Update 4/2/25
The original producer of the Nifty Ten Fifty Movie, Chris Leavell, was kind enough to send me a link to the film that actually works. Keep in mind this was done a while ago when I was actually one of the stronger riders and it also covers the original course. I changed the course a number of years ago for one simple reason. It was to make it a lot easier to follow while still providing the same challenge. So the film will reflect the earlier course. Most of the climbs are the same but a few are different:
Update 4/1/25:
We have an organization, Broom Wagon, that has volunteered to set up a rest stop/refreshment station at the top of Pinehurst/Shepards Canyon. This will be primarily a water stop and they will have liquid refreshments from Hummingbird Fuels. They may also have a few granola bars which I will provide. Feel free to stop and check them out, refuel, and learn about their cause. Broom Wagon is NOT affiliated in any way with the Nifty Ten Fifty, however we welcome them to the event to spread the message and help riders. With that said I will always support any cause that encourages recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. This is a very real and relevant issue in our society today. Here is a statement from them:
"We are a new local nonprofit that works to raise funds for Athletic Scholarships for people in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Essentially, we work to encourage people committed to their sobriety stay fit and active by helping them get cycling/running equipment or helping them to pay for race registrations and similar expenses. Part of our strategy for promoting Broom Wagon includes setting up informal aid stations at popular cycling intersections to get some water and calories to riders and to spread the word about this new organization"
Please keep in mind that in order to be listed in the results you must do 3 things. 1. You must sign a waiver at the start. 2. You must upload your Strava file before 6 PM day of the event on April 5. And finally, 3. You MUST be sure your ride is public or friend me (Paul McKenzie on Strava) so that I can see your post. If you fail to do any one of these three things, you will not be listed in the results and I will not be able to go back after the fact and adjust the results. DO NOT list your ride as "Private." See you in the morning!
Nifty Ten Fifty will be held on Apri 5, 2025! We will start at Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Avenue El Cerrito, CA. Registration opens at 8:30 AM. Registration closes at 9 AM. Riders can roll anytime after registering although 9 AM if the official start time. Results are not affected by your start time. There is an optional non-mandatory $5 donation to participate. You can bring cash or Venmo me on the spot, or you can choose not to donate. No worries. Juniors under 18 must have an adult signed waiver. Results are virtual from Strava. I repeat, in order to participate in results you must sign the waiver and you must upload your Strava file by 6PM day of the event and the file must be public.
The Nifty Ten Fifty will again travel the newer route that was first run in 2015. Please scroll down for information about the event. Riders will self guide on the newer, improved, easier to follow course, so be sure to download the gps route. Click the link above or here to download. Official Nifty Ten Fifty 2025
Use the new 2025 course above in the update. Services are available after 7 of the 10 climbs, at mile 41.6 in Montclair, so do bring food for several hours, and some cash to resupply. There is plenty of water on the course in the East Bay Regional Park system.
Check out this video done by Chris Leavel at Peloton Magazine. Nifty Ten Fifty Film by Chris Leavell
We will have a Strava KOM challenge on Marin avenue, Thorndale, and Claremont/Grizzly/Vollmer Peak, the final climb of the day, and the largest elevation gain. Marin Avenue KOM and QOM will track the best climbers with fresh legs on steep terrain. Vollmer KOM and QOM will go the riders with more endurance, those who have paced well over the day.
We will have a Strava KOM challenge on Marin avenue, Thorndale, and Claremont/Grizzly/Vollmer Peak, the final climb of the day, and the largest elevation gain. Marin Avenue KOM and QOM will track the best climbers with fresh legs on steep terrain. Vollmer KOM and QOM will go the riders with more endurance, those who have paced well over the day.
If the full Nifty seems a bit daunting, consider the Nifty Lite which is about 42 miles and 7,000'. Still a tough ride, with some difficult climbing. It's also perfectly OK to come out and ride as many climbs as you like, then leave the course and head home. Here is the Nifty Lite 2018 Course.
Do read What is the Nifty Ten Fifty and Nifty Ten Fifty FAQ.
You can also read the New Nifty Ten Fifty Ride Description, a new, fully updated description for 2015 and beyond!
Do read What is the Nifty Ten Fifty and Nifty Ten Fifty FAQ.
You can also read the New Nifty Ten Fifty Ride Description, a new, fully updated description for 2015 and beyond!
