This or a similar race will be organized 5/13-14/06 by CBR - http://www.californiabicycleracing.org

They are trying to figure out either a TT course or Crit to go along.  I don't know currently whether it will be the same two climbing stages (i.e. whether it will truly be Sand Dunes to Sierras).

I am sure they could use some help if you are willing.  You could contact Chris if interested - vncracing@hotmail

 

 

 

Arizona boys Drew Miller and Ron Hudson taking the 11th hairpin turn on their way to Onion Valley.

photo courtesy of Steve Schmunk.

Can you climb over 1 m*ph???

$2,000 award for first person to finish day two in over 1 m*ph!!!

Official USCF Flyer

Sand Dunes to Sierras Stage Race
 

Location - Big Pine is 215 miles south of Reno or 185 miles north of Lancaster on Highway 395.  Independence is 30 miles south of Big Pine.

 

Day One - Start - Just north of Big Pine take Highway 168 2.3 miles east.  Turn right on the Death Valley Road.  The start is 1 mile up this road.  Course - over the Inyo's to 3,400' in Eureka Valley and back (2 Cat 1 climbs).   About 57 miles, 8,225' of climbing.  Day Two - Start - corner of Grant and Market in Independence.  Course - 5,275' climb to Onion Valley in 12.7 miles (Hors climb).

 

Entry Fee  - $45.  Due by 5/12.  $10/day for USCF day license if you have none.  You may register online at BikeReg.com or send a check (to Everest Challenge), Release, and email address to 2335 Sunset Drive, Bishop, CA  93514.  No mail in entries accepted after 5/14.  $5 late fee by BikeReg.com after 5/14.  BikeReg.com closes 5/18.  Reg at event is $60.

Number pick-up 7:00-8:45 A.M. Saturday, at start.  Staggered start 9-9:30 A.M. both days.  Awards at finish line day two.

Cash Prize List - full payback after minimal expenses.  In 2003 and 2004, over $3,000 in cash was awarded.

Categories - PRO/1/2, Cat 3, Cat 4, Cat 5/Public, Women PRO/1-4, Masters 35+/45+/55+/65+. 

Aid Stations/Feedzones - about two-thirds the way up all three climbs.  There will be an abundance of SELF-SERVICE thermoses of water.   No personal support allowed except at neutral feedzones (or you will be DQ'd).  Minimal neutral support.  Carry a spare and an inflator.  See agreement if you want to have a friend or family drive neutral support.

USCF Permit pending

  Register Online at:

 

 

DETAILS

May 17-18 stats - Sunrise 5:42 A.M., Sunset 7:58 P.M., Ave High 81°F (record 99°F), Average Low 44°F (record 28°F).

Cancellation policy - simple - 100% (except for BikeReg fee) for any reason by 5/14, just send a letter requesting refund postmarked by 5/14 and a self addressed stamped envelope.  0% after that.

 

Yes, you can register at the event for $60 (plus $10 for a USCF racing license if you don't have one).  "Day-of registration" ends sharply at 8:00 A.M.  Packet pick-up (for pre-registered racers) ends sharply at 8:30 A.M.

 

Directions - About a mile north of Big Pine, there is a HUGE American flag on the right, a "big pine" tree, a campground, and signs for The Ancient Bristlecone Pineforest all on the right. Turn right here on Highway 168.  Go 2.3 miles east to the only paved turnoff for 15 miles, to the right. This is the Death Valley Road. The start/finish/registration/packet pickup tent will be  1 mile up the Death Valley Road from Highway 168.  But please park as close to Highway 168 as possible. Port-a-pots at the start/finish.

 

Day one is a climb over the Inyo Mountains to Eureka Valley and back (out and back same road).  Starts at 3,940', summit 7,660', turnaround 3,400'.  The west side (about 12.25 miles, climbed first) averages 5%, with nothing sustained over 6%.  The east side (about 16.25 miles, climbed second) averages a bit over 5%.  The bottom half has extended sections around 9%, then it eases to 4-5%.  There are two down hills and one false flat.  The last bit pushes up to 9% again with some 12% very short sections.  Turn around is almost flat.

 

The finish of day one is on a flat, after a 20' rise, at the end of a 3,700' descent.  There are the narrows which are narrow, curvy, and have a rise at the end where you will launch if you are going too fast.  Then the last 2,500' are pretty wide open.  Please respect the speed limit (55 mph).

 

The initial aid station/feed zone (for departing riders) is at the turn-off to Saline Valley (only a half mile from the summit, parking area on north side of the road).  The second aid station/feed zone (for returning riders) is 5 miles past the Saline Valley turn-off on the north side of the road at the large road cut where the road gently turns to the left in the Yucca tree forest.  There is a 4 wheel drive road coming in from the south and graded areas on the north side of the road where you can park OFF THE PAVEMENT.

 

Cut-off for second aid station is 2:00 P.M.  If it doesn't look like you will make it there by then and you are all alone you might be picked up.

 

Day two is a hill top finish  (5,275' hill, elevation at summit 9,200').  This is an AWESOME climb.  It is 8%.  The first 4 miles is 6-7%.  After that it averages 9%!!.  There is a big "S" turn about halfway up, then there are ELEVEN switchbacks after that!!!  The aid station/feedzone is at a large road cut and gentle turn to the right about 4.3 miles from the finish (about 8.4 miles up, you can see it from town).

 

There are no stop signs or paved side streets day one.

There are no stop signs or intersections (besides from a few campgrounds) day two.

 

Awards/Start Times

 

For instance, if we have 150 entries, prize money will be approx. $4,000 (plus the $2,000 if someone does the Onion Valley climb in less than 59 minutes).

 

The first year of the event, 2003, we had 100 entrees.  Over $3,000 of cash prizes were awarded.

The second year of the event, 2004, we had 113 entrees.  Over $3,400 of cash prizes were awarded.

 

3/8 to PRO/1/2, start time 9 A.M. both days

1/4 to Cat 3, start time 9 A.M. both days

1/8 to Masters (overall), start time 9:05A.M. both days

    35+, 45+, 55+, 65+ combined for cash, medal for first 55+ and 65+

1/8 to Women PRO/1-4 (overall),  start time 9:10 A.M. both days

1/8 to Cat 4, start time 9:10 A.M. both days

Cat 5  - medals 1st - 3rd, start time both days.

    Cat 5 - 9:15

Public - medals 1st - 3rd, Free entry to EverestChallenge 2003 to 1st Public (non-transferable), start time both days.

    Public - 9:15

Juniors - certificates, start time 9:10 A.M. both days

 

Distribution may be modified if some categories are significantly over or under represented.

 

Starts may be need to by modified by the USCF official.

 

Placings on both days but awards only for the Stage Race.

 

Q & A's

 

Gearing recommendations - Well your race director was 11th out of 100 the first year.  He likes to spin, but felt that a 28 chainring, 23 cog was perfect.  We really suggest at least a 39/27.  After 3 years of organizing the EC, we are amazed how well 34 tooth MTB cogs work even with short cage derailleurs.

 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SPONSORING HOTELS

 

Winnedumah Country Inn

211 N. Edwards (Highway 395)

Independence

760-878-2040

(The official is staying here.  We will ask him to post Saturday's results in the lobby when he returns from the race course)

 

Ray's Den Motel     

405 N. Edwards (Highway 395)          

Independence

760-878-2122

 

Independence Courthouse Motel

157 N. Edwards (Highway 395)

Independence

760-878-2732   or   800-801-0703

 

Bristlecone Motel

101 N. Main St. (Highway 395)

Big Pine

760-938-2067

They also have token showers and a laundromat

 

 

 

AND OUR OTHER SPONSORS

 
 
 

 

 

 

*mile vertical.

$1,000 for the first rider to finish day two in less than 60 minutes!!!!