes
• Cell phone, if you have one
• Don't forget your bicycle!

DO NOT bring personal stereos with headphones — they are illegal to use while riding a bicycle and are not allowed on the Ride.

THANK YOU!