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An estimated 5,000 riders are set to roll Oct. 12-14 at the 40th Annual Hilly Hundred Weekend. Organizers of the event, the Central Indiana Bicycling Association, are anticipating a record number of riders and are forecasting perfect riding weather. Riders from over 40 States and several foreign countries make the annual journey to Southern Indiana to enjoy a full weekend of cycling, entertainment, and shopping bargains. Often referred to as a "Family Reunion" of cyclists, Managing Director Skip Higgins said, "This is our 5th year in Ellettsville and we've grown every year." Organizers were forced to move to Ellettsville from their long time home at Bloomington North High School due to a massive 5 year construction plan at the school. Higgins said, "We had almost outgrown the facility and when the construction plan was announced we had no choice but to make a move."

Higgins also added, "After the initial first year moving pains and dealing with the road construction we've settled in to our new home and look forward to returning for many years to come." The Hilly Hundred uses the entire Edgewood Campus for parking, registration, entertainment, camping, and a huge vendor tent where bargains on all types of cycling gear can be found.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of this event and CIBA is planning a weekend full of commemoration events. Long time riders are encouraged to come to the 40th anniversary and join in a celebration of the long history of the Hilly.

With over 5,000 cyclists on the road each day motorists can expect some delays if their route overlaps the Hilly route as it winds through Monroe, Greene and Owen Counties. Higgins urges motorists to use extreme caution and patience when passing cyclists and is quick to remind all drivers that bicyclists have the same laws as cars in the State of Indiana. The riders start and return to the high school after completing a different 50 mile loop each day. Higgins explained that "The Hilly is a delightfully challenging tour, not a race, and is open to riders of all abilities." He also added that "faster riders start around 8 am and can complete the 50 miles in around 3 hours, while the average riders take their time, enjoy the scenery, and usually finish the ride in about 5 hours after stopping for several rest stops and lunch each day."

The Hilly Hundred Weekend is one of the oldest and largest cycling events in the country and has won numerous national awards in the past several years from the League of American Bicyclists and Bicycling Magazine. Walk-in registration will open at 5pm on Friday evening and again at 7am on Saturday morning.