Days 4 Nights 3 Starting Dates June 11, 2010 July 16, 2010 Start City Markleeville Activity Level 4-5 Daily Distance 40-90 miles Price Per Person $676 Single Supplement $129

KIss of Death™ — High Sierra Challenge Bike Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average daily mileage?

The routes of the Kiss of Death are different than on any of our other tours. They are all out and back routes that start and end in Markleeville, so you can choose to ride as little or as much as you want each day. The shortest option is an easy spin to nearby Grover Hot Springs for a soak in the healing waters (8 miles, 500 feet—more hot tubbing than bike riding). The longest option is about 90 miles with over 10,000 feet of climbing, truly an epic ride!

What is included in the price of the trip?

• Use of a quality lightweight road bike
• Three nights lodging in Markleeville
• Three breakfasts
• Two dinners
• Snacks during and after the rides
• Afternoon get-together with snacks and drinks
• Daily route sheets and maps
• One or more expert guides on bicycles
• SAG support
• Mechanical support for minor bike repairs
• Two water bottles

What isn't included?

• Transportation to Markleeville at the beginning of the trip
• lodging before and after the trip
• prepared lunches (we recommend places to stop for lunch on the ride)
• alcoholic beverages
• hotel charges for incidentals (phone calls, etc.)
• Helmets
• gratuities at your discretion

What is the weather going to be like?

Summer weather in the High Sierra is best described as variable. While most of the time in June and July is warm and sunny, cold and wet weather is not impossible. Afternoon thundershowers are possible, and even a little snow has been known to fall in June. Even if the weather in Markleevile is mild, the weather on the high passes can turn cold, wet, and windy. Our best advice is to be prepared for changing weather conditions—the SAG van will carry your extra clothing if you don’t need it.

What type of dining will we be doing?

When researching a trip, we seek out dining options with healthy, fresh choices typical of the California cuisine style of cooking. On Saturday night, we will treat ourselves to a sunset pizza dinner at Villa Gigli, an al fresco treat overlooking the town and surrounded by amazing vistas. On Sunday, we return to Village Gigli for a home made fresh pasta feast.

 

 

Nobody goes hungry on an Undiscovered Country trip! One of the joys of riding several hours per day is getting to enjoy the dinner afterwards. We request extra large portions at Villa Gigli, and Sandy's Sunday barbecue is all you can eat. For breakfast, you can order as much or as little as you wish.

Buffet breakfast is served at the J Markleee Toll Station every morning. These are healthy breakfasts, and we encourage you eat well to fuel up for the daily rides.

Where do we meet at the start of the trip?

We gather on the first evening of the trip in Markleeville, at the J Marklee Toll Station. We will spend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights there.

Where does the trip end?

The trip officially ends in the mid-afternoon on Monday, at the J Marklee Toll Station in Markleeville. We’ve arranged with the hotel owner to let us use one of the rooms for changing and showering before heading home.

What should I bring?

Bicycle

Don't forget to bring your bicycle. But if you need a bicycle, we will provide one for you at no additional cost.

Cycling Clothing

Cycling shorts, cycling jerseys, cycling socks, cycling shoes, gloves, helmet, wind jacket or vest, rain gear (jacket, pants, helmet cover, shoe covers), sunglasses. For colder weather: arm warmers, knee/leg warmers or tights, full fingered gloves, shoe covers, beanie.

Other Clothes

Hat, bathing suit, sweater or jacket, comfortable shoes, casual evening wear.

Other Items

Sunscreen, lip balm, prescription medicines, chamois cream, toiletries, identification, medical insurance card.

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