The Specialists in California Bike Tours

Kiss
Of Death

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	introduction
	Itinerary
	lodging
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	Reservations

 

Days 4 Nights 3 2008 Start Dates June 13 June 27 July 25 August 15 Start City Markleeville Level Avid-Challenging Average Daily Distance 40-90 miles Price (double occ.) $588 per person 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 12,000 feet of climbing, truly an epic ride!

How should I train?

The best training advice we can give is just to go out and get some saddle time! The more time you spend riding, the more fit you become, which adds enjoyment to your trip. Your body needs time to get used to being on the bike. If you can't spend as much time on the bicycle as you want, any sort of aerobic activity that gets you breathing through your mouth will help. Jogging, fast walking, swimming, skating, or cross country skiing are good choices. Most gyms will have a good selection of exercise equipment: treadmills, stationary bikes, stair steppers, etc.

If you've been riding for less than a year, your confidence handling a bike in traffic may need improvement. Going on rides with more experienced cyclists is very helpful in this regard. If there are bicycle clubs in your area, consider joining one of their scheduled rides. Attending a local bicycle safety class for adults is also a very good idea—even for experienced riders.

What is included in the price of the trip?

• Three nights lodging in Markleeville
• Three breakfasts, cooked to order
• 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
• Turn markings on the road where possible
• SAG support
• Mechanical support for minor bike repairs

What isn't included?

• Transportation to Markleeville at the beginning of the trip
• lodging before and after the trip
• 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. On Saturday night, we will treat ourselves to a sunset pasta dinner at Villa Gigli, an al fresco treat overlooking the town and surrounded by amazing vistas.

On Sunday evening, we’ll have an outdoor barbecue on the grass in Markleeville. Our host for the barbecue is Sandy Matlock, owner of the J Marklee Toll Station. Sandy decides what the barbecue consists of, based on the best local ingredients she can find. Chicken, pork tenderloin, and salmon are common choices.

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.

Cooked to order breakfast is served at the J Markleee Toll Station every morning. These are hearty 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 Sandy, the 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.

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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Reservations

The Kiss of Death is by far our most popular trip of the year. It has sold out earlier each year since we began the trip in 2003. To give more people a chance to experience this special mountain tour, for the first time we will be holding the Kiss of Death four times —twice in June, once in July, and once in August. Please click here for information on how to register.