Closures in place for annual Death Ride, cycling the California Alps

The premier cycling event in California, the Death Ride, will be held this Saturday, July 15. Since 1978 cyclists have been challenged to ride a route with over 14,000 feet of climbing, over 103 miles in distance, six categorized climbs, and over three mountain passes.

There are some road closures those not participating in the race need to be aware of. The event runs from 5 a.m. - 6 p.m. SR89 and SR4 will close at 5 a.m. The Monitor Pass section of SR89 re-opens to vehicles at noon. The Ebbetts Pass section on SR4 re-opens at 4 p.m.

The course will be closed to traffic from Markleeville through all sections of climbing, with a turnaround point at Lake Alpine where participants will head back to the finish at Turtle Rock Park.

Starting and finishing at Turtle Rock Park in Markleeville, Calif., the 103-mile course begins at 5:00 a.m. and covers both sides of three mountain passes: Monitor Pass (Hwy 89), Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4), and the Pacific Grade (Hwy 4).

The full course is not for the faint at heart!

For more information and a larger map, visit https://deathride.com/.

Those who complete all of the climbs and return to the finish line within the event timeframe may purchase the sought-after Death Ride® - Tour of the California Alps Finisher's Jersey. All athletes, their families, and spectators are encouraged to join us at the finish line festival for food, photos, camaraderie and to visit our expo booths and sponsors.