9th Annual 2013 Stagecoach Century
"Last Chance" Only 250 Slots!

Rolls Saturday, January 12th, 2013  

 
     9th Annual
  Stagecoach Century
     and Time Trials

Date: 
Sat, Jan 12, 2013

Where:
  Ocotillo, CA
(80 mi east of San Diego, just off I-8, Driving Map

Start: 7:00 - 9:00 A.M.

Distances:  26, 50, 73, 84, 90, and 100 miles.

   493 Reg. Riders

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    Attention
Sturdy Riders
       
        STAGECOACH
  rolls Sat, Jan 12, '13

  Registration Open!

        STAGECOACH
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2011 Stagecoach Jersey Front
Front 
2012 Stagecoach Jersey Back
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2013 Stagecoach Medal

2013 Pin
2013 Stagecoach Pin

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9th Annual 2013 Stagecoach Century
~~ and ~~
Solo/Tandem/Team Time Trials
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!   


Register Now


     +  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. 


  


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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.

 

                              Rider Levels                             

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.     

 

Register Now 

 

Like us on Facebook 

                                   Stagecoach Century Fan Page

We're looking forward to seeing all of you at the 9th Annual 2013 Stagecoach Century.

As always, please ride defensively in traffic, point out hazards & obstacles to your cycling buddies following behind you, stay right of the white line whenever possible, be on high alert at all times, and always, always, always...watch out for the unexpected! 

 

Saddle Up
Eeeee-Haaaa!

  

~Jim & Larry

 

Jim Knight
Larry Gitman 

Founders/Managing Members

Shadow Tour, LLC   


Editor's Note: 
Apologies, in advance, for any mistakes, typo's, oversights, or factual errors in this Newsletter.  Visit shadowtour.com for corrections, if applicable.  As always, I'll work to improve in the future.   ~Jim

 

                              

                             

   Stagecoach PNG  

 




Save
 15%

Rope in "Last Chance" prices by registering now for the 9th Annual 2013 STAGECOACH CENTURY on Sat, Jan 12, '13 in Ocotillo, CA.   We're pleased to offer a special discount to past Shadow Tour riders and members of the Interest List.  Sign up Today & Save!

Enter promocode SADDLEUP15 (all caps) when you register online.  It's the last step, so be careful not to miss it. Active.com software is case-sensitive. The promocode is also valid for
Walk-up's. The discount applies to entry fee only.  May not be combined with other offers, and is not retro-active.

"Last Chance" based on a max field size of 750 riders.  
Offer Expires:  9:00 A.M. (PST), Sat, Jan 12, '13