The major fundraising ride for the Rotary Club of Erina the Century challenge has now operated since 2002

Where does the ride start and finish?

The Century Challenge Cycle Ride starts and finishes at Mt Penang Parklands, located just off the Gosford exit of the F3 freeway.

What distances are the rides?

As the name implies, the Century Challenge incorporates a 100km ride, through the hinterland of the Central Coast. A 50km ride is also offered, as is a family oriented 20km ride.

What time do the rides start?

The 100km ride starts at 8.00am and the 50km ride starts at 8.30am. Registration is open from 7.00am.

What does my registration fee include?

The registration fee includes fruit, cake and water along the route of the ride. Light food is also included at the end of ride, in the form of a BBQ or a lunch pack. A sample bag of sponsors goods is also given to riders, subject to availability.

Why is the age limit restricted to 18 years and over?

The Century Challenge Committee has followed the advice of the Rotary District Insurers, the RTA and the police with regard to the age limit on riders. At this stage we have received instructions that they will allow only riders aged 18 years and over to participate in the 100km and 50km rides but we are still working to resolve this issue with the above parties.

What is the Kids Challenge?

The Kids Challenge was introduced in 2010 to enable children to participate in a cycle ride in a safe environment. Mt Penang Gardens generously allowed junior cyclists to ride on paths within the grounds of the garden, and opened the gardens free to the public on the day of the ride. The Kids Challenge is open to riders aged between 5 and 12 years.

Who benefits from the Century Challenge?

The major beneficiary of the Century Challenge is Coast Shelter, an organisation located on the Central Coast, which attempts to meet the needs of the disadvantaged within our community through advocacy and the provision of direct services. Coast Shelter provides accommodation to approximately 110 homeless men, women and children each night and also coordinates the provision of over 200 meals each day at the Donnison Street Community Centre.

Without the help of organisations such as Terrigal Sea Rescue and Gosford Guides we would not have enough people power to stage the Century Challenge. Donations are also made to these organisations after the ride.

Terrigal Sea Rescue (TSR), as part of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, have dedicated a rescue boat - the Mary George, honoring the memory of George Robertson, a former member and tireless worker for TSR. Donations in previous years have gone towards the purchase of equipment for the boat. The Century Challenge is dedicated to the memory of George Robertson, who was a Past President of the Rotary Club of Erina. It was Georges dedication and organisational skills that contributed to the growth and success of the ride.

Rotary Club of Erina

The Rotary Club of Erina Inc. meets Tuesday evenings at the Erina Leagues Club. The Century Challenge is a major project of the club and all members work hard to make the ride enjoyable for participants. As with all Rotary projects, 100% of the funds raised is donated to the community.