126 Miles • 5 Rated Climbs over 3 Sierra Nevada Passes • 15,000' 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. Offering up to 15,000' of climbing, 129 miles, and up to 5 mountain passes, this ride is sure to challenge you, inspire you, and leave you wanting more. Organized this year by Bike the West Director and Death Ride veteran Curtis Fong, the event is organized by a professional team of cyclists.
The Route
Starting and finishing at Turtle Rock Park in Markleeville, Calif., the full 129 mile course begins at 5:30 am and ends at 8:00 pm. Covering five** alpine passes: Monitor Pass (Hwy 89), Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4), and the east side of Carson Pass (Hwy 88), the full course is not for the faint at heart. Finishers 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 music, food, swag, and to visit our expo booths and sponsors.
Course Map
Course route, water and rest stop locations are subject to change without notice. All riders must be off the course by 8:00 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 its cut-off time will not be allowed to proceed.
Elevation Map (measurements are approximate):
**The 2021 course is under review and subject to change for improved cyclist safety, and to provide a renewed cycling experience of Alpine County's iconic mountain passes. The alternate route would include not five, but SIX categorized climbs: Both sides of Monitor Pass, both sides of Ebbetts Pass, and both sides of the challenging Pacific Grade (on Hwy 4, with a turnaround at Lake Alpine).
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.