I’ll admit that I frequently elect not to ride the Karras Loop anymore. I’ve done enough of them in prior years that getting an early shower takes precedence over earning a patch. However, I wonder how the planned 2019 Karras stacks up challenge wise to some of the more memorable earlier loops? If memory serves me, 2012 was supposedly the most difficult Karras Loop on paper and the 100+ degree temps that day made it even more painful. But riding the most demanding Karras Loop to date made it a must-do event. Will 2019 be next the next bucket ride loop?

The Century Loop is an annual last minute decision for me. My dad yelled at me – I’M DOING IT – last year as he hung a hard left and took off. That’s about all the thought we give it – after seeing if we are hydrated and feeling good that day.

I want to do one, but 116 might be too much this year. 85 for this day might be hard enough.

I have done 100 in one day before so I doubt I will do it again.

Last years Karris Loop day, from Newton to Sigourney, totaled 109.8 on my GPS. That’s from campground to campground. I want to say the previous years Karris loop actually came in around 106. So when you’re dealing with those kinds of miles, 116 doesn’t seem insurmountable. It’s a good distance for sure, but I don’t think it should intimidate or discourage someone who’s done the loop before or might be considering it for the first time. Hydrate, eat right, take breaks, and you’ll be there at the end!

Campground to campground it could clock in at 120 or more for a lot of folks. It’s going to add an hour or so to pretty much everyone’s day and I am not sure how the ISP will feel about that. But I certainly would give it a go if I arrived at the loop entrance still feeling my oats! I think that is the best plan for those who feel this year’s distance is on the cusp of what they can and cannot do. For me century riding is typically all about eating well the day or two before and the day of. That condition is guaranteed to have been met by mid week during RAGBRAI! I’m volunteering to drive SAG that day so that the others can have at it however.

2013 was 114 miles for me, the loop was early in the day as opposed to 2016 when it was at the end of the day. I skipped 2016. Made a bad error in 2013, stopped for Mr. Pork Chop, not a good idea!