Cyclists depart from the Woodfords reststop last year during the 37th annual Death Ride, Tour of the California Alps.
It could be another hot — and wet — one for this year’s Tour of the California Alps, otherwise known as and aptly referred to as the Death Ride.
Temperatures could be in the 90s when more than 3,000 riders are expected to take on the tough conditions in the 38th annual event to be held Saturday. The National Weather Service is also calling for a chance of thunderstorms in the Sierra Nevada on Saturday, so if that’s the case the conditions for the riders will be as tough as ever.
Many of the riders will take on all five of the mountain passes, which total 129 miles and 15,000 feet of climbing. Last year, 1,050 riders finished all five passes.
Six riders who finished all five passes were 70 and older; 100 were 60 and older; and 355 were 50 and older. Nine riders under the age of 20 finished all five passes last year.
Located in the stunning Sierra Nevada, otherwise known as the California Alps, the Death Ride course covers the traditional five mountain passes. This challenging course includes climbing both sides of Monitor Pass, both sides of Ebbetts Pass, and the final climb up the east side of Carson Pass. Cyclists will begin and finish at Turtle Rock Park, located two miles north of Markleeville.
The highest elevation will be at the top of Ebbetts Pass at 8,730 feet.
The start times of the event are as follows: Five Passes — 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
Four Passes — 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Three Passes — 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
Two Passes — 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.
One Pass — 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
All riders must be off the course by 8 p.m.
The event is hosted by the Alpine Chamber of Commerce. The event isn’t a race but a test of endurance and personal goals.