Sponsors:











Official Host Hotel:



Official Photographer:



Bike Transport Service:



Bike Mechanic Service:




Ocotillo Start / Finish:

  New 3.5 acre Ocotillo park 


  Ocotillo Recreation Center
    Opened Aug 11, 2007


   Plenty of parking space!


  Five covered picnic areas


      Start/Finish area


  Full sized basketball court

Date:                Saturday, January 17, 2009
Distances:       26/50/100 mile options
Location:         Ocotillo, California (80 miles east
                          of San Diego, just off Interstate 8)
Address:          266 West Imperial Highway
                          Ocotillo, CA  92259  
Field Limit:      3,000 / including 60 TTT Teams
Start Times:    
     Team Time Trial:     7:00 A.M. - 7:15 A.M.
     Individual Riders:   7:15 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.

                      

++++  2008 Latest News  ++++

1.  723 Final Registered riders, click here
2.  Brightroom Photography Services, ride
     photographs now posted, click here
3.  2008 Stagecoach Photo Gallery, click here
4.  Full Century Finisher List Posted, click here
5.  40+ Open, Team Descenders, wins TTT & sets
     Winter Stagecoach course record of 5:21:00
6.  Rider Feedback, click here
7.  Winter Stagecoach Wrap up Email, see News
8.  General Store inventory updated, click here
9.  2008 Jersey 2nd Production Run mailed out to riders Thu, Mar 13, '08. 

++++++++++++++++++++++

Riders receive with paid entry:

• Ride registration
• Plenty of free parking
• Camp free 2 miles from start
• Cue sheet for all routes
• Six fully stocked rest stops, plus lunch
  and rest stop items in Shelter Valley
• Brightroom Photography
• Dedicated law enforcement
• Roving mechanical support & rider shuttles
• Lunch at Shelter Valley or Ocotillo
• DJ Mark/festivities at Ocotillo Rec. Ctr.
• Secure gear drop at Start/Finish/RS #1
• Optional post-ride Pasta Meal
• Goodie bag
• NEW:  Optional long sleeve t-shirts
• NEW:  Refund/Rollover/Transfer (click here)
• NEW:  Improved course design; now 50.0 miles straight out-and-back
• NEW:  Very cool Start/Finish area at brand 
  new 3.5 acre Ocotillo Community Park
• NEW:  Optional "Ultimate 100 Mile 4-Person Team Time Trial"

 5th Annual
Winter Stagecoach Century
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Ocotillo - Shelter Valley - Ocotillo


2008 Kelly #339/La Mesa & Tammy #538/El Cajon, CA
crest Box Canyon Summit.  Courtesy Brightroom.com


2008 Century Turn Around


2006 Sturdy Stagecoach Rider






2008 Winter Century riders trading pulls on the front.
Photo Courtesy Brightroom.com

Stagecoach Century Sign outside Ocotillo Recreation Center, Jan 12, '08

2008 Voler Jersey, Club Fit, 3/4 Zipper    

       
                          2008 Voler Jersey Front                                                 2008 Voler Jersey Back
                           
                                                                           
                                            
                
                                                     "Thundering Hoofs"  By Marjorie Reed
                (Reprinted with permission of Reed family, may not be reproduced in any manner)

Through the kindness of the Reed family and with much diligent negotiation efforts by Gary Fillmore, owner of the Blue Coyote Gallery, in Cave Creek, AZ,  the 2008 Stagecoach Jersey will feature an enduring work of art by the renowned Old West artist, Marjorie Reed.  This is an unprecedented opportunity for our riders to purchase a jersey with a true work.  The image has several direct connections to the Stagecoach Century's route.  Marjorie spent much of her life living and painting along the Butterfield Stagecoach Route and the Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849.  She passed away in 1996, at Vallecito Ranch near mile 30 of the current Stagecoach Century. 

Gary Fillmore is presently completing the first comprehensive biography of Marjorie's fascinating life and her major contribution to western themed art.  Click here to learn more about the 2008 release, which will coincide with the 150 year anniversary of the opening of the Butterfield Stage route in Sep 2008.   For background information on Marjorie Reed's paintings and body of artwork, please click here for a link to Gary Fillmore's Blue Coyote Gallery in Arizona.

Shadow Tour and ST Promotions are honored to have an authentic Marjorie Reed painting grace the 2008 Stagecoach Century Jerseys and Long Sleeve T-shirts.  Drafts of the jersey (above) and t-shirst (below) are now posted.  We'll continue to provide more information about Marjorie Reed and the upcoming biography "The Life and Work of Marjorie Reed".  We look forward to a long association with the Reed family and the Blue Coyote Gallery.

Important Jersey Ordering Dates: (2009 dates TBA)

Through Nov 17, 07:  Jerseys ordered by Nov 17 will be available at packet pickup.

Nov 18 - Jan 12, 08:  Jerseys ordered after Nov 17 are part of the 2nd production run and will be
                                      mailed in Mar '08 (free shipping).  Update:  jerseys mailed to riders Mar 13, '08.

Long Sleeve T-shirts will be available at the ride based on orders as of Dec 31, '07

                                                    Voler Jersey Sizing Charts

	Size Waist Weight Height Chest Inseam X SMALL 26-29 100-120 5'5" and under 33-35 8.5 SMALL 29-31 120-145 5'4" to 5'8" 35-37 9 MEDIUM 32-34 145-170 5'7" to 5'11" 38-40 9.5 LARGE 35-37 170-190 5'10" to 6'2" 40-42 10 X LARGE 38-41 190-220 6'1" to 6'5" 42-44 10.5 XX LARGE 42-45 220-250 6'3" and over 44-46 11 XXX LARGE 46-50 250-260 6'3" and over 46-48 11.5
	Size Size Waist Hips Weight Height Chest Inseam X SMALL 0-2 22-24 31-32 95-115 5'2" and under 30-32 7.5 SMALL 4-6 25-27 34-36 110-120 5'1" to 5'5" 32-34 7.75 MEDIUM 8-10 27-29 36-38 120-145 5'4" to 5'8" 34-36 8 LARGE 12-14 30-32 39-41 140-165 5'7" to 5'11" 36-38 8.25 X LARGE 16-18 33-35 42-44 160-185 5'10" and over 39-41 8.5 XX LARGE 20-22 36-38 45-47 190-205 5'10" and over 41-43 8.75 XXX LARGE 24-26 39-40 48-50 210-225 5'10" and over 43-45 9

2008 Long Sleeve T-Shirt

                                      

2008 Draft T-Shirt:  Final will have "2008 Stagecoach Century" on front with logos on front & back

T-shirt Unisex Sizing:   Small, Medium, Large, X Large, XX Large, XXX Large

STAGECOACH PHOTOS
Click on galleries below for more photos
2005    2006    2007    2008

2005 Ocotillo Start / Finish

2005 Carizzo Badlands Rest Stop #1

2005 On Course

2005 Agua Caliente Aid Station #2

2006 Campbell Grade Climb

2006 Shelter Valley Lunch Stop

2006 Shelter Valley Lunch Stop Volunteers

2006 Agua Caliente Rest Stop #2

2007 Lunch in Shelter Valley


2007 Happy Feet in Shelter Valley


2007 at lunch stop in Shelter Valley
Photo courtesy Jean Anderson


2007 Hot Chili in Shelter Valley


2007 Ocotillo Start/Finish
Band "Days In Between"


2006 Jim (L), Jimmy Ray (C), Larry (R)

elcome to the Stagecoach Century! Kick off your New Year with a Wild West cycling adventure along the historic Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849. The ride travels through pristine California deserts on County Route S2 in east San Diego and Imperial Counties. Marvel at stunning vistas from five desert passes along the route. The ride starts in bike-friendly Ocotillo, where supportive local volunteers help make your Start and Finish memorable.

New for 2008:  Thanks to your participation the past three years, Shadow Tour has been able to contribute to the Ocotillo Community Fund in support of their  efforts to build a new community center.  The center was completed and dedicated on Aug 11, 2007.  Located on the north side of town, the 3.5 acre facility is an ideal location for easy parking and rider access in 2008 and beyond.

More volunteers from Shelter Valley near the halfway point will be hosting your lunch feast. In between, volunteers from the San Diego Triathlon Club, Knickerbikers,and San Diego Randonneurs, and our own loyal Shadow Tour staff members will man a total of 6 fully stocked rest stops and perform rider shuttle services.

Here’s your chance to enjoy a hassle-free 100-mile ride with just two lonely stop signs and at the ideal time of year for desert cycling! The out-and-back course is fully adjustable for your own mileage preference. Elevation rises gradually from 492 feet above sea level to over 2,600 feet at its peak before returning to the Start/Finish area in Ocotillo. There are five gradual climbs of about ½ to 4 miles in length at about 7-8% grades. Winds are “generally” neutral in the morning and almost always at your back on the downhill return, producing a fast ride back to the finish.

New for 2008:  The course will cross Hwy 78 at the north end of the route and continue about 4.4 miles north to the 50.0 mile turn-around.  This eliminates the extra out-and-backs on previous Stagecoach routes.  So when you turn around, you will know you're halfway home!

We rate the ride as moderately difficult. We advise riders to recognize that weather conditions can vary widely at this time of year and can include sun, heat, cold, wind, rain, or any combination. We’ll provide tips to be prepared.  You're invited to review the photos in the "Gallery" section to get a sense of the weather conditions...sometimes a picture is worth much more than words.

The town of Ocotillo is a quiet, low-desert town of about 400 residents. Its citizens enjoy a peaceful life with minimal outside interference. It has no fancy restaurants or hotels and there is very little in the way of paved parking or other Gucci amenities. These are some of the tradeoffs you accept in return for a one-of-a-kind ride featuring 100 miles of stunning undisturbed natural scenery with virtually no traffic, zero stoplights, and only two stop signs. We created the Stagecoach Century, because the entire route is very much the same as it was when real stagecoaches bounced along the trail in the 1850's--a rarity in California. When we compare this century to any other we have ridden, we continue to believe it's the best century in America.

But you don’t have to take our word on it, please check out past rider testimonials, the photos, and unsolicited rider feedback. We enthusiastically invite you to join us and see for yourself!

Lastly, organizing a large bicycling event is a complex operation. We work hard to create distinctive events for our riders. We do it because we love the sport and enjoy interactions with our riders. However, we definitely aren't perfect. And not every single hardworking volunteer and staff member will have the answer to every conceivable question or issue that may arise at the event or out on the course.

We also don’t control the weather (despite many requests to turn down the wind in 2006 and turn up the heat in 2007). Mother Nature is always in charge. If you are the type rider with a very low tolerance for imperfections or minor inconveniences, then Stagecoach is probably not for you. By necessity, Stagecoach  takes place in a remote location to optimize safety, the scenery, and the overall riding experience. Please know that every single volunteer, course marshal, police officer, and staff member, is doing his or her best to present a safe ride to the highest possible operational standard. We simply ask for your patience and understanding when everything doesn’t go exactly as planned. We listen carefully to our rider’s constructive suggestions and continuously strive for improvement to make next year’s event even better!

View of Jacumba Range riding South near Box Canyon


2006 Ocotillo Donation Presentation

View South from top of Campbell Grade

2007 Snow Capped Mts. northbound on S2 near Box Canyon

2007 Finishers Bob Rosen, Vickie & Jeff Alexander


2007 Shelter Valley Lunch Stop
Photo:  Courtesy Brightroom Photography

Course Maps and Profiles:

2008 Century Route

 
2008 Century Elevation Profile

         

2008 Century 3D Route

            

2008 50 Mile Route and Elevation Profile

          

2008 50 Mile 3D Route

                  

2008 26 Mile Route and Elevation Profile

             

Course:

A 100 mile desert paved cycling event, not a race. Individual cyclists may elect to ride shorter distances as described on our website and on cue sheets included in rider packets.

Cyclist Levels:

The Stagecoach course is moderately difficult overall.  It is signicantly affected by weather conditions on the day of the ride. All cyclists need to assess their own physical conditioning, weather conditions, and course profiles when deciding what distance to ride. The course has several options marked, however, all riders may adjust their distance by safely excuting a u-turn along the out-and-back course.

For beginner cyclists, we recommend starting a the early start time. Typical beginner riders take eight to ten hours including stops to ride the 100-mile Stagecoach, depending on weather conditions. More advanced cyclists typically complete the entire route in under seven hours with minimal stops. The very fastest cyclists will be under six hours.  Team Time Trial teams may finish well under 5 hours in good conditions.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR BEGINNERS AND RIDERS NEW TO SHADOW TOUR: 

All Shadow Tour rides are hosted in remote locations.  This optimizes natural scenery and minimizes vehicular traffic.  As a direct consequence, some riders experience a sense of isolation and feel they have been left completely alone out on the course, because there are no urban areas or heavy traffic around them.  This is normal, especially on a long and unfamiliar desert century ride.  Anxiety levels also tend to rise when weather conditions make riding more difficult.

Rest assured, our courses are designed in such a way that you are never more than 9 miles (in front or to the rear) away from an on-course Rest Stop support or small community along the route.  Further, we have patrolling CHP support and our own roving SAG Wagons on the course continuously.  There are also many cyclists riding in both directions so you can flag one down if you need help.  This does not mean we can immediately evacuate every single rider at a moment's notice -- we can't--neither can any other major ride.  But we will get to you as quickly as possible if you need help. 

We strongly recommend riders unfamiliar with our course, or riders attempting their first full century, to take it "one small step at a time".  At Stagecoach, you have the freedom to ride north on S2, and at any time, you may safely turn around and ride back south (with full Rest Stop support) to the start/finish at the Ocotillo Community Recreation Center.  So if you're not sure of your level of conditioning, or if weather conditions develop out on the course, as they typically do in remote sections of the desert, consider turning back early.  You have the option to reconsider.  For example, you might ride north to Rest Stop #2 near 25 miles, then return south to Ocotillo giving you 50 miles; then repeat the process to complete a full century.

Our on-course resources such as SAG vehicles, communications, and volunteers are always limited.  Don't expect a Shadow Tour vehicle to pick you up the instant you feel you cannot continue--it's simply not possible.  If you feel you need help, try calling us on your cell phone, or dial 911 if it's an emergency, try flagging down another cyclist or motorist, or simply ride or walk back to the nearest Rest Stop and let the volunteers know you need assistance.  We'll do our best to get you back to the start/finish as soon as possible.  Keep a level head out there and be patient.  Constantly ask yourself how you're doing.  Use every single rest stop for fluids and energy products, including salt (pretzels or E-Caps) and bananas and Clif energy bars (major bonk busters).  Keep an eye on the weather, your time, and how other riders are progressing.  If you have any doubt, turn back early.  You still have lots of options to have a great ride! 

Registration:

Online and mail-in registration is open.  Click below to sign-up.

We encourage riders to register early and SAVE BIG!

• Concerned about committing early? Please visit our Refund/Rollover/Transfer Policy

Payment by Credit Card: processed online through Active.com. Riders receive a confirmation email from Active.com when their entry has been processed successfully. Riders without computers may call Active.com Customer Service at 1-877-228-4881 to register by phone.

Payment by Check: download the registration form, complete, sign, and mail it with a check.

IMPORTANT EMAIL & SPAM NOTICE: All our rider correspondence is through email. Please insure we always have a valid email for you or a friend who can relay messages to you. Additionally, be sure your spam filter allows inbound email from these two sources:

support "@" active.com AND support "@" shadowtour.com

Regrettably, we cannot verify bounced emails from spam filters requiring the sender (us) to actively respond (type a response). We are not responsible for missed emails caused by rider spam filters. We understand and support controls of unwanted spam. However, with thousands of emails to our riders, it is impossible for us to individually respond to these kinds of active response spam filters.

Registration Categories:

2008 Registration Notes

1. Ride takes place rain or shine, wind, heat, or cold
2. Refunds, Transfers, and Exchanges are permitted per Shadow Tour/ST Promotions Policy
3. Lunch in Shelter Valley is included with all rides (shorter distances have lunch at the finish)
4. “Post-Ride” pasta meals are $10 prior to the event, $12 day of event
5. Jerseys: Riders purchasing Jerseys by (TBA) will receive them at packet pickup. After
   (TBA), riders purchasing jerseys will receive them in the 2^nd Production Run in mid March
6. T-shirts: All riders purchasing T-shirts will receive them at packet pickup
7. All riders register as individuals, online or by mail, this includes tandems, teams, and clubs
8. All riders select, in advance, the location for their included lunch:  Shelter Valley -OR- Ocotillo. 

Lodging

OFFICIAL HOST HOTEL:

  
           


Brand new for 2008:  Shadow Tour is pleased to announce the official Host Hotel for the 2008 Stagecoach Century is the Mission Valley Resort.  This charming, beautifully landscaped property is in the heart of Mission Valley, near San Deigo's Old Town, the birthplace of California. 

The Mission Valley Resort is a casual oasis with all you’ll need as you prep for the Winter Stagecoach Century; enjoy a bite to eat at the Valley Kitchen Restaurant, grab a bottle of water at the Valley Liquor Store, or go for a quick spin on a stationary bike at the full-service athletic club.  

We selected The Mission Valley Resort in San Diego as the Host Hotel because there are very few lodging options near the actual start/finish in Ocotillo. From the the resort, Ocotillo is about a 1 hr 20 min drive (approx. 80 mi) heading east on Interstate 8. It’s an easy and scenic drive on Saturday morning—you won’t be disappointed. The huge advantage, for all riders, is the convenient Friday afternoon packet pickup at the Mission Valley Resort Ballroom. You can pick up your packets a full day in advance, allowing you to be set to ride immediately upon arrival in Ocotillo on Saturday morning. WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALL RIDERS to pick up their ride packets at the hotel on Friday, January 11^th, from Noon – 8:00 P.M. All riders still have the option to pick up ride packets at the start/finish in Ocotillo on Saturday morning from 6:45 – 9:00 A.M.

The Mission Valley Resort is offering a daily rate of $89 plus tax for all Stagecoach riders, based on availability.  Note: the discount rate was lowered from $99 to $89 on Dec 3, 2007.  All previous reservations have been adjusted.  It's still always best to book as far in advance as possible. 

To register online, please click here  to be directed to the Mission Valley reservation website and type "stagecoach" as the password.  Or you may call 800-362-7871 and mention you are a participant in the "Stagecoach Century" when booking your reservations.  Click here to visit the Mission Valley Resort website.

Mission Valley Resort San Diego
875 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, CA 92108

Mapquest Directions:  Click Here

Direct Dial:  619-298-8281
Toll Free:    800-362-7871
Fax:           619-295-5610

Top 10 Friday Packet Pickup BENEFITS:

1.   Avoid lines on Saturday in Ocotillo.
2.   Calmly review your rider packet, Final Rider Instructions, course maps, and other swag items.
3.   Carefully affix ride numbers to helmet and bike handlebars in advance, vastly improving the
      odds of clear identification by Brightroom photographers out on the course.
4.   Review any last minute details, maps, and instructions provided in your packet the night prior.
5.   Avoid a round trip from your car to the registration area and back on Saturday morning.
6.   Work out any registration-related issues in the relaxed environment of the expansive Mission
      Valley Resort Ballroom.
7.   Easy in & out FREE PARKING for packet pickup.
8.   Chance to purchase t-shirts and jerseys while most sizes are likely available.
9.   Ask questions or get information about the ride on Friday afternoon/evening when volunteers
      and staff are not so pressed for time (like they are early Saturday morning in Ocotillo).
10.  Sign up Friday at the “Regular” price. On Saturday morning, all entry categories go up $10.
      Payment only by cash or check is accepted at packet pickup on Friday and Saturday.

MORE LODGING OPTIONS:  Listed below are hotel, motel, and camping options in the vicinity of Ocotillo. The small town of Ocotillo has only modest accommodations. The primary reason Stagecoach is such a low-traffic and pristine ride is due to its isolated location. The closest hotels are in El Centro, about 27 miles east of Ocotillo via Interstate 8. Overall, these are very good options considering the distance from Ocotillo and mix of quality and affordable hotels. If you prefer to stay in San Diego on Friday night and drive out to Ocotillo early Saturday morning, there are many other hotel options available, see link to Orbitz hotel search system below.