— Trigger warning: this is about you; not just the fast people.
“Do I have to ride the whole thing?”
You’re busy, you took time off work, time is a scarcity… bike riding is supposed to be about FUN. I get it, I really, really do.
Admittedly, the grand depart is much less competitive today than it was a few years ago when people were posting blazing fast times. The temptation is higher than ever to do “just the fun parts.” But it’s not just about speed, and time– it’s about doing the whole thing, finishing the job.
Yes, you really do have to ride the whole course. It is an important part of the code we agree to by joining the ride. We have only one rule in self-supported events: ““Pedal the entire route, under your own power, using no outside assistance or prearranged support.”
Please refer to the original post for more clarity on this rule. If you can’t commit to that at the outset, it’s best not to come to the start. If you find yourself unable to abide to the rule during the ride, it’s best to call yourself a DNF.
When we cut the course, or ride “most of it” and claim to have finished– either explicitly, by saying we “rode the Stagecoach 400,” or implicitly by using the hashtags, posting photos, etc– we steal valor from the people who have finished the whole route, under their own power.
Ride the whole thing. You’ll be glad you did.
SoCal Bikepacking 
Just looking for some clarification from the cues for the sunrise highway section. It’s riders call whether or not to ride that single track section vs. staying on highway in considering this post? Again, just looking for clarification. Know there was some drama last year… Thanks for all the work!