Dear Sturdy Riders,
Last Call for Stagecoach!
Here's the deal: the Holidays are over. Rains have stopped in So Cal. The weather picture for Stagecoach looks clear for Jan 12th (Sunny, 30-58F, 6 mph winds). All the fudge cookies have been eaten. Your decorations have been packed & put away. All that remains are those extra 10 lbs of holiday fun, and, hopefully, a few lofty New Year's Resolutions.
We know you've heard of Stagecoach. Maybe thought "I'm gonna try that one someday". Well, "someday" is open for business next Sat, Jan 12th!
Stagecoach isn't rewarding because it's easy. It's rewarding because it's a genuine challenge to ALL participants. It will test a beginner, just like it tests a Hot Shot Stagecoach Veteran. Stagecoach demands respect from all. By giving it due respect, riders vastly improve their odds of successful completion.
The out & back designs let's RIDERS select the distance that works best FOR THEM. Riders may turn back whenever conditions, or condition-ing dictates. There's full support all along the route with 7 Rest Stops never more than 9 miles ahead, or behind.
The course isn't easy, nor is it particularly difficult either. With about 4,800 ft of climbing in the full century, it ranks as "Medium" difficulty. It's not the course...it's the unpredictable & changing desert weather that makes Stagecoach such a worthy foe. It can (and will) be cold at the start. There will be very dry desert air. There will be winds from all directions, including tailwinds. It might get warm (to riders) in the late afternoon down in the Badlands.
Stagecoach is memorable & rewarding, because it's not a freebee. It's necessary to battle the elements and face one's own fears. That's why "Stagecoach Century" is frequently listed on rider resume's as a proud accomplishment. That's why rider's who have done Stagecoach know the intense personal satisfaction of making it to the finish. No gifts out on the Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849--you'll earn every mile. And you'll feel the joy & relief at the Ocotillo Finish Line. Saddle up! EARN IT!
There's a special discount coupon at the bottom of this email. But YOU need to act, there are only 250 slots remaining. Register Right Now!
Arrive prepared & ready for anything! Bring it all, leg and arm warmers, shoe toe covers, long finger gloves, a base layer, bib shorts, jersey, wool socks, and a wind parka. Bring it all, then decide what isn't necessary on Saturday morning in Ocotillo before you roll.
Pearl Izumi will be at the Friday early packet pick-up from Noon to 8:00 P.M. with lots of warm gear & accessories. Stop by and check out their special offers!
~THE WILD WEST IS CALLING YOU!~
The 9th Annual 2013 Stagecoach Century is set to roll on Saturday, Jan 12, '13. This is your only chance to ride Stagecoach in 2013. There's no better way to kick off an exciting New Year of cycling, so join the Stagecoach Stampede. REGISTER TODAY!
+ Pristine Natural Desert Scenery + 100 Miles, with only 2 Stop Signs + Custom Stagecoach Medal & Pin + Long Course / Short Course Pricing Options + Time Trial Options (Solo/Tandem/Team) + Optional Chip Timing + Event Charity: Semper Fi Fund
+ NEW for 2013: Marked Strava segments + NEW for 2013: Optional Hanes "Tec T-shirts" + NEW for 2013: Trophies for Overall Solo and Team Champs (Men & Women)
Stagecoach Weather: Below are weather conditions from all past January Stagecoach Century rides. January is usually ideal for cycling, but it can be cold, windy, or both--that's just the desert being the desert. Since a photo is worth a thousand words, please visit the photo galleries. See for yourself. Riders, in mid-Jan, with short sleeve jerseys--a fairly good indicator! 2012: Mild temps 43-68F, mild winds 3-5 MPH, gusts to 10 MPH. Sunny & Nice. Photos
2011: Warm temps 46-79F, mild winds 3-8 MPH, gusts to 8 MPH. Sunny & Warm. Photos
2010: Mild temps 49-74F, mild winds 3-5 MPH, gusts to 10 MPH. Sunny & Warm. Photos 2009: Warm temps 45-82 F, mild winds 3-5 MPH, gusts to 10 MPH, Sunny & Warm. Photos 2008: Warm temps 48-74 F, mild winds 3-9 MPH, gusts to 15 MPH, Sunny & Warm. Photos 2007: Cold temps 28-42 F, mild winds 5-10 MPH, gusts to 15 MPH, Some Sun/Cold. Photos 2006: Mild temps 48-65 F, sustained winds 10-12, gusts to 20-25 MPH, Sunny/Windy. Photos 2005: Mild temps 50-70 F, mild winds 5-10 MPH, Sunny/Warm. Photos Our 2013 goal is to attract 750 Sturdy Stagecoach riders. In this grinder economy, we sure appreciate your continued support. We invite you to register for the ride today. And to help, we're offering a special 15% discount promocode SADDLEUP15 to past riders & members of the Interest List. Once you're in, encourage your cycling buddies to join you.
New Shadow Tour Group
Stagecoach Fan Page
The winter cycling season in San Diego and Imperial County deserts offers cool mornings & mild seasonal temps, deep blue skies, clean air, and spectacular desert scenery with blooming wildflowers, Ocotillo plants, and greenery all along the course, especially near the turnaround in Shelter Valley. All this with minimal vehicle traffic.
What makes Stagecoach singularly unique is the remote desert location. The route parallels the Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, the "real" Pony Express. Portions of the GSO are clearly visible along the ride. Most of the land is Anza-Borrego State Park or Bureau of Land Management public land, meaning it's our land to enjoy and protect.
The Stagecoach course has no stoplights, very low vehicle traffic, and minimal commercial and residential buildings. The course is on County Route S2, a well-maintained paved road, with mostly excellent road surfaces (the bumpy 1-mile stretch at Mile 96 is the notable exception). It's 50 miles out, 50 miles back, with only 2 lonely stop signs.
This idyllic platform makes many optional distances available to each rider, based on personal conditioning and weather conditions the day of the ride. With 6 carefully spaced, fully-stocked Rest Stops, all riders are well supported in both directions, regardless of distance. Support is never more than 9 miles away. With a little forethought, Stagecoach offers something special for all cycling levels, beginner to expert. You're encouraged to visit Rider Levels for no-nonsense advice on how to safely and successfully ride Stagecoach.
To sustain this marquee event, reaching new riders is vital. Please post a message & link to Stagecoach on your social networks, club, and company websites. And email your cycling buddies inviting them to join you. We're grateful for your referrals!
It's easy to spread the word, just click on the "Forward to a Friend" icon below. Many past riders tell us Stagecoach ranks as one of their most memorable cycling achievements. It's well worth the remote desert location. The Start/Finish is in Ocotillo, CA, 80 miles east of San Diego, just off Interstate 8.
Here's what's included with your paid entry:
Ride Registration Rider Updates Emails Detailed Final Rider Instructions Included Subway Lunch Meal Cue sheet for all route distances Free parking Free primitive camping nearby 6 fully stocked rest stops + included lunch Photography services Dedicated Law Enforcement Roving mechanical support Course sweep vans and vehicles Lunch option in Shelter Valley or Ocotillo DJ / Mini Expo / Festivities at the Finish Rider Goodie Bag 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 the Ocotillo Community Park Optional 4-Person 100-Mile Team Time Trial Optional Solo & Tandem Time Trial Full Century Finishers names posted online Complete Time Trial Results posted online Comprehensive "Round-up" email Custom Finisher's Medal & Pin Long Course / Short Course Options & Pricing NEW for 2013: Marked Strava segments (KOM's)
NEW for 2013: Optional Hanes "Tec T-shirts"
NEW for 2013: Trophies for Overall Solo and Team TT Champs (Men/Women)
www.shadowtour.com
Sponsor Corral:
Pearl Izumi: Pearl Izumi is a proud exhibitor for the 2013 Stagecoach Century! We will have a booth on Friday at packet pick up with great deals on Pearl Izumi apparel, cold weather gear & accessories. Cya there!
Holland Cycles: Master Frame builder, Bill Holland, designs, measures, and builds your Holland bicycle optimized for your unique dimensions, geometry, and riding style. Call Bill, Charles, or Cody to learn more at 619-469-1772. Leucadia Cyclery: Mention Stagecoach to receive a 10% discount off most parts and accessories, including Tune-ups! Owner Fred is a cool guy, who has mastered the Art of fixing all things Bicycle.
Kings Inn: We're proud to announce the Host Hotel for the 2013 Stagecoach is Kings Inn, in Mission Valley. They're offering riders a very special $59 p/t rate based upon availability. Book your reservations early to lock in these great prices. Visit Stagecoach website for details.
Traction Bicycles Mobile Repair: Will be at Stagecoach providing Mechanic & SAG support. Traction Bicycles specializes in all bicycles, from a child's 1st bike to high-end tri-bikes. Call owner Matt McDaniel for an appointment at 619-379-5150.
SCS Photoworks: Official Stagecoach photographer.
Stagecoach Century Fan Page
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