Speedy new registration for Death Ride
Speedy new registration for Death Ride
By Blair Anthony Robertson
brobertson@sacbee.com
Published: Thursday, Nov. 06, 2008 | Page 3D
The oh-so-grueling Death Ride, the 129-mile road bike epic that includes 15,000 feet of elevation gain and a healthy dose of humility, is going to be much easier in 2009.
Not to ride it – but to register for it.
As the ride has grown in popularity over its 29-year history, in part because of the event's catchy name and a route that could be included in any Tour de France, the Death Ride began receiving 4,000-plus applications when the event was limited to 2,800 entries.
Several years ago, the Death Ride began using a lottery to select those who could participate.
That method proved frustrating to many hardcore endurance cyclists seeking to continue a personal Death Ride streak. They were never sure they would get in. Others, hoping to focus their training months in advance, wanted to know their fate sooner.
Now they will. Registration will be first-come, first-served via computer. And the response will be immediate.
"We wanted people to be able to plan better," said Amy Broadhurst, executive assistant for the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, which operates the Death Ride.
"I think it's great," said Steve Ballard, 43, of Fair Oaks. "I've done it 10 years in a row, and last year I didn't get in. I could have gone the day of the ride and tried to get in, but I had lost my motivation. Having that ticket in hand helps motivate your training."
Traditions abound. The Death Ride is not only Alpine County's most high-profile annual event, it's the major source of funds for 20 charities. Proceeds from the ride and related merchandise account for much of the Chamber of Commerce's budget.
Most riders camp out the night before in Markleevillebecause hotel rooms are limited. They are awakened at 4 a.m. on the day of the ride to music blaring from speakers, though the Death Ride no longer uses Jimi Hendrix's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." At the peak of the fifth and final mountain pass, Carson Pass, riders sign their names on a large poster before heading to the finish.
The Death Ride is not a timed race, but each year groups of riders arrange to meet at the start line and race the entire route. They can tell where they stand by how many other names are on the Carson Pass poster.
Because the event tends to attract savvy riders, there are relatively few mishaps. Still, longtime participants are often perplexed to see relative novices attempt the ride, only to abandon it after one or two mountain passes.
"It's extremely difficult. You have to be in very good shape to do all five passes," said Ballard, who usually finishes in 12 to 13 hours.
Here's how the new registration works: At 10 a.m. Dec. 11, riders can sign up and pay $95 (plus processing fee) at www.Active.com. Entries will be limited to the first 1,000. On Jan. 14, another 1,800 riders will be accepted. For details, go to www.DeathRide.com.
Because some riders get sick or back out, there are often entries offered for sale. Also, some openings can be found on the day of the ride, according to Broadhurst.
