The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California and one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world. It was created in the early 20th century (approx. 1907) when a temporary dam on the Colorado River collapsed and flooded the plains down stream. The Salton Sea Century is a recreational road biking event in that takes place in and around Borrego Springs, California and affords beautiful views of the Salton Sea.

Hosted by Shadow Tour, (organizers of the Winter Stagecoach Century and Spring Stagecoach Century) this is a unique riding experience. The entire ride takes place in fairly low elevations on rarely trafficked roads, winding through the pristine desert and soaring mountains.

There are various distance options for riders, depending on ability. They include:
* 17 miles
* 25 miles
* 52 miles
* 72 miles
* 100 miles

Weather patterns may vary on this ride. As the day progresses, both heat and wind begin to pick up. Understanding the inherent challenges with this weather, the organizers at Shadow Tour have enabled numerous turnaround points for riders to shorten or lengthen their experience, as needed, to one of the distances outlined above.

The 100 mile course has about 4,400 feet of gentle climbing and is considered to be average in difficulty. The first half of the course is non-technical and has very gentle grades with long sight lines and low vehicle traffic. The last 28 miles of the route gets a bit more difficult as it involves riding some longer and steeper desert climbs and descents on secondary desert roads while battling afternoon winds and temps in the high 80s to low 90s.

The Yaqui Pass leg is the steepest climb on the route, rising 1,250 feet in 5 miles. The Yaqui Pass summit (1,750 feet above sea level) is the highest point on the course and is followed immediately by a fast 5 mile descent.

Overall, the ride is not too technically challenging, but afternoon winds and potentially hot conditions in the desert create conditions that must be recognized when selecting your distance.

The ride starts and finishes in the heart of Borrego Springs (approximately 80 miles northeast of San Diego), at an elevation of 600 feet above sea level. The first 18 miles consist of a scenic loop around Borrego Springs before turning east toward the Salton Sea. Riders climb over a 975' elevation desert pass, enabling breathtaking views of the Salton Sea and the surrounding area. At the peak, riders descend to Salton City at about 75 feet below sea level.

Upon reaching Salton City, the route reverses direction and returns to Borrego Springs (the mile 72 lunch stop for century riders).

The last section of the century gets more challenging as the desert heat, afternoon winds, and gradual elevation gains begin to take the toll. The total elevation gain for the 100 mile course is 4,400 feet. Roughly 2,400 feet of climbing occurs in the first 72 miles with the final 2,000 feet crammed into the final 28 miles (and reserved only for the century riders).

Within those last miles include a 5 mile ascent to the Yaqui Pass Summit at 1,750 feet of elevation, only to be rewarded with a 5 mile downhill and then a flat (usually breezy) 5 mile stretch across the desert and back to the finish at Borrego Springs.

FOOD
There is a lunch stop at mile 72. The last 28 miles of the course are arguably the most challenging so make sure you fuel up.

Ultimate Team Time Trial Challenge
In addition to individuals riding various distances, the century features a unique four person "Ultimate 100 Mile Team Time Trial." Inspired by such events as the [Furnace Creek 508], [Fireweed 400], and [Race Across America] (RAMM), Shadow Tour has created their own unique team trial format.

The Salton Sea Team Time Trial is not a relay but, rather, requires all four members to ride together in a single, safe paceline from start to finish. See ShadowTour.com for more info.