My first was the Hardscrabble Century in Canon City Colo. in 1984. The event was put on by the Colorado Springs Bike Club, but is no longer held, they have moved the century to Buena Vista Colo. The ride was magnificant, starting on the Arkansas River, then south for 15 miles to the base of Hardscrabble Pass. Hardscrabble Pass is a 20 mile climb from 5500 ft elevation to the summit at 8500 ft, and just a beautiful ride. At the top of this pass riders are treated to a full view of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and the town of Westcliffe at their base. From the lunch stop in Westcliffe, riders descended Texas Creek to come back to the Arkansas River, then to the Royal Gorge of the Arkansas. From the Royal Gorge it was a pleasant downhill run to Canon City and the finish. It still ranks as one of my favorite centuries, and it was a great first.
Sangre de Christo, Colo.
