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      OCTOBER RIDER UPDATES


Dear Palm Desert Century Registered Rider,

Thank You for joining the 5th Annual Palm Desert Century (PDC).  We're pleased to report a strong field size of 350+ registered riders.  Please check your Name & Bib # on the Riders ListMANY THANKS for all your help in spreading the word!  There's a special discount coupon for your friends & family at the bottom of this email.  PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS RIDE TO YOUR CYCLING FRIENDS! 


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SPECIAL NOTE:  California & Municipal Permitting & Traffic Control requirements are at an all time high due to recent incidents & tragedies at other events.  The cost of producing a Safe & Fully-compliant cycling event has skyrocketed!  Now, more than ever, please encourage your cycling friends to join you at the Palm Desert Century for a SAFE & ORGANIZED ride.  Shadow Tour has ALWAYS PLACED YOUR SAFETY & COMFORT ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE! 

                                                                                     
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With just over 2 weeks until PDC rolls on Sat, Nov 14, '15, it's time to provide very important specifics about the ride.  Please take about 30 minutes to carefully read this email and study your Rider Instructions.  Also review the Course Strip Map, containing vital course and support details.  We will send one more email in early Nov with final details & updates.

1.  Rider Instructions:  You may download the Rider Instructions, or  view them on the website.  Carefully study these 3 pages and the 1-page Course Strip Map.  Cue Sheets/turn-by-turn directions for all courses will be at packet pick up.  

 Highlighted below are some of the most important details:     


a.  Start/Finish Directions & Location:  University Park, Palm Desert, CA

      -  Address:  74-902 College Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211
  

      -  Google Maps/Directions:  Click here
      -  Park is newly constructed.  Use care with GPS devices & Mapquest.
      -  Actual Start/Finish:  Traffic Circle at the South end of University Park
          (near the entrance from Cook St)
      -  San Diego Riders:  We do not recommend driving on CA-79 through
           Temecula.  Best route to Palm Desert: I-15 to I-215 to CA-60 to I-10.
           Cook St is Exit 134 off I-10, then 2 blocks south, turn right into park. 

b.  Event Parking:  


Opens at 5:30 A.M, Sat, Nov 8, '14
-  Parking Volunteers/Police will direct arriving riders.
-  Be Patient!   PDC is a Rage-Free Zone!  (it's way too early to stress). 
-  Primary Parking:  University Village Parking Lots
-  Overflow Parking:  CSUSB Campus Parking Lot "B" (ONLY), located
    directly across Cook St.  Campus Lot "B" closes at 6:00 P.M.
-  Do not park in areas marked "No Parking" or "No Event Parking"
We're very fortunate to have permission to use these lots! 
    Please be cool out there.  Don't park in Homewood Suites spaces
    (unless you're a guest), nor in Carl's Jr, the Dialysis Clinic, or reserved
    spaces.  If in doubt, don't! 

c.  Rider Packet Pick up:  Riders may pick up packets on Fri or Sat.

       -  Fri, Nov 13, '15

           University Park, Registration Tent, next to the basketball court
           Noon to 8:00 P.M.
           May pick up friends' packets with permission note/email
           Walk-up Reg's, if not sold out.  Visit website first.  Cash/Credit Cards.
           Fri:  2-hr parking in University Village Lot  
    
         -Sat, Nov 14, '15

           University Park, Registration Tent, next to the basketball court
           5:45 to 8:00 A.M.
           May pick up friend's packets with permission note/email
           Walk-up Reg's, if not sold out.  Visit website first.  Cash/Credit Cards.
           Sat Event Parking in Univ. Village Lots & CSUSB Lot "B" until 6:00 P.M.

d.  Safety:  Rider safety is the most important aspect of the event.  

        -  This is a "Rules of the Road" event, meaning riders must comply with
            all Traffic Laws, including stopping at red Light Signals and Stop signs.
        
        -  Red Zones:   Potentially hazardous areas, max speed of 20 MPH, ride
            single file, with Extra Caution, as far to the right as safely possible.
           
            (1)  Ave 52 Traffic Circle:  Flow only North & South on Jefferson St.
                   thru Traffic Circle.  Traffic Circle is not a course turnaround point.
                   Use extra care as lanes have been realigned from 2 lanes to 1
                   entering the Traffic Circle (in 2015).

            (2)  Box Canyon Rd:  Both directions, ride to the right, call out passing
                   vehicles, watch for uneven road surfaces.  USE EXTRA CARE!

            (3)   All Left Turns on the course require extra vigilence.  Use arm
                    signals to communicate your intentions to traffic.  Announce
                    "Turning Left/Right!" to other riders.
      
       -  Riders ignoring Traffic Laws will be ticketed by Police, and will be
           disqualified from the event, and will not receive credit for completing
           the Full Century/Time Trial.  PDC is not a race, just take 'er easy!
       
        -  Bottom Line:  STAY ALERT!  Protect yourself at all times.  Ride
            safely and defensively, like your life depends on it, because it does!

e.  Bike Inspection:  We strongly recommend a complete Tune up and Safety
      Inspection of your bicycle prior to PDC.  The desert is no place for worn,
      or questionable tires, brakes, or wheels.  Bike parts wear out, it's a fact of
      life.  Each rider is responsible for their own bicycle.  Mechanics will roam
      the course on Sat.  Pay mechanics for any parts they replace

f.  Start Times:  There will be a 'Start Window' from 6:30- 8:00 A.M. on Sat.
     Vol's will segment riders into waves of about 30, starting every 2-3 min.
     This is a mandatory Permit requirement.  Full Century Course riders
     should be in position near the park Traffic Circle Start Line by 6:30 A.M.  
     All riders may start 6:30-8:00 A.M, regardless of distance.

 

2.  Volunteers Needed:  Anyone interested in volunteering at PDC please
        contact Jim.  Please visit PDC Vols page for positions available.  Thanks!

3.  Palm Desert High School PTA Foundation:  The Official PDC Charity is Palm Desert High School PTA Foundation (PDHS).  This is a PDHS primary annual fundraiser to increase school spirit, promote school involvement through clubs & activities, increase student & teacher recognition, and provide positive safe activities creating student life memories.

The bulk of 2015 PDC Volunteers are PDHS students, staff, and parents.  Let's all return the favor!  Here's their  Donation link. Click through for yourself.  You'll see  riders who have already opened their hearts.  We send our sincere Gratitude & Thanks.  Donating to the PDHS cements the PDC commitment to assist local citizens and fosters Goodwill among the Desert Cities and Local Agencies.

Please reward PDHS Vol's for supporting your ride by making a generous donation.  100% of the proceeds go directly to PDHS.  It's a wonderful way to support their ambitious student goals & programs.  Many Thanks!

4.  Rider Levels:  This webpage provides a wealth of no-nonsense advice on how to prepare and ride PDC.   There are comprehensive details about the course, weather factors, hydration techniques, and more.  Your input is requested following the ride to improve this advice for future riders.

5.  Preparation:  Preparation is the key to a successful desert ride.  That includes the obvious, being well-conditioned for the distance you wish to ride, but it also includes mental prep.  Become well-informed about the event.  Study the Rider Instructions ahead of time.  Knowing what to expect builds confidence and leaves less to chance.  It also widens the safely margin.  Have a Ride Plan in advance.  Use a checklist before leaving home to ensure you have your helmet, shoes, gloves, full water bottles, etc.  Make the last checklist item a final visit to the Palm Desert website for last-minute changes, or updates.  PDC is the 26th Shadow Tour cycling event.  We've learned things can (and usually do) change at the last minute.  Weather is a good example.  Be flexible!  

6.  Ride Smart:  A 100-mile ride is a supreme single-day endurance test.  Treat it with much due respect.  Break your own ride distance into bite-sized chunks.  Don't exceed your limits.  Non-emergency SAG's are no fun, sitting on the floor of a bumpy cargo van.  Ride one Rest Stop at a time.  Plan your Ride & Ride your Plan!

7.  Go Easy on Vols & be Cool:   Vol's are doing their best to support you, but they won't know every event detail.  Be flexible!  We'll listen carefully and implement your constructive feedback in future years.  Perfection is our Goal, not our Promise.  Take care of yourself and be safe.  Help other PDC riders needing assistance if you can.  Be the Rock Steady Rider who reads the instructions, knows what to expect, and follows all the rules.        


8.  Lodging Options: 
Special pricing is available at a few nearby hotels.  All rooms and special prices are subject to room availability.  Now is the time to make your reservations.  These hotels sold out last year and will do so again.      


     a.  Host Hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton, located adjacent to University Park
                               Availability is limited, book your rooms today! (8 rooms remain
                               as of 10-15-14).  Click here to book rooms.
     
     b.  Event Hotels:

            (1)  Hampton Inn & Suites, located 1/4 mile from Start/Finish.
                   Rider Special rates apply, based on availability.    Click here to book.
            (2)  Residence Inn by Marriott, about 1/2 mile from Start/Finish
                   No special rates offered.

            (3)  Courtyard by Marriott, about 1/2 mile from Start/Finish
                   No special rates offered.   


     c.  Lodging info, click here for details for each property.


9.  Palm Desert Jerseys:  

   

      a.  1st Production Run: The 1st run of jerseys was submitted to Voler on
           Sep 30, '15.  These jerseys will be available at the event.  Price $75. 

    
      b.  New Process!  After Sep 30, riders may purchase 2015 Palm Desert
           Century Jerseys directly from Voler (jersey manufacturer).  These jerseys
           will be mailed in one week, with free shipping!  Click here.  Price: $80.

       c.   Inventory:  A few jerseys will be for sale at the event.
             Price:  $80 (Fri) and $85 (Sat).  

 

         


10.  Custom Finishers Medal and Pin:  All registered riders receive a custom
        Finishers Medal and Pin.

                                             


11.   Fineline Custom T-shirt:  Pre-ordered optional "Tec" T-shirts will be available at the event.  A limited supply of inventory T-shirts will be available. Price:  $22 pre-ordered, Fri & Sat: $25.

                                         
12.  Time Trial Clarification:  The Red Zone designation for Box Canyon Rd (both up & down) imposes a Max Speed of 20 MPH.  However, Riders participating in the Time Trial may exceed the 20 MPH limit ON THE ASCENT ONLY.  It's difficult to reach 20+ MPH riding uphill, but the fastest riders will find the flat spots and may exceed 20+ MPH.  However, all riders must use common sense and not cause any unsafe situations to develop.  Ride as far to the right as possible and always call out "Passing!" when overtaking riders.  Only pass when it's absolutely safe to do so.  Be mindful that the road narrows with riders and vehicles flowing in both directions.  Check ahead and behind before passing.

 

13.  Time Trial Timing Chips:  The optional 15 mile Time Trial (TT) on Box Canyon is timed using microchips attached to ankle bracelets. Paid "Full Century with TT" Riders need to pick up their timing chip at the Reg Tent on Fri & Sat.  Riders first pick up their rider packet, then go to the CEP Timing booth co-located at the Reg Tent to draw a timing chip. 

Once issued, the rider is responsible to return the chip at the Time Trial finish line at Chiriaco Summit.  Chips may also be turned at the Start/Finish in Palm Desert.  If  picking up timing chips on Fri, don't forget to wear the chip on Sat, i.e, don't leave it in your room!  No replacement chips will be issued. Chips not returned at the event will result in an $85 replacement charge.  Paid "Full Century" Riders may upgrade to "Full Century w/TT" on Fri & Sat (no charge) and draw a timing chip.  "Short Course" Riders are not eligible for the Time Trial, but may upgrade on Fri & Sat for $15.


14.  Super Century Option: 
We've received some questions on this. Here's how it works:  paid "Full Century" & "Full Century w/TT" may ride the 130-mile Super Century.  There is no additional fee.  The course uses the same 100-mile century route, with the addition of an extra round-trip on Box Canyon Rd to Chiriaco Summit (15 + 15 miles), adding 30 miles.  There is a Noon time cut-off at the Rest Stop #3 at the start of Box Canyon Rd.  In order to ride up the hill a 2nd time, riders must be at the start (Rest Stop #3) NLT Noon.  All Super Century Riders need to insure their wristbands are marked (twice) at the Chiriaco Summit Turnaround and must check in at the Finish Line and let Vol's know you rode the Super Century in order to be recorded as completing it. 


15.  Club Challenge:  Competition among Clubs, Teams, and Organizations (Clubs) for most PDC registered riders.  Encourage your Club leaders to visit Club Central for more details about Club Discounts, Free Exposure, and the Club Challenge! 

 

16.  PDC Galleries:  Click here to visit the flash version of the Palm Desert Century course preview photos (photos courtesy of Armando Estrada).

     a.  2011 PDC Gallery:  Click here.  Photos courtesy of Armando Estrada
     b.  2012 PDC Gallery:  Click here.  Photos courtesy of SCS Photoworks,
                                             SCS Photoworks, Official Event Photographer.
     c.  2013 PDC Gallery:  Click here.  Photos courtesy of SCS Photoworks,
                                             SCS Photoworks, Official Event Photographer.
     d.  2014 PDC Gallery:  Click here.  Photos courtesgy of SCS Photoworks,
                                              SCS Photoworks, Official Event Photographer.

17.  Friend us on Facebook!

      Palm Desert Century Fan Page

      Shadow Tour Group

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We'll be in touch again in early Nov with a Final Rider Update.  Until then, have a Happy Halloween and continue to enjoy your fall cycling season.  And please always keep it safe out there!

Tailwinds,


~Jim

Jim Knight

Event Director/Managing Member
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



Save 20%

There's still time to catch "Standard" prices for the 5th Annual 2015 PALM DESERT CENTURY on Sat, Nov 14, '15 in Palm Desert, CA.   We're pleased to offer a special discount to past Shadow Tour riders, their friends & family, and members of the Interest List.  Sign up Today & Save!

 

Enter promocode SCENIC20 when you register online.  It's the last step, so be careful not to miss it.  The promocode is also valid for Mail-in and Walk-up Registrations. The discount applies to entry fee only.  May not be combined with other offers, and is not retro-active.

Offer Expires: 8:00 A.M. (PST), Sat, Nov 14, '15