SCU Century Event
|
![]() |
You can find answers to most questions on the SCU website, where you can download the event brochure (PDF), or click on the BikeReg link for online registration and event information. However, we've prepared this FAQ for quick-reference:
General Topics
Lake Nockamixon Century
Quad County Metric

How do I know if my registration has been received?
If you register through BikeReg.com, print your on-line receipt; if you pay by mail, your cancelled check is your receipt. If there are problems when you check in, there will be someone on hand to deal with any questions.
Can I register on the day of the event?
Yes, you can register at the event, but you must pay with cash, check or money order, as we are not equipped to accept credit cards then. Registration is open 8:00am to 11:00am for the Quad and 7:00am to 10:00am for the Nock; however, riders must start during the specified time period for each route - the longer the route you intend to ride, the earlier you must start. Riders will pay a higher fee to register on the day of the ride, so pre-register to save money. Or join SCU to receive the members' discount and many additional member benefits.
Do I need to be a member of SCU to participate?
No, but if you join SCU, you will save on the registration fee and receive many additional member benefits.
The ride goes on, rain or shine, so we are unable to refund your fee.
If I don't make the ride, can I still get my T-shirt?
No, we cannot mail T-shirts or other souvenirs, because the postage would be prohibitively costly. However, you can pick up your gift at the start location on the day of the event, even if you do not ride. Or you can have another rider pick up your gift, and that person's name will be noted in the registration log.
What kind of food will be available?
The rest stops will offer a wide variety of home-baked cookies, brownies, and other munchies, as well as fresh fruit and energy snacks. After the ride, enjoy a hot meal, with a vegetarian option. The cost of lunch is included in your registration fee.
What kind of support is available?
Several of SCU's sponsoring bike shops will provide that last-minute mechanical assistance at the start of the ride, and SAG vehicles will be available throughout the day. Emergency personnel will also be on hand in the event of an accident or medical aid is required.
Yes, SCU requires wearing a helmet to participate in our rides.
I registered for the Quad, the Nock, or the combo, and now I changed my mind about riding. Can I get a refund?
We are sorry that your plans have changed, but SCU does not issue refunds. We have ordered non-returnable T-shirts, food, and supplies based on the number of registered riders. Combo registrations cannot be converted to Quad County Metric registrations, and there will be no partial refunds of combo registration fees if you do not attend the Lake Nockamixon Century.
Do all routes return to the starting point?
Yes, all SCU routes return to the starting point.
How will I know where to ride?
The roads are marked; i.e., painted with arrows, and each rider receives a paper "cue sheet" with turn-by-turn directions. When you are on the ride, don't just blindly follow the rider in front of you. They may be doing a different route than the one you want. There will be a phone number printed on the cue sheet in case you need to call for SAG. We recommend using a cue-sheet holder (available online or at bike shops), but a binder clip or even a clothespin will work.
What should I carry with me on the ride?
Bring one or two water bottles, ID, emergency cash, cell phone, and your medical insurance card. Although SCU provides excellent SAG support, why wait for SAG if you get a flat tire? Carry one or two spare tubes, pump or CO2 cartridges, patch kit, and tire levers, in order to repair your own flats.
Register online at BikeReg.com with a credit card. Online registration closes a few days before the ride, but register early to receive a free souvenir. Or print and mail the brochure with your payment by check or money order. The brochure will tell you the deadline for obtaining the free souvenir. Join SCU and save $5-$10 on registration!
How hilly is the ride? Do I need a road bike? Can I ride my city bike?
"Hilly" is a subjective term that depends on each rider's fitness and experience: what challenges one cyclist is an easy spin for another. The 25-mile route is suitable for casual riders, and includes the rest stop at Peace Valley Park. The terrain on the longer rides is rolling to hilly. Obviously, a road bike with appropriate gearing is best suited to the longer, more challenging routes.
Register online at BikeReg.com with a credit card. Online registration closes a few days before the ride, but register early to receive a free souvenir. Or print and mail the brochure with your payment by check or money order. The brochure will tell you the deadline for obtaining the free souvenir. Join SCU and save $5-$10 on registration! A special reduced-price Quad County Metric / Lake Nockamixon Century "combo" registration may be available - check BikeReg.com and the Quad brochure for details.
How do I get a T-shirt? Can I buy one at the ride?
A T-shirt or other souvenir is included in the fee when you pre-register by the online or mail-in deadline. A limited number of this year's shirts may be available after the ride, first-come-first-served. We cannot guarantee availability of T-shirts unless you register by the T-shirt deadline. Shirts and other souvenirs from previous years' rides may be available at a reduced price.
How hilly is the ride? Do I need a road bike? Can I ride my city bike?
"Hilly" is a subjective term that depends on each rider's fitness and experience: what challenges one cyclist is an easy spin for another. However, Green Lane Park, where the ride begins, sits in a bowl, so most of the routes start with a gradual 4.5-mile climb. The 21-mile route is suitable for casual riders, and starts with a 2-mile climb. The terrain on the longer rides is rolling to hilly, and the eight-mile "ICU" option will challenge most riders. Obviously, a road bike with appropriate gearing is best suited to the longer, more challenging routes.

Updated by Jack Elias on 2/6/2013
Copyright © 2008-2013 Suburban Cyclists Unlimited. No images, text, graphics, or design may be reproduced without permission. All rights reserved.