The Century Challenge

in memory of George Robertson

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the ride start and finish?

The Century Challenge Cycle Ride starts and finishes at Mt Penang Parklands, located just off the Gosford exit of the F3 freeway.

What distances are the rides?

The Century Challenge distances are as close as possible to the 100km and 50km however late minute road changes in order to comply with Police requirements have meant that the routes and distances do occasionally vary.  Each year we endeavour to have the distance as close to the century and half century as we can. The Family Friendly Challenge is 20kms on quieter scenic roads.

What time do the rides start?

The 110km (approx) ride starts at 8.00am and the 50km ride also starts at 8.00am. Registration is open from 7.00am.

What does my registration fee include?

The registration fee includes fruit, cake and water along the route of the ride. Light food is also included at the end of ride, in the form of a BBQ or a lunch pack. A sample bag of sponsors goods is also given to riders, subject to availability.

Why is the age limit restricted to 18 years and over?

The Century Challenge Committee has followed the advice of the Rotary District Insurers, the RTA and the police with regard to the age limit on riders. At this stage we have received instructions that they will allow only riders aged 18 years and over to participate in the 100km and 50km rides but we are still working to resolve this issue with the above parties.

What is the Family Friendly Challenge?

The Family Friendly Challenge will be introduced for the 2012 event. This ride is open to riders aged 11 years and over and they must be accompanied by an adult rider who is aged over 18 years. The roads for this ride and quieter and allow for slower cyclists to enjoy the ride.

What is the Kids Challenge?

The Kids Challenge was introduced in 2010 to enable children to participate in a cycle ride in a safe environment. Mt Penang Gardens generously allowed junior cyclists to ride on paths within the grounds of the garden, and opened the gardens free to the public on the day of the ride. The Kids Challenge is open to riders aged between 5 and 12 years.

How do I know which ride is right for me?

You need to determine your level of fitness, cycling experience and ability to take on a 100km, 50km or 20km ride. If you have registered for the 100km ride on line but feel you may be better suited to cycle the 50km ride on the day, don't worry. We can easily sort that out at the registration desk. and for families who want to enjoy a cycle together, then the Family Friendly ride is just for you. It's 20km, on quieter roads.

What about Team entries?

If you are part of a group who regularly cycle together, or you want to be part of a team, you are catered for. Registration for more than 4 and up to 8 team members can be done on-line.

Who benefits from the Century Challenge?

The major beneficiary of the Century Challenge is Coast Shelter, an organisation located on the Central Coast, which attempts to meet the needs of the disadvantaged within our community through advocacy and the provision of direct services. Coast Shelter provides accommodation to approximately 110 homeless men, women and children each night and also coordinates the provision of over 200 meals each day at the Donnison Street Community Centre.

Without the help of organisations such as Terrigal Sea Rescue and Gosford Guides we would not have enough people power to stage the Century Challenge. Donations are also made to these organisations after the ride.

Terrigal Sea Rescue (TSR), as part of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, have dedicated a rescue boat – the Mary George, honoring the memory of George Robertson, a former member and tireless worker for TSR. Donations in previous years have gone towards the purchase of equipment for the boat. The Century Challenge is dedicated to the memory of George Robertson, who was a Past President of the Rotary Club of Erina. It was George's dedication and organisational skills that contributed to the growth and success of the ride.

 

History

Start and Finish at Mt Penang Parklands – Kariong

In 2000 the Rotary Club of Erina was asked to assist the Central Coast Touring Cycle Club as marshals in their annual Central Coast Century Cycle Tour. The tour catered for 100km, 50km, and 20km courses. In return the Rotary Club was to receive some of the proceeds to further the work of the charities and projects it supports. Unfortunately approval for the event was withdrawn by the RTA only weeks before the planned date. The CCTCC decided to no longer organise the event.

The Rotary Club of Erina took up the challenge of organising and staging the event. Months of negotiation with the RTA, Police and Council resulted in gaining approval for a revised course and the event continued in 2001 with the assistance of the CCTCC.

Our first ride saw some 185 cyclists attend for what was a small but very successful commencement. In 2002 the event was hampered by rain in the week leading up to it, but with a fine day for the ride. That year around 220 cyclists attended and from the feedback enjoyed a very pleasurable ride. The following year, 2003, was the first when we were able to attract some sponsorship for the event. Rain dogged us again up until the Saturday night before the event that restricted our numbers to about 220 riders.

In 2004, with hard work from many of our members, we were able to obtain sponsorship from thirteen companies and organisations. We were blessed with fine weather for a change and over 350 riders turned up. The ride is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best in the State with riders turning up from not only the Central Coast but Sydney, Wollongong, Blue Mountains and Campbelltown.

It was apparent that the narrow section of the 100km ride between Kulnura Store and Bucketty was becoming more busy with motor traffic, especially coaches, and it was decided for 2005 to eliminate this stretch and replace it with a detour to Mooney Mooney to make up the distance. This was a popular move amongst the cyclists as it avoided a steep descent to the turn-around point (and a steep climb back after the drink stop). The 2005 event attracted about the same number of participants as 2004 in spite of a poor weather forecast.

Because of increased traffic and safety concerns expressed not only by the Rotary organisers, but also by NSW Police, the 20km family run was cancelled for 2006. However, following support from the Mt Penang Development Corporation, the Mt Penang Gardens were made available for the inaugural Kids Challenge in 2010. The course is within the grounds of the gardens, making it a safe environment for young cyclists. With a dedicated committee the Kids Challenge will continue to grow and become a feature of the Century Challenge cycle day.

In the 10 years that the Century Challenge has been conducted, in excess of $100,000 has been raised to assist charities and Rotary projects. The major beneficiary of the ride over the past seven years has been Coast Shelter, a Central Coast organisation providing emergency and short-term accommodation to those in need. Coast Shelter will again be the major beneficiary of the 2011 ride. Other beneficiaries include Terrigal Sea Rescue and Gosford Guides, with both organisations providing much needed volunteers on the day.

 

Rotary Club of Erina

The Rotary Club of Erina Inc. meets Tuesday evenings at the Erina Leagues Club. The Century Challenge is a major project of the club and all members work hard to make the ride enjoyable for participants. As with all Rotary projects, 100% of the funds raised is donated to the community.