200 mile Route
For over three decades riders have spoken in hushed tones about the legendary Tour of the Unknown Coast. Some speak of the beauty of this Northern California ride; of the towering redwood trees on the Avenue of the Giants; or of the old-fashioned feel of the small towns along the way. But all agree that with over 9500 feet of climbing (and over 3000 feet of that coming after mile 80!) this is one tough hundred miles of road.
Many riders return year after year, ready to face the challenge of the Unknown Coast one more time. But a few are ready to up the ante; to face an even bigger challenge. For them, we bring you the Tour of the Unknown Coast Two Hundred! The TUC200 was last offered in 1994. We’re proud to bring it back again for 2010!
The format is simple; riders will set out at 5:00 am to ride the traditional 100 mile Tour of the Unknown Coast route. A hundred miles later they’ll arrive back at the start/finish line…and then they’ll continue on and do it all one more time!
NOTICE: THE TUC200 WILL BE ONE MEAN, TOUGH AND PAINFUL RIDE!
Please do not attempt the TUC200 if you are not confident in your ability to complete the distance. We strongly suggest that prior to attempting the TUC200 entrants should have completed at least one other 200 miler in 18 hours or less.
FINISHERS’ PATCHES: All finishers of the TUC200 will receive three beautiful embroidered patches suitable for framing or sewing onto a favorite garment. The first one, the 100 mile patch will be awarded at the completion of the first lap. The 200 Kilometer patch will be handed out on the second lap at the 200K mark at the Immortal Tree rest stop. A third patch, the 200 MILE finisher patch awaits riders on the completion of lap two.
RULES
BICYCLE DARK TIME SAFETY EQUIPMENT: As per the California vehicle code, all entrants’ bicycles must be equipped with headlights, one rear flashing tail-light, white front reflector, rear red reflector. We also strongly recommend reflectors or reflective tape on the wheels, crank arms, back of the helmet and the back of the shoes. Lights must be on at departure and remain on at least until sunrise at 6:14 a.m. Sunset is 7:55 pm, all 200 mile riders still on course must have their lights on by 7;30 p.m.
NO FOLLOW CARS!
Riders found to have personal follow cars will NOT receive an official finish time and will be barred from future TUC events.
Sorry, but with the number of riders, the narrow roads and the everyday vehicle traffic, for the safety of all we must insist that riders not have their own support vehicles.
Personal aid will be allowed ONLY at Dyerville Overlook, where Avenue of the Giants meets Highway 101. Riders must otherwise rely on the five aid stations we’ll have on course stocked with food, water, etc
Your friends, family, etc. may drive to Dyerville Overlook and wait for you there, but are NOT to continue on past that point. You may stop and to eat or take on supplies from their parked car. No moving hand-offs from vehicles will be allowed.
NINETEEN HOUR TIME LIMIT: To be awarded an official finish time a rider must complete the second lap by 12 midnight. Riders found on course with no mathematical chance of making that cut-off will be instructed to board our SAG wagon.
AERO BARS: We realize that many endurance riders enjoy the added speed and optional hand positions of aerodynamic handlebars. We will allow their use in the TUC200 but must insist that the full aero position only be used while riding alone and NOT WHEN RIDING IN A PACK WITH OTHER RIDERS.
FINISH LINE CUT-OFF TIME: TUC200 riders have until 5pm to complete the first lap. Riders completing the first lap after that time will be instructed to not depart on a second lap.
ALBEE CREEK TIME CUT-OFF: Second lap riders found on course who have not reached the Albee Creek Aid Station by 7pm will be instructed to board our SAG wagon.
A.W.WAY PARK TIME CUT-OFF: Second lap riders found on course who have not reached the A.W. Way Park Aid Station by 9pm will be instructed to board our SAG wagon.
SAFETY ISSUES
“THE WILDCAT”: The final descent into Ferndale, known by locals as “The Wildcat” is four miles of fast downhill with numerous, twists, and turns. While it can be fun it can also bite you! Some of the turns are decreasing radius. There are potholes and frost heaves and a couple of sections of gravel. Keep your eyes open and your speed in check and you’ll be fine. Throw caution to the wind and you’ll finish with road rash, a shoulder sling or worse.
BE PREPARED: The Boy Scout’s motto “Be Prepared” is always appropriate, especially for the TUC200. Spring weather on the North Coast can be sunny and clear, cloudy and wet, or everything in between, and often all on the same day! A TUC200 rider needs to have cycling clothing for any condition. Even with ideal weather it will be cold for the 5:00 a.m. start. So we suggest starting your ride dressed in layers that you can shed after sunrise. Rain showers are almost always a possibility, so be sure to have a rain shell, cold weather gloves and a helmet cover. And smart riders will bring eye wear with clear lenses for the dark hours.
TUC 200 Route Slip
- Start/Finish Humboldt County Fairgrounds, Ferndale. Head west on 5th St. three blocks to Ocean Ave., turn left and head south out of town.
- Mile 3.7 Waddington Rd. continue on through the Ferndale Bottoms toward Rio Dell on Grizzly Bluff Rd.
- Mile 5.4 Grizzly Bluff School intersection, turn right to Rio Dell
- Mile 8.3 Continue on toward Rio Dell.
- Mile 13.1 Intersection –STOP SIGN!!!— Watch traffic control officer / CHP / RIO DELL CHECK-POINT / AID STATION. Turn right onto Wildwood Ave., go through Rio Dell, cross the historic Scotia Bridge.
- Mile 14.4 Continue through Scotia, the road turns to the left as you pass the lumber mill offices and the old locomotive. Continue on to Highway 101.
- Mile 15.9 Enter Highway 101 southbound. SINGLE FILE PLEASE
- Mile 21.7 Take Pepperwood exit from 101 south. Turn left at STOP SIGN and enter Avenue of the Giants south. Continue on next 8.2 miles.
- Mile 25 REST STOP / AID STATION at IMMORTAL TREE GIFT SHOP. 50 mile riders turnaround here. 100 K and 100 mile riders continue on.
- Mile 31.7 DYERVILLE OVERLOOK. This is where you may send your own support people to meet you with provisions, food etc. (See TUC200 rules) Take Bull Creek Rd. / Honeydew exit under the 101 overpass. DO NOT take the bridge to the left. CAUTION: Poor road surface, narrow lanes and local vehicle traffic.
- Mile 38 REST STOP / AID STATION at ALBEE CREEK.
- Mile 40 Begin 6.8 mile ascent of Panther Gap Ridge
- Mile 48.4 Begin extremely steep downhill with hairpin turns. CAUTION: There may be sheep on the road!
- Mile 55.6 Honeydew Bridge USE CAUTION. Stay to the right as you pass the Honeydew Store. Wave to the onlookers. CAUTION: Cattle guards and possible loose cattle next 4 miles.
- Mile 63 REST STOP / AID STATION at A.W. WAY PARK. Lunch stop for 100 milers.
- Mile 66 Surprise Hill! 300 foot hill, just to remind you…
- Mile 69 Petrolia. After crossing country road through town. No turnoffs.
- Mile 73-75 Along ocean coast. CAUTION: Loose cattle & cattle guards.
- Mile 81.5 REST STOP / AID STATION at “THE WALL.” The fun begins! 1 mile climb, 18%-22% grade. YOU CAN DO IT!
- Mile 84 Descent begins. USE EXTREME CAUTION! Very sharp and steep turns with gravel areas.
- Mile 86 UNSTAFFED AID STATION at CAPETOWN. Porta potty, water, snacks at side of the road.
- Mile 86.7 The Endless Hill climbs for about 8 miles, so don’t attack the first climb. Many false summits. No turnoffs, so stay on the main road. CAUTION: LOOSE SHEEP
- Mile 89.9 CAUTION: Cattle guard
- Mile 96 Top of the Endless Hill—you’ve done it! Road begins four mile descent to Ferndale. CAUTION: HAIRPIN CURVES AND ROUGH ROAD.
- Mile 99.2 STOP SIGN: This one catches riders off guard…watch for it. Make a right and then an immediate left onto 5th Street back to the fairgrounds. Great job! One lap down, only one more to go!