Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE ASAP

AdventureCORPS announces San Diego County's Newest, Toughest, Most Epic, and Most Traffic-Free Century Cycling Event. Basketball legend Bill Walton to serve as Chairman of Good Times.

LA JOLLA, CA - AdventureCORPS, Inc., an athlete-run firm producing and promoting ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, lifestyle, and media, is pleased to announce the inaugural Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic on Saturday, April 17, 2010, featuring 101 miles with over 10,000 feet of climbing and three different ascents of San Diego County's Mount Laguna and breath-taking views of the Anza-Borrego Desert far below. With a start/finish line just 44 miles east of downtown San Diego, the route for this timed cycling event features just three stop signs and NO traffic lights.

This incredible event features three loops that all begin and end in or near Pine Valley, CA. Each of the three loops ascends Mount Laguna on a different route: via Sunrise Hwy from the north, via the fabled and car-free Kitchen Creek from the south-east, and via the little-known and truly epic Pine Creek drainage from the west. (known as Noble Canyon to mountain bikers, but our paved route features grades as steep as 20 percent). All three loops descend Mount Laguna south-bound on Sunrise Highway. The total distance for all three loops is 103 miles with over 10,000 feet of elevation gain. A one loop, 45 mile option, and two loop, 77 mile option, are also offered.

The entry fee is just $79, registration is limited to 300, and it is expected to sell out quickly. Entry includes six well-stocked checkpoints featuring Hammer Nutrition, roving SAG support, finish line meal, and the opportunity to compete in the Cycling Club Challenge (for the 101 mile route): The top three (male and female) riders' combined times from each cycling club determine the Club Champions. The three riders must be Co-Ed (2 males / 1 female or 1 male / 2 females), but they do NOT have to ride together. Finishing times will be tallied at the finish to determine the Club Champions. Each of the three winning club riders will win $200 in "AdventureCORPS Bucks" redeemable for event entries or gear, as well a year of bragging rights. Cycling Club affiliation must be stated while registering for the event.

Basketball legend, television sportscaster, cycling author, and life-long cyclist Bill Walton, a San Diego native and resident, will participate in the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic and will serve as the Chairman of Good Times, Social Affairs, Customer Relations and All Things Fun. He had this to say about the event: "Now, Chris Kostman has designed a tough, challenging 100 miler that incorporates three ever-more-difficult ascents to the Promised Land, including the car-less Kitchen Creek fantasy. And I can’t wait. With unbelievable diversity of every aspect of life, this day will surely stand out as a monument to all we could ever hope for in any one 24 hour period. Terrific scenery, unparalleled beauty, endless vistas, great roads, a clean and safe environment, crystal clear and fresh air, extensive support, and all our best friends getting together for a day of celebration, camaraderie, exercise, spiritual fulfillment, Mount Laguna and the sprawling San Diego backcountry. If there is anything else out there please let me know - quickly. Chris Kostman has put it all together here and we couldn’t be happier or luckier." (Bill's full statement is below.)

An Official Pre-Ride of the route was held on November 14, 2009 with positive feedback from all 16 participants, including:

"The Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic is Southern California riding at its finest, and toughest: one hundred miles of mountain back roads and not a single stop light to break the rhythm of the fantastic scenery, from mountain pine, to desert cactus and chaparral. It's a challenge for the legs and lungs, but the scenery and space are all payback." - Dustin Sharp, Rough Riders

"The pre-ride at Mt. Laguna was brutally awesome. The route was simple, no numerous turns to get confused. Just a few glances at the rout sheet and you're on your way. The three loops made it stress-free and a sense of security that everybody is close by. The views are amazing, especially on the first loop. The last loop made this ride very memorable due to its difficulty. You have to dig deep just to go over the next steep section on Pine Creek Rd. Whoo!!! This ride has all the elements of an 'epic' ride: greatness and adventure. Thank you." - Francis Ignacio, Adobo Velo

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Mt. Laguna route. Leave it to you to come up with those killer routes that tap into the dark crevices of our brains that make us want to return to repeat the moments of agony, namely that monster hill at the end. I'm definitely coming back in April, so put my name on the list. Riding atop the mountains on what appears to be paved fire roads was really enjoyable. The three downhills were fun and came at the precise right times during the ride. Now, the two most difficult centuries I have ever done are connected to YOU, Hell's Gate and Mt. Laguna. What's next? The scenery was fantastic and the traffic, or lack of, was welcomed. The motorists seemed to be accommodating to cyclists. Kudos to your sag support, once again top notch cycling nourishment was provided, along with the hot meal at the end." - John Marino, the godfather of ultracycling and creator of the Race Across America

Click here for all the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic information.

Click here for the report, results, images, and feedback from the November 14 Official Pre-Ride of the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic.

Click here for extensive route maps and elevation profiles for each of the three loops.

Click here for a seven-minute video slideshow of the entire route from start to finish. It is compiled from 181 images of the route from various rides we've enjoyed out there in recent years. The images are in sequential order, exactly as if riding the event. Each of the three loops is also depicted with a map, elevation profile, and 3D image. Turn up your speakers to enjoy the music!

Click here to see photos, videos, and more from numerous cycling adventures we've had on and around Mt. Laguna over the past few years. It's a spectacular place!

MOUNT LAGUNA BICYCLE CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS

• April 17, 2010
• Held on Eastern San Diego County's Mount Laguna: Minimal traffic, no traffic lights, and just three stop signs.
• The toughest - and only TIMED - century in San Diego County.
• Cycling Club Challenge: The top three (M&F) riders' combined times from each club determine the Club Champions. Each of the three winning club riders wins $200 in "AdventureCORPS Bucks" redeemable for event entries or gear.
• Distances offered: 3 loops / 101 miles; 2 loops / 77 miles; 1 loop / 45 miles (only 3-loop finishers are timed and ranked).
• Six well-stocked checkpoints featuring Hammer Nutrition plus a finish line meal.
• The entry fee is just $79 with a 300 rider limit and it will SELL OUT!
• Event will be held under permits from United States Forest Service and the County of San Diego.

STATEMENT FROM BILL WALTON

AdventureCORPS, Mount Laguna, April 17, 2010:

For all the world to be aware, please let it be known that Bill Walton has been named the Chairman of Good Times, Social Affairs, Customer Relations and All Things Fun for the upcoming inaugural AdventureCORPS Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic on Saturday, April 17, 2010 starting at 7am PST in Pine Valley, California, USA.

Walton has been a lifelong cycling enthusiast and participant who had his life changed and saved since connecting with AdventureCORPS and Chris Kostman more than four years ago.

Since that transcendent moment, Walton has discovered that Kostman and AdventureCORPS are the keys to lifelong health, happiness, fitness and eternal salvation.

When finally reached for comment, the ever-busy Walton pulled over to the side of the road during a training ride on his bike and quickly pointed out that he was working diligently in preparation for the upcoming AdventureCORPS events in early 2010 like the Death Valley Century on March 6 and the Death Valley Hell’s Gate Hundred on April 3.

Finally able to recover and regroup enough to attempt to put a coherent thought together -then after wiping the sunscreen from his eyes - Walton had this to say about the AdventureCORPS Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic on April 17:

“Chris Kostman and AdventureCORPS have given me the life that I have today. I live to ride and ride to live. After my spinal fusion surgery of nearly a year ago, I am back on the saddle again and ready to go. Chris’ events are always the best. The organization, management, support and over all good times are unsurpassed. He knows how to challenge us all and we always realize that we have to be on top of our own game to match the level of his preparation and imagination.

“And when I saw that he has come up with a new dream ride focused on Mount Laguna, I knew that once again Chris has found a new limit to what we think of as heaven on earth. This ride promises to be better than perfect on all fronts, all centered on the sacred ground that is Mount Laguna. This focal point has always held a fascinating spot in our consciousness. I grew up in San Diego - it has always been home - and Mount Laguna was forever the holy destination of choice for having a terrific time.

“Now, Chris Kostman has designed a tough, challenging 100 miler that incorporates three ever-more-difficult ascents to the Promised Land, including the car-less Kitchen Creek fantasy. And I can’t wait. With unbelievable diversity of every aspect of life, this day will surely stand out as a monument to all we could ever hope for in any one 24 hour period. Terrific scenery, unparalleled beauty, endless vistas, great roads, a clean and safe environment, crystal clear and fresh air, extensive support, and all our best friends getting together for a day of celebration, camaraderie, exercise, spiritual fulfillment, Mount Laguna and the sprawling San Diego backcountry. If there is anything else out there please let me know - quickly. Chris Kostman has put it all together here and we couldn’t be happier or luckier.

“I have been waiting for a miracle, and now that wait is over. Chris Kostman has done it again. I can only shudder to think where we would be without him.

“Chris has once again given us a reason to believe in a better tomorrow. There is new purpose and meaning in life itself.

“I plan on getting there early, helping Chris to get the show on the road; then, rolling out myself to enjoy one of the greatest experiences of my life. So please, bring your bike, your spirit, a willingness to smile, laugh and dream, and the unique soul that all participants in AdventureCORPS events either already have or are soon to acquire. Chris and I will take care of the rest.

“AdventureCORPS… Chris Kostman… three majestic, dynamic, explosive and exhilarating climbs to the top of THE MOUNTAIN… Mount Laguna... the San Diego back-country… sunshine daydreams … your bike… your newest best friends… and so much more… Is there anything else that anyone could ask for????

“April 17, 2010… 6am PST wheels down… come ready to ride… you have been notified … we will do our job… the rest is up to you.

“Miss this epic event at your own peril.

“Roll on forever, and enjoy the ride.”

And off he went - in search of yet another perfect day - the one that he knows he’s sure to find on April 17 on Mount Laguna.

ABOUT BILL WALTON

Bill Walton (born November 5, 1952), is a retired American basketball player and current television sportscaster. The “Big Red-Head”, as he was called, achieved superstardom playing for John Wooden's powerhouse UCLA Bruins in the early '70s and winning three straight College Player of the Year Awards and went on to have a prominent career in the NBA. Walton was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on May 10, 1993 and the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame that same year. He is the father of current Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton. - Quoted from Bill's bio on Wikipedia

Bill's Personal "Long Strange Trip" Website.

Bill's AdventureCORPS Fan #1 Webpage.

OFFICIAL CHARITY

The Official Charity of AdventureCORPS is the Challenged Athletes Foundation. One of the goals of all AdventureCORPS events is to raise funds for, and awareness of, this wonderful organization.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation was created on the belief that people of all abilities should have the opportunity to pursue a life full of physical activity and of sports. Be they recreational or in pursuit of a gold medal at the Paralympic Games, people with a physical disability are limited only by their access to funding. Since 1994, CAF has raised more than $24 million—allowing the Foundation to satisfy thousands of funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and across the globe.

Eighty-nine cents of every dollar raised by CAF provides funding and programs that get challenged athletes into the game. Whether it’s a $2,000 handcycle, helping underwrite a $15,000 running prosthetic or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar injury, CAF’s mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, competitive lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love.

Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic participants may participate in CAF's "Race For a Reason" program: Ride the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic on behalf of CAF, raise funds for this wonderful organization, and even earn cool incentive prizes in recognition of your efforts!

ABOUT ADVENTURECORPS

La Jolla, CA-based AdventureCORPS, Inc. is an athlete-run firm producing and promoting ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, lifestyle, and media. Adventure is our way of life. AdventureCORPS’ world-class events for athlete-adventurers include epic races such as the Badwater Ultramarathon and Furnace Creek 508, muiti-day cycling lifestyle adventures known as CORPScamps, the annual Rough Riders Rally in Marin County, plus several 100- and 200-mile cycling events in Death Valley, on and around San Diego County's Mt. Laguna. We also host and develop our adventure-related websites and blogs and provide a variety of adventure-related services. Founded in 1984 by Chris Kostman, this group effort is dedicated to exploring the inner and outer universes, seeking adventure, energy, and insight both in daily life and "out there."

Above: Pine Creek Road from loop three of the route, as featured in the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic logo.