MARKLEEVILLE, California — There are few rides in the United States that inspire both awe and anxiety in equal measure. The Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride, now in its 44th edition, is one of them. With 103 miles, over 14,000 feet of elevation gain, and six high-altitude passes on the menu, it’s not so much a ride as it is a rite of passage.
On Saturday, July 12, hundreds of riders will gather in the small mountain town of Markleeville to take on this legendary challenge. The course winds its way through the Sierra Nevada, tackling Monitor Pass (twice), Ebbett’s Pass (twice), and Pacific Grade and Carson Pass, depending on your legs—and your limits. For those aiming for full bragging rights, all six climbs are required. But in recent years, organizers have taken a more inclusive approach: ride one, two, or three passes if that’s where your journey begins.
“This event isn’t just a ride — it’s a test of will, endurance, and heart,” says Dennis StaAna, a three-time six-pass finisher. “Every climb pushes you to your limit, and every descent rewards you with views that remind you why you’re here. The camaraderie, the challenge, the raw beauty of the California Alps—there’s simply nothing else like it.”
The Death Ride offers a rare combination of logistical polish and alpine solitude. Nearly 90% of the route is closed to vehicles, and the course is fully supported with aid stations, medical crews, SAG vehicles, and even a proper lunch stop. With over 200 volunteers, the Death Ride feels more like a communal effort than a commercial event.
And when it’s over? Turtle Rock Park becomes a finish-line festival: live music, raffles, bike vendors, food trucks, massage tents, and the ever-popular Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., which returns as Platinum Sponsor for another year of post-ride celebration.
Ride Director Curtis Fong says the event is evolving to welcome a wider range of riders. “Not everyone is here to go full sufferfest,” he says. “We’ve opened the door to riders recovering from injury, new cyclists, families—even those on Class 1 and 3 e-bikes who want to experience the Alps without fear of cutoff times. The Death Ride is still a massive challenge, but it’s also a celebration of personal goals and community.”
Expect full road closures throughout the day: Highway 89 from Markleeville to the Highway 4 junction will be closed from 5 a.m. to noon, while Highway 4 to Lake Alpine remains closed until 4 p.m. Riders will have from sunrise to sunset to complete their chosen challenge.
Whether you’re a hardened six-pass veteran or a first-time climber hoping to tick off your first high mountain pass, the Death Ride remains one of North America’s most breathtaking — and brutal — days on a bike.
Registration, route details, and sponsorship info are available at www.deathride.com. Follow the ride on Instagram @tourofthecaliforniaalps and Facebook @DeathRideOfficial.
