CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
2014 FIESTA METRIC RIDERS!

Mother Nature served up an absolutely delightful early summer day, with only an early A.M. Marine Layer on the Coast, thinning to Sunny & Warm inland conditions, finishing with Sunny & Blue skies back at the brand new Waterfront Park Finish on Fiesta Saturday.  There were 292 Final Registered Riders.  256 riders rolled from the Start in Downtown San Diego.  151 riders completed the Full Metric Century. Results are posted below. More Fiesta details will be included in final "Round up" email coming soon.

A HUGE Thanks to all Riders, Sponsors, Volunteers, as well as County, Municipal, Harbor, Park, and Police Permitting Agencies for helping making the 6th Annual Fiesta Metric Century a success.  A special "THANKS LADIES!" to the fine Volunteers from the Team Fun/Carbon Connection Women's Cycling Team based in Carlsbad, CA.  These energetic Vol's staffed Rest Stops 1, 2, & 4.  Also, Many Thanks to Gloria and the Duarte Family for their wonderful Volunteer efforts at Rest Stop #3 (turnaround).

You may still order a 2014 Fiesta Metric Jersey directly from Voler, click here.  A few 2014 Fiesta Metric Tech-T's are available, click here.

We look forward to seeing everyone again at the 2014 4th Annual Palm Desert Century on Sat, Nov 8th, '14.

  ALL RIDERS MUST READ CAREFULLY!!

Star of India in San Diego Harbor

Welcome to the 6th Annual Fiesta Metric Century, a 100 Km paved recreational cycling event. This event is not a race, just a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning and early afternoon enjoying the best of Summer cycling in San Diego County.  We like to think of this ride as a "Mellow Metric". Our sincere gratitude goes out to all Sponsors and Supporters of the Fiesta Metric Century.

The ride starts in the heart of San Diego's Downtown Harbor District, by the San Diego Bay, at the San Diego County Administration Center.  The route proceeds south along the Bay and waterfront, turning east onto the Sweetwater Bikepath, where it becomes much more rural through scenic Bonita and Chula Vista.  The route passes by the Olympic Training Facility, along the shore of Otay Lakes, before continuing to the turnaround point under the shade trees at Pio Pico/Thousand Trails Campsite and Store.  The route then returns to the Start/Finish along the same route (minus the Otay Lakes/Olympic Training Facility section).  Individual cyclists may elect to ride shorter distances (20 - 45 miles) as described on the website and on Cue Sheets included in rider packets.

Shadow Tour event organizers take great pride in producing memorable cycling events. The focus is on the needs of the cyclist. Rest Stops are carefully placed at key points along the course and are well-stocked. That includes all the basics of filtered water, Vitalyte, and Clif Bar energy bars, but also includes fresh Oranges, Bananas, PB&J's, Pretzels, Red Vines, Fig Newtons, Cookies, and more. To kick it up a notch, Rest Stops also boast E-Caps (salt + magnesium + potassium), Advil, Lip Balm, Sunscreen, Chamois Butt'r, Hand Sanitizer, and Portajohns. At each Rest Stop, the Start/Finish, and roving on the course, riders are supported by the Pride & Joy of the event staff: Friendly and Helpful Volunteers who are enthusiastic and thoroughly briefed.

To insure each rider is well prepared, specific ride details and timelines are provided in the Final Rider Instructions, which are posted on the website, emailed to all registered riders, and included in every participant's rider packet.  Also included in the rider packet are detailed route maps, turn-by-turn instructions, and key telephone contacts.  Safety is of paramount importance.  Potential hazards are carefully described on the website and in the Final Rider Instructions.  And where possible, road hazards are marked with signs on the course.  Every Rest Stop has a First Aid Kit, spare tubes, and a full sized floor pump.  A roving EMT equipped with medical supplies (including defibrillator!), is also ready to respond at a moment's notice.  There are also multiple SAG and Mechanic vehicles roving the course marked with orange Shadow Tour signs.  Each route is well marked with biodegradable dayglow arrows on the asphalt prior to each turn (with a confirming arrow on other side), along with reusable signs and course markers at key turns.  Certain highlights of the course are marked with signs, such as the "highest elevation" and "Rest Stop" ahead.

The Fiesta Metric Century is designed to blend all the best of San Diego's cycling into one stress-free event.  There are beautiful views of San Diego Bay, rural inland rolling hills through Bonita and Chula Vista, a serene stretch along Otay Lakes, two miles on the Sweetwater Bikepath parallel to the Sweetwater River, and an exciting downtown Start/Finish.

At the conclusion of the ride, all registered riders receive an included Finish Line Fiesta Mexican Buffet catered by El Indio Restaurant--a San Diego institution!  There will be a DJ, live entertainment provided by Manny Cepeda and his Salsa Trio Band, a Healthy Living Sponsor Expo with Moment Cycle Sport (Bike Shop Sponsor), and seating for riders and guests to hang out, share a great meal with friends, and enjoy the sun & cool breezes off the San Diego Bay.  Ride momentos include a Custom full-color Medal and Fiesta Pin.  We think its a perfect wind-down for a fantastic summer ride!

At Shadow Tour, we believe in preserving the history for each event.  Many riders have noticed that other cycling event websites erase virtually every trace of the previous year's event.  At Shadow Tour, the continuity of every event is important, because each year is different and unique.  Participant's names, cities, and number of previous Shadow Tour events are posted to the "Rider Lists" and are not deleted.  The Gallery Tab has fly-outs for every single previous Shadow Tour event and links to photo galleries for each ride.  Riders who complete the Full Distance of the course, such as the Full Metric Century at the Fiesta Metric Century, will have their names and cities listed under the "Results & Records" tab.  These results are permanently displayed and serve as a point of pride for many first-timers and veterans alike.  Lastly, every event concludes with a comprehensive Round-up email, describing the event, the weather conditions on the day of the ride, total number of riders, total number of full course finishers, links to the photographer services, and various stories from the ride. 

If you're a returning Shadow Tour rider, Many Thanks for your loyalty and your incredible referrals over the years.  If this is your first event, give Shadow Tour a shot!  We're confident you'll enjoy the experience!    

    
                                         Shortly before the 1st wave start, 6:55 A.M.

    
                                                Star of India in background

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Many permitting agencies are involved with this urban/rural event.  Final course route, start times, and other details may change without notice due to unforeseen requirements or conditions from a permitting agency or supporting element.  Finalized course information will be posted, along with Final Rider Instructions approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the Fiesta Metric Century.

Fiesta Metric Century
Maps and Elevation Profiles:

   45 Mi Map + Elevation Profile

   20 Mi Map + Elevation Profile

20 Mi Map Elevation Profile

  Downloadable maps

Notes:

1.  Avoid lines on Saturday.  Hotel is directly across the streeet from the Start/Finish.
2.  Calmly review your rider packet, Final Rider Instructions, course maps, and other.
3.  Carefully affix numbers to helmet in advance, vastly improving ID by photographers.
4.  Review 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.  Resolve any registration issues in a relaxed environment.
7.  Easy in/out FREE PARKING for packet pickup in Hampton Inn underground parking structure.
8.  Chance to purchase additional t-shirts and jerseys while most sizes are likely available.
9.  Ask questions or get information on Friday afternoon/evening when volunteers
     and staff are not as pressed for time (like they will be early Saturday morning).
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.

Preferred Event Hotel: Best Western Bayside Inn 555 West Ash St San Diego, CA  92101 Direct:      619-233-7500 Toll Free:  1-800-341-1818  Fax:         619-239-8060

Directions:  Click Here

• Courtesy shuttle to and from Airport/Amtrak
• Special Rates based on availability
• All guest rooms have private balconies overlooking beautiful San Diego Bay or Skyline
• Complimentary early Breakfast Buffet for riders
• Outdoor Heated Pool and Spa
• Free pass to nearby fitness center (Pure Fitness)
• Fax and Copy Services at Front Desk
• Complimentary WI-FI Access
• Complimentary In-room Safe
• Located adjacent to Little Italy
• Microwave, refridgerator, and coffee maker
• Bayside Bar & Grill located Inside Hotel

 
 View of SD Bay and Start/Finish from Hotel.  Note
 sails of Star of India, that's the Start/Finish.


      Best Western Bayside Room with Bay View


    Best Western Bayside Room View of Full Moon