This page contains answers to many of the frequent questions we receive about the Desert 100 race weekend.
General Questions
Q: What dates can I camp?
A: Entrance gate is open Thursday at Noon through Sunday morning when the cannon fires. Participants trying to enter earlier will not be allowed in. You may camp through the weekend but must have your site cleaned and leave by Monday Morning 8AM. NOTE: No riding on Thursday or Monday
Q: I came into the area early to line up to get into camp right at noon on Thursday but you guys won’t let me turn north on Irby.
A: It is important for us to keep the highway and Irby Road clear. You will see that we have a detour set up for you to follow if you arrive on Thursday. Follow the signs to “go around the block”. Line up on the gravel road and wait for the gate to open up at noon. Don’t worry, you will still be able to get that primo spot.
Q: Is it OK for me to bring my ATV, UTV, SxS, Golf Cart? Can ATVs enter the poker run or race?
A: The Kenda Stumpjumpers Desert 100 is a motorcycle event. Due to the land management, ATVs and other non-2 wheel UTVs are not permitted. ATV’s and UTV’s are not allowed anywhere on site, including camp. Do not bring them. You will not be allowed thru the gate and into camp.
Q: Why can’t we have a campfire?
A: There is a strict policy against campfires and any other fires. Our goal is that everyone has an enjoyable and SAFE weekend. You will quickly realize there are literally thousands of RV’s and people camped at the event. The wind blows regularly at Odessa and one burning ember or spark caught in the wind can literally start a wildfire! With the amount of fuel brought in for the event, the confined camping area, dry desert grasses and the relentless wind, a fire would quickly escalate to a situation in which people would not be able to exit fast enough. Please respect the safety of everyone attending by not burning a camp fire. Violators will be asked to leave.
Q: What about my pellet smoker, charcoal BBQ, etc.?
A: The Fire Rule is that if you can turn it off and it goes out instantly, then it is OK. Propane fire rings and propane BBQs are OK. Pellet smokers, wood fires, charcoal BBQs and wood stoves are NOT.
Q: How much does camping cost?
A: Cost of camping is included in your gate entry fee and is good for all weekend. Kids 12 & under are free.
Q: Is water available in camp?
A: There is no running or drinking water available in camp, you will need to bring your own.
Q: Are there places to eat in Odessa?
A: The town of Odessa has restaurants and a full grocery store. There will also be food vendors on site.
Q: What about cell coverage?
A: We have found that most major cellular providers work at the race site. However the coverage is very limited once the camp gets full.
Desert 100 Race Questions
Q: Do I need to read the Race Rules?
A: Yes. It is your responsibility to know the Race Rules. Please read them and understand them.
Q: Is there gas available on the course?
A: You can only receive gas in the Pits
Q: How long is the course? Can my stock tank make it?
A: The course is approximately 50 miles in length. 100 mile classes will complete 2 loops and can pit for gas at the end of their first loop (after slightly more than 50 miles). Therefore, your stock tank must provide enough fuel for 50 miles. If you have an MX tank it is suggested you pack fuel (e.g., a number plate can).
Q: How many riders do you expect?
A: On average we receive over a thousand entries for the Desert 100 Race.
Q: Can I pre-register for the race?
A: Yes! Click here to follow a link to the pre-registration form.
Q: My friend / wife / son / girlfriend / buddy / etc. has not come back from their ride / race and I am worried. What should I do?
A: Wait. I know, it is hard. But most often, that lost rider will turn up with a good story. It is surprisingly common to get separated from your group. We have the best sweep team in the world out there helping riders. So after you waited, come check the info board to see if their Bib Number has been posted as broke down, out of the race, or injured. We don’t use names, just bib numbers so hopefully you know what it is. If you see their number on the list, ask a nearby Stumpjumper what to do next.
Q: When do you close the course? Who qualifies as a finisher once it closes?
A: We would love to give everyone a chance to take as long as they need to finish their 100 mile race, but it’s just not possible. Once we close the race course, our final sweep team rides the entire 50 miles (again) to make sure that every single rider gets off the course safely. This takes a LONG time, so our final sweep has to begin at a reasonable time.
Our policy is as follows: When the race winner completes his second lap, we allow the amount of time between the first and second wave starts to elapse, and then we close the course. That means that no one can start their second lap after that point. The added time allows the 100 mile racers in the second wave start (Team class) a fair chance at finishing their laps.
- If you are signed up for a 100 mile class, but don’t finish your first lap until after we have closed the course, unfortunately you will NOT be allowed to race your second lap and will be forced to ride across the stage and finish your race.
- If you are signed up for a 100 mile class and finish your first lap before the course closes, but decide that you don’t want to race another lap, you will be scored as a DNF. Please return straight to your pits and do not cross the stage.
Q: My bike is out on the course and I want to go get it. How do I get out there.
A: You will not be able to access the course until after it has been cleared of racers. You will know when that has happened because Final Sweep will cross over the stage and the Sweep Captain will do a big burn out on the stage. After that, ask a Stumpjumper to direct you to the Race Chairman who will help you with directions to access your bike. It is really helpful if you know what Mile Marker you were near when you left it.
Poker Run Questions
Q: How difficult is the family poker run? What about the Ironman?
A: We have plenty of small children that complete the course on their 50s. However, there are some tough sections that parents will likely need to help their children on small bikes. The Ironman course is very similar to the family course with extra mileage containing more technical sections. The Ironmen will complete two loops if they are true Ironmen.
Q: I thought I got a free hot dog but they were all gone?
A: Sorry about that, but it is first come first serve. We try to provide enough hot dogs for nearly 2000 riders. We stage the hot dog stand near the 1/2 way point and our workers have it ready by the start of the family poker run. For you ADV/DS and Ironman entrants leaving early, the hot dog stand may not be setup by the time of your first loop and it’s possible (for Ironman) that by the time you go thru on your second loop we’ve exhausted all the hot dogs, we are sorry about that but hope that you tough guys get some nourishment from the extra dust you ate 🙂
Adventure Dual Sport (ADV/DS) Poker Run Questions
Q: How is the ADV/DS Poker Run different from the Family or Ironman?
A: While your ADV/Dual Sport entry includes access to either the Family or Ironman courses as an option, the actual ADV/DS course is completely separate. It consists of a number of single track trail sections, scattered over a large area of Grant, Lincoln and Adams counties, connected by paved or graveled county roads. We have a checkpoint at the Rocky Coulee Brewery, located in downtown Odessa, where they offer a reasonably priced lunch.
Q: What bikes are good for the ADV/DS Poker Run?
A: Your bike must be street legal and be capable of 60 to 75 miles of combined trail and road before re-fueling. This combined terrain distance is approximately 1/3 single track and 2/3 road. The ADV/DS entry includes an optional loop of either the Family or Ironman poker run courses and this section requires a more dirt oriented dual sport depending on your abilities. That is, a BMW GS (or similar) can make it but it is not suggested for a novice offroad rider. Also, if you choose to to ride a loop of either the Family or Ironman courses, be sure to refill with fuel at your camp before heading out of the ADV/DS course.
Q: I heard there is an electronic roadbook version of the ADV/DS Poker Run available. How does that work?
A: This year we are introducing Dakar Rally style roadbooks for the Stumpjumpers Desert 100 Adventure / Dual Sport Poker Run. They will be delivered using an app on your GPS enabled phone or tablet. For more information, please look HERE.
For additional questions regarding the ADV/DS poker run please email: D100DualSport@stumpjumpers.org
Stumpjumpers Motorcycle Club 