The 45th annual Montauk Century will roll on Sunday, May 17, 2009. Choose from 65, 100, and 145 mile routes on Long Island's beautiful South Shore. Check-in points are at Penn Station and the LIRR station in Babylon. All routes end in Montauk where we'll be serving up hot meals and showers. Transportation is available to get you and your bike home.

The Montauk Century 2009

Details: The FAQ Page

IMPORTANT TO READ NOW !! AND PRETTY PUL-LEASE, REVIEW FAQ PAGES RIGHT BEFORE RIDE FOR IMPORTANT CHANGES/UPDATES
REGISTRATION & RETURN TRANSPORTATION SALES ARE CLOSED  (“THE CUP IS FULL”.)

1. LIRR TRAIN TIX – Are NOT in the early registration packets we mailed.
   All LIRR tix will be handled on event day, for each leg of the train ride. And
   NO, you don’t have to buy tix to get from NYC/Penn to Babylon or Mastic-Shirley
   - - that’s included in our ride package. So no need to ask us
   “I thought I registered for return LIRR transport; can you check”.   The
   active.com email of registration confirmation you received will show your
   return transport; do print/bring it.
   
2. MORE JERSEYS AVAILABLE – we’re reordering this very popular
   jersey, which will be mailed (free) to you post-event (after we receive
   it in approx. 3-4 weeks). Orders can be submitted in cash at day-of
   registration in NYC/Penn or Babylon start lines, or at the Montauk
   Finish Line. We are also taking orders starting midnight 5/17 for 1 week
   JUST for the jersey on our Active.com website. Existing remaining
   stock of jerseys (few left) and t-shirts will be sold
   (cash only) at the Montauk finish line.
3. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE FAQ SECTION - - we’re getting so many
   emails that would not be necessary if senders had read the FAQs. We
   love hearing from you, but this strains volunteer time (wouldn’t you
   rather we be working on myriad other last minute details?).
4. NOTE ESPECIALLY CAREFULLY YOUR CHECK-IN & START TIME
   DETAILS – we don’t want you to miss or delay your ride. GET THERE EARLY
   BECAUSE LINES MAY CAUSE YOU TO MISS LIRR CONNECTIONS IN THE MORNING.
   
5. ATTACH EVENT WRIST BAND SECURELY TO LEFT WRIST
   - - this is your ride/buffet/bicycle/personal I.D.; keep it on until you are home post-event. 
6. CHECK YOUR BIKE CAREFULLY, AND PREPARE - - make sure it is
   good working order, and stock up tubes, patch kit, pump,
   necessaries, We’ve also set up a FREE QUIK BIKE CHECK and BIKE
   SHOP DISCOUNTS – so hop on over:

Q: How do I register?

Registration for the Montauk Century is only
available online through Active.com. Click here, then follow the simple
instructions, and we'll see you on Sunday May 17 !

Q: When do I have to register?

Right now would be a good time! Online registration ends 11:59 pm on
Wednesday, May 13th. The event price increases the closer we get to
the event. You can view the schedule by Clicking Here ( you don't have
to register at that point; no charge for "just looking" ! ). " Day-of "
registration may also be available if we have space, and that is at a
premium price of $100 ( sorry, we have to charge extra, as last minute
causes us a lot of rearranging - - this has also come to be called the "
riders rain premium " ).

Q: Will registration materials be mailed to me?

If you registered before May 3rd, the answer is "yes"; the materials are
snail mailed. If you register after May 3rd you can pick up your
registration materials at the check-in table on tour day, May 17th. Bring a
printed copy of your Active.com confirmation to registration check-in. But
we're also pretty darn good about record keeping and we will know if you
are registered.

Q: Can my little brother ride with me?

Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or
guardian and have a signed release by their parent or guardian.

Q: I changed my mind about riding the Montauk Century. Can I get a refund?

Sorry, but the answer is no refunds, and no exceptions. We purchase
support services well in advance of the ride, based on how many riders
are signing up. That system can't work if people cancel registrations.

You can, however, sell your spot to another rider. You are welcome to
use the Montauk Century bulletin board as one way to do it. Once you
sell your spot, give your registration materials to the new rider, then have
him/her check in on ride day and sign the legal waiver for the ride.

Q: What if it rains?

Q: What if I don't have a bike?

No bike? No problem! Rent one. We recommend Bicycle Habitat
(244 Lafayette St, Manhattan, 212-431-3315; www.bicyclehabitat.com) for
your bike rental needs. They're one of our sponsors for this event, and
we are strong supporters of their acumen and bike know-how.

Q: Where do I go on ride day?

On ride day, check-in is where you go to get your registration materials if
you didn't get these by mail. It's also where you pick up your cue sheet,
grab a bite to eat, and give us your baggage to take to Montauk.

Penn Station

We offer two check-in points: Penn Station in Manhattan, and the Long
Island Rail Road Station in Babylon, Long Island.

The Penn Station check-in is on the northeast corner of West 31st Street
and 8th Avenue, Manhattan. It is accessible by subway lines A, C, E, 1, 2, 3,
and the N, R, B, D, Q lines two blocks away at Avenue of the Americas
(Sixth Avenue) at West 32nd and West 34th Streets.

Babylon LIRR Station

The Babylon check-in is at the Babylon LIRR station, located at Railroad
Avenue just west of Deer Park Avenue, 1 mile south of Sunrise Highway (Route 27).

65-milers and 100-milers can check in at either Penn Station or Babylon. All 145-milers must check in at Penn Station.

Q: When do I check in? When can I start pedaling?

We suggest that you check in early. A few minutes of extra sleep isn't
worth the crush and nervousness that latecomers have to put up with.
Plus there are firm cut-off times for registration given the LIRR train
schedule, so we have to adhere to them and get everyone processed
and comfortably ready.

65-mile tour

• Penn Station check-in is from 5:45 AM to 6:45 AM. After check-in,
  you board the LIRR to the start line at Mastic-Shirley while your
  bike travels by truck. At Mastic-Shirley, you can start pedaling
  whenever you're ready, or you can join the escorted relaxed-pace
  group ride or the quick-spin group ride to Montauk.
• Babylon LIRR Station check-in is from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. After
  check-in, you ride the train to the start line at Mastic-Shirley while
  your bike travels by truck. At Mastic-Shirley, you can start pedaling
  whenever you're ready, or you can join the escorted relaxed-pace
  group ride or the quick-spin group ride to Montauk.
• There are no check-in facilities at Mastic-Shirley. If you arrive at
  Mastic­-Shirley without having checked in at Babylon or Penn
  Station, you will not be permitted on the ride.

100-mile tour

• Penn Station check-in is from 3:45 to 4:30 AM. After check-in, you
  ride the LIRR to the start line at Babylon while your bike travels by
  truck. At Babylon, you can start pedaling whenever you're ready,
  or you can join the quick-spin group ride to Montauk.
• Babylon LIRR Station check-in is from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM. After
  check-in, you can start pedaling whenever you're ready, or you
  can join the quick-spin group ride to Montauk.

145-mile tour

• Penn Station check-in is from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM. After check-in,
  you can start pedaling whenever you're ready.

Q: Can I check in for the ride at Babylon, but return by LIRR to Penn Station (or vice-versa)?

Yes, you can. Just indicate your preferences when you register.

Q: Can I change my mind after I register as to just which tour I want to ride?

Yes, you can. Just make sure you put your bike on the right truck before
you get on the train to your start line. Baggage is no problem because all
baggage trucks go to Montauk.

Q: Can I bring my bike on the LIRR?

NO, NO, ABSOLUTELY NO. On the day of the Montauk Century -- NO
BIKES WILL BE PERMITTED ON ANY LIRR TRAINS. That's the rule, set
by the LIRR and its security people. As a former NYC mayor would have
said, don't even think about it.

Besides, we have trucks! Relax, enjoy your train ride, and leave it to us to
lovingly truck your bike to you. If you check in at Manhattan (Penn
Station) for the 100- or 65-mile tour, or Babylon for the 65-mile tour, you
will ride the train from check-in to the start line. And with our optional
return transportation, you will board the train in Montauk and meet up
with your bike in Babylon or Manhattan.

Q: When do I get my cue sheet and ride tags?

Cue sheets will be distributed at check-in. If you register before May 3rd, your registration materials should arrive by mail. Otherwise you will get these items at check-in.

Q: Do I have to shlep my baggage to Montauk?

No! Pack a bag and leave it with us when you check in. It'll be waiting
when you arrive in Montauk. Suggestions of things to bring in your bag:
change of clothes, towel (remember, free showers are available!), and
your favorite shampoo and soap. Please do not place money,
medications, or other valuables in baggage which you will then NOT
have access to until the finish line.

Q: What should I carry on the bike?

Bring water, any medications you need, tools for minor bike repairs,
money for emergencies, rain gear, and an ID with emergency contact
numbers. If you have a cell phone, please bring it. And you must wear a
helmet. No helmet, no ride, no refund.

Q. I'd love to do the full 145-mile route, but I don't think I can do it all in one day. Any suggestions?

Why not do it in two days? Check out our Montauk Century Weekend Trip.

Q. Do I need advance arrangements for the escorted relaxed-pace 65-mile route?
Or for the quick-spin 65- or 100-mile routes?

Nope! Just join the relaxed-pace group at the 65-mile start in Mastic-Shirley, or join the quick-spin at Mastic-Shirley or the 100-mile start in Babylon. There is no extra charge for this service and the good company!

Q: This is first time I'll do a tour like this. What should I do to get in shape?

Join us on the 5BBC Montauk Century Spring Training Ride Series. There's no program quite like it.

You can also set up a training program for yourself. A good place to start is by reading some online articles on the subject. Two that we recommend are Century Preparation and Training for a Bicycling Century.

Q: What's the terrain like?

Flat. Except for possibly a few rolling hills during the last 5 miles or so, the terrain is flat. That's what makes the Montauk Century one of the most pleasant centuries in the region. Besides that, the prevailing wind on Long Island makes your chances good for having a tailwind all the way.

Q: Will I get lost?

Sure, some riders will get lost. It happens. But it'll be OK; just get yourself back on course. Here are some suggestions:

• Pick up a cue sheet at check-in. Attach the cue sheet to your handlebars; that way, you can read it while riding.

• Watch for our vivid pink “M-and-sideways-C” Montauk Century road marks. These are painted before, at, and after every turn.

• Ignore road marks from other rides.

• Don't rely on the rider in front of you. S/he may be going the wrong way and you'll just be following.

• If you're really stuck, make sure you first identify your nearest street intersection names then phone our support numbers on the cue sheet.

Q: What if I break down or can't finish?

We won't leave you in the lurch. Our “SAG” (Support and Gear) team is
| available to get you out of trouble. Use your cell phone (or flag down another rider)
and call our SAG service at the number printed on your cue sheet.

You won't miss the last train out of Montauk. Provided, of course, that
you let us help you. Before the sun sets, we will sweep the route to make
sure every rider gets to the finish line in plenty of time to catch the train.

Q: Special note for 145-mile riders:

1. There is no SAG service from the 145-mile start through to Babylon
   (100-mile start). If you need to end your ride before you get to Babylon,
   you can take the NYC subway or the LIRR going back to the city.
   This is the only exception to the LIRR “no bikes on trains” rule. You also
   want to have a LIRR bike permit on you (but can also pay the $5 fee to the
   onboard conductor and convert the receipt to a pass at Penn Station or Grand Central).
   Any baggage you checked can be retrieved from our office at Hostelling International, Amsterdam Ave. and 103rd St., Manhattan (phone 212-932-2300 ext. 115) on Monday, May 18th, 7-9 pm.
2. Route marking starts after the Manhattan bridge. The cue sheet is very clear
   in any event, plus . . .we know you know how to read/follow one. So get/bring
   yours along for the ride. And do check it as you follow the route toward Babylon.
   There are not as many riders on this section of the ride, and we don’t want you to zip past any markings and miss a turn.

Q: Will there be food?

YESSSSSSSSSS!!!! Remember, this is the 5BBC; we ride to eat. Food is
served at the check-in points, and at rest stops located approximately
every 25 miles (or less). Plus, your ride fee includes a delicious dinner at
the finish line festival. There are choices for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Our buffet dinner includes veggie and beef burgers, several types of pasta and salad,
fresh breads, and dessert. We even have an ice cream truck!

Q: How do I get home?

There are two ways to get back to New York City or Babylon after the ride. One is on your own (ride a bike, have a friend pick you up, take a private jet or helicopter, etc.). The other is to buy return transportation from us. When you register, just be sure to purchase return transportation. We are buying enough tickets from the LIRR, and making sure we have enough tickets for all of our riders going home. While you travel by train, your bike travels by truck. You will reunite with your bike either at Penn Station or Babylon.

Updated info: Both return transportation and Montauk merchandise are in short supply; we are likely to sell out. If you need return transportation, or would like to buy a jersey or T-shirt for pickup at the finish line festival, please order these now!

Q: I plan on being picked up at the finish line. Where is it located?

The finish line is located at Old Harbor House restaurant, 240 Fort Pond Road (just off Edgemere St., which runs northerly from the flagpole circle in Montauk hamlet), and which is also adjacent to the Montauk LIRR station. We've picked this new location to enable us to provide a yummy meal, and to remove distance and time constraints between the finish line and return transport.

Q: Where do I park?

On ride day, parking will be available in the parking lot at the LIRR Montauk Station, or as directed by local authorities.

Q: Where can I buy a Montauk Century jersey or T-shirt?

You can buy our beautiful designer jerseys and T-shirts on-line at the same time you register.

$68.00

$21.00

Q: I didn't buy a return LIRR ticket (or jersey, or T-shirt) when I registered. Can I buy one now?

Yes, you can. And you do so without having to register again for the ride.
Just click here like you did when you first registered for the ride. When
asked to “Select a category”, pick “RETURN TRANSPORTATION
AND MERCHANDISE”

ADVISO: Both return transportation and Montauk merchandise are in
short supply and are in danger of selling out. If you need return
transportation, or would like to buy a jersey or T-shirt for pickup at the
finish line festival, please order these now!

Q: When do the trains depart Montauk for return to Babylon or Penn Station?

IMPORTANT- For cyclists who purchased return transportation, our train
| ticket table opens ( at approx. 2:45 PM, 4:45 PM, and 6:45 PM ), in
advance of returning trains. The trucks carrying your bicycles will depart
from Montauk LIRR station 15 minutes in advance of each train. FIRST
GET YOUR TICKET ( don't lose it); THEN BRING YOUR BIKE TO THE
APPROPRIATE TRUCK ( trucks will be labeled as to destination). BE
SURE TO LEAVE ENOUGH TIME IN CASE THERE ARE LINES AT THE
TICKET TABLE OR AT BIKE LOADING.

Q: What if I want to stay overnight in Montauk?

A great idea! And at this time of year (Sunday night pre-Memorial Day is not exactly peak season) you can get great accommodations at good prices. Or you can phone around to the multiple motels and hotels. But do make motel reservations in advance. The Montauk Chamber of commerce provides local listings. Click here - www.montaukchamber.com.

Q: Why do 5BBC members pay less?

We charge a lower price for 5BBC members than other riders for a few reasons. We want to encourage more riders to join the 5BBC and become more active with our regular rides and activities. We also want to give a break to 5BBC members. Many have been with us for years, often as volunteers in the annual 5BBC Montauk Century and for other club needs.

You may have also noticed that we have special check-ins for members of groups such as Team-in-Training and Transportation Alternatives. The 5BBC developed this relatively new program to extend the price benefits to groups that have made contributions to the 5BBC club and its events.

Q: Why should I register early?

For these very good reasons:

• You will get your registration tags and any merchandise you order in the mail before the event.
• The registration fee will increase as we get closer to the event.

If you have any other questions, just drop us a line!

---

Joe Candelaria Special Events Coordinator
The 5BBC Montauk Century
montauk@5bbc.org

>>> Return to the Montauk Century 2009 Home Page <<<

The Montauk Century. The tradition continues. The Montauk Century, sponsored by the Five Borough Bicycle Club, is the only Montauk ride with a 45-year tradition of excellence.