It's that time of year again already! Do you remember when you were a kid and the "older" people would tell you that time starts to fly pretty much after the age of 30? Well, it is certainly true, which I am sure you may have noticed as well.

What I mean by the time of year is another Hilly Hundred bike ride in southern Indiana with my husband, sister and father. This has become a yearly tradition for us four in the last five years. . . and I intend to keep it up while, at the very least, my father (who will be 75 in November) keeps participating. This is undoubtedly his favorite event of every year and it clearly shows as he gets very excited and diligently prepares for the weekend ahead. This will be his 15th year of riding this gorgeous terrain which includes rolling hills, fall foliage, farm land and animals, small towns with friendly people, and so on. By the time you read this, we will have finished the ride which occurs October 10th and 11th, and I will very likely have a sore bum!

When I tell people that we are going to ride 100 miles in two days, each year people look at me cross-eyed with that "you really ARE nuts!" expression on their faces. But let me tell you. . . it truly isn't that crazy, in fact, I hardly call myself a cyclist. I don't even own a road bike. I own a 10-year-old mountain bike that I typically ride around Indy when en route to a craft brewery 😄. What I love about the Hilly is that it isn't a race by any means. It is a non-competitive tour of Morgan-Monroe county. Sure some people race it, but the vast majority are out in nature enjoying the moment. If a hill is too difficult, it is common for many people to get off and walk (I haven't had to yet but have come VERY close). The "start time" is whenever you so choose to begin as long as you can get in the 50 miles for that day by 4:00pm.

Another very appealing and mentally refreshing aspect of the ride is how well the event takes care of the riders. Roads are clearly marked off, SAG wagons are all over to attend to any needs and there are over 400 awesome volunteers. Safety is number one priority to the race organizers and it clearly shows. Also, each day, there are 3 break spots along the route complete with LIVE entertainment (likely a folk or bluegrass band) and yummy food for both carnivores and vegetarians. We definitely take advantage of these break spots as they come roughly each 15 miles. So, when you wrap your head around 15 miles, it doesn't sound that crazy anymore right?!

All ages are present from young children to elderly. I am amazed by how many very young children are out there tackling those hills! The course boasts participants from over 40 states and has won multiple awards from Bicycling magazine including: Best Overall Event, Longest Running Event, Largest Event, Best Map, and Best Entertainment.

The Hilly will even store your bike at the high school where both day's rides begin, so you don't have to hassle with anything when you are done with your day.

So, what are you waiting for? If you might be considering giving the Hilly Hundred a try I urge you to do so. The scenery can't be beat, it is a great way to get out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and enjoy the moment; all while getting in some exercise (Of course I had to add that 😄). If you have any additional questions feel free to shoot me an email. . . and if I can't answer them my dad certainly can!