The Raul Alcala Challenge South Padre Island page, provides you with the official registration information, ride distances etc. and if you scroll down a bit, videos, interviews and ride reports for this event. If you don’t see a ride report and you participated in the event in the past, feel free to type something up and we’ll add it here!
Date: November 4, 2018
Event: Raul Alcala Challenge South Padre Island
Route Distances: 10 miles, half century, and 75 miles
About the Ride:
RIDE WITH THE PRO!
Come and ride in a control pace “PELOTON” and feel like you are in the Tour de France!!
This is the third annual Raul Alcala Challenge / Gran Fondo now in South Padre Island, TX onSunday November, 4th 2018, hosted at Schlitterbahn Water Park, South Padre Island TX.
The Raul Alcala Challenge / Gran Fondo South Padre Island showcases the stunning beauty of best Texan beach on the Gulf of Mexico at South Padre Island, the scenic course is on the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
While the route is flat, distance, heat and wind provides ample challenges.
It’s a RIDE not a RACE!
COME AND ENJOY!
This is the ride that crosses the Queen Isabella Causeway twice in same day from and into South Padre Island, stunning views of the water from the top of the bridge on both directions, so come and join us on this ride and new experience.
GENERAL INFORMATION
2018 Raul Alcala Challenge South Padre Island Gran Fondo – The first Gran Fondo in the RGV area now is hosted in South Padre Island TX, this beautifull island with 34 mile long stretch of white sand is bordered to the east by the Gulf of Mexico and to the west by the Laguna Madre bay. The conveniences and attractions of a modern resort coupled with miles of pristine island terrain is what draws thousands of visitors to the area each year.
The natural beauty of its beaches, its vibrant business climate and the friendly people that call the Island home matches South Padre’s rich history. The white, sandy beaches of South Padre are known throughout the United States (ranked as one of America’s top 10 beaches), with the emerald water of the Gulf of Mexico.
We are expecting about 1000 + riders, riding the three distances in nice weather conditions. While the course is completely flat, trade winds and hot Gulf sun added two unique challenging elements for all event participants.
Raul Alcala Challenge South Padre Island “The First Gran Fondo in Texas Paradise” riders have the choice between the 75mi / 120km “long Gran Fondo route” the 55mi / km “medium route” and “petit rout” the 19mi. All of the routes start in the Super fun Schlitterbahn Water Park at South Padre Island. All distances will start and finish in Schlitterbahn Water Park in South Padre Island.
Recharge batteries and water at the pit stops along the route.
Everyone will enjoy riding in the spectacular paced Peloton through a course in a beautiful sunny weather.
Raul Alcala Challenge Gran Fondo is well organized and has been hosted in different cities in Mexico and now in US We are getting full support from local, regional and state government,South Padre Island, Port Isabel, Laguna Vista, Los Fresnos, San Benito and Brownsville.
If you leave in any of the cities above come out cheer and support the riders on the “PELOTON” while riding by your area.
Everyone will be treated like a PRO for this day!
REGISTRATION
Entry Fee includes:
- Bike Jersey
- Custom designed medals when finish route
- Cyclist goodie Bag
- Rest Stops
- Mechanical Support
- Medical Support
- After Party
- Major Intersection with Traffic Controlled
- Police, Sherif and/or Constable will lead the way
- More
* Save Time and Money registering on time, registration cost will change when closer to the date.
Event details and schedule
EVENT DETAILS
Ride begins at 7:00am
Support will be available throughout the course, please bring your own water bottles. Electrolytes, water and snacks will be provided at all stops along the route.
The route will be open to cars, we will have Police, Sherif and/or Constables leading the way with other Official vehicles, so we encourage everyone to ride on the right lane keeping up with the group and keeping your space and respecting each other, the pace will be controlled by Raul Alcala and other Cyclists. When arriving to Causeway from Island and from Port Isabel the Peloton will continue riding up the bridge with no stopping on the bridge until you get to rest stop or at Schlitterbahn parking lot when finishing The bridge will not be closed to traffic so cyclist will have to ride on the right side of bridge at all times.
Parking will be available at the event site, please follow the posted signs.
ROUTE
Check out maps for more details of the route.
PACKAGE PICK UP
Package Pick up is a great opportunity to meet with Raul Alcala and other cyclists, make new friends.
Package includes bike jersey, ride number, map with route and more.
It’s MANDATORY to wear the Raul Alcala jersey the day of event.
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED!
All riders must check in at Package Pick up at :
Schlitterbahn Beach Resort
Address: 100 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
Phone: +1 956-761-1160
Pick up hours – Saturday from 10am to 7pm
TRAVEL
South Padre Island- Brownsville airport has direct flights from many major Texas cities and from Las Vegas. Harlingen is our neighbor city 28 miles and also has direct flights from major cities. Both Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport and Valley International Airport will be happy to welcome you for the event.
HOTEL
Schlitterbahn Beach Resort
Address: 100 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
Phone: +1 956-761-1160
· $79 (plus applicable taxes) fIf you do not want to use the waterpark.
· $109 (plus applicable taxes) If you want to ride and also what to enjoy the indoor waterpark on the weekend (includes up to FOUR waterpark admissions).
Group codes with direct links so they can make reservations with or without the waterpark.
Gran Fondo Without Waterpark
Group ID: 530376
Toll Free: 855.472.3262
Online: https://www.reseze.net/servlet/WebresShowAvailable?groupId=530376&hotelid=1381
Gran Fondo With Waterpark
Group ID: 530749
Toll Free: 855.472.3262
Online: https://www.reseze.net/servlet/WebresShowAvailable?groupId=530749&hotelid=1381
Location: Schlitterbahn Park • 100 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, TX 78597
Registration: Online registration via Active.com
Event Website: www.raulalcala.com
Contact info: contacto@raulalcala.com or call at +52181853646
Find more information about other rides on our mainpage