1,000 Cyclists Anticipated to Participate in High Sierra Fall Century on Saturday, September 15, 2001

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1 MONO LAKE COMMITTEE PRESS RELEASE August 24, 2001 PRESS CONTACTS: Jeff Darlington (760) ex. 20 1,000 Cyclists Anticipated to Participate in High Sierra Fall Century on Saturday, September 15, 2001 On Saturday, September 15, 2001, an anticipated 1,000 cyclists will embark on the High Sierra Fall Century, a 100- mile ride benefiting the Mono Lake Committee and the Sierra Cycling Foundation. "Six years ago 30 cyclists rode in the first High Sierra Fall Century," said Sam Mudie, president of the Sierra Cycling Foundation. "Last year more than 700 riders traveled to the Eastern Sierra to participate in this phenomenal scenic tour. Judging from the number of cyclists registered to date, we anticipate 1,000 riders this year. By promoting the recreational and environmental values of this region, the High Sierra Fall Century is truly becoming a major event on the western cycling calendar." The High Sierra Fall Century is also an important event for the Mono Lake Committee and the Sierra Cycling Foundation as it helps to raise public awareness of both organizations while raising funds to further the mission of each. To make this event an even greater success, riders are encouraged to secure pledges from family, friends, and coworkers. The top fund-raiser, who collects over $1,000.00, will win a season ski-pass to Mammoth Mountain (donated by Mammoth Mountain, California).

2 HIGH SIERRA FALL CENTURY PAGE 2 "I love this event," said Sally Gaines, one of the founders and current Co-Chair of the Mono Lake Committee Board of Directors. "I love riding in it, and I love the fact that people from California, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona are making an annual pilgrimage to spend the weekend in the Mono Basin. To ride 100 miles along the Sierra Nevada with views of Mono Lake and the White Mountains with only one stop sign people connect with this area, this natural resource. This is our goal. I'm elated to see this goal become reality." The $35 entry fee includes five fully stocked rest areas, roving support and gear vehicles (SAG), and a gourmet lunch catered by The Mono Inn at Mono Lake. An event T-shirt is included for all pre-registered riders, and cycling jerseys and shorts are be available for purchase. Short-course options include both 30 and 45-mile routes. On Friday, September 14 from 5:00 to 9:30 PM, the festivities will begin in the parking area near Footloose Sports in Mammoth Lakes, California. The Base Camp Café will provide a spaghetti dinner for event participants and Footloose Sports will set up tents in their parking area to accommodate the anticipated crowd. Representatives from the Mono Lake Committee and the Sierra Cycling Foundation will be on hand to register cyclists and answer questions. On Saturday morning, September 15 at 7:30 AM, the ride will officially begin at the Whitmore Ball Fields south of Mammoth Lakes. By approximately 11:00 AM the faster riders will come full circle to finish at the Whitmore fields. At the finish there will be a barbecue for riders, along with information booths and music. HIGH SIERRA FALL CENTURY PAGE 3

3 Platinum Sponsors, those organizations donating $3,000 or the equivalent in food or merchandise, include the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), Mammoth Mountain California, Intrawest, Union Bank of California in Mammoth Lakes, the Mono Inn at Mono Lake, Base Camp Café, and Footloose Sports. In addition to donating the ski-pass as a fund raising incentive, Mammoth Mountain also provides tables, gates, water jugs, barriers, flagging, signage, their box van with a driver, and their Race Team van with its bike trailer and a driver. The Mono Inn at Mono Lake prepares and donates a gourmet lunch for the cyclists. To obtain additional information about the High Sierra Fall Century or to register in advance, visit Cyclists can also register at the dinner on Friday evening, September 14, or on the morning of the ride at the Whitmore Ball Fields.

4 HIGH SIERRA FALL CENTURY PAGE 4 OPPORTUNITIES TO INTERVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPH CYCLISTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2001 Base Camp Café Spaghetti Dinner, 5:00-9:30 PM Footloose Parking Area, 3043 Main Street Corner of Main Street and Old Mammoth Road SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2001 Starting Line: mile 1 - Whitmore Ball Fields 7:30-10:00 AM Rest Stop 1, 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM: mile Crestview Maintenance Station Located at the beginning of the grade up to Deadman Summit in a Jeffrey Pine forest. Rest Stop 2, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: mile Mono Craters Site This stop is just after riders pass Mono Lake's South Tufa Area and begin riding up the long grade toward Sagehen Summit. Rest Stop 3, 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM: mile Adobe Valley Lunch Stop, catered by the Mono Inn After a long rolling downgrade from Sagehen Summit, but before the giant whoop-de-doos. Rest Stop 4, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM: mile Black Lake/Benton Crossing Rd. Junction An incredible view of the Adobe Valley and White Mountains greets the rider just before turning onto Benton Crossing Road. The Wildrose Lounge, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM A much needed watering hole before climbing to Watterson Summit. Features personally shaken sports drink cocktails (nonalcoholic), Sinatra music, and a swank atmosphere! Rest Stop 5, 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM: mile Watterson Summit. The last summit of the day, with great views of the Sierra Nevada, before cruising to the finish. Finish Line, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM: mile Whitmore Ball Fields

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