AFTER a two-year hiatus we finally pulled it off. Deathride 2022, with the new course into the Lake Alpine area, with Pacific Grade x2 added, was a MASSIVE success!
YOURS truly was not fit enough to attempt what Peter Stetina says is one of the hardest century-rides in the country, but I did spend this morning doing a bit of “ambassador-ing” on part of the course. I hit Hwy. 4 about the time the fastest riders were coming down from Monitor Pass and heading up to Ebbett’s Pass.
EVEN though those two HC climbs are challenging, and the sunshine and blue sky was brilliant, the smiles of the riders still lit up the road. After days of smoke-filled skies we were blessed by Ma Nature with clear air yesterday and today. Yeah, it’s hot (over 90 degrees fahrenheit today) but it wouldn’t be the Deathride without some sort of weather “event,” right?
THE riders I talked to while on the road today, and yesterday during the Expo., were so appreciative of the opportunity to attempt the ride yet again.
THAT included my friend John K. from Chula Vista.
SO far the rider from London takes the cake for distance. All the way across the pond! Seriously? As I write this post from the Expo I’m waiting for him to stop by the booth so he can pick up his free California Alps Cycling cap. He’s definitely earned it. I also talked to riders from Colorado Springs, Maryland and Idaho. So many more came from so many places…How cool is that?
AND the volunteers…What a truly amazing and inspiring bunch of folks. From rest-stops to water-stops; from radio comms. to medical; from litter picker-uppers to booth staffers and registration signer-uppers…everyone was on their game and so welcoming of the ride and riders.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
THE first finishers started coming in around 11:30 a.m. or so and the first woman rider came in about 12:30. That’s FAST! Way faster than anything I’ve ever done, or will do, that’s for certain. It’s now 3:30 or so and riders are still coming in. Sweat-stained jerseys and bibs, white coated from sunscreen in some cases, many of them a bit disheveled for sure, and yet such a sense of pride. As it should be.
HUGE thanks to the sponsors of the Deathride, too. Talk about resilience! About twenty (20) came out, including us of course. We had coffee, schwag, beer and more thanks to their efforts.
A special tip ‘o the hat to Tamo and Nikki, founders/owners of ATAQ fuel, and one of our marquee sponsors. If you haven’t tried ATAQ’s products, by the way, you should. I’ve been using it since last year and I really like it. No gut issues and a plant-based product to boot!
SIERRA Nevada deserves special mention, too. They have supported the ride for years and continue to do so. And their beer is the best! Ahhh…
DID I mention that it’s hot? I guess I did but I’ll say it again. It’s toasty today. I can’t help but marvel at the attitudes of the riders. Yeah, you have to be fit but in the end, as my brother-from-another-mother would say, the Deathride is really a state of mind. We are truly blessed to have such support from riders all over the world.
THERE are still some riders on the course so those final data points are still TBD.
IF you were one of the many, whether you be a rider, volunteer, spouse or partner of a rider, you name it, a heartfelt thanks from the Alpine County community. We couldn’t have done it without you and we are so very grateful for the support.
RIDE on! See you next year!
Hi Mark. Nice chatting with you on the way up lower Ebbetts. Concern on pacific grade was unfounded. No problems. Let me know where I can provide some almost entirely positive feedback and suggestions.
So good to hear, Diane. Stay tuned for a survey that will be going to the riders. Looking forward to your feedback and great chatting w you too. Glad your ride went well!
Congrats on a (finally!) successful Death Ride! The forecast when we ride out of Pierre tomorrow is for a high of 107. It will be a cool 101 at the other end of our day – so, if you want heat, come to South Dakota.
Thanks so much! Ouch. I thought it was hot here.
I forgot to mention there is another Death Rider on the trip with me. On the days that I wear my “Horribly Hilly Hundreds” jersey for inspiration, he wears his 2013 “Death Ride” jersey. (My 1992 Death Ride jersey doesn’t have a full zip, so I left it at home.) I also saw an Alta Alpina water bottle.
Saw you riding on Sat at the lunch stop. I finished so stinking late you’d already packed up! Of all races, rides and events ive done this was hands down the best support and volunteer crew ive had. Thanks for being such a great ambassador for Markleeville and The Death Ride.
Thank you so much, Sean. We’ve all worked really hard and after two years of no ride to say a weight was lifted off our shoulders is an understatement. Really appreciate the kind words. Means A LOT!