This classic style century bicycle tour has its roots in the same club-style rides that various cycling clubs worldwide have been running for decades; specifically, a non-competitive long distance one-day bicycle tour for anyone who wishes to participate in this kind of personal challenge – riding a bicycle for 100 miles in a day! In 2006, Hal Cain (the then Tour Director of the Kingston Velo Club) decided to revive this type of ride by including a century ride on the Club’s schedule; in September – traditional month for cycling century rides. That year there was one rider, Hal. Over the next few years, several other KVC members took up the challenge and the Club’s century rides started to become an annual event with an established 100-miles route, plus a 100-kilometers route. In 2012, a decision was made to make the century ride open to the community with a registration fee and the addition of organized rest-stops, support vehicle, and prize drawings. All proceeds from the event started going to Cycle Kingston, a non-profit registered charity promoting cycling an cycling safety. The following year, a 40-kilometers route was added. In 2015, the event became under the auspice of Cycle Kingston and was rebranded as the “Limestone Century Bicycle Tour,” to reflect the nickname of Kingston, as well as the geography of the area. A couple of years later, the 40-km route was changed to 50 kms, or a half-metric century.

 

The Routes:

 

All routes start and end in Portsmouth Village, Kingston. Routes are mostly on paved secondary roads and potentially for short stretch of gravel/dirt (depending on the specific route in a particular year). In the case of the 50-km route, some of the route is on rail trail. Routes, except on trails, are on open roads and many have paved shoulders in the rural areas. Generally speaking, routes are counter-clockwise heading north and east before turning west, then south back to Lake Ontario. The 100-mile and 100-kilometer routes come back to Portsmouth Village heading east along Lake Ontario. All registered riders have access to GPS files with the routes.

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Pre-Ride Check-In Times: (2024 Primary Location - Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Building, 53 Yonge Street)

 

Pre-ride check-in begins at 6:45 a.m. Please be checked in and ready to ride a few minutes before your group’s (based on distance) start time. Group start times are: 100 miles @ 7:15 a.m.; 100 km @ 7:45 a.m.; 50 km @ 8:30 a.m. Riders are encouraged to start on time according to the distance they choose. All riders must be on route by 9 a.m. Route support ends at 5:30 p.m.

 

Post-Ride Check-In:

 

Upon return, please check-in with LCBT volunteer crew so we know you have returned. Also check to see if you have won a draw prize. Riders are encouraged to stay around to welcome other riders who finish after they do, and have your lunch. Again, all participants should be back no later than 5:30 p.m., when on-route support ends.

 

The Support – Rest-Stops and SAG:

 

There will be rest-stops / check-points on each route approximately every 20 to 30 kms. These stops will have water, snacks, and friendly faces to greet riders and help with other needs. In addition to the periodic rest-stops, a SAG (support and gear) vehicle will be patrolling the routes to help cyclists who may have problems along the way, including a lift back to the start if needed. SAG contact number is available at check-in and online cue-sheets.

 

Registration & Fees:

 

Registration for this event is by completing the online registration form and payment of event fee. Information and registration link is found on LCBT website. Registration includes: on-route rest-stops and SAG support; post-ride lunch; access to GPS files, and; one draw prize chance. Limited same-day registration is available, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged to help ensure sufficient preparations for the organizers.  All proceeds from this event go to Cycle Kingston (www.cyclekingston.ca), a registered charity that promotes cycling and cycling safety.

 

Draw Prizes:

 

Generous donations of prizes items have been collected from local cycle shops and other business. Each registered rider (and volunteer) gets a chance for a draw prize. Winners’ names are posted and prizes available on return from the ride. Unclaimed prizes will go to another participant or volunteer.

 

The Additional Information:

 

This is a rain or shine event. The routes are NOT closed to other traffic and riders need to be aware of and follow common rules of the road and traffic laws. All riders must agree to a release/waver and acknowledge they will follow the rules of the road prior to the ride (part of the registration process).  Riders under the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult responsible for the minor. All riders under the age of 18 years must have a parent or guardian acknowledge the registration/release form. All riders must wear a helmet.