103 Miles • 6 Rated Climbs over 3 Sierra Nevada Passes • Over 14K' Elevation Gain
World Class Cycling • You Pick the Challenge!
40 Years of Cycling the California Alps
The Alpine County Chamber of Commerce invites you to challenge yourself to the premier cycling event in California - and celebrate our 40th year in cycling history on July 17, 2021. This year's route offers offers over 14,000' of climbing, 103 miles, and up to 6 highly categorized mountain climbs! This ride is sure to challenge you, inspire you, and leave you wanting more. Organized by Bike the West Director and Death Ride veteran Curtis Fong, the event is organized by a professional team of cyclists.
Registration is OPEN!
The Route
Starting and finishing at Turtle Rock Park in Markleeville, Calif., the 103 mile course begins at 5:30 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 13-hour 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, comaraderie and to visit our expo booths and sponsors.
View the new route tested by Pete Stetina
The course route, water and rest stop locations are subject to change without notice. Road closures will be in effect from 5am - 4pm. The 13-hour time limit ends at 6:30 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.
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 5* mountain passes.
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 through volunteerism and financially, to help us keep our mission alive.
Join our Virtual Ride this April!
Experience the Death Ride via FulGaz, from anywhere in the world!