Across the state, cyclists are gearing up to ride in the Alabama Backroads Centuries Series.

These charity fundraising events will be held on 10 different 100-mile stretches of Alabama from April to October. The Hot Hundred ride will take place July 27 in Tuscaloosa, starting on campus at The University of Alabama. Each “Century” encompasses 100 miles of paved road courses.

Terrie Hinton, assistant director of the series, cites fundraising as a primary reason for the events.

“The Hot Hundred is one cycling event in the Centuries Series that is a partnership between Druid City Bicycle Club and The Tuscaloosa Community Mental Health Task Force,” Hinton said. “Director Pixie Hicks came up with the idea and collaborated with riders across the state.”

For some riders, such as Tim Benefield, these cycling events represent more than exercise and beautiful scenic bike routes around the state.

“I started off getting on a bike thanks to the encouragement of my son,” Benefield said. “He is a University of Alabama graduate and cancer survivor who always wanted to ride in a century event. After his treatment was over, I kept going with it.”

Benefield, a member of the Druid City Bicycle Club and a veteran of long-distance century cycling, spends many hours in preparation for the grueling stretches around the state.

“It takes quite a bit of dedication and commitment to complete one of these rides,” Benefield said. “It’s tough, but the organization and support of these rides are second to none.”

Taking place in the sweltering humidity of summer, the Hot Hundred is an endurance test that has earned its name. Participants must overcome the sticky Southern heat during one of the hottest months of the year, and preparation is key to finishing.

Stephen Secor, a biology professor at the University, has cycled in the event for the last five years and knows what the Hot Hundred has in store for riders.

“You could be out there on the hottest day of the year,” Secor said. “If you are going to do that, obviously you have to train and be prepared for it. Fortunately, the ride has a fantastic support group – they make sure you are well-hydrated and taken care of. If you fall, we pick you up.”

Over the years, cycling has grown in popularity around the state and major events have come together to form a single circuit.

Edward Whitehorn, a sales associate at local downtown bike store VELOcity, has participated in several series events and is pleased to see the different cycling merged together into one statewide series.

“In years past, the Druid City Bicycle club has done these century events here in town, but this is the first time that it is spread out to other areas in the state,” Whitehorn said. “Some of these events, like the Cheaha Challenge, have been going on for a long time but have now been brought together in a century series, which is great for riders.”

Whitehorn, like other cyclists, is aware that the weather conditions will set the Hot Hundred apart from the other courses and events in Alabama.

“All of the courses are a little different,” Whitehorn said. “I have done the Hot Hundred the most; it is mostly a flat course, but the real competition is the heat.”

The Hot Hundred is in its second decade of cycling, and since its inception, other groups have become involved in the events.

“We’ve been going on for 11 years,” assistant director Terrie Hinton said. “It was a ride that was originally started as a ride for the Mental Health Task Force, and we are very proud to now be involved with Wounded Warriors.”

Wounded Warriors is an organization for military veterans who have been injured physically or psychologically in combat. This organization promotes rehabilitation through programs like The Alabama Backroads Centuries Series.

“This is a great thing for veterans to participate in for rehabilitation,” Hinton said. “We have also found that there are other rides in the area that assist with this program. It is just a great way for cyclists to network.”

For more information on other Alabama Century Series events or to volunteer, visit alabama-backroads-cycling.com.