Amador County -- The Sacramento Wheelmen Bicycling Club is returning its biggest tour of the year to Amador County in June, after a five-year hiatus, with the 37th riding of the Sierra Century Bicycle Tour.

A route affectionately known as “The Slug,” through “Slug Gulch” in El Dorado County and other “classic Sierra Century” routes had been held beginning and ending in Plymouth at the Amador County Fairgrounds for 31 years, until the last race in 2006.

It’s been held elsewhere since then. In 2007 and 2008, the Sierra Century was based in Murphys in Calaveras County. Between 2009 and 2011, it was based at Whitney High School in Rocklin. But tour co-directors Bud and Jeanne Leland were happy to announce the return to Amador County this year.

Registration opened Jan. 15, and Bud Leland said last week that 717 people have now registered for the 2012 Sierra Century Bicycle Tour, set for June 16 in Plymouth. The field in past years, for many years drew 2,600 riders to Amador County and El Dorado County roads. Leland said the ride will be limited to the first 1,500 riders, because they do not close the roads, and bicycles must share the roads with vehicle traffic.

Leland said up until 2006, they did not have a limit to the number of riders. The 1,500-rider limit started that year, but the tour also had to abandon part of the “classic routes,” including “The Slug.” Leland said with the return to Amador and El Dorado counties, comes the return to The Slug.

The routes differ in length and altitude change. Three challenging and scenic classic routes include the “Metric” route, which is 65 miles with 4,500 feet of climbing. It starts at the Amador County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, and goes to Ione, Sutter Creek, Volcano, up Ram’s Horn Grade, to Fiddletown and back to the Fairgrounds.

The “Century” route is 102 miles long, with 7,400 feet of climbing. It follows the Metric route to Fiddletown, “where things begin to get serious,” Sacramento Wheelmen’s description said. “The famous Slug Gulch will be waiting to test your climbing skills and endurance. A well deserved rest stop and Slug Gulch pin” await riders at the top, before they can enjoy the downhill back to the Fairgrounds.

The “Challenge” route is a double metric, 120 miles long with 10,000 feet of climbing. It follows the Century route as far as the top of Slug Gulch. There’s an extra loop with additional climbing before they get to cruise back to the Fairgrounds.

The Amador County Fairgrounds are reserved Friday, June 15 for tent camping and RV parking and hotels are available nearby.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.