In the Spring of 2010, bicycle riders from all over the country will stage a relay race in the 8 western states of California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. Approximately 500 selected bikers will attempt to ride the actual Pony Express Trail as it exists today faster than about 500 veteran horseback Pony Express riders. The 2010 Pony Express Bicycle Challenge authentic head to head relay race is a separate event from the historic Pony Express Reride and will compete day and night until there is a winner. The goal is to ride the roughly 2,000 miles from Sacramento, CA to St. Joseph, Missouri in just 7 days, 16 hours.
Not for 150 years has there gone out across the country an urgent call for ‘wiry 18 year old’ riders. Today, the Pony Express Bicycle Challenge is looking for great young bicycle riders from bike shops, bike clubs, college racing teams, military personnel, noted individuals and racing pros. You need not be an ‘orphan willing to risk death’ to apply.
2010 marks the 150th anniversary of the bold proposition to transport mail overland by horseback between St. Joseph, MO and Sacramento, CA in 10 days or less. Today, the gauntlet has been thrown down by bicycle riders using all manner of peddled machines to carry digital mail between St. Joseph, MO and Sacramento, CA in 10 days or less. In fact, bikers brazenly predict propelling themselves faster than horses on the same exact original Pony Express Trail as it stands today.
In 1860, the Pony Express heroically captured the imagination of a young, expansionist nation and rode into legend. Early June, 2010 is their 150th anniversary and a big deal, even to Congress and the President. The Pony Express deserve next year’s honors and accolades the old fashioned way, they earned it! The Pony Express Bicycle Challenge will be raced as a completely separate relay event from the well deserved 2,000 mile daylight photo-op 150th reenactment Reride.
In the Spring of 2010, bicycle riders from all over the country will stage a relay race in the 8 western states of California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. Approximately 500 selected bikers will attempt to ride the actual Pony Express Trail as it exists today faster than about 250 veteran horseback Pony Express riders. The 2010 Pony Express Bicycle Challenge authentic head to head relay race is a separate event from the historic Pony Express Reride and will compete day and night until there is a winner. The goal is to ride the roughly 2,000 miles from Sacramento, CA to St. Joseph, Missouri in just 7 days, 16 hours.
Horses are clearly favored when climbing and powering through soft soil conditions. Naturally, there are huge advantages horses have over bike riders climbing up the Sierra Nevada range and up the western side of the continental divide. Nevada's 40 mile desert and Utah's Upper Sonoran Desert have hundreds of miles of less famous but no less difficult terrain conditions. The single most advantageous factor for the cyclist is that much of the original trail has become gravel roads and paved highways. Horses must run on roads and are at a disadvantage here. Wind and weather will also be a huge factor. Ultimately, the real ‘horse race’ of this horse race is in the marginal areas of terrain where decades of horsemanship experience may trump technology.
Both racing groups have taken advantage of technology. Horses are bred for better blood lines. Bicycles have drastically improved on the simple concept of two wheels and a frame. We intend to use all types of human-peddled bicycles just as horsemen select from Thoroughbreds, Mustangs, Pintos, and Arabians.
In addition to the 80 lb Mochilla (mail pouch), Pony Express riders will carry 150 years of history as a virtual burden. Bicycles, on the other hand, will carry 150 years of history, literally! Their 20 lbs bicycle mochilla contains all manner of portable digital devices filled with the last 150 years of recorded history, including the genealogies of original riders and their horses.
The Pony Express Bicycle Challenge is a historic moment with public morale riding on it. In truth, the Pony Express Bicycle Challenge itself has little meaning in terms of actual accomplishment. Modern bikes with the best riders could not compete over the original Trail with the motivated horses and horsemen of 150 years ago. Mostly, the country needs to be reminded its own historic struggles as a strength and regain an optimism for the future to build on. Motivated citizens can make the unusual and the seemingly impossible happen. Cross country mail delivered in days instead of weeks by boat: imagine that! Elect a black President: imagine that. Bicycles beating horses at their own game on their own 2,000 mile long turf. Imagine that. What’s' next? Imagine it.
The theme of the challenge is “Men propelling themselves on machines at speeds rivaling horses”. But, man against beast has its own tantalizing appeal. Beyond that, 200 horsemen racing against 500 bicyclists is interesting, competitive and just plain fun. Certainly, competition on the grand stage of the original Pony Express Trail speaks for itself.
The race is on for 2010. The country needs a spark to get going again. This head to head match may light that fire.
The short term goal of the Pony Express Bicycle Challenge is bikes beating ponies. Hopefully, this head to head competition will teach us long term about sportsmanship, mutual respect, trail sharing, the wonderful potential young men and women have in front of them and that lots of cool bikes were successfully showcased in some of the worst, most rugged terrain in the very wild West.
Primary and Outrider cyclists can apply online at this website, or submit their application by mail. If you submit your application by mail, please include your name, address, email, phone, age, riding experience, references, picture, hometown, and an explanation of your desire to ride. Please include a refundable $20 for application costs. If not selected, you can send a refund request in writing to the same address. Please mail your application to:
Pony Express Bicycle Challenge, P.O. Box 757, Fernley, NV 89408Apply Online Here
Entitles you to apply for primary rider or outrider, a T-shirt, discounts on patches and preferential seating to watch the riders go by.
Outrider - $200Includes potentially carrying the Mochilla or rendering aid/help in the thick/action/heat of the race. Number of outriders is subject of limitations of terrain, congestion, etc.
Primary Rider I - $300Includes carrying the Mochilla while riding your bike in the race and a certificate of participation. Also, scholarships will be available, thanks to sponsors and donations.
Primary Rider II - $500Includes carrying the Mochilla while riding your bike in the race, a GPS unit, and a certificate of participation with printed GPS tracking on the certificate. GPS unit may be used from then on with an annual fee (TBA).
Scholarships will also be available, thanks to sponsors and donations.
Fees are payable by check at:
Pony Express Bicycle Challenge, P.O. Box 757, Fernley, NV 89408.
Sponsors can apply online at this website, or send their application in by mail. Anyone may sponsor, including towns, counties, civic organizations, and tourism destinations. Levels of sponsorship include Steel, Chromalloy, Aluminum, Titanium and Composite. Applications submitted via mail will need to include your name, address, email, phone, product(s) and/or services. Mail your application to:
Pony Express Bicycle Challenge, P.O. Box 757, Fernley, NV 89408Apply Online Here
The Pony Express Bicycle Challenge needs volunteers and logistics help with just about everything. Volunteer positions will include such things as preriding, staging, charging lights, and defining night riding sections. Mobile 4x4 vehicles are needed for jumping ahead with moveable heavy equipment such as media stands. ATVs are ideal for logistics, individual relay site organization, communications, bike light support, and many other jobs. GPS monitor volunteers are also critically important for safety and planning. Churches, civic groups and schools are strongly encouraged to volunteer.
DonationsDonations will be a huge part of making the Pony Express Bicycle Challenge run smoothly (and at all). Here are a few things donated money will go towards:
Scholarships to help underfunded cyclists.
Cleaning up the trail after the Challenge. Our goal is to leave the trail better than it was before we got there.
Individual riders collecting donations will be encouraged to give any extra funds to charity.
If you cannot physically get out to the trail, please consider helping out the cyclists giving their all along the way. ("donate now" paypal link here?)
If you have any questions regarding the Pony Express Bicycle Challenge, you can contact your state's captain. All the state captains, along with their contact information, are listed under the "Map" section of this site. General questions and comments about the challenge or this website can be sent to contact@ponyexpressbicyclechallenge.com
Any feedback can also be sent via mail to this address:
The purpose of Pony Express Bicycle Challenge is to foster competitive sportsmanship and the Code of the old west in an uniquely historic setting. Pony Express Bicycle Challenge organizers will work closely with the Pony Express Quartermaster. It makes no sense to cause problems or suspicions. The spirit of the Pony Express is certainly at the center of this good natured competition. In that spirit of fairness, bikes must adhere to specifically authentic rules.
A bike rider can only generate ¼ horsepower on a bicycle. Therefore, bicyclists must carry a mochilla ¼ the weight of the 80 lb Pony Express mochilla. Our bicycle relay must come to a stop when exchanging their 20 lb mochilla. (This rule is in deference to Pony Express riders hefting an 80 lb mochilla.)
Bicyclists riding over the same terrain for the first time will deal with some of the struggles the initial Pony Express riders faced. Same as horsemen, bike riders must perform everything by hand/foot. For example, he must physically peddle his bike and change tires by hand. Additionally, he must use a hand pump for tire inflation instead of using more modern CO2 cartridges. (Fittingly, that is a global warming gesture as well.) He must carry his own supplies and tools for repairs. This equipment is not considered part of the mochilla weight penalty. Riders may use bicycle lights for night riding whose batteries are recharged by peddle-driven electric generators. (Electricity was understood in 1860, especially by the inventors of the electric telegraph.)
A bicycle can be pushed, pulled or even carried by its rider. Sandy, silty terrain and thick brush may require riders carry their bikes. For rule authenticity, we allow horses be carried by their riders. For a real reason, still photography has determined that horses are completely airborne at various points when at full gallop. Therefore, bicyclist should be able to shoulder their bicycles for portage when necessary. The percent of time in the air by both will work out fine over the course of 2,000 miles. (Consider the Gossamer Albatross air time if put into service!)
We will keep this bicycle/horse relay race as authentic as possible from the Sacramento, CA starting line to the end of the Trail, some 2,000 miles later in St. Joseph, MO. We intend to play fair and play nice. But, we intend to win.
Authenticity Exceptions
The 2010 Pony Express Bicycle Challenge is a little more progressive than in 1860, when women were suspected of dressing like men in order to ride for the Pony Express. Any woman who can prove competitiveness with men is definitely in, without a disguise! Further, helmets will be worn instead of cowboy hats, and instead of chaps, bicyclists will wear colorful spandex!
Obviously, it is an advantage to ride without extra weight, so Pingers are optional. However, pingers are light and technologically cool, and technology is very much part of the challenge. We bikers have been offered a chance to purchase the same pack of cigarette sized GPS units used by Pony Express riders. Pinger information can be followed online at the Pony Express National Tracking website. They provide data that can be printed on your certificate. Each Mochilla has its own built-in tamper-proof GPS unit so it can be tracked at all times. Personal pinger weight does not count toward mochilla weight.
Tracking
On the same tracking site, there is a clipboard for rider specifics and a data box. The clipboard includes rider and Mochilla whereabouts, elevation changes, whether they are currently moving, length of leg ridden, etc. Click on the bicycle/pony cursor for the data box. Personalized information on the data box may include your name, bike name, bike shop, hometown, sponsor, picture of self, picture of your bike and favorite charity. GPS Pingers will send live satellite updates of Trail riders. Internet observers around the globe can watch the overall progress of the Mochilla and individual riders' efforts in real time. Switch back and forth to follow the progress of both groups using this link: Pony Express National Tracking.
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Help with the design, materials and construction of the bicycle Mochilla.
Assistance with getting permission for bicycles to ride though Bureau of Land Management districts, as well as state/national parks.
Police presence for the safety of cyclists, day or night, when passing through cities that contain part of the original trail.
Area maps of all kinds.
The Pony Express Bicycle Challenge will have official sponsors of virtually everything- tires, tubes, frames, components, digital cameras, helmets, jerseys, etc. A weather sponsor would be most appreciated. Levels of sponsorship include Steel, Chromalloy, Aluminum, Titanium and Composite.
Marketing
Modern school kids in classes all over America might be encouraged to write ‘historic’ poems about the Pony Express Bicycle Challenge. This creates student awareness, intellectual investment and perhaps a whole new fad for bicycle related products. Kids riding bikes instead of sitting in front of a computer all day may kick start a healthier, more fit generation.
Pony Express Bicycle Challenge targets 18-25 year olds for competition. Bicycle Magazines, ESPN and even the US military might support/sponsor the race due to 18–25 year age group. This group is in shape and probably passionately patriotic. We are targeting younger kids who will be 18-25 before they forget about how cool and exciting bikes are.
The Pony Express Re-ride has been reenacted for 30 years in a row this 2009 ride. This is a stellar achievement mostly supported by volunteers with up to 200 riders and 500 outriders. Between $650,000 and $850,000 worth the rider/horse support ranges from staging crews to voluntary veterinarians at strategic sites and non-paid escorts for travel along highways and through towns. Western states hit by budget cuts may want to review the tourism upsides closely. The cyclists will need to take a page from the storied Pony Express who wrote the book
The primary rider accepts the Mochilla from the previous primary rider at the beginning of the stage, carries the Mochilla during his stage of the relay race and hands off to the next Primary rider at the end of the stage.
Primary riders should fall into one of these categories:1) A mountain bike rider with strong peddle cadence (mostly out of saddle), climbing aptitude, great familiarity with their assigned trail segment, and an overall “expert” cycling skill level.
2) A road bike rider with strong peddle cadence (mostly out of saddle), much aero pace line experience, great familiarity with their assigned trail segment, and and overall “expert” cycling skill level.
Due to varying terrain, many primary rider attributes “classes” will be needed:
Clydesdales, who can push through ‘pucker brush’, carry bikes and stage often.
Triathletes/Runners, who mostly carry bikes over silt/sand and stage often.
Mountain/Roadies, who ride 29ers on gravel road sections with longer stages.
Roadies/Velodrome riders, who ride on Trail asphalt and are aero individuals.
Mountain Hard tail riders for steep dirt climbs, technical climbs, stage often.
Mountain Freeriders, who will ride every difficult dirt and stage in the worst terrain.
Mountain Downhillers, who will get dirt and gravity just where they like it.
(Iditabike rider experience is good for soft desert surfaces: the other snow.)
Outriders
Outriders are enthusiastic riders who are allowed to ride a section of Trail at race speeds a safe distance from their Primary rider. Outriders are not allowed to pull, push or otherwise directly help the Primary rider. If the Primary rider is late to the staging area, the fastest Outrider will substitute for that leg of the race. Outriders may take over carrying the Mochilla from the Primary rider in case of: Primary rider illness/injury or Primary bike mechanical disability to the point that the Primary rider cannot keep up with the majority of outriders. Outriders are allowed to ride for the closest help in either direction.
SafetyMany Primary riders will have GPS “pingers” which, at the push of a button, can signal electronic distress. That signal, via satellite, will be read 24/7 by monitoring staff in Silver Springs, NV. In the event of an alarm, monitors will instantaneously alert support groups in that specific area. Outriders will have some protection because of their Primary rider GPS. Outriders should be current on CPR and first-aid skills; EMT training is also a big plus.
GoalsThe Pony Express Bicycle Challenge has two goals. Our first goal is to beat the Pony Express Reride time for 2010. Our second, more challenging goal is beating the original Pony Express record time of 7 days, 17 hours (185 hours total, probably carrying Lincoln’s Inaugural Address). The 2000 miles of the trail divided by 185 hours is a 10.8 mile per hour average. Our aim is an 11 MPH average.
StagingVolunteers will ensure the Primary rider is ready for his stage of the relay in the staging area. Smooth handoffs are a must. Organize food, water, heat, and lights as necessary. Vehicles for the purpose of transporting Primary riders, bikes and night riding gear. Outriders are important to ride each stage for safety and continuity of moving the Mochilla. Pre-arranged sponsors and volunteers congregate at each staging site. This is the most critical relay event and it will happen about 500 times before we can relax.
Trail AdoptionThe concept of trail section adoption is similar to the concept of "Adopt-a-Highway." Within that section, one or more exchanges will occur depending on terrain. Each adoption will be approximately 20 miles long, on a first come, first served basis. State captains will have the final say on this. Rider familiarity is inherent with trail "ownership."
SportsmanshipFair play assistance is encouraged for other cyclists and horsemen. Outriders will render help wherever necessary including riding ahead of primary rider for trail navigation, crowd interference and gravel/pavement surface hazard recognition.
StrategyBike shops, college cycling teams, and bike clubs will essentially be responsible for portions of the Trail like an adopt-a-highway program. They will be asked to ride the heck out of the trail this year and report back for a comprehensive strategy next year. We need to know the trail as well as the veteran 30 year Pony Express Reriders who are inclined to select the same trail section to ride. Horses and riders know it by heart. (In the dark of night, the horse reacts to the Trail and the rider reacts to the horse.)
QualifyingRegional try-outs for cyclists (including specialty/mountain/road bike lead-up races) will listed in the news section of this site. Qualifications can include downhills, 6 mile 40 lb run/rides on lake/ocean beaches and more traditional mountain bike/road bike races. Note: Every State is invited to be represented. This is an all-American event. Contact information for state cptains can be found in the “Map” section of this site. Pony Express information will be frequently updated on the official Pony Express website: http://www.ponyexpress.org.
TrainingRecommended training exercises will include general biking while wearing a 20 lb vest (ie: socks filled with sand), and running at a 6 mph pace while rolling or carrying your bike and wearing a 20 lb vest in sand and uphill in shale. These soft, steep soil conditions are abundant on the Trail.
ScoutingScouts will pre-ride all segments of the trail and keep a log of terrain notes. After this, they will report to their state captain mapping purposes. Within each trail section, one or more exchanges will occur depending on terrain. Each section will be approximately 20 miles long, and state captains will have final say in determining these sections.
Bike strategy will include using mostly mainstream bikes for execution of the relay race. Length of rides depends completely on maximizing time in varying terrain.
Hard tail bicycles for pure climbing.
Downhill racers for pure descents.
Road bikes for pavement
29ers for flat and downhill sections.
Freeride bike will handle radically varied terrain.
High speed Velodrome bicycles will take charge when the wind is at the back and/or downhill on pavement. Ultra land-speed bikes may be featured as well, depending.
Exotic Bikes
Exotic bikes will be used wherever competitive.
hydro-bikes for water crossings
Portable/foldable bikes, recumbents, unicycles and 2-wheel drive bicycles for sand might also be used. We cannot forget the Gossamer Albatross. Sorry, no tandems due to horsepower rules!
Mochillas are dedicated saddle bags full of mail. The bike mochilla is oriented front to back like a bib/backpack whereas the horse mochilla is oriented side to side like saddlebags.
The bicycle Mochilla will be approved, weighed and locked by the Reride Quartermaster. No personal gear carried by rider counts as mochilla weight. The bicycle mochilla equals 1/4th weight of horse payload since men can only generate about ¼ of a horse power.
Our Mochilla is a mobile time capsule. The 20-pound bicycle Mochilla contains all manner of portable digital devices filled with the last 150 years of recorded history, including the genealogies of original riders and their horses.
Bikers must stop for exchanges. This a traditional rule which was agreed to. It is obvious bicycles could exchange on the fly but, in fairness, horsemen must exchange 80 lb mochillas. The Mochilla will be covered by Velcro to immediately pass from bib backpack to bib backpack or to fix onto aero bars interchangeably. The contents of the Mochilla will be updated in the News section of this site. Suggestions as to what should be carried in the bicycle Mochilla can be voiced via email.
Once the Pony Express Bicycle Challenge store is online, we will be selling pins, patches, helmet labels, and more.
There will be a 2010 Pony Express Bicycle Challenge commemorative patch for sale, along with another patch for each of the eight states involved. These patches will go on sale after each of the states finalizes their design. Patches honoring the "Buffalo Soldiers" of the 25th Cavalry will also be available.
GPS
Official GPS units can be purchased by each rider. This will allow interested parties around the world to follow the progress of their favorite riders. Information on purchasing these units is available at this site: Pony Express National Tracking
links go here