Two things came together to create the Sadistic Century first public, charity ride in 2015.
First, one of our founders was on a mission to get his friends to ride THE MOST climbing he could find in Dunn County. Local cycling legend, Steve Brown, gathered us at his home for brats and beer after a friendly group ride on his selected course each summer. First was the 66 miles, then 77, then 100 miles in the first editions. Each with more and more climbing, and scary names that lead to the Sadistic Century. I believe I only finished one of the first three. First DNF was from a broken chain and the second from cold and rain. That ride is the only bike ride I have gotten in a SAG wagon completely wrecked and defeated by the ride.
Second, was the rise and fall of the Northstar Gran Prix Bicycle Race and Menomonie Gran Fondo that went along with the race. Ride like the Pros was the tagline of our first supported charity ride we did in the area. The challenging ride rolled out early on the day of the race, using the same course. We also hosted a spectator ride the same day that enabled riders to ride portions of the course and stop at featured climbs to see the pros race by. We did at least three years of the Gran Prix and Fondo before the Saturday stage was moved to Mankato, MN.
For 2021, the Sadistic Century is back, in person, providing a great ride on our beautiful, quite course in Dunn County, WI. The ride is put together by a small group of passionate volunteers that donate all of the net proceeds to our local non-profit partners, Stepping Stones of Dunn County and CORBA trail group. Please come out and ride with us and then enjoy a great meal and free beer afterwards. Ride registration is only $25 until May.
Thank you!