Chico, CA Wildflower Century Ride
April 28th, 2008 categories: Around Town, Events
About 3,500 cyclists came to Chico to ride the 27th annual Wildflower Century this year, which
has become recognized as one of the premier distance rides around.
Although, as its name implies, the Wildflower Century does offer a 100 mile loop, the event also offers shorter options for folks looking to spin their wheels a few less revolutions. The 65 mile loop, known as the Mildflower, the 30 to 60 mile loop called the Flatflower, and the 15 mile pedal-the Childflower.
The “Big Daddy” ride begins in Chico, travels through beautiful Butte Creek Canyon on Honey Run Rd., to Paradise, south to Table Mountain, and back on the flats through Durham and back to Chico. The ride does have its share of climbs, especially the short, but steep climb up Honey Run. That baby should definitely make the average rider “feel the burn”. The biggest speed shot is down Clark Rd. on the backside of Paradise, where it is not difficult to experience the “speed wobbles” at 45 miles per. Fun stuff.
Unfortunately, I did not make the ride this year as I recently dusted off the old “roadie” and lent it to a friend to use in a triathlon taking place next weekend. I did, however, plan to ride my townie -through a portion of the ride anyway- but, ended up spending the morning with visiting family. Oh well… There is always next year!
Photo: Historical Honey Run Covered Bridge in Butte Creek Canyon.
