Registration opened today, May 4, 2021, for a unique, new, cycling, music, and food festival from the people who bring you the Belgian Waffle Ride. It’s called Blazing Saddles: Rumble at the Ranch. And it will be held October 15-17, 2021 in Escondido, California.
“The festival was conceived during the downtime of Covid, when the riddle was posed: In 2000, if Coachella and Sea Otter Bike Festival had a lovechild, what would it be like today?” says Monuments of Cycling CEO, Michael Marckx. “It will be a festival to showcase Southern California’s thriving cycling, culinary, beer and music scenes and will be presented with an appreciation for bringing the world together again in a beautiful, idyllic and rustic oasis. In addition to 6-, 12- and 24-hour racing for both mountain bikers and gravel riders (for individuals and teams), BLAZING SADDLES, not unlike Coachella, will incorporate camping options with a seamless, interactive experience for all guests and be the first festival of its kind. We love festivals, but no one has ever brought all these complementary things together in one three-day extravaganza!”
Registration is open today. Click here for all the details, of follow the jump for more of the official word from Monuments of Cycling.
Monuments of Cycling, a premier cycling events producer, announced today that it will be launching this fall, BLAZING SADDLES: Rumble at the Ranch, a unique cycling, music and food festival set at Daley Ranch in Escondido on October 15 – 17, 2021. BLAZING SADDLES will bring together an eclectic mix of food, drink, music and cycling unlike anything Southern California has ever seen.
“The festival was conceived during the downtime of Covid, when the riddle was posed: In 2000, if Coachella and Sea Otter Bike Festival had a lovechild, what would it be like today?” says Monuments of Cycling CEO, Michael Marckx. “It will be a festival to showcase Southern California’s thriving cycling, culinary, beer and music scenes and will be presented with an appreciation for bringing the world together again in a beautiful, idyllic and rustic oasis. In addition to 6-, 12- and 24-hour racing for both mountain bikers and gravel riders (for individuals and teams), BLAZING SADDLES, not unlike Coachella, will incorporate camping options with a seamless, interactive experience for all guests and be the first festival of its kind. We love festivals, but no one has ever brought all these complementary things together in one three-day extravaganza!”
To ensure the very best experience, BLAZING SADDLES has created a team with exceptional talent. David Anderson, cycling chef extraordinaire, has been named Food Director, and will be curating the festival’s food experience including a unique, outdoor dining hall. Jay Isbell (radio and major event producer with more than two decades of concert conception and execution) has joined the team as Sound Director. Isbell will create a line-up showcasing outstanding local and national musical talent and unexpected performances. Michael Marckx, who has vast experience in beer drinking, playing concerts, and creating events, will act as the Booze Director and have a shaky hand in the overall scope of the festivities. Phil Tinstman, Founder and Race Director, has created the racing format and courses for riders of all ages and abilities.
“We are creating an experience you can’t find anywhere else by bringing together the best cycling and San Diego has to offer, in one place, for one weekend, every year hereafter,” said Phil Tinstman, BLAZING SADDLES Founder. “We love music festivals almost as much as racing our bikes, but we also love camping under the stars, local beer, great food, and being able to enjoy all of the above in comfort, style and convenience. We are producing a festival that creates a community of people who share our love and appreciation for cycling, and who are also looking for an elevated yet rustic festival experience.”
Registration will open 7:00 a.m. May 4, 2021 and the individual, team and corporate challenge events, as well as the campsites are expected to sell out quickly. Initial entry fees range from $100 to $200, with discounts for junior riders. A portion of the proceeds from registration fees will directly support the San Diego Mountain Biking Association’s efforts with the City of Escondido and other local partners on the Master Trails Plan which will improve and expand trail access at Daley Ranch. SDMBA is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving sustainable trail access for biking in San Diego County.
Entries and campsites are available at www.BlazingSaddlesFestival.com. The event will offer family fun across a wide spectrum of activities, including numerous bike racing opportunities, festival camping, food and booze passes, musical acts and an expo of bike brands and local vendors.
BLAZING SADDLES – Rumble at the Ranch will offer riders of all persuasions a chance to race or ride their bikes in a truly unique setting just a few minutes from downtown Escondido and the 78 and 15 freeways. The festival will also offer cycling brands, local food purveyors, breweries, distilleries, vineyards and craftspeople the chance to cavort with the legion of cycling fans who will descend on Daley Ranch for this inaugural event. To learn more about being an exhibitor or vendor, please email Jim Miller at Jim@MonumentsofCycling.com.
Dixon Lake is a jewel in the hills above Escondido at Daley Ranch. Campsites at Dixon Lake range from secluded and shaded, to wide open views of the lake, mountains or city lights. Roads and trails from the Dixon Lake campground are adjacent to the Festival and also provide walking access to great trout, catfish and bass spots along the shore. There are boats available for rent at the Park’s concessions as well, but you will be busy…
THE CAMPGROUND AT DIXON LAKE IS BEING TAKEN OVER FOR THE RUMBLE AT THE RANCH.
All registrants are open to camp in the open tent camping areas, this is first come first serve. Premium camping spots are also available, and many spots have hook ups, those are reserved for RVs (most have room for multiple riders).
Campground and picnic area reservation can be made online on the racer registration site.
Check-in time for camping is any time after 10:00 on Friday and checkout is noon on Monday.