Death Ride - Tour of the California Alps
Markleeville, CA
Official Website : http://www.deathride.com/contact
Date : July 11, 2009
Race Type : Road Cycling
Race Distance : 129 miles
Race Description: Recognized as one of the premier cycling events in the West, the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in the 29th Anniversary of the Death Ride®, while enjoying the magnificent scenery and warm hospitality of Alpine County!
Beginning and ending at Turtle Rock Park just north of Markleeville, California, the five pass ride includes 129 miles and 15,000+ feet of lung busting climbing. You also have the option of riding one, two, three or four passes. For your safety, the first four passes will be closed at specific times to vehicular traffic.
Five pass finishers will receive a five-pass pin and be eligible to purchase an exclusive five-pass finisher jersey.
2 Reviews for Death Ride - Tour of the California Alps
Did this race a couple of years ago and loved it! That being said I would like to pass along a few pearls of wisdom I learned from my experience. First off, do not rely on family members to pass along all pertinent information (ie don’t let them con you into thinking you have months to train when you really only have three weeks; we bought our passes from people who bailed). Second, bring your bike shoes and helmet – you will need these; especially since you probably don’t have a sister in law who will run up and down the lines of tents at three in the morning finding you extra shoes and a helmet. Third, train for the event – it is a long way to the finish and there are many hills in between. Fourth, did I mention remember your shoes. It’s no fun biking in shoes three sizes too small!
The scenery is amazing on this ride. The road is in good condition for the first four passes which are closed to car traffic. The fifth pass is along the hwy (on the shoulder) where the road conditions deteriorate somewhat. The aid stations are well stocked and in good locations.
Overall I thought this was an excellent race.
What an awesome ride. The perfect level of difficulty mixed with spectacular decents and views. Did I mention the race support probably the best I've even seen - did I mention I ate 4 ice cream sandwiches at the finish and probably a gallon of gold fish.
I did this ride a couple years ago with my brother and had a great time. I'll definitly be back for this one. Signing up can be a little tricky it was a lottery in the past but I think they changed it this year. One of the nice things about this ride is that even though it's a pretty difficult one. The course is set up in a way that a rider doesn't have to complete the entire ride to still be with the group. The first four peaks all come back to the same central location so it makes meeting up at lunch or between peaks possible.
I recommend camping along the highway the night before. Most people arrive late at night and pitch tents along the side of the road. Works well except for the occasional big rig coming down the highway.