Spring Stagecoach

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. - 7:05 A.M.
     Individual Riders:   7:05 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.
  

SPRING STAGECOACH PHOTOS          Click on gallery below to view photos                            2008             2009

  All riders receive with paid entry:

• Ride registration
• Cue sheet for all route distances
• 6 fully stocked rest stops and included lunch
• Brightroom photography services 
• Dedicated Law Enforcement
• Tom Cody's roving Bike Mobile support van
• Course sweep vans and vehicles
• Lunch option in Shelter Valley or Ocotillo
• DJ and festivities at Ocotillo Rec. Ctr.
• Rider goodie bag
• Secure gear drop at Start and Rest Stop #1
• Optional Post Ride Pasta Meal
• Refund/Rollover/Transfer Options
• 50 miles out, 50 miles back, that simple!
• Start/finish at new Ocotillo community park
• Optional 4-Person 100 Mile Team Time Trial 
• Full Century Finishers names posted online
• Karaoke at the lunch stop in Shelter Valley

Early Saturday morning at Ocotillo Community Park




Stunning desert and mountain views along the course


2008 Spring Stagecoach rider Heather from La Mesa, CA.  Photo Courtesy Brightroom.com


2008 Worldcycles.com riders, from Spring Valley, CA prepare their blazing fast tandem team powered by Alex and Deya.  Photo courtesy Brightroom.com


2008 Spring Stagecoach Registration Desk in Ocotillo

2009 Spring Stagecoach Century
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Ocotillo - Shelter Valley - Ocotillo

2009 Top Gun riders in formation out on the Great Southern Overland, #44 Sal H. from Chula Vista, CA and #107 Steve R. from Lakeside, CA
Photo Courtesy Brightroom.com


Courtney Krehbiel and Karen Finkelstein, Carlsbad, CA ride their 6th Shadow Tour event at the 2008 Spring Stagecoach.  Photo Courtesy Brightroom.com


   Rest Stop #1 hosted by Sandra Fairchild and the
  San Diego Triathlon Club, at Canyon Sin Nombres


Lisa from San Diego, CA enjoys mild weather at the 2008 Winter Stagecoach.  Photo courtesy Brightroom.com


      Rest Stop #2 traditionally hosted by Ken King
       and members of the San Diego Knickerbikers


Fist pumping good times out on the
Great Southern Overland
Photo courtesy Brightroom.com

Kenneth from Laguna Niguel gets aero to slice the winds out on the Great Southern Overland
Photo Courtesy Brightroom.com

elcome to the Spring Stagecoach Century! Kick your spring riding into high gear with a Wild West cycling adventure along the historic Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849. The route is identical to the Winter Stagecoach Century.  The main difference is warmer temperatures and spring desert bloom scenery.  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 Shadow Tour has contributed 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, '07.  Located on the north side of town, the 3.5 acre facility is an ideal start/finish location for in 2008 and beyond.

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 staff a total of 8 fully stocked rest stops.
     View of Jacumba Range riding South near Box Canyon

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.

The course will crosses Hwy 78 at the north end of the route and continues 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 current and past Rider Lists, the galleries  of century photos, and recent 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 rider’s constructive suggestions and ideas for improvement. 
            
               View South from top of Campbell Grade

2009 Spring Stagecoach Voler Jersey, Club Fit, 3/4 Hidden Zipper, 3 Large Rear Pockets:  

       

                          2009 Voler Jersey Front                                                 2009 Voler Jersey Back

                                                                                                                  

Important Jersey Ordering Dates:

Through Feb 11, '09:  Jerseys ordered by Feb 11 will be available at packet pickup.

Feb 12 - Apr 8, '09:  Jerseys ordered after Feb 11 are part of the 2nd production run; which will be
                                     finalized on Apr 8, '09.  Jerseys will be mailed in Jun '08 (free shipping).

Voler Jersey Sizing Charts (Visit www.voler.com for more details)

2009 Spring Stagecoach Century T-shirt:

T-shirt sizes are unisex, based on men's sizes:  Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, 2XL, and 3XL.

Sponsors:

Shadow Tour    Logo Designer	Official Host Hotel	Nutrition Supplements	Current Forecast     Ocotillo, CA	Official        Photographer
			Kendall's Cafe      at the Mall  587 Palm Cny Dr  Borrego Springs   760-767-3491
Efficiency Advice		Official Energy Bar	Official Lunch	Cyclists Attorney
		Official Energy Drink	Bike Mechanic       Services	Tony DiLorenzo     Dent Fixing Wizard
Prince & Assoc.       Realtors Kathleen Thayer  Realtor-Associate  (760) 337-4032  Lic. #01361512				Borrego Vista Realty Jean Anderson Borrego Springs CA  92004 (877) 500-7534
Ocotillo Postride  Meal Volunteer		Worldcycles.com		Shelter Valley Lunch          Volunteer

Course Maps and Profiles:

Spring Stagecoach Century Course Map

                                                   Click Here to download Spring Stagecoach Course Map as PDF

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 route sheets included in rider packets.

Cyclist Levels:

The course is moderately difficult overall, but is signicantly affected by weather conditions on the day of the ride. Individual cyclists should assess physical conditioning, weather, and course profiles in 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 this out-and-back course. For beginner cyclists, consider starting early as possible. Typical beginner riders take between seven and nine hours including stops, depending on weather conditions. More advanced cyclists typically complete the entire route in under six hours with minimal stops. The very fastests cyclists will be at or under five hours.

Registration:

Online and Mail-in registration now open.  Click below to get started!

We encourage riders to register early and SAVE BIG!

• Concerned about committing early? Please visit our Refund, Rollover and 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 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. Additonally, 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:

2009 Registration Notes (Spring Stagecoach)

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 $12 prior to the event, $15 day of event (limited quantities)
5.  Jerseys: Riders purchasing Jerseys by Feb 14, '09 will receive them at packet pickup. After 
     Feb 9, '09, riders purchasing jerseys receive them by mail in Jun, '09.
6.  T-shirts: All riders purchasing T-shirts will receive them at packet pick up
7.  All riders register as individuals, online or by mail, this includes tandems, teams, and clubs
8.  Make a selection for your included lunch:  Shelter Valley (halfway) OR Ocotillo (finish).  If no
     selection is made, your wristband will indicate your lunch choice as Shelter Valley.
9.  Registration fee is the same for all distances.

Lodging

OFFICIAL HOST HOTEL:

  
            

Shadow Tour is pleased to announce the official Host Hotel for the 2009 Spring 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, Apr 3, from Noon – 7:00 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 $69 plus tax for all Stagecoach riders, based on availability.  It's 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 $5.
      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.