Bike Ride Updates

Ipods are okay. We goofed. Ipods are okay. Our primary concern is safety, so we suggest using only a single earbud so you can hear traffic and other riders.

Open Road Course. Please obey all traffic laws. The California Highway Patrol is aware of our event and will be actively enforcing traffic laws for event participants and support personnel. The course is “open road” with everyday vehicle traffic. All participants should comply with the rules of the road. Please ride in a single file, stay to the right hand side of the roadway so as not to impede regular traffic, and be courteous to all drivers in the area.

Waiver and Release. Participants in the 50 and 100 mile ride will be required to sign the San Diego County Waiver and Release at registration.

Finish Line Check in and Party. A Finish Line table will be set up in the courtyard of Baily’s Restaurant where the Expo will be held. All cyclists showing their ride number can pick up their goodie bag, participant medal, a technical T-shirt and lunch coupon. 100-milers should show their ride numbers with two stickers to confirm they have ridden the entire course. Beer will be free to ride participants over the age of 21. Please drink responsibly.

A Special Note to 50 and 100 Mile Cyclists. The San Diego County Sheriff’s office has volunteered to assist at the intersection of Highway 395 and West Lilac where both routes turn left before crossing the West Lilac Bridge over Interstate 15. This is a hazardous corner because riders are going slow because of the long climb and it is difficult to judge speed and distance both for cyclists and drivers. Even if the Sheriff Officers are present, use extreme caution, move to the left turn lane only when you will not impede uphill traffic and turn left only when you can safely clear downhill traffic.

Course Closure Times. Several local riders have commented about the difficulty of the 100 mile course and their concern over the course closure times. The course will now be kept open until 6:00 PM if necessary. Also note that because of the previous course change eliminating Rancon Ranch Road, the course is a couple miles shorter and a 1000' less climb. Anyone still concerned about finishing the course by 6:00 PM can leave earlier after receiving a bib number; however, rest stops opening and the time trial timing is based on a 7:00 AM start. Sunrise is 6:20 a.m.

Timing Changes. Our timing company canceled on us so we will not be using timing chips. We will be using a manual timing system. Assist us by doing the following:

1. Wear your ride number on the right side of your jersey so it is visible at the Start and Finish of the time trial.

2. Cross the cattle guard at the beginning of the time trial, single file.

Sticker Checkpoints for 100 Milers Only. Because the time trial competition requires that riders complete the entire course, stickers will be placed on your bib number at the top of the Mt. Palomar climb and at RS #5. If you do not get both stickers, you are not eligible for TT awards.

Highway 76 Road Closure. A tribal event is scheduled for the same day on Highway 76 which will result in closure of Highway 76 from South Grade Road to East Grade Road and a detour of traffic onto South Grade Road. You should expect significant detour traffic on both the climb up and down Mt. Palomar. Remember ride single file and to the right when both ascending and descending.

Thanks and see you Saturday!

Temecula Challenge

Temecula Challenge Results

For Challenge Triathlon results click here.

For Challenge 5K Run click here.

The Mt. Palomar Timed Hill Climb Results

Click here to view all Triathlon photos.

Click here to view all Bike Ride photos

A big thank you to Kevin Vernon, club photographer, for these great photos.

Participants may contact Kevin if you would like a high resolution copy of a photo. Just follow the instructions to copy a photo and note the file name as reference for Kevin.

2010 TEMECULA CHALLENGE BIKE RIDE WRAP UP

Thank you, thank you, thank you … to our sponsors, the City of Temecula, the Temecula Police Department, the County of Riverside, the County of San Diego, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Baily’s Restaurant/ Front Street Grill, our volunteers, and our cyclists who rode in our inaugural Temecula Challenge.

Our Sponsors. Temecula-based Professional Hospital Supply stepped up early and in a big way to be our presenting sponsor. They care about our community, literacy, and our students. Nestle and Signs By Tomorrow also made large in-kind donations. RKR, KATY, Clear Channel, and the Temecula Business Journal all helped with media. FRS, Grapeline, Golden Crown, Country Review, Rabobank were also sponsors.

Baily’s Restaurant/Front Street Grill and Anheuser Busch of Riverside combined to provide an excellent post-ride party. It was great to see the riders return, make new friends, relive the rides’ challenges, and recognize all riders who successfully completed one of the three distances.

If you get the opportunity, please personally thank our sponsors. Let them know that you noticed and appreciated that they helped make a difference in our community.

Volunteers. Thanks to the following volunteers:

Course Lay Out: Paul Wilson. Paul couldn’t ride Saturday, but he and his wife Carol took 1^st in the relay and 3^rd place overall Sunday in the Triathlon portion of the Temecula Challenge.

Course Marking: Walt Allen, Jim Dover, Terry Whitington.

Staging Area Setup: Dennis Chiniaeff, Darren Gill, Terry Whitington, Walt Allen, Chris Binkley, Gary Thornhill, Richard Smith, Dennis Frank, Bill LaForge, Jeanne McClellan, Allen Orr, Paul Simetys.

Registration: Liz Simetys, Jill Lieberg, Mel Thompson, John Ellis, Steve Yager, Marty Steckdaub, Linda Senyshyn, Rita Cripe.

Announcer: Don Tucker.

D.J.: Cameron Smith

Sag: Gary Thornhill, Darren Gill, Toyota of Temecula.

Hill Climb Timing: Walt Allen, Debra Johnson, Mike Noon.

Rest Stops: Len Francis, Bruce Cripe, Kim Ebersole, John Williams, Bernie Bramante, Steve Yager, Marty Steckdaub, Bill LaForge, Valerie Church, Tim Church, Mark Van Dinter, Carl Pinkard.

Medals: Terry Whitington, Alyson Drago.

T-Shirts: Julie Ngo, RKR Media.

Mishaps. We are happy to report that we are only aware of two riders getting lost on the Century. One rider went down on the Couser Canyon descent, but we do not believe he was badly injured. We would appreciate knowing how he is and what we can do to reduce the likelihood of this in the future.

Photos. Rotary Club photographer Kevin Vernon was out all day Saturday and Sunday taking photographs of our event. He even went up Mt. Palomar to capture the timed hill climb. His ride photos can be found in the slide show above and the link in the shown above.

Professional photographer Rick Clemson was on Mt. Palomar, and his photos can be found here: CLICK HERE.

25-Mile Ride. 25 mile (26.8 actual) riders went through wine country. They were supplied with water, food, and porta potties at three rest stops. We are not aware of anyone getting lost or needing to be sagged back in. We would appreciate anyone who rode with an altimeter to let us know the model and the number of feet of gain measured.

50-Mile Ride. As stated in the pre-ride description, this is a tough 50. Some of the stronger 50-milers finished with the 25-milers, while some of the more leisurely 50-milers trailed some 100-milers to the finish. The climbs up Couser and Rice Canyon are tough, tough climbs.

Map My Ride showed 3800 feet of climb, but again, we would appreciate anyone who rode with an altimeter to let us know the number of feet of gain you measured. If there is enough interest, we may put a timed hill climb on Couser for the 50-milers only.

100-Mile Ride. In the immortal words of Paul Wilson, if it wasn’t hard, we couldn’t call it a “challenge.” 87 century riders registered, 64 made it to the top of Mt. Palomar. Congratulations to each one of you. The consensus is that this is the toughest century in Southern California, significantly harder than Ride Around the Bear. We acknowledge that Mulholland Challenge (116 miles) and Breathless Agony (114 miles) are harder, but both are super centuries (longer than a century), and neither has a timed hill climb the likes of Mt. Palomar. Mulholland Challenge has more overall gain with steeper grades, rough roads, and tighter turns on the descent. With Breathless Agony you have to deal with the altitude and the tough Oak Glen climb, but the last 42 miles are primarily downhill with the clock stopped. Temecula Challenge is more comparable to Mulholland Challenge, with Cole Canyon, Couser Canyon, and Rice Canyon all to be climbed after summiting Mt. Palomar. By the way, we mention these rides with total respect for their history, organization, and difficulty. We strive to provide a ride as well done as Planet Ultra, Santiago Cycling, and Orange County Wheelmen.

Our pre-ride estimate was 10,000 feet of climb after we cut out Rincon Ranch Road. We would appreciate anyone who rode with an altimeter to let us know the model and the number of feet of gain you measured.

Hill Climb Results. The overall results and age group winners are here: CLICK HERE. The top female rider was Denise Weaver with a time of 54:02. We had a minor timing issue with Jim Dover’s time. We announced a time of 35:55 at the medals ceremony, but he told us his computer time was 38+. We rechecked, and a handwritten “8” had been entered as a “5.” The overall winner was Paul Beard at 38:20! For some reason we did not have Paul’s age (30-39) at the ceremony and Paul did not stay for the medals ceremony. Jim is still the age group winner (50-59), but Paul is the overall winner and new male Temecula Challenge record holder. Denise Weaver is the new female record holder.

Since this is the first year we have done this event, each of these winners constitutes age group course records. When we have more entries, we may choose to go with 5-year intervals like the Triathlon.

The Future. This is going to be fun. Thanks for kicking it off in grand fashion with good sportsmanship. Please keep sending us your suggestions. Next year we will have a 60-80 mile route that cuts off Mt. Palomar. I am looking for an alternative to Lilac Road. I am also thinking about starting the 100/75 at 7:00 a.m., the 50 at 8:00 a.m., and the 25 at 9:00 a.m. That would spread out the riders at the start line and rest stops but shorten the finish line return time window. It’s also likely we will establish and enforce a course closure time on the 100/75—probably at 5:00 p.m. (10 hours), with interim cut-off times along the course. Who knows, maybe we will have a jersey.

Jon Lieberg

WHAT IS THE TEMECULA CHALLENGE?

The Temecula Challenge combines challenging endurance sports over the weekend of April 17th and 18th, 2010. Participate in a 100, 50, or 25 mile bike ride and/or the 14th annual triathlon, 5K Run/Walk, or Kids Fun Run events. There is something for every level of athlete and fun for the whole family! Also enjoy the Temecula Challenge Health Fair and Expo at Baileys Restaurant in Old Town on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at Great Oak High School on Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

THE ULTIMATE TEMECULA CHALLENGE

For those athletes that want to challenge their endurance and strength, there will be special awards for completing in both the 100 mile Bike Ride and the Triathlon. Challenge Yourself....... "Tri" them all!

WHO BENEFITS?

The Rotary Club of Temecula annually gives up to 25 - $1,000 academic scholarships to deserving high school seniors to help them attend college. The club's literacy program also provides a new, age appropriate book every month to approximately 500 children between age birth and five years old in the Temecula Valley. 100% of the net proceeds from The Temecula Challenge helps to fund these projects. Your support of these worthy causes is greatly appreciated! You can support this event as an athlete, Health Fair and Expo participant, and/or sponsor.

EVENT SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, APRIL 17

25, 50, or 100 mile BIKE RIDE

Registration/Packet Pick Up 6:00 – 8:30 a.m.

50 and 100 mile rides start: 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. (Course closes at 5:00 p.m.)

25 mile ride start: 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. (Course closes at 11:30 a.m.)

The Temecula Challenge Bike Ride provides a fun and challenging course for all levels of cyclists. Choose your own level of challenge: 100, 50, or 25 miles! The 100 mile ride travels scenic North San Diego, including a time trial up the south grade of Mt. Palomar. (Chip timing for this ride only.) The 50 mile ride skips Mt. Palomar. The 25 mile ride goes through beautiful Temecula Wine Country. The check-in and start/finish lines are at Baileys Restaurant in Old Town. During the ride, families and friends can enjoy the Health Fair and Expo, entertainment, and fun at Baileys and strolling through Old Town, Temecula. Cyclists completing the event will be celebrated at the Expo main stage.

HEALTH FAIR AND EXPO

Baileys Restaurant in Old Town, Temecula from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy the Expo vendor displays and the entertainment all day at Baileys. Cyclists will return to this site and will be awarded their medals on the main stage.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18

TRIATHLON

Registration/Packet Pick Up 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Triathlon Start: 8:00 a.m.

In its 14th year, the triathlon is a great community event that is challenging for experienced athletes as well as fun for the novice. The triathlon will be held at Great Oak High school. Participate as an individual in your age group or as part of a 2 or 3 person relay team. The triathlon starts with the 5K run, followed by a 17 mile bike course, and finishes with a 150 yd. swim in the pool. Chip timing with split times for each leg of the event. Course maps can be seen at www.temeculachallenge.org

5K RUN/WALK - SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010

Registration/Packet Pick Up: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

5K Start: 8:00 a.m.

The 5K Run/Walk is terrific for the whole family - run or walk - just enjoy it! 5K runners start with the Triathlon run portion at 8:00 a.m. The course is on closed city streets and is slightly hilly.

KIDS FUN RUN

Registration/Packet Pick Up: 6:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Kids Fun Run Start: 9:30 a.m.

The kids’ 1 mile and 1/2 mile Fun Runs for ages 10 and under start at 9:30am - enough time for you to run the 5K and come back to cheer on your child. Ages 6 and under run the 1/2 mile, and ages 7-10 run the 1 mile. Everyone is a winner in these events with finisher ribbons to all participants! Thunder from the Lake Elsinore Storm will also be there to entertain kids of all ages! Kids can also enjoy a bounce house and face painting at the event.

HEALTH FAIR AND EXPO

Great Oak High School from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Enjoy the Expo vendor displays before and after running, biking, and swimming in the triathlon, the 5K run/walk, and the Kids Fun Run.

Register as an athlete in the Temecula Challenge at: www.active.com

Registration for the Bike Ride, Triathlon, 5K, and Kids Fun Run

is also welcome on-site on the day of the event!

"The folks who put on the Temecula Triathlon have added a timed climb up Mt. Palomar as part of their full weekend of events. On Saturday April 17^th they will put on their first ever Temecula Challenge Bike Ride. There will be a 100 miler that goes up and over Mt. Palomar, a 50 miler and a 25 miler. If someone does one of the bike rides on Saturday and their short triathlon or 5K on Sunday, they will get an award as part of the Temecula Challenge. The Triathlon is one of my favorites. It starts with a 5K run and is followed by a 16 mile bike ride and a 150 yard swim in a pool. It’s a total blast. And when you add the ability to have a timing chip on while climbing over Mt. Palomar, it makes it a pretty cool training and racing weekend", says Bob Babbitt, Competitor.

Register at www.active.com

SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE! (Click here for Sponsor Opportunities)

Click here for INFORMATION ABOUT EXPO BOOTHS!

HOSTED BY ROTARY CLUB OF TEMECULA