Earlier this year we suggested that we might be moving the Metamora 4X50 to a new location in Washington Illinois. However,after scrutinizing the layout of the proposed start/finish of the new route in, our race director determined that we should not change the route for 2008. Traffic and parking issues made a new start in Washington a less desirable option than our traditional starting point at Black Partridge Park outside of Metamora.  

Metamora is a small city slightly northeast of Peoria in central Illinois. It  was the site of several double centuries when the Big Dogs ran their Big Dogs Triple Crown in 2001-2002.

In 2005, the Balltown Classic and the UMCA 24 Hour Championship events got us thinking that, as HPVs, recumbents and hand cycles gain in popularity perhaps an event designed for those cycling styles was in order. The Metamora route struck us as the ideal place for these riders to show what they can do.  We especially hoped hand cyclists will attend as we want to develop more opportunities for them to compete.  This gathering would provide the chance to discuss their special needs and vision for their sport.  Of course, we invite all cyclists - diamond frame, fixed gear - even the classic high wheelers - to meet at Metamora for a day long ride.  

In 2007 we altered the route slightly to avoid a stretch of highway that turned out to be a little busier than we thought. This year we are going to provide an alternate route around Cazenovia, so that competitive riders can avoid manuevering through that town. The route through Cazanovia will still be an option, however, for those who prefer to make use of the local convenience stores. And we will have the loose gravel cleaned up on the corners.

This concept of a 50 mile loop should be of interest to: UMCA Ultracycling Cup riders looking for double century points, Year Rounder participants looking to maximize their mileage count with three laps and 150 miles. Or perhaps you just want to get that Big Dog century logged for August  - ride 2 laps log that 100 miles and sit back and chill with other riders.  Or bring along the family and encourage them to enjoy a laid back 50 miler while you “hammer” out a single or double century.