2018 STAGECOACH CENTURY
ROUND-UP EMAIL

     14th Annual
  Stagecoach Century
     and Time Trials

Date:   Sat, Feb 24, 2018

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, 100, and 150 miles.

           271 Final
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14th Annual 2018  Stagecoach Century
~~ and ~~
Solo/Tandem/Team Time Trials
Dear Stagecoach Rider,

The 14th Annual Stagecoach Century is now safely part of Wild West history. The 2018 Stagecoach will be remembered for Brilliant Sunshine, along with mild variable winds 4-9 mph, and cool temps, 40's at the Start to 60's F at the Finish. It was about the most ideal combination of weather variables a rider could hope for in the winter deserts.  

This Round-up email summarizes highlights from the 14th Annual Stagecoach Century.

     *  Full Century Finishers List, click here
     *  Time Trial Results, click here
     *  Last Chance Jersey order, see below
     *  Last Chance T-shirt inventory, see below
     *  2018 Stagecoach Gallery (Prelim), click here
     *  Desert Museum (Ocotillo Vol's):  Donation Link
     *  Shelter Valley Citizen's Vol's:  Donation Link
   
We send our most Sincere Gratitude to all Stagecoach Riders, Vol's, and Sponsors. In particular, we thank the Imperial Valley Desert Museum Vol's (Ocotillo/Dr's David Breeckner & Neal Hitch) for hosting the Start, Finish, Rest Stop #1 and #2. And Thanks to the Shelter Valley Citizen's Corp (Ray Schmitz) Volunteers for hosting Rest Stops #3, #4, #5, and the Lunch Stop.

This year 271 Registered Riders accepted the Stagecoach challenge. The field included riders from 12 States:
AZ, CA, CO, CT, IN, IL, MN, MO, NY, OR, UT, PA, and WA.  Also, 6 traveled from Canada & 2 from Mexico.  Thanks to all for making the journey to Stagecoach!

On Saturday morning, 228 riders arrived and rolled onto the course, with 165 Full Course and 63 Short Course riders. Preliminary results show a fantastic 138 riders, or 83.6% of the Full Course field, completed the Full Century. That percentage will likely rise, if we missed recording any riders at the Finish Line.

Here's the link to the Full Century Finishers List.  Riders who registered for the Full Century, completed it, but did not check in with the Timing Booth, or if you were missed, please email Jim with your Bib#/Name in the subject line. The Full Century Finishers List will be updated until Mar 15th, when the list is FINAL and no additions will be made.
 

Regardless of distance, Congratulations to all Stagecoach riders on your magnificent personal achievement! Stagecoach is most certainly an EARN IT! century. Most century cyclists have heard of Stagecoach; either by direct participation, or by it's sometimes intimidating reputation. Fear & Respect always ride side-by-side at Stagecoach--just ask riders from 2006 (Big Wind), 2007 (Big Chill), 2013 (Chill Zone), or 2017 (Storm Riders), all who knew all this going in, and still accepted the challenge head-on, eyes wide open. We couldn't be more proud of YOU!  Thanks for participating in Stagecoach.

Riders arrived in exceptionally high spirits on Saturday and heeded safety warnings, dressed warmly, and did their homework ahead of time. Most read the emails & Final Rider Instructions--Bravo & TYVM! Riders pointed out hazards and rode (mostly!) single file, and well to the right. Despite a brisk morning start, there was a fantastic 83.6% Full Century Finish rate AND NO MAJOR INCIDENTS OR ACCIDENTS!

Despite excellent weather conditions, Stagecoach has never been "easy", and likely never will be. The course itself is a tough 100-mile route with 5,200+ feet of climbing--heavily front-loaded, in mid-Feb, when few riders are at peak form. There's a cranky & cold early 10.5-mile climb up to Canyon Sin Nombre & the Carizzo Badlands Overlook. Then, the gnarly Campbell Grade "Wall" at mile 30, followed by a grinder climb to the course high point, 2,685 ft el, past Box Canyon. The San Felipe Grade takes a toll for 4.4 miles to the turnaround point. Then the downright nasty Sweeney Pass Climb, with it's hairpin turn, at mile 87.  Finally, like a sweet & sour desert, comes the always fun, bone-rattling, 96th mile.  Giddy Up!

All of this is what gives Stagecoach its special character, and make it even more Worthwhile, Meaningful, and Rewarding.  The Stagecoach Finisher's Medal can only be EARNED with enormous Determination, Commitment, and Effort.  Coincidentally, the very same traits associated with success in all walks of life.  We hope Stagecoach will rank as one of your most Memorable & Positive 2018 cycling experiences.  

Stagecoach Vet's:  Congrat's on 10+ previous Stagecoach Centuries !!  Special kudos to Honorary Sheriff Rex Farnsworth, now with 13 of 14 Stagecoach Centuries. Whoa, that's some serious "Giddy up!".

Bib First Last City St ST SC
28
Rex
Farnsworth
Redondo  Bc h
CA
13
12
1033
Jim
Corriere
Brawley
CA
12
11
5
Andrew
Fichthorn
Poway
CA
10
10
102
Lauren
Stearley
Chula Vista
CA
10
10
6
Daniel
Stein
ALTADENA
CA
10
10
7
Lori
Stein
Altadena
CA
10
10

Stagecoach Time Trial Report:

The Stagecoach Time Trial was timed using high tech disposable timing chips by CEP Timing.  Owner Jason Kornetsky, Official Timer of the El Tour de Tucson, was personally onsite timing the event.  Jason also times our Palm Desert Century.  Preliminary Results are posted here.  Results go Final on Fri, Mar 2, '18.

Timed riders posted exceptional times all up & down the Great Southern Overland again this year! Both Men's & Women's Overall Records were shattered.  Two riders completed the 150-Mile "Super Century". Ben Hian, Carlsbad, CA & Ellen Birrell, San Diego, CA, conquered the Ultimate Stagecoach Beast.  So inspiring to see them finish the full 100-mile route, quickly carb-up, and roll back out to mile 25. Mega Kudo's!

On the Women's Time Trial side, Donna Phelan, Encinitas, CA, charged through the course winning in a sparkling New Course Record time of 5:09:21!  She also placed 4th Overall in the Solo field!  2nd Place Women's Finisher was Kiyomi Schulz, from Nanaimo, BC, in 5:32:44. 3rd Place Solo Women's Finisher went to friend & fellow Canadian, Lorrie Baildham, Nanaimo, BC, in 5:32:55.  Way to kick it Ladies!

On the Men's side, Men's Overall Champion, and Defending Champion, James McNaughton, Sudbury, ON, Canada, posted an Astonishing Solo Winning Time of 4:15:43.  His time was the FASTEST SOLO EVER at Stagecoach--truly Incredible!  James was followed by Alex Telitsine, Renton, WA in 4:50:48, and Riaan Hamilton, Encinitas, CA, secured 3rd Place in 5:07:25.  

Congrat's to all Champions! 

MEMORABILIA:

Last Chance for 2018 Stagecoach Jerseys & T-shirts direct from Shadow Tour! 
You EARNED IT!, now's your chance to fly the colors. $90

2018 Jerseys:   Men's XL - 2
                            Men's 2XL - 1

2018 T-shirts:  Women's Small - 2
                            Men's Medium - 1
                            Men's L - 2
                            Men's XL - 1
                            Men's 2XL - 3

Please visit General Store for ordering details. 

For 2014 thru 2018 Stagecoach, ALL JERSEY SIZES may be purchased directly through Voler. Please visit this link to the Voler online store.  They ship within one week & shipping is free! Here's the link.     
    
   

Last Chance "Tec" T-shirts:
  There are a few remaining 2014 - 2018 Stagecoach Century Hanes Cool Dri tagless Tec T-shirts remaining in inventory. There's a wide selection of Palm Desert Century T's as well.
  Please visit the General Store for details.  These custom "Tec" T-shirts are Full-Color front, B&W logos on back, extra wide 14 inch screening.  "Tec" T-shirts are the state-of-the art for comfort, wicking properties, and rapid dry interlocking fabric.  Extremely comfortable 4.1 oz.  Leaves traditional cotton T's in the dust.  The print colors stay bright virtually forever.  It's a perfect base layer for year-round cycling.  Women's sizes have a tapered cut.  The first time you pull on a Tec T, you'll understand what the buzz is all about!  To order, please call Jim at 858-692-6220 to inquire about sizes and make Credit Card payment.  Price is $25- $28/T-shirt, which includes tax.  1st Come, 1st Served!   


Volunteer Donations:

Our Awesome Volunteers are entirely from communities at the Start/Finish (Ocotillo) and the halfway point (Shelter Valley).  Both communities have been involved in all 14 of Stagecoach Century rides, plus 2 Spring editions.  Without them, Stagecoach could not roll!

Many riders expressed their gratitude at the ride and placed cash in the donation jars. For the rest of the field, please think back to the ride:  Wasn't it nice having experienced Volunteers at every single Rest Stop?  How about those progressive pots of Coffee, Hot Chicken Noodle Soup & Chili at the turn? And a warm Community Centers to enjoy your Shelter Valley & Ocotillo lunches. For riders needing a lift back, pretty cool to having Vol's standing by for that too, right?  Then, at the Finish Line, you were Welcomed Home to warm cheers, hugs, cowbells & whistles, then got your Finisher's Medal handed to you (vs. going to a booth). Finish Line Vol's also insured you were recorded as a Full Century Finisher. And for those with gear bags dropped off at Rest Stop #1, the Vol's had your back again. Stagecoach Vol's were onsite from before 5:00 A.M, until dusk, working the event. They also held meetings and completed many tasks weeks & months in advance.

They Care About YOU! 

Currently, total 2018 Online Rider Donations to Shelter Valley & Ocotillo are $233 (Thanks to those who gave already!).  Let's move that number up!  Please click on the links below and do what you can.  A little goes a very long way. Both groups are 501(c)3 Non Profits. No part of your donation goes to Shadow Tour, LLC. 

           Thanks for your Generous Support!

 
    Desert Museum (Ocotillo Vol's):  Donation Link
    Shelter Valley Citizen's Vol's:  Donation Link    


      2018 Imperial Valley Desert Museum Volunteers!

                             **********************

FUTURE OF STAGECOACH:  Stagecoach will Roll again in 2019!  Some format changes will be made to reflect certain limitations for an event with under 500 riders. For example, the Start Window will shift to 8:00 - 10:00 A.M. to relieve the extreme pressures on Riders & Volunteers with such an early (and cold!) start time. Friday packet pick up will be either eliminated, or possibly shifted to Wed or Thu in San Diego. Rest Stop #3 (Box Cyn) and #5 (turn-around) will be consolidated into a "Super Rest Stop) at the existing Shelter Valley Lunch/Rest Stop #4.  We also look forward to a new Start/Finish at the Desert Museum when the access road is fully paved in the next couple years. So that's it, Stagecoach continues for as long as we can humanly make it happen. Please continue to encourage your friends to join you!

Many Thanks,
Jim Knight, Event Director

                            ***********************

Next up on the Shadow Tour ride calendar is the 8th Annual Palm Desert Century on Sat, Nov 10, '18.  Registration is  NOW OPEN


                             
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.  We need your referrals to encourage more riders to participate in Shadow Tour century rides.  Please forward this email to any of your friends who may be interested in joining one of our rides.

                            

                             Register Now

Sponsor Corral:
      
Velofix Mobile Repair:  Was at Stagecoach providing Mechanic & SAG support.  Velofix specializes in all bicycles, from a child's first bike to high-end triathlon & Road bikes.  Call owner Paul Dunlap to set up an appointment at 760-978-9622.  Velofix is 100% mobile and will come to your home or office. Stagecoach Special: Save 10% with Promocode SC2018.  

                               

A most Sincere, "Thank You" & "Congrat's", to all Hearty 2018 Stagecoach Riders. We're already hard at work preparing for the 8th Annual Palm Desert Century. We invite your to join us on the Start Line for another desert classic on Sat, Nov 10th, '18 in Palm Desert!  We'll also open registration for the 15th Annual Stagecoach soon, so watch your inbox!

Giddy Up!    

~Jim

 

Jim Knight
Event Director 

Shadow Tour, LLC   


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

                              

                                

2018 Stagecoach Century
Solo Champs & New Course Record Holders
 Donna Phelan & James McNaughton

   Stagecoach PNG  

2018
Palm
Desert
Century

Save 
 10%
Score "Winter Saver" prices by registering right now for the
8th Annual 2018 PALM DESERT CENTURY
on Saturday, Nov 10, '18 in Palm Desert, 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 DREAM10 when you register online.  It's the last step, so use care not to miss it. The promocode is also valid for Walk-up Registrations. The discount applies to entry fee only.  May not be combined with other offers, and is not retro-active.

"Winter Saver" Deadline is Midnight, Feb 28, '18 (PST)
Promocode Expires:  9:00 A.M. (PST), Sat, Nov 10, '18