The sun shined and the riders came to climb. Of the 114 registrants, 94 participated in WCBC’s final major supported ride event of the 2024 season, the Savage Century. After two straight years of cold, wet and, yes, miserable weather, the sky was blue and the temperature was practically perfect for this edition of the Savage Century.

The 100-mile route had a daunting 7,700+ ft of elevation. More than 60% of the riders completed the century. Others elected to navigate the 40-mile, 60-mile and 80-mile routes—all had plenty of climbing. 

And what did participants have to say about the ride?

• Some people would like this earlier in the year, but no. You’re not really ready for it until now.
• This is my redemption ride.
• My first time. I’m coming back.
• Tough day. Great day.
• Some confusion with the arrows and GPS at one roundabout.
• You ordered up great weather. 
• Some decent hills.
• That dog escapee at mile 38 almost got me, but that climb slowed him—though he had me sprinting up it. LOL.
• The climb up the big hill to the final rest stop was really hard. I saw someone off the bike and walking. I understand completely. You want to get off your bike and walk; but you just have to keep going.
• Thank goodness I managed to finish it.
• Loved that tailwind on the way back.
• You work to dust off the winter rust early in the season at the Icicle and then ramp up through the Doublecross and Shorefire. The Savage is the capstone of the season. 
• The scenery was beautiful, roads were challenging, volunteers super helpful, club riders very nice and the century patch is an honor. 

Kudos to Dinesh Mistry and his crew for all their efforts to make this event possible. Also shoutout to Drumore facility, W. L. Gore and Nottingham Park for the allowing us to set up rest stops and start/finish at their facilities.