FAQ’s

Disclaimer:  Bicycle riding is an inherently dangerous sport. The Pico de Gallo Century Ride organizers and volunteers are not responsible for accidents, injuries, loss, or damage that may arise from participating on the ride. The Pico de Gallo Century Ride, or its participants, do NOT assume any liability for your participation. It is your choice to assume the risks in attempting The Pico de Gallo Century Ride.

Why is this ride Free?

The ride was started by the original “Pico De Gallo” crew as a means to give back to the cycling community and to further promote the sport of cycling in the region.  Originally, it was just a gathering of friends putting in a long ride before the end of year, with a warm meal at the end.  The original ride very much followed the “spirit of randonneuring” in that it was non-competitive, and minimally-supported.  The ride continues to grow each year, and thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and personal donations, we are able to provide more and more amenities.  We have also been told time and time again that those fresh, off-the-grill burgers at the end of the ride are some of the best burgers in town.

Is this a supported ride?

Yes.  Rest stops are being provided by some wonderful organizations and sponsors.  These are located roughly every 15-18 miles.  Additionally, the route has been strategically mapped out to make use of a plethora of convenience stores along the way.  Several SAG vehicles will also be tending to the needs of the riders.

How much time do I have to complete the ride?

The sun is setting at 05:40PM this year.  The course markings and rest stops (with the exception of the finish line) will be picked up by 5PM, at the latest.  We basically follow the riders and starting picking up once the *SWEEPER* group passes through a given area.

Please be aware that the the road in the last 8-miles can get quite congested at times, especially once it gets dark.  If you are unsure whether you can meet the 5PM completion deadline, please make sure to HAVE FAMILY OR FRIENDS ON STANDBY so that they can escort you through these final miles.  Also, consider equipping your bicycle with lights.

Lastly, be always be aware of who is leading the *SWEEPER* group and ask the volunteers to make sure you are always ahead of them.  This ensures that the course markers and rest stops are there as you are making your way through the ride.

What is the route?  Do you have a map of the route I can have?

Riders are provided a mini-map at the start of the ride.  If you want to be ambitious, you are also welcomed to print the SAG vehicle’s map version.  This is a detailed version of the route and it is located at : http://picodegallo100.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Pico-De-Gallo-100-Map-2016-SAG.pdf

Additionally, we also have the route in TCX/GPX format for a myriad of GPS devices and fitness apps: TCX | GPX (you may need to right-click and choose “save link as …” .

MapMyRide: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/591387380/ – Please note all the all the suggested and available convenient stores along the route for rest stops. If any doggies have been spotted, they have also been marked.

[iframe width=”640″ height=”480″ src=”http://snippets.mapmycdn.com/routes/view/embedded/591387380?width=600&height=400″]

Strava: The route is also available as a Strava route that can easily be imported into your Strava app by clicking on the following link: https://www.strava.com/routes/7064753

Are there other distances apart from 100 miles?  

The main audience for this ride are those folks that are completing 100 miles on their bicycles.  Whether this is the first time they are doing it, or their 20th time.   With that said, riders are welcome to show up and ride as many miles as they can.  However, riders attempting any other distance MUST MAKE PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS TO BE PICKED UP by family or friends as our SAG vehicles cater exclusively to the 100-mile riders.

Can I volunteer?

We hope that everyone has chance to enjoy the ride with friends.  However, if you would like to volunteer and support the riders, please contact Eudy Carrillo at 956-501-6022.

What do I get for completing the ride?

Riders who complete the 100-mile route will get a *FREE* Pico De Gallo 100 Commemorative pin to proudly display their achievement.

How will you check if riders completed the pre-requisite 100-miles?

There is a secret checkpoint somewhere along the route in which all riders must stop and collect a token.  This token needs to be presented at the end as proof that the checkpoint was reached during the ride.  Do note that the volunteers at the finish line are instructed to check for these tokens in detail.

What is required to participate for this ride?

  • You will need a bike, helmet, and possibly lights at the beginning of the ride.
  • Please make sure your bicycle is able to withstand long rides and that you have the necessary maintenance supplies (tubes, CO2, pump, etc) to attempt a long ride.
  • We recommend that you wear bright colored clothing to be visible along the route.
  • You must be able to at least keep a pace at about 14-16 mph for an extended period of time. Long distance training rides prior to this ride are essential.
  • You will need to make prior arrangements to be PICKED UP OR ESCORTED BY FAMILY/FRIENDS if you will completing any other distance other than the 100-mile route, or in case you are not sure if you can meet the 5PM completion deadline.
  • You will need to sign the ride waiver and provide an emergency name and number before the ride begins. Just for precautionary purposes.

What if I’ve never attempted a Century Ride before?

There will be a *SWEEPER* group that will keep the pace at about 14-16 mph. This group will stay together and help you complete your first century.  There will also be a dedicated SAG vehicle that stays with this group to help them complete the 100-mile ride.  Please be MENTALLY-READY to “stick it out” for the entire route.

We strongly recommend that you read articles such as the following:

13 thoughts on “FAQ’s

    • Ramon Hermida posted on facebook : The ride will go on as planned. It is only 30% chance on this side. Based on previous experience, it tends to be hit or miss. There was a similar weather pattern when we rode the Pico-Preview ride, and we only got a few drops towards the end.

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