103 Miles • Ebbetts Pass, Monitor Pass, Pacific Grade • 6 categorized climbs - o
2022 Photos
Thanks to everyone who joined us at the 2022 Death Ride, and debut of the Pacific Grade route! Photos are now available...
World Class Cycling • You Pick the Challenge!
42 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.
Read Cycle California Magazine's Article "Riding With Friends" by veteran Death Rider, Bo Crane.
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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 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 route on Strava and 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 6:00 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.
Train with veteran cyclists! The Alta Alpina Cycling Club will be hosting training rides throughout the spring and summer. Learn more >>
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 highly sought after cycling challenge, it is the primary fundraiser of the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce and many local nonprofits that serve the communities of Markleeville, Woodfords, Bear Valley and Kirkwood.
The goal: Supporting a vibrant economy and healthy community 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.
Many thanks to our 2023 Sponsors!
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
One of the longest-standing sponsors of the Death Ride, we are honored to have Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. back in action.
"Beer for Exploring
Freedom’s in the wild places, and so are the best beers you’ve ever had. After skiing the slopes, reaching the summit, setting up camp—crack one open to celebrate."
HAMMER NUTRITION
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Hammer Nutrition has joined us for the 2023 ride, and we could not be more thrilled to provide our riders with Gels and Heed at each aid station. Hammer provides superior endurance fuels, and has over 35 years of developing the most effective, natural products free of added sugars, artificial colors, flavors, chemicals and preservatives.
Yates Law, PC
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Yates Law, PC
Joe Yates has supported the Death Ride for many years as a participant, and now Yates Law, PC is a Death Ride Platinum Sponsor. Join us on July 15 and you'll probably see Joe out there on course!
FULGAZ
Adventure Sports Journal
Yates Law, PC
Shout out to FulGaz ☠️ The Virtual Death Ride is here... Introducing the Death Ride - Tour of the California Alps, which is the most challenging series yet on FulGaz. The first stage opens April 1st, so you can roll out together, and then you have all of April to complete the tour. This is a free event and is now available to download in FulGaz.
Adventure Sports Journal
Adventure Sports Journal
Adventure Sports Journal
Because they love the outdoors, and so do we! ASJ is a natural partner in the Death Ride. Read up on all things active and outdoors, from cycling, hiking, climbing, and surfing...
California Alps Cycling
Adventure Sports Journal
Adventure Sports Journal
California Alps Cycling is a dedicated partner of the Death Ride, the Alpine County Chamber, our California Alps community, and an advocate of all things cycling and outdoors! Check them out...
Alta Alpina Cycling Club
Alta Alpina Cycling Club
Alta Alpina Cycling Club
Alta Alpina Cycling Club are the originals creators of the Death Ride. In partnership with Alta Alpina Cycling Club (AACC), we offer the Death Ride® Training Series to help you prepare for the big event on July 15th! For more information visit the AACC webpage: https://www.altaalpina.org/training
Cycle California
Alta Alpina Cycling Club
Alta Alpina Cycling Club
Looking for bicycling inspiration? Go to the source - our long-time supporter Cycle California has the latest on all things cycling - road, mtb, and more!
Zaddy's
Alta Alpina Cycling Club
Harriman Law, Jonathan Harriman
We are pleased to introduce you to Zaddy’s, a gin-based, low-alcohol, ready-to-drink, canned cocktail company. They are delicious, and perfect for a post-ride refreshment. Be sure to try all 3 flavors: death-ride-best fit, the Corpse Reviver, Gin Sonic and Gin(Ger) Fizz!
You can find their info here drinkzaddys.com.
Harriman Law, Jonathan Harriman
Harriman Law, Jonathan Harriman
Harriman Law, Jonathan Harriman
Harriman Law joined us last year with a shared concern for bicyclist safety. An attorney for bicycle crash, automobile, and personal injury cases, an active volunteer, and an avid cyclist, Jonathan will be cycling alongside you in the Death Ride® this July!
Voler
Harriman Law, Jonathan Harriman
PICKLE JUICE
We are pumped to have Voler join us again for the 2023 ride! For over three and a half decades, Voler has proudly built premium cycling and athletic apparel, for individuals, teams and events, right here in the USA.
PICKLE JUICE
Harriman Law, Jonathan Harriman
PICKLE JUICE
Thanks to Pickle Juice® for helping Death Ride participants crush their goals. Pickle Juice® will be available at most major rest stops throughout the course to stop muscle cramps and give you the edge you need to finish!
ALPINE COUNTY CHAMBER
ALPINE COUNTY CHAMBER
ALPINE COUNTY CHAMBER
We could not produce the Death Ride without the Chamber. Hats off to all the energy and soul that goes into our iconic ride, year and year! A massive thank you!
clif bar
ALPINE COUNTY CHAMBER
ALPINE COUNTY CHAMBER
We are pleased to bring back Clif Bar this year as our official nutrition bar sponsor. Be sure to pick up a delicious Clif Bar to sustain your best ride. Crafted With A Blend Of Protein, Fat And Carbs, So You Can Move The World.
desolation hotel
ALPINE COUNTY CHAMBER
desolation hotel
Hope Valley is considered the best resort in the High Sierra! This magical property is nestled within the slopes of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains just 20 minutes for the beautiful shores of South Lake Tahoe. The resort offers you elevated comfort with adventure waiting just outside your cabin door. This enchanting valley is know for its breathtaking vistas, fall colors, summer and winter activities galore.
barton health
Become a Sponsor...
desolation hotel
A huge shout out to Barton health for our on course medical staff. Thank you doctors and nurses for making our event possible. We could not do this without you!
Become a Sponsor...
Become a Sponsor...
Become a Sponsor...
Reach thousands of active cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, and promote your brand at one of the most recognized cycling events in the west! Learn more by calling (530) 694-2475 or visit our sponsorship page...