Utah's only fully supported, 200 mile, one day cycling adventure. Unique 100 and 200 mile options! Saturday August 21, 2010
Itinerary:
Friday, August 20
- 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Check-in and pre-ride party for all riders at the New Western Motel.
Saturday, August 21
- 5:00 am - 6:30 am Early check-in for late arrivals.
- 6:15 am Pre-ride meeting for 200 mile riders.
- 6:30 am Mass start for 200 mile riders.
- 6:45 am Pre-ride meeting for 100 mile riders.
- 7:00 am Mass start for 100 mile riders.
Weather
The average daily high is 80 degrees, the average low is 50. This can also be thunderstorm season and afternoon showers are not unusual. The festival events will not be cancelled due to weather.
Route descriptions:
Outlaw Loop
Following a mass start in Panguitch we begin with an easy warm up spin and head south on Hwy 89 which follows the west fork of the Sevier River. At the junction of Scenic Hwy 12 we turn east and start the climb up through spectacular Red Canyon. At the lower end of Red Canyon we enter the bike path which follows a winding course up the canyon just off the Hwy. Topping the climb, riders will cruise the flats of the Paunsaugunt plateau right up to the very edge of Bryce Canyon National Park before turning north on State Rd 22 and into the broad expanse of JohnÕs Valley. The first checkpoint is nestled in the pines where riders can fill their bottles and refuel with snacks. The next section of the route continues through the broad and rolling length of John's Valley, which is bordered by towering Powell Point on one side and Mt Dutton on the other. This unspoiled valley offers a true vision of what the old west used to be! Riding the rollers down the valley the road suddenly drops into a narrow gorge cut by the east fork of the Sevier River, called Black Canyon. Get ready for this fast and twisty run down the canyon, speeding by historic buildings and pioneer farms and ranches on either side. Entering the small town of Antimony you will find the next checkpoint under the Cottonwoods at Antimony Mercantile. After leaving Antimony, and just past Otter Creek Reservoir, the river becomes swifter and the valley deep and narrow. On this fast and rolling section your route closely follows the Sevier River on it's journey through the town of Kingston and on to Circleville. As you approach Hwy 89 you are confronted with the spectacular vista of the east side of the Tushar Mountains, rising from their foot at the edge of the highway to their summits at well over 12,000 ft! At the Junction of Hwy 89 we turn south towards Circleville and our next checkpoint in town at the park in Circleville. Departing Circleville on Highway 89, you now head up the west fork of the Sevier River through the deep and narrow Circleville Canyon, occasionally breaking out into grassy little valleys. One of these meadows contains Butch Cassidy's boyhood home which sits quietly alongside the road. At the top of the canyon you enter the Panguitch Valley and pass by Bear Valley Junction for the final pull back into Panguitch. At the north end of town you will turn into the fairgrounds where all riders will enjoy lunch and a well deserved rest in the outside pavilion. 100 mile riders will finish here, while 200 mile riders will continue after lunch on the Big Fish Loop. Big
Big Fish Loop
After lunch at the fairgrounds the challenge begins again. You will head south through town and continue straight on Hwy 143. This where the real climbing begins! As you ascend you will start to see a change in the vegetation from the Sage and Juniper of the high desert, to the Pine, Aspen and Spruce of the Dixie National Forest. Soon you join Panguitch Creek and follow that up to scenic Panguitch Lake. A little more climbing brings you to Mammoth Creek Road where you turn for the twisty descent through the lava flows to Mammoth Creek Village where you will find the next checkpoint. Leaving Mammoth you have a series of short climbs separated by spacious meadows, bringing you eventually to Hwy 14. Turning eastward on Hwy 14 you will enjoy some rolling terrain that drops you at Long Valley Junction at Hwy 89. Here you will turn right heading south on Hwy 89 where, for the first time today you will leave the Great Basin and enter the Colorado River drainage. You are at the headwaters of the Virgin River though it may be hard to tell. The lakes and streams here pass through Zion National Park before joining the Colorado River far downstream. After a short stretch on Hwy 89 you will turn left toward the town of Alton, the location of the next checkpoint. Alton, just 4 miles off the highway is virtually unknown to the world. It retains the quiet charm of a small town lost in the grand landscape of the west. Now you will return to Hwy 89 and then north back towards Panguitch. The chances for a prevailing tailwind on this last leg are good. After you pass Long Valley Junction on your way north you will be back in Great Basin again at the headwaters of the Sevier River. Imagine these last 30 miles or so following the river with a gentle downhill and a tailwind! Believe it! On your return to Panguitch you will cruise back through town to the fairgrounds where you will finish into the pavilion. The cheers of your fellow cyclist and the smell of food will greet you as you finish your adventure.
Friday, August 20
- 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Check-in and pre-ride party for all riders at the New Western Motel.
Saturday, August 21
- 5:00 am - 6:30 am Early check-in for late arrivals.
- 6:15 am Pre-ride meeting for 200 mile riders.
- 6:30 am Mass start for 200 mile riders.
- 6:45 am Pre-ride meeting for 100 mile riders.
- 7:00 am Mass start for 100 mile riders.
Route description The Desperado Dual consists of 2 loops, each beginning and ending in Panguitch Utah. Half Century riders will do an out and back on the Outlaw Loop. Century riders will do the Outlaw loop while double century riders will start with the Outlaw Loop and finish with the Big Fish Loop. Lunch for all riders is at mile 106 at the fairgrounds. View Interactive maps by clicking on the Map My Ride links below.
