Alpine County Ca – April 15, 2022 – After two years of cancelation due to Covid and the Tamarack Fire of 2021. The Death Ride will once again go forth with Race Day preparations. The Death Ride is scheduled to run on July 16, 2022 and rides can register now at https://deathride.com/
41 YEARS OF CYCLING THE CALIFORNIA ALPS
Challenge yourself to the premier cycling event in California. The route offers over 14,000′ of climbing, 103 miles, and up to six (6) HC Alpine climbs . This ride is sure to challenge you, inspire you, and leave you wanting more.
“This year’s Death Ride is really about our community’s resilience and rebuilding,” says Alpine County Chamber of Commerce Director Becky DeForest. “The event has a long history in Alpine County. We want to show our loyal riders that we are still standing, still welcoming them with open arms, and invite new riders to experience the challenge.” DeForest added that, except for the start and finish, the current route is largely untouched by recent fires.
The 103-mile road cycling tour includes more than 14,000 feet of climbing on Sierra Nevada roads, traversing both sides of Monitor Pass, Ebbetts Pass, and the Pacific Grade. Nearly 90% of the course is closed to vehicles, and the ride is fully supported with aid stations, a lunch stop, SAG vehicles, medical support, and cycling expo. Cyclists have one day to complete the entire course.
HISTORY
The Death Ride started in 1978 when five guys decided to cycle the California Alps in one day, with just the support of friends and family following along in a vehicle. The event quickly grew to worldwide recognition in the cycling community, and is a sought-after event for those looking for a serious challenge.
Today, the ride still caters to the elite mountain cyclists, but also offers a range of challenge levels, from one pass to up to six highly categorized climbs over Monitor Pass, Ebbetts Pass, and the Pacific Grade.
The event is not only a sought-after cycling venue, it is the primary fundraiser of the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center, whose mission is to promote business prosperity, tourism marketing, and a healthy community for Alpine County and its neighbors.
The goal: keeping Alpine County’s economic vitality alive while providing a world class destination for cyclists, fishermen, hikers, climbers, skiers, and many more. We thank those who have participated in past year’s Death Rides, and who have contributed to help us keep our mission alive.
NEW Route Map
THE ROUTE
Starting and finishing at Turtle Rock Park in Markleeville, Calif., the 103 mile course begins at 5:00 am and covers both sides of three mountain passes: Monitor Pass (Hwy 89), Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4), and the Pacific Grade (Hwy 4). The full course is not for the faint at heart! The course will be closed to traffic from Markleeville through all sections of climbing, with a turnaround point at Lake Alpine where participants will head back to the finish at Turtle Rock Park.
Those who complete all of the climbs and return to the finish line within the event timeframe may purchase the sought-after Death Ride® – Tour of the California Alps 40th Anniversary Finisher’s Jersey. All athletes, their families, and spectators are encouraged to join us at the finish line festival for food, photos, camaraderie and to visit our expo booths and sponsors.
View the new route tested by Pete Stetina
The course route, water and rest stop locations and cutoff times are subject to change. Road closures will be in effect from 5am – 4pm. The event time limit ends at 7:00 pm, and all riders must be off the course by 7:00 pm. All cut-off times are strictly enforced. Segment cut-off times indicate the latest time that a rider will be allowed to begin each segment. Riders attempting to begin a segment after the cut-off time will not be allowed to proceed.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Get behind the scenes views of all the work that goes into making this event a success. Volunteers provide support along the course, and the days prior to/after. Many riders and non-riders support the ride by volunteering. This army, The Skeleton Squad, is what makes the ride so successful. We can’t do it without you!
