STARTING & CUTOFF TIMES:

The ride starts at 5:30 am. Sunrise is around 6:30am. You can leave starting at 5:30am if you like, or any time after that up until 7:00am.

This will be a timed course!

When you start you must check in with your start time. And of course you must also check in at the finish with your finishing time.

Due to safety reasons (falling rocks in the road, etc., the cutoff time will be when the sun sets - around 7:30PM. That leaves a good solid 14 hours to complete the ride.

WHERE DOES THE RIDE START AND END?

The ride STARTS at the junction of Rte 395 and Nine Mile Canyon Rd near the town of Ridgecrest. The nearest hotels and restaurants are in the town of Ridgecrest. There is a 7-Eleven on the 395 about 2 miles from the ride start.

DIRECTIONS

From Southern California: Take the 14 North to the 395 as if headed to Mammoth Lakes or Bishop. The Nine Mile Canyon Junction is past the turnoff for Ridgecrest. On Google Maps is is shown as being near Pearsonville & Linnie (see map).

Google Map

Route Start: Junction of Nine Mile Canyon Rd

WHAT TIME DOES REGISTRATION START?

Registration starts on Friday, August 27th in the town of Ridgecrest at the Marriott Springhill Suites from 2:00pm - 8:00pm. Friday night registration is NOT at the Ride start at Nine Mile Rd.

If you can't make it Friday evening, then you can pick up your registration on Saturday morning at the ride start at Nine Mile Canyon Rd.

The official ride start time is 5:30am, but you may start later if you wish. Don't show up before 5:00am because there will not be anyone there!

We ARE going to allow same day Registration at the staging area at the Junction of Nine Mile Canyon. Same Day registration closes at 5:30am.


The ride start is informal since this is a small event. But we urge you to get an early start since this is a difficult ride.

Also, a few of the SAG stops will break down at certain times, such as the one at the top of Nine Mile Canyon Rd since it will not be needed after riders reach the top of the first climb.

REST ROOMS

There will be no porta potties or rest room at the Start / Finish.  The closest rest room is at the 24 hour store 2 miles from the start. Make sure you stop there if you need to before the ride. The next rest room is at the store in Kennedy Meadows, and then at the ranger station at Blackrock Station (SAG 2).  

The store 2 miles from the start location is also the last place to get any food or drinks before the ride start.  

You shouldn't need a light for the 5:30am start. We didn't need them last year. The sun is just starting to cast a glow at that time and it's all up hill :)  

Parking is limited at the start. Carpool if you can! It is just a big dirt area on the corner of Route 395. You can park in the dirt or along the side road that parallels the 395. Please try not to park on Nine Mile Canyon road so we can keep it clear of cars.

WHAT'S HAPPENING FRIDAY NIGHT?

Nothing. Just Registration. Get some sleep!

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE RIDE?

At the end of the ride, each rider who completes the entire route will receive the "Immortals" medal at the staging area. Since we have moved the ride start to Nine Mile Canyon Rd, services should still be open in Ridgecrest after the ride if you want to get something to eat or if you are staying overnight.

WILL THE RESULTS BE POSTED ON THE WEB?

Yes, the results will be posted to the webpage. This event also kicks off a new series of climbing endurance rides for 2010 called the "Immortal Rides." Each ride will feature the hairiest climbs in southern california. And each ride will feature a unique theme and inspirational quote, jersey and medal.

HOW MANY REST STOPS ARE THERE?

See the SAG Stops / Maps link on the Left.

WHAT FOOD WILL THERE BE AT THE REST STOPS?

Each SAG will have: Water, Ice, GU, Energy Bars, Cytomax, Perpetuem, HEED, Accelerade, Fruit, Fruit Juice, Sodas, pretzels.

The Kern River SAG at the halfway point will also have lunch type items such as: peanut butter & jelly sandwich fixins, some type of pasta.

WHAT WILL THE ELEVATION BE?

Elevation for the course ranges between 2,600' and 9,200'.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

Temperatures should range between the mid 50's in the morning to a high in the 90's. Expect it to average in the 70's up on the mountain, and reach the mid to high 90's at the lower elevations, especially at the bottom of nine-mile canyon and Sherman Pass Rd.

So you may have a 15 mile climb back up Sherman Pass Rd. in 90 degree heat, depending on what time you reach the turn-around point. It is also often windy in nine-mile canyon. We don't expect rain, but you never know, so come prepared.

WHERE DO I PARK?

Parking is available at the staging area in the dirt parking lot at the junction of Nine Mile Canyon Rd and Rte 395.

Parking / Staging Area

IS THERE CAMPING ALLOWED AT THE STAGING AREA?

Due to room constraints and parking, there will not be any camping allowed at the staging area. But there are numerous hotels in Ridegcrest, CA.

WHAT CONDITION ARE THE ROADS IN?

**** Update ****
Be very careful descending Sherman Rd to the Kern River. There are numerous surprise potholes and sections of the road which are washed out. Also be careful on the top section between Blackrock Junction and Sherman Pass for the same obstacles.

A good portion of the route is along cliff faces, particularly the main climbs. These sections have various rockfall debris and small potholes from water runoff that sometimes may litter the road. Although this is not an issue while climbing, care should be taken on the descents to avoid hitting any rocks or stones in the road. Particular care should be taken descending from Blackrock Station to Kennedy Meadows, Nine-Mile Canyon, and Sherman Pass Rd.

CLOTHING DROPS:

Riders may send clothing and food ahead to one of the rest stops if they wish. Riders should provide their own easily identifiable bags for transport. A sag wagon will transport your bag in the morning to the rest stops of your choice. Riders who want to use this service should notify us at registration Friday evening.

CAN I REGISTER THE DAY OF THE EVENT?

YES. Be there by 5:00am

REQUIREMENTS:

All riders will be required to wear ANSI approved helmets at all times while riding during the event. Our event operates under permits from local authorities. Please ride in a safe manner at all times. State and local traffic laws will be strictly enforced throughout the event. Riders should carry proper ID while on the course in case of emergency. At each check point riders will be expected to show their rider number to the staff. This entitles you to full support on the ride. We will be checking numbers at some locations to keep track of riders. If you decide to abandon the event it will be your responsibility to notify event staff. Deviating from the designated route is not permitted. If you take a wrong turn and are off the event course there may be no support vehicles available to help you, so make sure you know where you are going.