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 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 tank must provide enough fuel for 50 miles.
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 racer has not come back from their race and I am worried. What should I do?
A: First, right down all of the bib numbers in your group, BEFORE THEY LEAVE FOR THE RACE!!. All injury communications are done with the riders bib number. We know it is hard, but wait a bit before panicking. We have the best sweep and emergency response teams in the world out there helping riders. If your rider is later than expected, head on over to the stage corral and check the Information board located on the front of the retail apparel trailer. If a rider was transported for medical, their bib number will be posted. If you see their number on the list, ask a nearby Stumpjumper what to do next. If they are not posted, they are likely just running late, broke down on course or broke down and hanging out at a check point.
Q: If my family member or friend is injured is there a way for you to contact me directly?
A: Yes! We encourage emergency contact information to be written onto a riders race bib. This has proven very successful for sweep riders or EMS personnel when attempting to reach a family member or friend.
Q: How can I find out where my family member or friend was transported?
A: Legally we cannot share names and we post EMS transports at the information board on the front of the shirt sales trailer according to rider bib number and transport destination. or similar
Q: When do you close the course? Who qualifies as a finisher once it closes?
A: Did you read the rules yet? 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.
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, meet the Race Co-Chair at the front of the Black Trailer (located to the left of the stage in the square) who will help you with directions to access your bike.