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2010 - Event date: August 7, 2010

Read all about it at The New York Times

Introduction

The Marin Cyclist Bike Club invites you to participate in the ultimate Northern California Classic Marin Century, The Mt Tam Century, the Mt Tam Double and other endurance rides sponsored by The Marin Cyclists.
 
The 2010 event is scheduled for Saturday, August 7, 2010. The event will start and finish at Vallecito Elementary School, 50 Nova Albion Way in San Rafael, Ca.

Please see the Directions and Parking Maps below.
 
There are 6 ride options to choose from in 2010. All 6 rides have some hills to climb but as long as you have done some training and are reasonably fit, there should be a challenge here for everyone. Please note however, that the Mt Tam Century and Mt Tam Double Century are technical, climbing centuries with long ascents and rapid decents and should only be attempted by competent, experienced riders. All rides start and finish at the same location, however since this is not a timed event, there will be no official "start time." There will be a initial start for the Double Century riders at 5am. With other rides going off from 6am - 9am. We encourage participants to gather and ride with old friends and new groups for added safety and fun. Please review the specific check-in times for your ride.

All the rides go through the best scenery in Marin. From the rolling hills, to Mt Tamalpias, to the Coast and back, there really is no better way to enjoy this part of Northern California than on this well supported, group ride. Each year we focus on putting on an enjoyable, safe ride. This year you can expect more CHP at major intersections aiding with traffic and bicycle safety. In addition we provide detailed course maps, well marked turns, and SAG/Saftey vehicles for unexpected events. It is however the responsibility of the rider to have a well maintained bicycle, all necessary repair equipment including a pump, extra tubes, sunscreen, and enough power gel and water to make it between aid stations. Riding in a group is suggested, and helmets are always mandatory.

It is a requirement that riders obey all traffic laws. That means STOPPING at all stop signs and riding single file. CHP will ticket and has ticked before. Riders also need to watch speed limits. CHP has and will ticket riders for speeding.  Also, iPODS or other MP3 or Radios if headphones are worn while cycling are extremely DANGEROUS and the rider may be cited by CHP! For your safety and the safety of others, don't use your iPod while riding!

Riders should complete the course between 12 noon and 10 pm, with most getting back from 1pm-5pm. At the finish of the ride there will be outside rinse-off showers available. Also, each rider will receive a fantastic lunch for which the Marin Century is well known. Items may include BBQ Chicken, Pizza, Salad, Fruit, Dessert, Soda and more. New this year--Friends and Family can purchase a meal for a discounted $10 on site.  This is a festive, party atmosphere including music, videos and the Marin Century Bike Expo showcasing cycling related products and services, both local and national.

Finally, the Mt Tam Double Century is part of the California Triple Crown Series. Special rules apply to the riders wishing to receive credit for this ride.

There is a lot of information regarding this event on this website. Please familiarize yourself with the information that you need. If there is a question that you can not answer with the information on this site, you can contact info@marincentury.com.

Complete ride descriptions and maps are available in other sections of this site.

Refunds & Cancellation Policy
Your registration fee covers our cost of food, energy drinks, water, route map, support, sag and sag supplies, water bottles, patch kits, Red Cross, Permits, contracting rest stops, rest stop equipment & insurance.
 
This event sells out and there is no Day-of Registration.  Ride Goes Rain Or Shine. Unfortunately, once you register, we commit your payment on the food etc., whether you show up, don’t show up or have to cancel. Therefore, we have a strict and simple cancellation and refund policy **No Cancellations/No Refunds**.
 
The Marin Cyclists Bicycle Club is a group of bicycle enthusiasts who love to ride and in return gladly volunteer to roll out the carpet for you. No one gets paid. We keep enough money in the bank to dig out if we lose some money on a ride but the rest is given away to select bike-related charities, sponsorships and concerns.

Registration Confirmation
All registrations received will be posted on this website and will be updated weekly through Aug 1, 2010. Look for it on the Registrants page of this site.

PLEASE NOTE: INTERNET MAP SERVICES WILL GIVE YOU INCORRECT DIRECTIONS TO START. PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTION BELOW!

PLEASE NOTE: INTERNET MAP SERVICES WILL GIVE YOU INCORRECT DIRECTIONS TO START. PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTION BELOW!

Coming from the south (Golden Gate Bridge)
Take Hwy 101 North for approximately 16 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit from 101 at the Terra Linda - Freitas Parkway exit. Head west approximately 1/2 mile on Freitas Parkway. Turn left on Las Gallinas (signal at Safeway). Go one block & turn right on Nova Albion. The Vallecito Elementary School is just past the 1st STOP sign on the right-hand side.
 
Coming from the north (Novato and north)
Take Hwy 101 South approximately 4.5 miles south of the Hwy 37 Interchange. Exit Hwy 101 at Terra Linda - Freitas Parkway exit. Head west approximately 1/4 mile on Freitas Parkway. Turn left on Las Gallinas (signal at Safeway). Go one block & turn right on Nova Albion. The Vallecito Elementary School is just past the 1st STOP sign on the right-hand side.
 
Coming from the East (East Bay and I-580)
Take I-580 west over the Richmond Bridge. Exit at Hwy 101 North and go approximately 3.5 miles north. Exit Hwy 101 at Terra Linda - Freitas Parkway exit. Head west approximately 1/2 mile on Freitas Parkway. Turn left on Las Gallinas (signal at Safeway). Go one block & turn right on Nova Albion. The Vallecito Elementary School is just past the 1st STOP sign on the right-hand side.

Parking

Important information.

Parking at Vallecito is limited.  After approximately 6am, parking will be filled at the school, and parking will be available around the Terra Linda High School, South on Nova Albion. Do not park in the Kaiser parking lot. If you do not heed the No Parking Signs, your car will be towed. Terra Linda High is 1/4 mile from the start. Park there. Please see the map at the end of this page.

There will be many, many CHP officers along the course, including a CHP escort up Lucas Valley in the morning. We have employed them to help prevent your untimely death. They have ticketed, will ticket and enjoy ticketing bicyclists who ride poorly. Ride single file, obey all traffic laws, don't wear an iPod and use common sense. Exercise extreme caution when descending on Lucas Valley Road.  Also, drink lots of fluids and be kind to your fellow cyclists. If your mother would comment on an action, don't do it.

At registration, you will be asked to sign in acknowledging the Waiver, you will receive your bib and helmet sticker.  Course maps will be available in the registration area. Wearing the bib and the sticker is mandatory. When you return, you will be able to pick up a free water bottle while supplies last. 

Along with ride food on the course, we have great food waiting for you on your return. Food is included for all registered riders. Family and friends will have the opportunity to purchase a meal for $10. In addition, we have rinse-off showers which feel real nice when you are sticky and sweaty. Bring a towel, change of clothes, use the showers, then eat.

Also, we have a number of great Expo vendors displaying their products and services which we find useful to cyclists. A suggestion is to bring at least $20 cash for a massage or item. This is a cash or check only event.

At the Expo we are selling our very cool new and improved event jersey, caps, and very cool route poster along with other items, depending on availability. Also the Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) will be selling their items including a great Marin County cycling map. Massages are available at $1 per minute.

Friday Early Check-In (optional) is from 5-8pm for All routes.

Start Times: This is not a race.

Saturday, August 1, 2009
3:30 AM – 4:45 AM          Check-in for Mt. Tam Double Century ONLY
5 AM                          Mass start for the Mt Tam Double Century riders
6 AM                          Mt. Tam Double Century late start cut off.

There will be wave starts for all century riders beginning at 6AM. 10 minutes between starts. Pick your friends, pick your time.  All Century & 200K Riders Must Start by 8AM!  If you ride slowly, rest stops may be closed if you do not leave by 8AM.

6 AM – 6:30 AM          Check-In for 200 K course
6 AM – 8 AM               Check-in for 100 mile Marin Century and Mt Tam Century courses
7 AM – 9 AM               Check-In for 100 K course
9 AM – 10 AM             Check-In for 50 K course
 
Post ride food service begins at 11:30 AM and ends at 10:30 PM.  There is a HARD Cut Off time for the DC riders of 10:30PM.  Anyone on course at that time will receive a DNF and be asked to be SAGed in.

Ride Safe and Have Fun.