Patchogue History: The Century Runs

Patchogue was once the turnaround point for many 100-mile bicycle races known as "Century Runs."

From the late 1800's to around the 1920's, bike riders or "wheelmen," as they were then called, would begin the 100-mile race in Brooklyn, traveling through several towns on Long Island including Jamaica and Sayville, and finally reaching the halfway point in Patchogue. The race would end on Main Street, where the popular Roe's Hotel used to stand.

Patchogue was an ideal town to stop at for century runs, because of the many activities available for participants. When the weather permitted, riders could go for a swim in the Great South Bay or sail out to Fire Island.

Cyclists who completed the 50-mile bike ride to Patchogue could then rest up or enjoy a nice meal at Roe's Hotel before continuing the remaining 50-mile journey back to the city. Century run participants also had the option of discontinuing the race and taking a train (then called the "Bike Train" for the many bike riders onboard) back to the city from the Patchogue station if they felt too tired to ride back to Brooklyn.

Today, 100-mile bicycle rides from Brooklyn to Patchogue no longer exist, but there is a NYC Century Bike Tour which takes cyclists throughout the city, finally ending in either Prospect Park or Central Park.

Today, there is a plaque on Main Street, east of the Four Corners, recognizing the location of where Roe's Hotel used to stand and where the first half of century runs used to end.

Sources:

• "Century Runs" by Julian Denton Smith, 'Long Island Forum,' September 1971.
• "Picturesque Patchogue" The Argus, Vol. XIV, 1898.
• "Patchogue: The Early Years" by Hans Henke
• "Images of America: Patchogue" by Hans Henke
• "Popular Century Runs: The Trip to Patchogue and Return Fully Described," The New York Times, May 26, 1895.