Event FAQ

• Participant Info

• Event Schedule

• Course Description

• Route Description

• Start Sequence

• Rest Stop Hours

• Rules of the Road

• Directions

• Dining and Lodging

• Cycling Etiquette

• Course map (PDF)

Participant Info

Registration Pick-up & Reception

Join us for fun, light appetizers, wine tasting, and meet the other riders & runners. Saturday October 2, 3:00-5:00pm., Discovery Park at Oak Picnic area. Tickets Adults $8 pre-register, $12 at the door; kids $4 pre-register, $6 at the door. Order tickets online with event registration or purchase at registration check-in.

You will receive a wrist band and number which will get you on the course, lunch, and into the Princess Fitness Festival. Please put your wrist band on. Replacement for lost wristband is $10. You may pick up registration materials for other riders with printed registration confirmation signed by rider.

Sunday Check-In & Late Registration: Discovery Park starting at 7:00 a.m.
From I-5, exit Richards Blvd. Turn Right on Jibboom into Discovery Park. Park entrance fees are $4 and not included in event registration. (Please see route start sequence to allow plenty of time to check in).

If picking up registration materials for someone else (kids excluded) bring a signed copy of their registration confirmation with you as proof for pick-up.

Start/Finish is located at the Oak Pavillion picnic area.

Fees: No refunds or credits. Ride Rain or Shine.

Bring and Carry Photo ID! Photo ID required at check in and we strongly recommend carrying (photocopy) Photo ID on your ride or run.

Costume Contest - New Rules: We can't do it! It's impossible to choose a "winner" so we are no longer having a contest. We are having a drawing. Everyone who has a costume will be given a ticket for the drawing. And, you get to walk across the stage in the costume fashion show! Winner's number will be announced at the Festival. What can you win? A $300 spa and shopping spree gift card courtesy of Folsom Tourism.

Other Important Details:

• Average temperature in October is 78 degrees. Ride will be held rain or shine.
• Event fee includes entry to all food-drink stops on the course, participants medical insurance, catered meal at the finish, commemorative gift, and services from exhibitors at the Princess Fitness Festival.
• No processed, wrapper products provided on course. Please do not litter. Reduce waste. We provide natural foods!
• Pre-registration is required. No ride-alongs without registration.
• Wrist band required to enter Comfort Stations for refreshments, lunch, and ride/run support.
• If unable to participate, you may donate your entry to the Virtual Rider/Runner Program and help someone in need or Transfer your registration with $10 processing fee. To transfer registration to another person, you must find the person who wishes to purchase your registration. New participant will pay a $10 transfer fee to event management for processing. Bring signed printout of registration confirmation. Sorry, no refunds.
• All participants are required to sign of a waiver of liability.
• Riders 18 and under must have a parent or guardian sign a release form.
• Helmets are mandatory. You should carry a spare tube, patch kit, tire pump, cell phone, and identification on your ride.
• Emergency support provided. Please cycle/run within your limits for safety.
• Tandem riders register for two people. Children under 5 years in trailers or bike seat FREE
• Please indicate your team name during online registration. A field is offered for that purpose.

Event Schedule

7:00 AM Gates Open, Welcome activities begin

8:00 AM Challenge 64 and Double Di 55 mile riders depart

8:10 AM Tiara Rock & Run 5k runners depart

9:00 AM Lady Di 26 mile riders depart

9:30 AM Princess Grace 15 mile riders depart

10:00 AM Princess Jasmine 3 mile riders depart

11:00 AM Live Performance - lunch service begins

12:00 PM Kids Costume Fashion Show & Prize Drawing

12:30 PM Live Performance

1:00 PM Adult Costume Fashion Show & Prize Drawing

1:30 PM Time Trial and Team Trophy Award

2:00 PM Royal Trumpets are silent until next October!

Course Description

The American River Parkway bike is a fully paved, wide, two-lane bike trail with a painted yellow line down the middle. It was planned for bikes from the start; not as an afterthought. The trail crosses only ONE city street for 32 miles (64 up and back!) which is Del Paso Blvd., about 2 miles from Discovery Park start/finish. The bike trail has a shoulder for walking and jogging. If you need to stop, pull over and completely off the paved trail. The elevation gain from historic Old Sacramento to the gold mining foothills of Folsom is gradual, starting at 25' and ending at about 275' near Folsom Lake.

The bike course is a winding, two-lane bike trail with some rolling hills along a 32 mile stretch of the American River. The bike trail is nestled in a natural setting with woods, streams, ponds, marshes, fields, fauna, and beautiful parks sprinkled along the way. The trail has mile markers, telephone, restroom facilities, picnic tables, bridges, parking access, and ranger facilities along the course. The American River Parkway links adjoining communities whose unique character is enjoyed via bicycle.

Rest Stops are located at CSUS Guy West Bridge (mile 8), William Pond Park (mile 13), and Negro Bar State Park (near mile 28). Food served at the rest stops includes organic fresh fruit, whole grain breads and locally baked goods, sandwiches and wraps for the long courses, salty snacks, and other high quality foods. Please note we avoid wrapper-food products to minimize litter.

Route Description

Princess Challenge Metric Century( 64 mile) - Start: 8:00 AM
Veteran riders, this one is for you! As a way to measure your fitness, we have added an optional "Time Your Climb" 3-Mile time trial to Beal's Point at Folsom Lake. The Time Trial is limited to the first 25 riders who check in at the time trial booth just past Negro Bar in Folsom. Fastest accumulative Team wins the perpetual Princess Trophy. Individual winner receives a $100 Gift Certificate and entry to 2010 Princess Promenade. You will hit the Time Trial with about 28 miles on your legs before facing short hills of 7-9% grade with some relief and a straightaway before a final 4-5% climb to Beal's Point. No rest stop at Beal's Point turnaround. Please return to Negro Bar for rest stop. Recommended for riders above 15mph pace. Plan your return by NLT 11:30.

Double Di (55 Mile) - Start: 8:00 AM
This beautiful ride winds along the American River and crosses the Hazel Avenue Bridge in view of the salmon fish hatchery, to the turnaround at rest stop #3 located at near mile 28, just past Negro Bar State Park. Enjoy a light lunch and refreshments before returning back to Discovery Park, or watch the Princess Challenge riders depart for their Climb to Beal's Point. (Time Trial start stationed here). Recommended for riders above 15mph pace. Plan your return by NLT 11:30.

Tiara Rock & Run 5k - Start: 8:10 AM

Starts at Discovery Park and travels to historic Old Sacramento and back. This is a beautiful course with expansive views of the American and Sacramento Rivers. Run entry includes refreshments, lunch, commemorative gift, and all Festival activities.

Lady Di (26 mile) - Start: 9:00 AM
Travel from Discovery Park, enjoy rest stop #1 at CSUS, then continue on to William Pond Park to rest stop #2 at mile 13. Enjoy sunning and snacking before traveling back to Discovery Park for your celebratory finish at the Princess Fitness Festival.

 

Princess Grace (15 mile) - Start: 9:30 AM
Travel from Discovery Park to our first rest stop; OVER the "mini-Golden Gate Bridge" on the CSU, Sacramento Campus (mile 8 on the bike trail). After enjoying refreshments and an incredible view of the river, return back to Discovery Park for lunch and Festival activities.

Princess Jasmine Ride & Treasure Hunt (3 mile) - Start: 10:00 AM
Starts at Discovery Park and travels to historic Old Sacramento and back. Collect your passport stamps and hunt for "treasure" along the way. Pick up Treasure Map from the Princess Store booth. Parents must register to ride with your children. Children in bike seat or bike trailer, FREE.

Rest Stops & Time Trial Hours of Operations

Please plan your ride within your abilities and leave sufficient time to reach the rest stops during hours of operation.

• Rest Stop #1 CSUS Guy West Bridge, Mile Marker 8. Open: 8:15 AM to 1:30 PM
• Rest Stop #2 William Pond Park, Mile Marker 13. Open 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
• Rest Stop #3 Negro Bar State Park, approx. Mile Marker 28.5. Open 9:30 to 11:00 AM
• Time Trial Check-In tent approx. Mile Marker 28.5. Open to first 25 riders, departing in 30 second intervals. No "official" rest stop at Beal's Point. Return to Negro Bar for refreshments.

Rules of the Road:

We are guests of the area. This ride takes place on the scenic American River Bike trail. Each litter bit will show up against this beautiful backdrop. Drop nothing, even if it is biodegradable. Please stop at all stop signs, ride single file, and obey the rules of the road. Pull completely off the blacktop if you need to stop. And remember your cycling etiquette (listed below).

 

Directions to Discovery Park (a historic gold site!)

From San Francisco Bay Area:

• Take Highway 80 toward Sacramento
• Take I-5 North To Richards Blvd.
• Exit LEFT under the freeway.
• Make a RIGHT on Jibboom Lane.
• Park Entrance is straight ahead 1/2 mile.
• State Parking fees required at ranger station.
• Proceed over Jibboom Bridge (look at the view!) to RIGHT (East) end of the park.
• Ride starts at Alder & Oak Picnic area, 3/10 tenths of a mile EAST from Jibboom Bridge entrance.

Dining and Lodging — Welcome to Sacramento!

Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza
300 J Street, Sacramento
(916) 446-0100
www.Sacramentohi.com

The Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza is conveniently located across from Old Sacramento and you may cycle to the event via the pedestrian walkway that links to downtown plaza.

Delta King
1000 Front Street, Old Sacramento
(800) 825-5464
www.deltaking.com

Make it a true princess experience. Prices range from $119 to $259. Bike storage area is available on board the ship.

 

For additional hotels and packages, contact Sacramento Visitors and Convention Bureau.

 

Cycling Etiquette 101

No helmet = NO RIDE (gloves are also a good idea) At all times keep to the right and obey all traffic rules.

For those taking part in their first cycle program or are new to group training, these points will help you avoid falls and gain the confidence of others around you.

1. Be predictable with all your actions.
2. Maintain a steady straight line and avoid braking or changing direction suddenly. Remember that there are riders following you closely from behind. To slow down, gradually apply your brakes and say "slowing." If you are in a paceline, move out to the LEFT into the wind and fall back into your position at the back of the pack. If not in a paceline, simply pull off the road to your right.
3. Point out and call out any road hazards ahead. These include potholes, drain grates, stray animals, opening car doors, sticks or stones, parked cars, etc. There are also hand signals for this.
   - left arm straight out to signal a left turn
   - right arm straight out for a right turn
   - palm or fist behind your lower back to signal slowing or stopping
   - shake hand side to side in the direction of sand, glass or any other road hazard
4. Do not overlap wheels. A slight direction change or gust of wind could easily cause you to touch wheels with another cyclist and fall. Advanced riders pedal down hill when at the front of the bunch. Experienced cyclists dislike having to ride under brakes (the riders following the leader benefit from her draft, thereby having to pedal less and brake more).
5. Stay to the right when in front to allow room for others to pass safely on your left, particularly in traffic. Pass other riders on the left hand side whenever possible.
6. Be smooth with your turns at the front of the group. Avoid surges unless trying to break from the bunch. A group will travel quicker when turns are completed smoothly.
7. Avoid leaving gaps when following wheels closely (drafting). Cyclists save about 30% of their energy at high speed by drafting another rider Each time you leave a gap (more than 10 inches) you are forcing yourself to ride without the benefit of a draft, and under your own power to bridge the gap. Also, riders behind you will become annoyed and ride around you, especially if the bunch is working together to break away or catch a breakaway group in a race.
8. When climbing hills, avoid following a wheel too closely. Many riders often lose their momentum when rising out of the saddle on a hill which can cause a sudden deceleration. This can often catch a rider who is following too closely, resulting in a fall from a wheel touch.
9. Do not panic if you brush shoulders, hands or bars with another rider. Try to stay relaxed in your upper body to absorb any bumps. This is a part of cycle racing in close bunches and is quite safe provided riders do not panic, brake or change direction. Real cycling is a contact sport!
   
   There are a lot more minor points that could be mentioned here as becoming a proficient bunch rider takes time and experience to achieve. The most important point however is to be aware of others around you and respect other riders, your actions will have a direct response on theirs.

Frequent Commands

Slowing - When someone yells out "Slowing", this means that there is something that is causing the pack to slow down. This can be anything from a light, a slower pack of bikes, a car up ahead. In any event, prepare to slow down. Tap you brakes and repeat the yell "Slowing". This is to indicate to others that you've heard them and you are also slowing. This will also alert those behind you that you are slowing down.

Stopping - When someone yells out "Stopping", this means that there is something that is causing the pack to stop. This can be anything from a light, a slower pack of bikes, a stop sign or a car up ahead. In any event, prepare to stop. Tap you brakes and repeat the yell "Stopping". This is to indicate to others that you've heard them and you are also slowing to a stop. This will also alert those behind you that you are slowing to a stop. It's VERY important not to slam on your brakes especially if there are others behind you!

Hold your line - When someone yells, "Hold your line", this means that you need to stay in a straight line as best you can. In most cases, the person yelling this out to you is attempting to pass or warn you your riding is not steady and predictable. If you swing out or if you don't keep your bike steady, you could cause the other bicyclist trouble or injury.

On your Left - When someone yells, "On your Left", this means that they are passing you on your left. No need to take this personally. Let them pass as they have the right of way. You should never hear "On your Right". That is, a bicycler should never pass on the right. However, there are many bicyclers with varying experience. Be on the look out for those that will pass on your right. If someone does this, kindly remind him or her that they should pass on the left. Also, it is common courtesy to say "Thank You" to the person yelling "on your left". This indicates to them that you've heard them.

Car Up - When someone yells, "Car Up", this means that there is a car up front. It is intended to be a verbal caution indicating that a stop may be necessary. If you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the vehicle up front. It is also common courtesy to repeat this so that others behind you also know about the car.

Car Back - When someone yells, "Car Back", this means that there is a car back behind you. It is intended to be a verbal caution indicating that a stop may be necessary. If you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the vehicle is behind you. It is also common courtesy to repeat this so that others in front of you also know about the car.

Bike Up - When someone yells, "Bike Up", this means that there is a bike up in front of you, either coming toward you (as on a bike trail) or riding at a slower pace. It is intended to be a verbal caution indicating that you may need to pass the cyclist or a stop may be necessary. If you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the bike up front. It is also common courtesy to repeat this so that others behind you also know about the bike.

Bike Back - When someone yells, "Bike Back", this means that there is a bicylist behind you. It is intended to be a verbal caution indicating that a bike may attempt to pass you or a stop may be necessary. If you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the bike behind you. It is common courtesy to repeat this so that others in front of you also know about the bike.

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