Riding 100 miles on a bicycle is not for the faint of heart. But for the past decade, riders have taken the century challenge and biked from New Ipswich to Lake Winnipesaukee, all in the name of Dublin Christian Academy.
“A century is pretty good – not everyone does one,” said Ben Olson, who put together the inaugural event and is preparing to ride in the latest one on Aug. 13. “It’s a pretty good feat.”
The ride is tough — “There are some pretty good hills going up into Concord,” Olson said — but with a little training, even the casual rider can complete it.
“It’s a challenging ride, but not so challenging that beginners couldn’t finish it,” Olson said.
The ride started out as just a fun, bonding experience, but for the past few years, it’s been a fundraiser for the athletic programs at Dublin Christian Academy.
Riders will look for sponsorships and businesses will often get involved with contributions.
“Why Dublin Christian?” Olson said. “They train young people in biblical standards, morals and ethics to live life and they train them to be leaders. We need them to be biblically based, following the teachings of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and also to be an example for others, doing good in the community for the betterment of the whole world.”
The ride features three planned stops and will be accompanied by three support vehicles, carrying food and water. And the goal at the end of the road is enticing, too — the finish, up in West Alton, is a camp, with swimming, sauna and cookout set up for the arriving riders.
That may be a worthy reward worth pushing some pedals for, but Olson said the more experienced riders don’t stop there.
“For some [a century] is not much, because they’ve done them three, four, five times a year — some will ride back,” he said. “But for some who are a little older or who haven’t done it — it’s quite an accomplishment just that you rode a century.”
Riders depart New Ipswich at 8 a.m. on Aug. 13.
For more information about riding the Winnipo or sponsoring the ride, visit www.dublinchristian.org.
Sports Editor Ben Conant can be reached at 924-7172, ext. 226 or at bconant@ledgertranscript.com.