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San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club

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Wildflower Century FAQ Answers

Arrival & Checking In

creston map

How do I get to the Creston?
From the North and South, take Highway 101 to Atascadero
Exit at Highway 41 and travel East from Atascadero about 12 miles
From the East, take Highway 41 West at Shandon about 15 miles
From Highway 41, turn South on Highway 229/Webster Road
Creston is 1 mile ahead
When can I check-in?
Check-In at the Creston Elementary School
Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 PM
Saturday from 7:00 to 9:00 AM
Can someone else check-in for me?
NO, all riders must check-in in person and show a photo ID.
Where can I purchase event Jerseys and T-shirts?
Short sleeve event Jerseys and T-shirts will be for sale during check-in both Friday evening and Saturday morning. The clothing will include both current items at full price and past items at sale prices.

Note: Pre-ordered jerseys are mailed before the event. If the jersey does not fit, it may be exchanged at clothing sales during check-in for another size if we have it in stock. There will only be short sleeve jerseys at clothing sales.

What is the Spaghetti Feed?

Friday night you can take part in the annual Spaghetti Feed put on by the community to benefit the Creston Women's Club Scholarship Fund.

  • Price: $15.00 (adults), $6.00 (children under 10) purchased at the door
  • Time: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
  • Location: Creston Community Center
  • Meat and vegetarian spaghetti sauces!
  • Wine, Beer and Desserts available for purchase
Where should I park on the day of the event?
In order to reduce our impact on the small community of Creston, the Creston Rodeo Grounds is being used for event parking. We encourage you to car pool as much as possible. If you park long Highway 229 by the rodeo grounds, be sure to be completely off the roadway pavement.
Note: The Creston 4H will be guiding parking Saturday morning.
Where can I find the Free Coffee and Hot Chocolate Saturday morning?
The A-Town Water Polo Boosters are receiving a donation from the SLOBC for serving free coffee and hot chocolate at Creston Elementary School from 7:00 to 9:00 AM Saturday morning. There will also be some snacks available for cash purchase and an opportunity to donate to the water polo program.
Where are local bike shops located?
Click Bike Shops for a list. Atascadero has the closest shop followed by Paso Robles. Some shops have a range of bikes for rent.

Accommodations

What does Paso Robles Wine Country have to offer?
Discover information on Wineries, Restaurants, Lodging, Events and Tours at the Paso Robles Wine Country website.
How do I find area motels and hotels?
Atascadero is the nearest city (13 miles) and provides several lodging choices including the historic Carlton Hotel. The Paso Robles Wine Country's Lodging webpage provides links to a variety of area options. The following links take you to the lodging pages of the respective Chambers of Commerce websites.
Chamber's Lodging Webpages Distance to Creston
Paso Robles 24 Miles
San Luis Obispo 30 Miles
Morro Bay 31 Miles
Cayucos 36 Miles
Cambria 42 Miles
What are the camping options in Creston?
  • RV Camping: There will be self-contained RV camping available on a first-come first-served basis at the Creston Community Center. Call Rosie Hebron at 805-610-0220 for information.
  • Tent Camping: There will be tent camping Friday night on the Creston Elementary School grounds. Bathrooms but no showers will be available during the day. Portable toilets will be available at night. Call the school at 805-238-4771 for information.
Where is the closest full service camping?
The Santa Margarita KOA is located 18 miles/30 minutes from Creston on the first Loop of the Century route. It provides both tent and RV sites with access to rest rooms and showers and deluxe cabins.

Ride Details

What is the weather like?
The weather is usually cool in the morning, but it can turn hot by the end of the day. Check the Creston Weather forecast. The ride will be held rain or shine.
What are the route options?
This event is not for inexperienced riders or those who have not trained on comparable routes – short does not mean easy.
The RWGPS files provide both plan and profile views of each route. Once opened, if you move your cursor along the profile, it will show the mileage, elevation and % grade at that point.
Note: Our RWGPS routes include access to files, that when sent to a Garmin or similar devise, can provide turn-by-turn navigation. Or, if you have a paid RWGPS account, opening our routes in the RWGPS app on your phone can provide turn-by-turn navigation.
Note: Ascent numbers shown in the chart below in parenthesis (e.g., 4000 ft.) are based on feedback from past riders and provide the best estimate.
2024 Routes RWGPS Route Slips
80 Mile (80 mi, 4000 ft) 80 Mile 80 Mile
64 Mile: Metric Century (64 mi, 3200 ft) 64 Mile 64 Mile
50 Mile Route (52 mi, 3000 ft.) 50 Mile 50 Miles
35 Mile Route (35 mi, 2200 ft) 35 Mile 35 Miles
What is with the Toilet Stop at 10 miles?
Because the first Rest Stop for all routes is at about 20 miles, we decided to offer a Toilet Stop at 10 miles based on rider feedback. The stop is small and only has portable toilets – there is no food or water. Let us know if you find the stop of value.
What water crossings will I encounter?
There are five Water Crossings on Huero Huero Road between miles 7.5 and 11. They will be marked and should be crossed with caution:
  • Slow as you approach and move into single file
  • Stay in the right half of the road
  • The water will be about 1" deep and traction is good
  • Note: The pavement in crossing 3 at mile 8.8 is very broken up on the left. Stay right and navigate around the two potholes. There will be a Course Marshal present at 3.
What Safe Cycling Practices am I expected to follow?
You are expected to ride as described at Safe Cycling Best Practices and on your route slip. You are expected to pay attention to caution signs along the route and cautions identified on your route slip. You are expected to participate to neither endanger yourself nor others.
When should I start my ride?
The course opens at 7:00 AM. Route timing assumes riders average between 12 and 15 mph.
  • 80 & 64 Mile Riders: Start Between 7:00 and 8:00 AM
  • 50 & 35 Mile Riders: Start Between 8:00 and 9:00 AM

You will be riding on narrow country roads much of the time and staggered starts will reduce crowding on the road and at rest stops.

Note: If you start early, rest stops may not be ready for you.

Note: Riders who cannot complete the course by 4:00 PM will be offered a SAG ride to the finish and will be on their own if they turn this down.

What drinks and food are provided at rest stops?
The food and drinks at each rest stop are selected to both nourish the body and taste great as you ride the course. Every rest stop has an appropriate selection of carbs and protein from which you can choose. Drinks will include Fluid sports drink and water with coffee at the first stop. Standard rest stop food will include such things as locally made cookies, bagels, bananas, oranges, PB&J sandwiches and hard boiled eggs. The Wildflower features Okui's strawberries. This will be expanded with unique additions at each rest stop to support rider needs and provide variety. There will be gluten free options.

Note: If you use energy bars, chews, gels, bloks, etc. at or between rest stops based on your physical needs or diet, please make sure you have them with you.

What services do SAG Units provide?
SAG Units are prepared to fix flats and basic bicycle problems. They are stocked with 700c x 25mm tires and 700 x18/25c tubes with 40mm stems that are provided to riders for free. If your bike requires other sizes, bring replacements to ensure you are able to complete the ride. In addition, SAG Units can:
  • Provide basic first aid supplies
  • Transport riders to the nearest/next rest stop with a bike mechanic
  • Transport riders unable to continue back to the start
  • Connect with our HAM radio system for information or assistance
  • Offer riders on the course after closing time transportation to the finish. Riders who turn the offer down are on their own.
Where will bike mechanics be located?
There will be bike mechanics at the start and all rest stops.
Are E-Bikes allowed at the event?
Class 1 and Class 3 E-Bikes without throttles are allowed if they meet the specifications provided below and are consistent with California and Federal Law. Riders of E-Bikes must follow the rules established for e-bikes within the California Vehicle Code. This includes following the rules of the road that apply to standard bicycles and e-bikes and the safe cycling best practices set forth for the event.
  • Class 1 E-Bikes are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance above 20 miles per hour.
  • Class 3 E-Bikes are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance above 28 miles per hour.
What support are E-bikes provided?
No support unique to E-bikes is provided. It is the responsibility of the rider to carry a battery sufficient to complete the chosen route – there are no charging stations provided. All SAG vehicles may not be able to transport e-bikes due to their weight or size. Riders must be able to pedal their bikes back to the start.
What about the Post-Ride Meal?
  • Meal served between 11:00 and 4:00 PM
  • Local beer and wine available for cash purchase
  • Extra post-ride meal tickets for non-riders can be purchased at the event for $20.00 cash.

BUILD YOUR BOWL

Bases
-Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice (V/GF)
-Toasted Quinoa & Legumes (V/GF)

Pickles
-Sweet Spice pickled Onion (V/GF)
-Olive Oil Marinated Carrots (V/GF)

Crunchies
-Super Seeds (Contains: Sesame, Pumpkin seed, Sunflower, Nigella, Flax, Hemp, Chia) (V/GF)
-Spiced Nuts (Contains: Almond, Pistachio, Cashew, Spices) (V/GF)

Main Additions
-Dry Rubbed & Grilled Boneless Chicken (GF)
-Slow Roasted BBQ Pork Shoulder (GF)
-Jack fruit Carnitas (V/GF)

Sauces
-Guajillo Chili BBQ Sauce (V/GF)
-Mexican Crema (V/GF)

Dessert
-Mini Donuts

Beverages
-Soda and Water

How do I access the event photos?
Riders can download their event photos by Captivating Sports Photos for FREE. You will receive an email with links and instructions two days after the event and the links and instructions will also appear here.
Note: Photos will be organized by your helmet number or the time you passed a photography position. Making sure your number is on the front of your helmet as searching by your number is the easiest way to find your photos.
How should I post and tag my event photos?
Follow us on Instagram and add #slobcwildflowercentury and #slobc to event images you post during or after the ride. See what others have posted.
How do I check to see if something I lost was found?
Before you leave Creston, check with Lost & Found at Net Control located at the Creston Elementary School. You can also send an email to clothing@slobc.org. Provide a description of the item and your address. We will respond as soon as possible.
How do I purchase clothing after the ride?
Email clothing@slobc.org and identify the item and size you wish to purchase. You will be notified if the item is in stock and how to proceed.

 

Partners

These organizations and businesses partner with us to provide Volunteers, Places and Food, Supplies & Services to support the safety and enjoyment of our riders.

Volunteers: Great Volunteers are Critical

Cal Poly Cycling Logo

cccmb logo

bike slo county logo

Estero Radio Club Logo

CPARC Logo

Wally's Bicycle Works logo

REI logo

Foothill Cyclery logo

Places: Rest Stops

Ancient Peaks Winery logo

Vintage Cowboy Winery logo

California rangeland Trust logo
Avenales Ranch

Food, Supplies & Services

Fluid Logo

Cider Creek logo

House of Bread logo

house of bagles logo

Marborg logo

Voler logo

Foothill Cyclery logo

Captivating Sports Photos logo