2020 Stagecoach 400: Event Recap

Words and photos by Martin Rodriguez (@cathode_mech)

Snowy peaks visible all around Idyllwild, plenty of smiles gathered around the wooden live edge table topped with drinks, and a final warm meal for most. I was glad to see that the main topic of the night revolved around final route changes due to the near hypothermic weather and not the pressing matters that grew back in town. Many who gathered that night weren’t first time stagecoachers, as most first timers had dissolved along with the warmer weather the event typically sees. Several hugs went around when familiar faces were encountered, I had the opportunity to gather intel on what would be my first SC400.

Lucky enough to live in San Diego, I was already familiar with around half of the terrain to some degree. My past experience, research, and long-term preparation was sure to get me through like clockwork. Or so I thought. As time passed, sections of fun and well-known trails were cut off in favor of preserving the now muddy and delicate trails in the majority of the western portion of the route. At Idyllwild, rain, snow, and bike-sized ruts transformed the first few hours of the course into a proper challenge.

This year, the starting line consisted of nearly 40 people for the grand depart. From hiking through muddy and rutted dirt roads while dogs barked and followed you out of their territory, to riding down the infamously rugged jeep trail down to Oriflame, there were a lot of notable moments along the route. If I had to choose a favorite experience in the event, it would be realizing I lost my left cleat and one bolt to my right cleat to the mud 35 miles in while warming up next to a propane tank heater that the Sunshine Market folks set up for the riders to warm up after the rain. A true sign that you never know what to expect during these kinds of adventures.

As most may know by now, Brendan Collier originally laced this route together with the hopes of taking riders through some of the most diverse biomes that SoCal has to offer. I think it’s safe to say that this year we got that, and then some. Aside from the weather, this year’s grand depart was extra special as Meg Knobel from San Diego recently stepped up to give a big hand in its organization. I personally had the chance to meet Meg and Peter on a few previous occasions, including Ruta del Jefe, before I learned that we live in the same city. I believe her enthusiasm and love for riding is exactly the sort of energy I felt coming from Brendan as we interacted during the event.

I don’t think the positivity nor strength could shine any stronger than it did from these two as they pushed through every inch of the route. On my return drive back home, I managed to intercept Jeff Fischer, as he reached the end of a 5,000-foot climb that started back at Sweetwater Reservoir. Just 40 minutes behind, Meg and Peter were working their way up to the trailhead. Coincidentally, Brendan arrived in his van to provide moral support, something that was much needed after all the challenges faced up to that point. To our surprise, these three riders were anxious to keep riding rather than be tempted to the warmth of Brendan’s van. With two hours worth of sunlight left, a rocky descent down toward Oriflame would guarantee them a warmer night’s sleep in the desert.

Sure enough, everyone must have a big story to tell about Stagecoach 400. I walked away this year with a greater sense of the strength in our community. Not just because of the current events going on around the world, but because of the kindness and trust I witnessed between strangers. I’d like to give my thanks to the community, especially Rick Rethoret for his dedication to keeping everyone up to date on route conditions and for spending more than a day out in the desert to scout out the unrideable “trail” at the willows. Also, congratulations Jeff Kerkove and everyone else who completed the route!

In case you missed it, we recently published Jeff Kerkove’s bike and packlist details first his first place finish. Check that out here.

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