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Dear Sturdy Riders,
Thanks for registering for the 2011 Stagecoach Century, on Sat, Jan 15, '11, in Ocotillo, CA. Below are more pre-ride updates/preparation tips for registered riders. Everything below is also posted on the website. One last update will follow the 2nd week of Jan. The "Final Rider Instructions are posted on the website. Any last-minute changes will be included in the Jan Update and will be posted on the website and on the Stagecoach Facebook Fanpage.
1. Countdown: 17 Days until Stagecoach rolls!
2. Sponsors: Please visit the Sponsor Corral at the bottom of this email for great deals! Always mention Stagecoach.
3. Key Documents:
a. Final Rider Instructions & Course Map: Please read carefully. Download here.
b. San Diego Waiver Form: Save time at packet pick up! Please print out, complete, date, sign, and bring to Fri/Sat packet pick up. Download here.
c. Driving Map: Basic map showing location of Ocotillo, CA. Download here.
4. Packet Pick up Details: Friday and Saturday options. Riders may pick up friend's packets with written permission, such as a printed email authorizing release.
a. Fri, Jan 14, '11: Noon - 8:00 P.M. at Host Hotel, Mission Valley Resort, 875 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108. Riders may register in person. Please bring cash. There is an ATM located in parking lot.
b. Sat, Jan 15, '11: 6:45 - 9:00 A.M. Ocotillo Community Park. Riders may register in person. Please bring cash. No ATM's are available.
5. Upgrades: Riders may upgrade from Short Course to Long Course on Fri or Sat. Cost is $15.
6. Detailed Driving Directions: Here's a link to Mapquest and a basic map showing the location of Ocotillo, CA. Caution: Don't confuse with "Ocotillo Wells", which is about 60 miles away from the Start/Finish!
7. Ocotillo Exit off Interstate 8: Coming from the coast (west), it's the exit right after the Calexico exit. From the east, it's the Ocotillo/Imperial Hwy exit. Vols will guide you at the offramp.
8. T-shirts/Jerseys: Optional T-shirts will be available at packet pick up. A limited quantity of extra T-shirts and Jerseys will be available for purchase, 1st come, 1st served.
9. Bicycle Maintenance: As posted in Nov, Stagecoach is no place to take a chance on worn bicycle components. If in doubt, get a tune-up. Ask your mechanic to replace any questionable parts, especially tubes & tires! Here are some links: San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County.
10. Frequently Asked Questions: Here's the link to learn more about camping, Rest Stop items, parking, etc.
11. Referrals: Please encourage your friends to join you at Stagecoach. You may pass along promocode "WEST20" to new riders (see coupon below). It's a special $20 discount.
PREVIOUS UPDATES:
Special Jersey Announcement: Our jersey provider has granted a short deadline extension to Fri, Nov 19, for ordering jerseys in the 1st Production Run. These jerseys will be delivered at the event for those who purchase them. The 2011 design is one of our best. See website for more details. To order:
a. Send an email to Jim with your Name, Size and Quantity. Deadline is 4:00 P.M. PST Fri, Nov 19, '10.
b. Mail check (as soon as possible) for $70 to:
ST Promotions, LLC
Attn: Jersey
13143 Kellam Ct, #41
San Diego, CA 92130
Rider Levels: Be sure to check out the section on the website titled "Rider Levels". It's a comprehensive resource for riders to learn about the course. Specific tips and advice are provided for a wide variety of rider levels and objectives. You'll also find a detailed course description and details relating to weather, including past weather data. Future updates will include your comments and suggestions. We strongly recommend reading it.
Training: The fall weather has been delightful for riding;
with cool mornings and mild afternoon temps in So Cal. It's important to start building up for the ride now, so that means getting those training rides in. With limited daylight, it can be challenging during the week. But, on the weekends, shoot for rides of 2-4+ hours.
Desert Weather: Co-Founder Jim rode the Stagecoach course on Nov 16. Starting at 6:30 A.M., temp was 45F. Wore a base layer + light arm warmers and was fine the whole way. Finish temps in the 70's, not a cloud in the sky. Mild winds. Let's hope for more of that in Jan!
Previous Stagecoach Weather www.shadowtour.com
2005: Mild temps 50-70 F, mild winds 5-10 MPH,
Sunny and Warm
2006: Mild temps 48-65 F, sustained winds 10-12,
gusting to 20-25 MPH, Sunny
2007: Cold temps 28-42 F, mild winds 5-10 MPH,
gusting to 15 MPH, Overcast/Some Sun
2008: Warm temps 48-74 F, mild winds 3-9 MPH,
gusting to 15 MPH, Sunny and Warm
2009: Warm temps 45-82 F, mild winds 3-5 MPH,
gusting to 10 MPH, Sunny and Warm
2010: Mild temps 49-74F, mild winds 3 - 5 MPH, gusts
to 10 MPH. Sunny and Warm.
Bicycle Maintenance: Stagecoach is no place to take a chance! We highly recommend every rider have their bicycle tuned-up before the ride, along with a thorough safety inspection. If tires are borderline, have them replaced, same for brakes. You'll enjoy your ride more knowing your bike is mechanically ready for the ride. We have begun posting bike shops in San Diego, Orange County, and LA. Some offer Stagecoach riders discounts, so be sure to ask! See sponsor offers below.
Referrals: Stagecoach is a unique event in many ways. Our #1 source of new riders comes from previous riders telling their friends. We are very proud of this. For 2011, more than ever, we need your referrals to encourage more riders to accept the Stagecoach challenge by registering.
a. Facebook: Below is a link to the Stagecoach Facebook page. We invite you to become a Fan of Stagecoach and invite your friends to join. It's a great way to share stories, post photos, and join discussions.
Sponsor Corral:
a. World Cycles: Save 10% off most parts and accessories and save 20% off Tune-ups. Great deals on bikes too. Ask Owner Alex about Coaching and Training systems.
b. Leucadia Cyclery: Mention Stagecoach to receive 10% discount off most parts and accessories, including Tune-ups! Owner Fred is a cool guy with incredible knowledge.
c. Nytro: Special 20% off Tune-ups. Ask for Walt (who will be riding Stagecoach). Please mention ride.
d. Attorney Richard Duquette offers some wise legal advice for riders: "Don't skimp on insurance!". Check out his article on Under/Uninsured Motorists. Richard and wife Kim, are avid cyclists, triathletes, and Stagecoach Vets. Contact Richard at 760-730-0500. Here's his link.
e. Mission Valley Resort: The Host Hotel for Stagecoach is offering riders a special price of $69 plus tax. Click here for more details.
f. Sport Action Photos: New Official photographer, specializing in capturing unique action-oriented rider photos at affordable prices.
g. America by Bicycle: America's #1 fully-supported Coast to Coast Bicycle Touring Co. All crossings offer shorter stages for new-comers. Come by our booth after Stagecoach to learn more!
h. Ellsworth Bicycles: Celebrating 20 years in 2011. Proud Sponsor the 2011 Stagecoach Century. We'll be at Rest Stop #1 helping support your ride. Visit www.ellsworthbikes.com to learn more about our new line-up of Mountain and Road bikes.
i. Pearl Izumi: Proud Sponsor of 2011 Stagecoach. Come visit our booth on Fri and Sat for some great Factory Outlet deals on lots of winter cycling clothing and accessories.
Looking forward to seeing all of you in January. More updates in Jan. Until then, we send you our best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year!
Warmly,
Jim and Larry
Managing Members
Shadow Tour, LLC
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