Palm Desert

Date:            Saturday, November 10, 2012
                      Registration Opens January 2012
Distance:     100/70/60/50/32/20 Mile Options
Location:     University Park
                      74-902 College Drive
                      Palm Desert, CA 92211 (map it)
Field Limit:  1,500
Start Time:  6:30 - 7:30 A.M. (wave starts)

LIVE: Click it!
	New PDC Fan Page
	New Shadow Tour Group

PALM DESERT PHOTO GALLERIES 2011 Course Preview     2011 PDC Event Photos
RIDER PHOTOS FROM SPORTACTIONPHOTOS.COM               Now Available For Purchase                               Click Here
Accuweather Ride Forecast:  Tba
~~ IMPORTANT ~~                  2011 RIDER INSTRUCTIONS      ALL RIDERS MUST READ BEFORE RIDING    Rider Instructions/Strip Map w/detour:  Click here     Course Strip Map w/detour Download:  Click here    Frequently Asked Questions:  Click here    Rider Levels/Course/Weather:  Click here      NOTE:  Cue Sheets for all courses will be at      packet pick up on Fri, Nov 11 and Sat, Nov 12
Registered Rider Update Emails      #4 PDC Round up Email (sent 11-15-11)   #3 Nov Final Rider Updates (sent 11-7-11)   #2 Oct Updates & Rider Instr's (sent 10-20-11)      #1 PDC Jersey & Rider Updates (sent 9-6-11)
++++  2011 Latest News  ++++     2011 had 845 Registered Riders, click here 12-15-11:  Full Century Finishers List posted 12-15-11:  Time Trial Overal Results posted 12-15-11:  Time Trial Age Group Results posted 12-15-11:  Time Trial Tandem Results posted 11-17-11:  SportActionPhotos.com photos posted 11-15-11:  PDC "Round up" email sent and posted 11-14-11:  Preliminary Full Century Finishers posted 11-13-11:  Preliminary Time Trial Results, click here 11-07-11:  Course Strip Map w/Detour posted 10-24-11:  Garmin Download of Full Century posted 10-19-11:  Rider Levels page posted 10-16-11:  FAQ's updated 10-15-11:  Rider Instructions + Strip Map posted 10-05-11:  Friends of Roy's Foundation info posted 09-29-11:  Saltstick joins as Sponsor! 09-01-11:  Custom Crown Medal/Pin designs posted 08-28-11:  Custom Fineline T-shirt design posted 08-27-11:  Custom Voler Jersey design posted  08-26-11:  Upgraded Photo Gallery to Flash 08-18-11:  View cool new images in Photo Gallery 08-04-11:  Holland Cycles is PDC Title Sponsor! 07-31-11:  "Best Deal" deadline extended to Aug 6 07-26-11:  Pearl Izumi joins as Sponsor! 07-25-11:  Optional chip timing by CEP Timing,                 official timer of El Tour de Tucson 06-21-11:  Driving Distances to Palm Desert posted 06-17-11:  Richard Duquette joins as Sponsor! 05-11-11:  Registration Open!  +++++++++++++++++++++ Lodging Options: Alliances:  Click here for links to lodging options. Some hotels offer special promotional rates. All riders receive with paid entry:    •  Ride registration    •  Optional 20 - 100 miles    •  Box Cyn/Chiriaco Summit Time Trial Option   •  Cue sheets for all distances         •  Fully stocked Rest Stops     •  Photography by Sport Action Photos           •  Dedicated Law Enforcement    •  Tom Cody's Bike Mobile roving support van   •  Lunch Meal at turnaround, or finish    •  Post-ride Live Music, DJ, Expo, and        Exhibitors at University Park Start/Finish    •  Free Parking:  1st come, 1st served   •  Rider Goodie Bag    •  Full Century Finishers posted on website   •  Chiriaco Summit TT Results posted online   •  Custom Palm Desert Finisher Medal & Pin
CUSTOM MEDAL & PIN FROM CROWN AWARDS
2011 PDC Medal	Ultimate Cycling Adventure Pin  2011 PDC Pin
WELCOME NEW VISITORS! Western States    - Ride Calendar Socaltrailriders.com Beginnertriathlete.com Bikelink.com Rideofthecentury.com Solvang Century Solvang Prelude Northcountycycleclub.com Raceplace.com Breakaway-training.com Prerace.com BicyclingMagizine.com Active.com TandemBicycling.com Tour de Poway Raceplace.com MomentCycleSport.com TeamLunaChix.com Bikeride.com SDC Team in Training Cibike.org Facebook Velogirls.com Tour de Poway efgh.com Latriclub.com    Rexcycles.com Prerace.com   WorldCycles.com BBC Network Constant Contact Rexcycles.com Runnersworld.com El Tour
2007 Salton Sea Century     Cheryl from Palm Springs, CA, out on the course               Photo courtesy Brightroom.com   2011 Start/Finish:  University Park in Palm Desert       Photo Courtesy Homewood Suites by Hilton

             ~~ RIDE THE DREAM ~~
     COACHELLA VALLEY WELCOMES
                      ~ YOU! ~      

       2nd Annual Palm Desert Century
         Saturday, November 10, 2012
   Palm Desert - Chiriaco Summit - Palm Desert
                      California, USA


     Sunrise along Frank Sinatra Drive, near Mile 1
                Photos by Armando Estrada
                Courtesy Sport Action Photos


                  2010 Salton Sea Century
     Bob Andrews, La Jolla, CA, near Yaqui Pass
          Photo courtesy sportactionphotos.com


  Santa Rosa Mts, PGA West Course, La Quinta, CA
           Photo Courtesy Sport Action Photos


               Date Palm Farms, Indio, CA
          Photo Courtesy Sport Action Photos




           2011 Palm Desert Century Jersey


  Lower miles of Box Cyn Rd, Riverside County, CA
          Photo Courtesy Sport Action Photos


 Rolling downhill from Chiriaco Summit on Box Cyn Rd
           Photo Courtesy Sport Action Photos



Returning down Box Canyon Rd, views to Salton Sea,
  Santa Rosa Mts, and San Jacinto Mts in distance
        Photos Courtesy Sport Action Photos

California's desert is spectacular in November!  Deep blue skies. Cool nights and warm days. Beyond the summer sizzle, and ahead of the Holidays.  The sweet spot for desert cycling.  With a Start/Finish in the idyllic City of Palm Desert, the PDC offers unsurpassed desert cycling paired with a world class destination.  Palm Desert is the premier Coachella Valley community, with abundant lodging options at most price points, a wide variety of fine restaurants, El Paseo Drive Shopping, and cool attractions for the entire family. All within 2-3 hours of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Tucson, and Phoenix.

The Palm Desert Century route offers an entirely unique Coachcella Valley cycling experience. The out-n-back course design allows riders to select distances from 20 to 100 miles, based on personal conditioning, weather, winds, etc.  The gentle start glides southbound through well developed cities of Palm Desert, Indio, and La Quinta, before turning east into the low deserts checkered with Orange and Date Tree groves, and vast fields of crops, at the northern shores of the Salton Sea.

Full Century PDC riders have a rare opportunity to ride Box Canyon Road.  Just beyond the quiet desert town of Mecca, east the railroad tracks, Box Canyon Road transforms into a remarkable and scenic 15 mile desert pass with no feeder roads, stopsigns, stoplights, or intersections. It gradually ascends at a 1-2% incline from 200 ft BELOW Sea Level, to the Chiriaco Summit, nearly 1,300 ft ABOVE Sea Level.  On the climb, prevailing winds are usually tailwinds.

This showcase segment of the PDC starts near the 35-mile point and ends at the 50-mile turnaround, at Chiriaco Summit, adjacent to Interstate 10.  This segment includes an optional chip timed element, a one-way uphill Individual Time Trial, from about 4 miles east of Mecca to the Chiriaco Summit. Timing is completely voluntary. CEP Timing will be providing chip timing services.  They also time the El Tour of Tucson, with over 8,000 timed riders.  Timing chips must be returned at the Finish Chutes.  An $85 replacement fee applies. 

The summit finish will have a well-stocked Rest Stop, Lunch for riders who choose this options (vs. Finish in Palm Desert), and is the Full Century turnaround point. The most immediate reward is a paid-up freewheeling spin 20 miles back down to Mecca. Sensational sight lines to the Salton Sea appear though the canyons walls, near Mecca.  The striking profile of the Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mt ranges loom large in the distance.

The route continues along the same roads to Palm Desert with full support. Subtle transitions emerge as riders leave behind the remote, sometimes harsh, and undeveloped low desert vegetation, returning through La Quinta and immaculately groomed, wide pepper-tree-lined boulevards, past deluxe PGA Golf Courses and Resorts and communities, to a festive finish with music, medals, and exhibitors at the grassy 2.5 acre new University Park in Palm Desert.  An included Subway lunch meal will be available here, for riders selecting the Finish option.  An optional Post-ride meal will also be served at the finish.  Bring folding chairs and blankets to enjoy hanging out post-ride in the grassy area of the park.
                            
Shadow Tour has listened carefully and implemented thoughtful rider feedback over the years. We offer Long and Short Courses, with separate prices.  Jerseys, T-shirts, and Post-ride meals are completely optional, so no need to purchase something you may not want.  The Time Trial is a free option. The innovative Shadow Tour Refund/Rollover/Transfer Policy helps if your plans change unexpectedly, and remains one of the only such policies in the business.  We communicate details to riders before, during, and after the event.  We post a list of registered riders, including their City, State, and their Affiliation.  We maintain previous event Photo Galleries, weather data, and Full Century Finisher Lists for historical continuity.  We allow riders to choose online or mail-in registration.  We accept walk-up registrations whenever possible.  We always do our best to arrange for parking at no additional cost. 

We are confident that PDC represents the next major advance for our desert cycling events.  Palm Desert offers huge potential for adding many more cool elements in the future.   

Please join us. And once you're in, please encourage all your cycling friends to join you!  Consider bringing the whole family for an affordable quality family adventure with something fun for all.  Whether it's visiting the Living Desert, a relaxed family Sunday Brunch at Tommy Bahama's, or a stroll along El Paseo Drive, there are countless great reasons to make it a weekend.  

                                                    

To help grow the ridership for this marquee desert event, reaching new riders is vital.  Please post a message and link to Palm Desert Century on your social networks, blogs, tweets, and club websites.  And email your cycling buddies inviting them to  join you.  We're most grateful for your support!

It's easy to spread the word.  Just click on the "Send to a Friend" to send them a link to the webpage.  You're also invited to Friend the PDC and Shadow Tour Facebook pages.

                                                               

                                        New PDC Fan Page
                                        New Shadow Tour Group

Official Event Charity:  Friends of Roy's Foundation

Here's a link to the fund-raising campaign associated with the Palm Desert Century.  Please visit the website and donate today.  Whether it's $10 or $1,000, let's all do what we can to support this worthwhile effort and build goodwill for the event throughout Coachella Valley at the same time.  Unlike some major rides, we are not mandating a contribution.  We're leaving it up to you.   The goal is to raise $10,000 the 1st year.  That should be about $10 per rider.  It's a worthy cause and natural fit for the event.   They help us, we help them.  Simple as that.  Please click through now and make it happen--we're counting on you!  There's even a nifty & simple turnkey way to create your own mini-campaign.  Let's all get behind this.  Many Thanks!

                                                            
   
 

   
  2011 Palm Desert Century Front                              2011 Palm Desert Century Back

See sizing chart below, or visit www.voler.com for more details

2011 Palm Desert Century T-shirt, Beefy-t, extra wide 14" full-color artwork front, B&W back

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

                        

Ride Sponsors, Affiliates, and Volunteers:

2011 TITLE SPONSOR
Fruid Replacement	Event Charity	Official Energy Bar	Host Hotel	Cyclists Attorney
Pearl Izumi	Event Hotel	Worldcycles.com	Shadow Tour    Graphic Designer	Event Photography
Roving Mechanics	Palm Desert Cyclery	Included Lunch Meal	Electrolyte Capsules	Chamois Butt'r
ST Logo Designer	Leucadia Cyclery	Traction Bicycles	Optional Pasta Meal	Tony DiLorenzo
		Happy Feet

Course Maps and Elevation Profiles (Coming soon):

Preliminary Palm Desert Century Maps:  Click here 

      Regional View:  (Coming soon)

      Century Maps and Profiles:  (Coming soon) 

                Century Map (Coming soon)

                Century Profile (Coming soon)

                Century 3D Profile (Coming soon)

    Display of all Palm Desert Century Maps:  (Coming soon)

 

     
    
Garmin Connect Map:  Below is a more detailed and interactive map showing Co-Founder Jim's Oct 21, '11 Pre-ride of the Full Century. Garmin users may upload the century course.  Please note, however, clicking "View Details" will take you away from the Palm Desert webpage.  To return to the page, you will need to either use your "back" button, or navigate to www.shadowtour.com, then select "Palm Desert" from the top menu bar.

                              
Driving To Palm Desert:  From most locations, it's Interstate Freeways all the way to Palm Desert.

   

 

Registration:

Registration now open!

We encourage all riders to register early and SAVE BIG!

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

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

Payment by Check entries: download the registration form complete, sign and mail with 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.

Box Canyon / Chiriaco Summit Time Trial Options:  

TT Categories:

    Road Bike
    Mountain Bike
    Tandem Male
    Tandem Female
    Tandem Mixed
    Fixed Gear
    Recumbent
    Hand Cycle 

TT Age Groups: 

    Individual Men (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+)
    Individual Women (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+)
    Tandem Open (2 men, 2 women, or mixed)

Optional Chip Timing:  There is no additional fee to participate in the Time Trial.  However, riders are 100% responsible for returning the high-tech timing chip at the Finish Chute.  There is an $85 replacement charge for unreturned chips, which will be charged to riders who do not return their timing chip.  CEP Timing, is providing timing services at the PDC.  They are the same company which times the El Tour of Tucson, with over 8,000 riders.  The replacement chip fee is identical to the policy at the El Tour event.  Thanks for your cooperation!

Registration Categories and Prices:  

    1.  Ride takes place rain or shine, wind, heat, or cold 
    2.  Refunds, Transfers, and Exchanges are permitted per Shadow Tour Policy 
    3.  Lunch Meal is INCLUDED with all ride distances
    4.  Post-ride meal is OPTIONAL:  $15 in advance, $18 Fri & Sat, Nov 11 & 12 
    5.  Jerseys:  Riders purchasing Jerseys by Sep 15, '11 will receive them at packet pickup. After Sep 15, '11,
         riders purchasing jerseys are part of the 2^nd Production Run.  Jerseys will be mailed in mid-Jan, '12. 
    6.  T-shirts:  Riders purchasing T-shirts receive them at packet pick up.  Refunds issued if sizes run out.
    7.  All riders register as individuals, online or by mail, this includes tandems, teams, and clubs 
    8.  Chiriaco Summit TT is optional. No additional fee.
    9.  Unclaimed Gear Bags/Jerseys/T-shirts:  Will be returned upon receipt of $7 to cover shipping expenses. 

Host Hotel

    Homewood Suites
    by Hilton Palm Desert
    36999 Cook St
    Palm Desert, CA

    Direct:  1-760-568-1600
    Fax:  1-760-568-1608

Shadow Tour is pleased to announce the Host Hotel for the 2011 Palm Desert Century is the Homewood Suites by Hilton Palm Desert.  The hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the University Park, which is the Start/Finish for the ride.  Early rider packet pick-up will be held at the hotel on Fri, Nov 11, '11 from Noon - 8:00 P.M.  Special rates are available to riders based on availability (see details below).

    Directions:  Click here

PALM DESERT SPECIAL RATES:  

  Rates from $119.00 +tax: 1 King 1 Bedroom Suite
  Rates from $109.00 +tax: 1 King Studio
 
The above rates include a special early complimentary light buffet breakfast for riders.

These rates expire on Oct 14, '11, so book early!  Rates are based entirely upon availability and are not guaranteed if the block is booked up, or if the expiration date has passed. {Hotel is SOLD OUT for 2011}

Special Note:  Early November is the transition to the High Season in the desert.  Riders are encouraged to book their rooms well in advance to get a great rate and convenient location.

Book Rooms Online: Click here

Event Hotel

 Hampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert
 74-900 Gerald Ford Drive
 Palm Desert, CA

 Direct:  1-760-340-1001
 Fax:  1-760-340-9050

Shadow Tour is pleased to announce the Event Hotel for the 2011 Palm Desert Century is the Hampton & Suites Palm Desert.  The hotel is conveniently located near University Park, which is the Start/Finish for the ride.  Special rates are available to riders based on availability (see details below).

   Directions:  Click here

PALM DESERT SPECIAL RATES:  

  $109.00 + tax:  King bed w/Sofa or Chair and Ottoman
  $109.00 + tax:  2 Queen Beds
  $119.00 + tax:  King Bed with Soft Sleeper
  $119.00 + tax:  2 Queen with Sofa Sleeper
  $129.00 + tax:  King Bed w/Sofa Sleeper (sep living rm)
  $129.00 + tax:  2 Queens w/Sofa Sleeper (sep living rm)  
 
The above rates include a special complimentary hot breakfast and To-Go Bags for riders.

These rates expire on Oct 14, '11, so book early!  Rates are based entirely upon availability and are not guaranteed if the block is booked up, or if the expiration date has passed.

Special Note:  Early November is the transition to the High Season in the desert.  Riders are encouraged to book their rooms well in advance to get a great rate and convenient location.

Book Rooms Online: Click here

     Host Hotel
     Special Rates Available

    Homewood Suites Suites by Hilton
    36999 Cook St
    Palm Desert, CA

    Direct:  1-760-568-1600
    Fax:  1-760-568-1608