The Midnight Century as the name suggests is a century bike ride starting at... you guessed it midnight.
It all happens the first Saturday in August. The route is a mix of pavement and gravel roads leaving from downtown Spokane. Into the rolling hills of the hay fields, away from the lights of the city the ride really takes shape. Here is a link to the route. After 20ish miles of flat pavement along the river the first climb comes out of the gravel roaded darkness like a sucker punch to the gut. And that's just the first climb that will leave you with your tongue dragging on your chain. There aren't many street signs or street lights out here so its best to have some daylight course knowledge. Because there is no ride support like course markings or water stops it pays to be prepared. Another section of old closed road with a one lane wooden bridge is being recovered by the nature around it. This section happens at a time in the ride when the senses are getting dull from the washboard ruts, or maybe because the fatigue and lack of sleep are settling in. So stay sharp! The lights of Sprague are a welcome sight on the horizon and not just because you paperboyed your way up another wee morning hour climb. This means the climbs and roughest gravel roads are all behind. Also the town ahead at least has water stop and if your pace is slow enough the Harvester opens for breakfast at 7:00. With good legs hopefully I'm heading back toward the spoke by the time the sun is coming up. Charge up your lights and I'll see you out there!
