Published Jul 10, 2026 9:37 am
Death Ride Logo
Alpine County, CA — A strenuous summertime high-country tradition, the 45th Annual Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride bicycling event is this weekend.
Cyclists who have registered have from sunrise to sunset on Saturday (July 11) to pedal 103 miles across highways 4 and 89, with stretches of the highways closed for much of the day.
It starts in Markleeville and includes more than 14,000 feet of climbing, traversing both sides of Highway 89 Monitor Pass, Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass, and the Pacific Grade. Nearly 90% of the course is closed to passenger vehicles, and the ride is fully supported with aid stations, a lunch stop, SAG vehicles, and medical support.
Caltrans reports that Highway 89 will be closed on Saturday from Markleeville to the Highway 4/89 intersection from 5 am – noon. Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass will be closed from Markleeville to Lake Alpine from 5 am – 4 pm.
Caltrans will have electronic message signs in place alerting travelers of the closures.
Some recent years have drawn well over 2,000 cyclists. It is put on by the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce.
Written by BJ Hansen.
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