Palm Desert

Date:           Saturday, November 9th, 2013
                     Registration Now Open!
Distance:   100/70/60/50/32/20 Mile Options
                       
Options:     Full Course Riders Only:
                     - 15-mi Chiriaco Summit TT/chip-timed
                     -  "Super Century" 130 mi
 
Location:   University Park
                    74-902 College Drive
                    Palm Desert, CA 92211 (map it)
 
Field Limit:  1,000
Start Time:  6:30 - 8:00 A.M. (wave starts)

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

PALM DESERT PHOTO GALLERIES   Course Preview        2011 PDC Event Photos                                       2012 PDC Event Photos
2013 PALM DESERT CENTURY      REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!                      "SUPER SAVER" DEADLINE:  May 31st
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 2012 PALM DESERT CENTURY RIDERS! The weather was about as good as it gets for a Saturday in mid-November, way out in the CA deserts.  And a radical improvement over last year!  Sunny skies, temps in the 60's with gentle tailwinds (A.M.), then some gnarly gusting 18 mph headwinds (P.M.). That's just the desert being the desert!  There were 883 Registered Riders and 768 riders rolled from the Start in Palm Desert.  452 riders completed the Full Century, including 18 Super Century Warriors. Final Results are posted below, more details are in the "Round up" email sent Nov 14th.  A HUGE Thanks to all Riders, Sponsors, Volunteers, and Municipal & Police Permitting Agencies for making the 2nd Annual Palm Desert Century a success.  We look forward to seeing everyone again at Stagecoach in January!                      FINAL RESULTS:   *  Full Century/Super Century Finishers, posted   *  Time Trial Results, posted on CEPtiming.com                             MORE UPDATES:   *  2012 PDC Photo Gallery posted   *  Rider Photos, click here   *  Round up email posted
Accuweather Nov 10th Palm Desert Forecast:  Tba
~~ IMPORTANT ~~                  2012 RIDER INSTRUCTIONS     ALL RIDERS MUST READ BEFORE RIDING   Rider Instructions/Strip Map: Click here    Rider Instr. & Strip Map (PDF Download): Click here   Course Maps:  Click here   Elevation Profile:  Click here   Frequently Asked Questions:  Click here   Rider Levels/Course/Weather:  Click here   Arrival & Venue Map:  Click here   Arrival & Venue Map (PDF Download): Click here      NOTE:  Cue Sheets for all routes will be at      available at packet pick up on Fri & Sat.
2012 Registered Rider Update Emails       PDC Round up Email: Emailed Nov 14, (posted)    Nov Rider Update: Emailed Nov 4, '12 (posted)    Oct Rider Update:  Emailed Oct 12, '12 (posted)
++++  2013 Latest News  ++++   ~ 2013 has 49 Registered Riders, click here  ~ 2012 had 883 Registered Riders, click here  ~ 2011 had 845 Registered Riders, click here 02-05-13:  Store inventory updated 01-18-13:  2nd Production Run Jerseys mailed USPS 11-14-12:  2012 PDC Round up e/m posted 11-04-12:  Nov Rider Update/Rider Instr e/m posted 11-04-12:  New Arrival & Venue map:  Click here 10-31-12:  Elevation Profile:  Click here 10-12-12:  Oct Rider Update/Rider Instr e/m posted 10-11-12:  Rider Instructions & Strip Map posted 10-11-12:  Course Maps updated 10-10-12:  Draft T-shirt design posted 09-26-12:  2012 PDC Strava Course Map posted 09-17-12:  Draft Jersey design posted 07-25-12:  SCS Photoworks link updated for PDC 06-23-12:  Updated Trips for Kids Donation Link 06-21-12:  Updated Online Registration link posted 04-23-12:  Applebee's Palm Desert joins as Sponsor                & Official Post-ride Pasta Meal Caterer 03-05-12:  Holland Cycles returns as Title Sponsor! 02-29-12:  Official Event Charity:  Trips For Kids 02-29-12:  Desert Recreation District joins as                 2012 Presenting Sponsor! 12-15-11:  Full Century Finishers List posted 12-15-11:  Time Trial Overall Results posted 12-15-11:  Time Trial Age Group Results posted 12-15-11:  Time Trial Tandem Results 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 09-01-11:  Custom Crown Medal/Pin designs posted 08-28-11:  Custom Fineline T-shirt design posted 08-26-11:  Upgraded Photo Gallery to Flash 08-18-11:  View cool new images in Photo Gallery 06-21-11:  Driving Distances to Palm Desert posted   ++++++++++++++++++++ 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 SCS Photoworks          •  Dedicated Law Enforcement    •  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    •  NEW FOR 2012:  Super Century Option!    •   NEW FOR 2012:  Optional Hanes Cool Dry                                     Custom Tec T-shirts
CUSTOM MEDAL & PIN FROM CROWN AWARDS
2012 PDC Medal	Ultimate Cycling Adventure Pin 2012 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! ~      

      3rd Annual Palm Desert Century
        Saturday, November 9, 2013
  Palm Desert - Chiriaco Summit - Palm Desert
                      California, USA


     Sunrise along Frank Sinatra Drive, near Mile 1
                Photos by Armando Estrada
             Courtesy SportActionPhotos.com


                  2012 Palm Desert Century
               Photo courtesy SCS Photoworks


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


                2012 Palm Desert Century
             Photo Courtesy of SCS Photoworks


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




           2012 Palm Desert Century Jersey


  Lower miles of Box Cyn Rd, Riverside County, CA
        Photo Courtesy SportActionPhotos.com


  Rolling down from Chiriaco Summit on Box Cyn Rd
        Photo Courtesy SportActionPhotos.com



    Returning on Box Cyn Rd, views to Salton Sea,
  Santa Rosa Mts, and San Jacinto Mts in distance
        Photos Courtesy SportActionPhotos.com



 2012 PDC Acrylic Trophies for Men's & Women's TT,
Champ/2nd Place thru 5th Place Overall.

New for 2012:  Full Course riders may extend the Full Century to a "Super Century".  After reaching the 50-mile turnaround, riders may spin 15 miles back down to the start of the Box Cyn/Chiriaco Summit Time Trial and do a 2nd Time Trial back up to Chiriaco Summit.  This additional segment adds 30 miles to the century, making it 130 miles.  Participation is optional, but is subject a Noon time cutoff for starting the 2nd climb, meaning riders need to be at mile 65 before Noon.  The Super Century Option is included with all Full Century registrations.

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, stop signs, 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. 

The Palm Desert Century represents the next major advance for Shadow Tour desert cycling events.  The cooperation from the Palm Desert City Council has been phenomenal from the start.  The 2012 additions of the Desert Recreation District (Presenting Sponsor) and Trips for Kids (Official Event Charity) will make the event even better.  Palm Desert offers huge potential for adding many more cool elements in the future.  New for 2012: all Full Course riders will have a Super Century option, which involves riding the 15-mile Chiriaco Summit section twice, resulting in 130 miles.  The Super Century option is subject to certain reasonable time limits.  

Please join us TODAY! And once you're in, 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:  Trips for Kids

The Trips for Kids Coachella Valley (TFKCV) Chapter is a local volunteer organization providing mountain biking classes and outings as a platform for teaching personal responsibility, life skills, and environmental awareness to at-risk youth throughout Coachella Valley. Using positive role models and individual mentoring, TFKCV seeks to expose under-served and disadvantaged young people to the joy of mountain biking, while combining lessons in confidence building and personal achievement to create lifelong memories and stimulate lifelong memories and support living well-rounded lives.  DONATION LINK.

Ride Program: Helps kids experience the beauty of the outdoors. The program begins with three classes teaching bike safety, core values, and respect for nature. On ride outings, kids hone new cycling skills and build pride in their accomplishments.

Recycle Cleanup: Each rider leaves the mountain trail cleaner than they found it. Riders and volunteers pick up any trash found along the ride. Respecting the environment is a program core value.

Earn-a-Bike Program: Affords kids an opportunity to work alongside a volunteer to repair and rebuild donated bicycles with donated parts. After a set amount of volunteer time, kids earn a bicycle of their own, reinforcing the value of rewarding hard work and consistent productive effort.

ReCyclery: Still in the planning stages, this will be a free-standing facility accepting new and used bicycles and parts donations. Classes will teach kids to repair and rebuild bicycles. Reconditioned bicycles will be sold to support the TFKCV Chapter.

TRIPS FOR KIDS:  CREATING LIFELONG MEMORIES

Trips for Kids Note from Shadow Tour, LLC & the Palm Desert Century:

Thank You for learning more about the Trips for Kids Coachella Valley program. Please take the next step by making a donation of whatever you can afford to support this vital grassroots program. Trips for Kids is a sparkling example of direct community intervention--before it's too late--to teach, train, guide, and mentor local at-risk youth to build self-confidence, connect with nature, and develop critical life skills missing in many kids' daily lives. The program teaches core values that will serve as their compass on their life roadmap. Meaningful change involves direct intervention and positive role models.

At the Palm Desert Century, we're proud to report that nearly every volunteer was recruited by the Desert Recreation District. Each volunteer is donating their weekend to help make yours safe, enjoyable, and memorable. What you may not know is that each volunteer is donating their time on behalf of Trips for Kids Coachella Valley--the Official Event Charity for the Palm Desert Century.

Local Positive Role Models? You better believe it!

Here's your chance to return the favor and say "Thanks," by opening your heart with a generous donation. All donations flow through the Desert Recreation Foundation (formerly Coachella Valley Community Recreation Foundation) to the Trips for Kids Coachella Valley Chapter Programs and enriches some deserving kids lives...and yours too, by fostering a new generation of cycling-friendly young people.

Let's make it happen together!

Jim Knight & Larry Gitman

Managing Members, Shadow Tour. LLC

                                                           
   
 

   
  2012 Palm Desert Century Front                              2012 Palm Desert Century Back

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

Palm Desert Century "Tec" T-shirt:  Hanes Cool Dri tagless, Custom "Tec" T-shirt. Full-Color front, B&W logos on back, extra-wide 14 inch screening.  "Tec" T-shirts are the state-of-the art for comfort, wicking properties, and rapid dry interlocking fabric.  Extremely comfortable 4.1 oz.  Leaves traditional cotton T's in the dust.  A great base layer for year-round cycling.  Women's sizes have a tapered cut.  The first time you pull on a Tec T, you'll understand what the buzz is all about! 

T-shirt Sizing:

     Men's:        XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
     Women's:    S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

                  

Ride Sponsors, Affiliates, and Volunteers:

2012 TITLE SPONSOR
Fluid Replacement	Presenting Sponsor	Official Energy Bar	Host Hotel	Official Charity
Pearl Izumi	Event Hotel	Included Lunch Meal	Optional Pasta Meal	Event Photography
Roving Mechanics	Palm Desert Cyclery	Chamois Butt'r	Shadow Tour Graphics	Tri-A-Bike
	Leucadia Cyclery	Traction Bicycles	Event Restaurant
ST Logo Designer		Event Restaurant		Toni DiLorenzo

Course Maps & Elevation Profiles:

  All Palm Desert Century Maps:  Click here
    
  2012 Palm Desert Century Course Strip Map (download as PDF, click here):

 

   
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.  Jerseys:  Riders purchasing Jerseys by Sep 9 will receive them at packet pickup. After Sep 9,
         riders purchasing jerseys are part of the 2^nd Production Run, which will be mailed in Jan. 
    5.  T-shirts:  Riders purchasing T-shirts receive them at packet pick up.  Refunds issued if sizes run out.
    6.  All riders register as individuals, online, or by mail, this includes tandems, teams, and clubs 
    7.  Chiriaco Summit Time Trial is optional for Full Course riders. No additional fee.  Subject to time cut-offs.
    8.  "Super Century" is optional for Full Course riders.  No additional fee.  Subject to time cut-offs.
    9.  Unclaimed Gear Bags/Jerseys/T-shirts:  Will be returned upon receipt of $7 to cover shipping expenses. 

  Official 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 2013 Spring Rush 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 in the park on Fri, Mar 22, Noon - 8:00 P.M.  Special rates are available to riders based on availability (see details below).

    Directions:  Click here

SPRING RUSH CENTURY SPECIAL RATES:  

  Rates from $159 + tax: 1 King Studio Non Smk
  Rates from $169 + tax: 1 King 1 B/R Suite Non Smk
  2 Queen 1 B/R Non Smk not available at group rate
 
The above rates include a special early complimentary light buffet breakfast for riders.

These rates expire on Mar 8, so book early! Rates are based entirely upon availability and are not guaranteed if the block is booked, or if the expiration date has passed.

Special Note:  March is 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

2013 SPRING RUSH CENTURY SPECIAL RATES:  

  Rates from $159 + tax: 1 King Studio Non Smk
  Rates from $169 + tax: 1 King 1 B/R Suite Non Smk
  2 Queen 1 B/R Non Smk not available at group rate
 
The above rates include a special early complimentary light buffet breakfast for riders.

These rates expire on Mar 8, so book early! Rates are based entirely upon availability and are not guaranteed if the block is booked, or if the expiration date has passed.

Special Note:  March is 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

    Hampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert
    74-900 Gerald Ford Drive
    Palm Desert, CA  92211
 
    Driving Directions:  Click here

 $Tba+tax:  King bed w/Sofa or Chair/Ottoman
 $Tba+tax:  2 Queen Beds
 $Tba+tax:  King Bed with Soft Sleeper
 $Tba+tax:  2 Queen with Sofa Sleeper
 $Tba+tax:  King Bed w/Sofa Slpr (sep lvg rm)
 $Tba+tax:  2 Queens w/Sofa Slpr (sep lvg rm)  
 
Hotel is 100% non-smoking.  Above rates include a special complimentary hot breakfast and To-Go Bags for riders.

These rates expire on (tba), so book early!  Rates are based entirely upon availability and are not guaranteed if the block is booked, or if the expiration date has passed.

Book Rooms Online: tba

 
 $Tba+tax:  Studio Suite (Non-smoking Hotel)

Deadline for rates is TBA.  All rooms & rates are subject to availability.

Marriott Reservations:  1-800-228-9290
Special Group Code:  Palm Desert Century

Deadline for rates is Tba.  All rooms & rates are subject to availability.

Marriott Reservations:  1-800-228-9290
Special Group Code:  Palm Desert Century