Hotels:

La Casa Del Zorro:

Borrego Valley Inn:

Borrego Springs Resort:

Camping:

The Springs at Borrego RV and Golf Course:

Anza-Borrego State Park:

Primative & developed sites.  Nature trails at visitors center include a .25 mi trail and desert garden and .6 mi paved all access trail, dogs permitted.


   Dawn in Borrego Springs


    Anza-Borrego Valley


    Views to Salton Sea

Date:             Saturday, October 18, 2008
Distances:    100 / 78 / 44 / 27 mile options
Location:      600 Christmas Circle, Borrego
                       Springs, CA 92004
Field Limit:   3,000
Start Times:
    Team Time Trial:     7:00 A.M. - 8:00 A.M.
    Individual Riders:   7:15 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.

                

       2008 Registration now open!

                 

                        

++++  2008 Latest News  ++++

1.  2007 Wrap-up email sent to all Salton Sea
     Century riders on 10-26-07, click here
2.  Full Century Finishers:  42 determined riders,
     out of a field of 354, click here
3.  TTT Results:  Champs Team Salton See Ya's
     When We Get There, Open Men 50+, 7:45:00
4.  Brightroom Photos Now Posted:  Click here
5.  Apr 15, '08:  Course adjustments for 2008 (same overall route, just different order of laps).
     Lap 1:  27 miles, includes Yaqui Pass climb (5 mile climb (from 508 ft el to 1,725 ft el) returns to Christmas Circle/Rest Stop 1.
     Lap 2:  17 miles, tour around City of Borrego Springs, returns to Christmas Circle/Rest Stop/Lunch Stop.
     Lap 3:  28 miles east on S22 to Salton City and return to Christmas Circle/Finish.
6.  Apr 15, '08:  Link to All Sport preview of new course layout, click here

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

Lodging Options:

Alliances: Click here for links to informal lodging alliances. Some have century promotional rates.

Complete List of hotels and camping: Click here for lodging information from the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce. Borrego Springs has about 350 rooms at all price points and sizes. Each room sleeps at least 2 and the total hotel capacity is about 1,000. Booking early is recommended for rooms, camp sites, and RV spaces.  Mention the Salton Sea Century when you book reservations for possible discounts.

All riders receive with paid entry:

     •  Ride registration
     •  Ultimate 100 mile 4 person Team Time
           Trial Challenge (optional)
     •  Cue sheet for all route distances
     •  Six fully stocked rest stations, plus
           lunch/rest stop items at Christmas Circle
     •  Brightroom photography services
     •  Dedicated Law Enforcement
     •  Tom Cody's Bike Mobile roving support van
     •  Lunch at Christmas Circle or Rest Stop 4
     •  Post ride music, DJ, and festivities at
           Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs
     •  Free Parking
     •  Goodie bag

      

2nd Annual Salton Sea Century

2007 David Moser grinds away near Yaqui Summit
Photo courtesy Brightroom Photography

Christmas Circle Sunrise
Photo courtesy Jean Anderson

The Springs at Borrego RV Resort
Photo credit: Stephanie Gonser

Ride Description:

The Salton Sea Century is a recreational road bicycle event in the low to middle desert elevations in and around Borrego Springs, California, USA. In addition to individuals riding various distances, the century will feature a unique four person "Ultimate 100 Mile Team Time Trial." The low traffic roads and pristine desert scenery flanked by soaring mountains make this ride another marquee “safe, scenic and sensational century ride on roads less traveled” Shadow Tour century experience. The ride starts and finishes at the grassy community park in the heart of Borrego Springs, known as Christmas Circle, at an elevation of 600 feet above sea level. Based on rider feedback from the 2007 event, the course has been modified, moving the climb up Yaqui Pass to the first lap.  Next comes a scenic 17 mile tour around Borrego Springs before turning east toward the Salton Sea on S22, over a 975 foot elevation desert pass, creating pano-views of the Salton Sea, mountains and desert, before descending to Salton City at about -75 feet below sea level.

The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California and one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world. It was formed from 1905 to 1907 when a poorly constructed temporary dam on the Colorado River collapsed. The Salton Sea is a breathtaking sight from a distance and is home to hundreds of species of birds; however the lake is not recommended for water activities due to high saline content and poor overall water quality. Several local and federal projects are underway to improve the fragile ecosystem of the lake.  Learn more about the Salton Sea on the SDSU Salton Sea website (click here).

The new route for 2008 sends riders southeast on Borrego Springs Road toward SR 78 and return to the La Casa Del Zorro intersection "Hot Corner", where the course turns south on S3 and climbs up a 5 mile ascent from 508 ft el. to the Yaqui Pass Summit at 1,750 ft el. The route returns down the well-earned 5 mile downhill stretch, across the flat, usually breezy, five mile desert floor to the Christmas Circle/Rest Stop 1.  This completes Lap 1 and the 27 mile course.  On Lap 2, riders proceed north on Borrego Springs Rd for a 17 mile mid-morning grand circular tour of the City of Borrego Springs, returning to Christmas Circle at approximately mile 44.  This is the Lunch Stop for riders selecting Christmas Circle as their lunch location.  Lap 3 takes riders east on S22 to Rest Stop 4 at mile 62.  This is the Lunch Stop for riders selecting Rest Stop 4 as their preferred lunch location.  Riders may turn-around and return to Christmas Circle for a 78 mile ride.   Full century riders continue east over the 975 ft el. desert pass, to the turn-around point in Salton City at mile 72.  As the course desends below sea level, the road surface becomes rougher from mile 68 to 71.  Riders should slow down and use extra caution on this section.  The route returns west bound on S22 to Rest Stop 4, and on to the full century finish at Christmas Circle.  The last section, out to the Salton Sea, will almost certainly be more challenging as desert heat, afternoon winds, and gradual elevation gains add up during the ride.  Expect tailwinds on the way out to Salton City and strong head winds on the way back.  Roughly 2,400 feet of climbing occur in the first 44 miles. The remaining 2,000 feet is strategically reserved for full century riders in the last 56 miles.

The finish line festival will feature live music, DJ Mark, food and beverage by Kendall's Cafe, other local vendors and sponsor booths along with other cool activities. There are also shade trees, picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of grass to spread out a blanket and hang out with friends and family after the ride.

The 100 mile course has about 4,400 feet of gentle climbing and we rate it as average difficulty overall. For a beginner century rider, the first 27 miles of the route involve riding longer and steeper desert climbs and descents on secondary desert roads.  The second half of the course is non-technical and has very gentle grades with long sight lines and low vehicle traffic.  Expect predictable rising afternoon winds and temps in the high 80s to low 90s, which combine to increase the difficulty. For more experienced riders, there is plenty of challenge if you want to ride a more spirited pace, or even form a team for the Ultimate 100 mile Team Time Trial. The Yaqui Pass leg is the steepest climb on the route, rising 1,242 feet in 5 miles. The Yaqui Pass summit at 1,750 feet elevation is the highest point on the course and is followed immediately by a fast 5 mile descent. Overall, the ride is not a technical challenge, but variable afternoon winds and potentially hot conditions in the desert in October must be respected when selecting your distance. We have purposely designed the course to be flexible, with three distinct laps allowing riders several decision-points to modify actual riding distances based on the weather conditions and how riders feel out on the course on the day of the ride.
  

         
              Team "Salton See Ya When We Get There"  at Yaqui Pass Summit, photo by Larry Gitman

 2007 Salton Sea Century Jersey

 

2007 Salton Sea Century Front                               2007 Salton Sea Century Back

See below, or Click here for Voler sizing chart

	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

Salton Sea Century Voler Jersey
Orders by Sep 2, 07 receive jersey at event, after Sep 2, jerseys mailed in Dec 07

Ride Sponsors, Affiliates, and Volunteers:

	2000 Main St Julian, CA 760-765-2094 Thanks Debbie!			Click above to be notified when your photos are ready!
Shadow Tour   Logo Designer	Official Lunch      Sandwiches	Nutritional Supplements	Current Weather     Borrego Springs	Official       Photographer
Efficiency Advisor	Chamber of Commerce	Official Energy Bar	Entertainment	Cyclists Attorney
			Desert Sky Properties 680 Palm Canyon Dr. Christmas Circle Borrego Springs CA  92004 (760) 500-7534
Lunch Stop      Volunteers	La Casa Del Zorro      Ice Sponsor	Fluid Replacement	Jean Anderson    Lunch Volunteer	Official Shadow Tour         Bike Shop
		Tom & Dawn Cody     Roving Mechanics		Tony DiLorenzo     Timing Marshal

Location Specifics:

Christmas Circle Community Park
600 Christmas Circle
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Date: Saturday, October 20th 2007

Start Windows:

Teams:          7:00 A.M. - 8:00 A.M.
Individuals:  7:15 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.

Directions: Click below & enter address for
personalized directions.

Registration: Click below to enter

Course Profiles - Click Below

Regional Map

Century Route

Century Profile

Century 3D

Half Century Route

Half Century Profile

Half Century 3D

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.

Team Time Trial:

ST Promotions is rolling out a special challenge for Salton Sea Century riders: The four-person "Ultimate 100 mile Team Time Trial" (TTT). In the spirit of epic events like Furnace Creek 508, Fireweed 400, Tour De France, and Race Across America (RAAM), we have created our own TTT format. This is not a relay, all four members of each team ride together in a single, safe, paceline, from start to finish. The Fireweed 400 motto sums it up best: "Safety first, Fun second, Success third."

Preliminary guidelines are posted here; more specific rules will be posted prior to the ride on Saturday, October 20, 2007. The Salton Sea Century Ultimate 100 mile TTT requires teams to strategize, work together, ride safely, and handle all Mother Nature's most wicked wildcards. For a few well-prepared teams, this promises to be a worthy platform for an exciting monster day in the saddle, that can likely rank as one of the most memorable events of a riding career. Make no mistake, despite the perceived gentleness of this low desert course, a full speed, 100 mile Team Time Trial in desert heat and wind will be beyond difficult for teams wishing to test their limits. Prepare carefully, train well in advance as a team, practice smooth team paceline rotations, work out rehydration strategies, rehearse "plan B's", and above all, ride safely!

Salton Sea Century TTT Divisions:

Club Men Four Rider (4 men, same club, active members) (average age 20+, 30+, 40+, 50+, 60+)
Club Women Four Rider (4 women, same club, active members) (average age 20+, 30+, 40+, 50+, 60+)
Open Men Four Rider (4 men or 3 men + 1 woman) (average age 20+, 30+, 40+, 50+, 60+)
Open Women Four Rider (4 women or 3 women + 1 man) (average 20+, 30+, 40+, 50+, 60+)
Open Mixed Four Rider (2 men + 2 women) (average age 20+, 30+, 40+, 50+, 60+)

TTT Team Roster Form Click Here

TTT Results and Records: Click Here

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 Borrego Springs or Rest Stop 4 is included with all ride distances
4. “Post Ride” bbq meals are $12 prior to the event, $15 day of event (limited surplus supplies, best to purchase in advance).
5. Jerseys: Riders purchasing Jerseys by Aug 18, '08 will receive them at packet pickup. After Aug 18, '08, riders purchasing jerseys are part of the 2^nd Jersey Production Run.  Jerseys will be mailed in mid Dec.
6. T-shirts: 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. Ultimate 100 mile 4-person Team Time Trial is optional. No additional fee. Read more here.

Lodging Alliances with The Salton Sea Century

Website

        1881 Rams Hill Rd
        PO Box 2190
        Borrego Springs, CA
        92004-2190

        800-732-9200

        Claudiab@montesoro.com

Montesoro, a private golf and social club, is offering a 20% discount on desert retreat homes for participants in the Salton Sea Century Ride.

Rest and relax in a 1 to 3 bedroom home of your choice. Choose from the Casitas, Santa Rosa Homes, Santa Fe Patio Homes, or the San Felipe Custom Homes. All have pool access and beautiful mountain views. After your ride, enjoy a late afternoon meal at the private club or relax in the lounge for a cool beverage and appetizer.

Contact Claudia at 760-767-5000 ext 207 to make your reservations.

        1112 Tilting T Drive
        PO Box 981
        Borrego Springs, CA
        92004

        888-826-7734

3845 Yaqui Pass Road
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

1-888-336-9336

Click Here for special Room & Casita rate sheet for Salton Sea Century riders.

For groups of four or more, LCDZ casitas are an excellent value!

San Diego's only four-diamond desert resort located in the heart of the majestic Anza Borrego Desert. Luxury accommodations, acclaimed wining & dining, full complement of recreational activities and salon services await you in this beautiful desert oasis.

• Salon with full Spa Services: massage, body wraps, manicures & pedicures, facials
• Olympic Style Archery w/instruction & equipment
• Elegant indoor & outdoor patio dining featuring our award winning 6,000 bottle wine cellar.
• Serene waterfalls, streams and Rose Garden.
• Tennis, Ping Pong, Horse shoes, Billiards, Life Size Chess, Bocce Ball, Shuffleboard, Putting Green, Mountain Bikes and Croquet Pavilion.

405 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004-2421

1-800-333-5810

( SOLD OUT )

Enjoy pre-ride warm-ups or post-ride recovery in Borrego Springs' premium desert inn. Stay 3 nights (Thursday - Sunday) for the price of 2 (Friday - Saturday) and extend your desert experience!
Call 1-800-333-5810 to reserve with promo code BIKE0107.

2255 DiGiorgio Road
PO Box 70
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

1-866-330-0003

The Springs was recently awarded Woodall's highest 5W rating, placing it in the top 3% of RV parks nationwide for both facilities and recreation!