I rode the 2012 45th annual Hilly Hundred out of Ellettsville, Indiana (just outside Bloomington). I've done this ride several times. This year, I rode with minimal training (just my weekly club rides, pretty much).
Pre-ride communications
I'm on their mailing list from previous rides, and they send an information booklet every year. The website (www.hillyhundred.org) has good information about the ride and online registration procedures.
At the ride
They have tons of volunteers on-site, so there are plenty of people to get directions from, and they have an official information booth. Everything is extremely well organized. The main mystery every year involves the weather (will it be wet? will it snow? will it be cold?), and the route, which varies a bit from year to year. But always very hilly.
The ride is always two days, approximately 50 miles each day. This year, day 1 was longer than day 2. They supply optional indoor sleeping and food at the HQ, a grade school/high school complex. Also included is indoor bike storage and free parking, and warm showers after the ride.
I finished strong, but I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had been in a little better shape. New years resolution -- more time on my bike.
