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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
- Three dinners
- Snacks during and after the rides
- 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.)
- 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. The town of Markleeville is very small, so the restaurant options are limited, and they change from year to year. In the past, we have had outdoor salmon barbecues, home made pasta feasts, and traditional restaurant meals. It changes from year to year.
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. For breakfast and dinner, 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.
