Death Valley Century and Double Century
March 1, 2008 Results, Report, Links, and More

Slideshows and Blog Reports

	Show 1: By Chris Kostman
	Show 2: By Bruno George - Salsberry Pass and Stovepipe Wells
	Show 3: By Ben Ben Jones
	Show 4: By Hugh Murphy
	Show 5: By Joe Garza - Jubilee Pass and afternoon between Ashford Mill and Badwater
	Blog Report: Paul Bringetto of Team Swarm! recounts his 200 mile experience
	Blog / Newspaper Report: Jim Ott wrote about his experiences for the Tri-Valley Herald, a newspaper serving the East Bay Area of San Francisco, CA.
	Video Blog: 105 days before the 105 mile Spring Death Valley Century, rider Paul Fahey of upstate New York began a video blog to track his preparations for "the race," as he likes to call it. Clearly he has both a sense of humour and too much time on his hands. Check it out! *See below for comments from his father.

“But you, by the grace of an ordeal in the night which stripped you of all that was not intrinsic, you discovered a mysterious creature born of yourself. Great was this creature, and never shall you forget him." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Wind, Sand, and Stars

We had a truly EPIC weekend in Mother Nature's Greatest Sports Arena with the second AdventureCORPS event of 2008, the Spring Death Valley Century and Double Century on March 1.

It was a very challenging day for all the riders: Temps were in the high 80s when there was no cloud cover, not to mention a memorable headwind, often in both directions, which really kicked up as the evening continued. The NPS Rangers made a point of letting us know that gusts of up to 60mph were anticipated that evening! The wind didn't get that fast, but it was a truly brutal push from Furnace Creek to Stovepipe Wells for those double riders who even attempted it. However, there was a 20-mile tailwind for those hardy AdventureCORPS riders who completed the double century!

There were 293 riders on the start line: 141 riders completed the 105-mile century, 53 completed 150 miles, 52 completed the double century, and just 47 DNF'd or are unknown.

It was an honor to have Hugh “Mad Dogg” Murphy on hand at the ride. Hugh founded this event in 1991 and created many other great endurance cycling events in California during his ten year career as a cycling event promoter. His comments on the origins, and future, of this event are below.

Of important note also was the presence of Dr. Ben Jones, the Mayor of Badwater, a three-time Badwater Ultramarathon finisher, and a 2007 inductee of the Badwater Hall of Fame. Ben and Hugh were on hand to photograph the event and lend moral support to the riders.

Attesting to the wide-ranging popularity of this ride, we had riders aged 18 to 73 from Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and no less than 23 American States: AR, AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, ID, IL, MD, MI, MO, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, TN, TX, UT, WA, and WI!

Certainly everybody had an adventure and it was a pleasure to spend a long day "out there" with you! Thanks for riding and thanks for supporting this event!

Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who made it all happen!

Badwater: Steve, Karen, and Lindsey Gray, Fred Klinzman, Jim Cook, Maureen May, Durene Scott

Ashford Mill: Timmer and Debbie Vadheim, Carol Haddakin, Mary Klassen

Jubilee Pass Century Turn-Around: Joe Gargoyle Garza

Salsberry Water Stop: Bruno George and David Fales

Shoshone: Tim Kjenstad, Greg Fehr, and Kathleen Twitchell

Stove Pipe Wells: Bruno George and David Fales

Furnace Creek: Steve Desert Duck Teal, Tim Kjenstad, Elizabeth Jefferson, Mike Berry, Steve Protoceratops Barnes, Hugh Mad Dogg Murphy, Aleeza Goggins

Check-In: Mike Berry, Chris Kostman, Elizabeth Jefferson, Stephane Beaudry, Mike Angelfish Angelos, Timmer and Debbie Vadheim

SAG: Lee Maggot Mitchell, Mike Angelfish Angelos, Hugh Mad Dogg Murphy, Dr. Ben Jones, and Chris Kostman

Photography: Chris Kostman, Hugh Mad Dogg Murphy, Dr. Ben Jones, Joe Gargoyle Garza, and Bruno George

Subway Special Delivery: Joe Gargoyle Garza

Special thanks are also extended to the wonderful people at the Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch Resort, Joe's Sanitation of Pahrump, the Subway of Pahrump, Liberty Ambulance of Ridgecrest, the National Park Service, and Cal Trans in Bishop.

Death Valley, past, present, and future: Comments by the founder of the event, and its director from 1991 through 2000, Hugh Murphy:

In December 1989 I wanted to ride Death Valley by Moonlight, Wandervogel event.

Duane Hickling was the event director. The deal was that you had to take a bus to the start in Shoshone then we rode to Stovepipe. The ride was great, Tailwinds all the way. Then you spent the night at Stovepipe and they trucked the bikes back and the riders rode the bus back to the park and ride in Diamond Bar.

I didn't care to ride the bus or have someone else handle my bike.

I drove up early Saturday morning and parked at Stovepipe and rode to Shoshone via Badwater. Tom Winstrom had the same Idea. I met him in the parking lot. Not by plan. It was the first time had ever met him. I knew who he was because he had smoked Tour of Two Forests (TOTF) the previous summer.

We rode together to Ashford and he dropped me on the climb. I met him in the cafe in Shoshone a few hours later.

Death Valley by Moonlight started at dark and we rode back to Stovepipe. I thought what a concept. I talked with Duane and Andy Schaffer. Neither of them thought a DC in Death Valley would work. (TOTF was their baby)

The following year I took over Death Valley by Moonlight and in Feb. of 91' I put on the DC.

It was an instant success. The Park Service (monument) only allowed 100 riders. I had 100 riders sign up the first week and spent the next month returning entries.

Tom Winstrom was first rider in. He completed the course in about 10 hours.

Of special note Ron Shepston (from Silverado Canyon) was a DC rider on that first DC. I saw him riding the century this last weekend with his Son. His son must have been in diapers in '91.

The ride has gone full circle and on 2nd generation.

I was so proud to be out there and see all what you have done with the ride. My intention when I put the first DC together was so Ultracyclists could train on the 508 course with other riders that wanted to have the feeling of competion.

What I saw you doing this last weekend was a carbon copy of my original vision. Thank You! I hope 30 years from now I can look down from heaven, or look up from Hell, whatever the case and see that Ol' Gumby is still at it.

Again, Good job and thanks for having me out there.

- Hugh

Awesome, Unsolicited, Totally Appreciated Feedback!

"Thank you a million for an awesome event. The AdventureCorps Spring Century was my first century ride and it was incredible. You and the AdventureCorps Team put on a fantastic event, were encouraging, helpful, friendly and always had a smile to greet you. The beauty of Death Valley is unsurpassed. The ride is a fun and spectacular route, not without its challenges: wind, heat, wind, the climb to Jubilee. I was able to hook up with Mark from Venice, CA (his first century also), and together we worked to get the job done. My hat is off to you and AdventureCorps, Furnace Creek Ranch, National Park Service, and all of the riders! Thank you all." - Sincerely, Kelly Brown

"I just completed the DV Century ride with your group on Saturday. First - GREAT ride, GREAT support, GREAT people - thanks! Now about the weather :) only kidding! This ride was amazing, TOUGH! Yet your crew supported us well and the volunteers were wonderful! Thanks again for a great ride!" - Catherine Renaud

"Even though the wind sucked, I had to write and let you know how much I appreciated how well organized the rides were this past weekend. I was especially appreciative of the rest stops, the feedback we all got, and of the many support vehicles who were monitoring people along the route. I noticed the same cars driving back and forth numerous times making sure no one was dying in the saddle. I did not doubt my ability to finish, however the ride took me too long as I was just not well trained enough to deal with those winds, and I noted people were watching at the end to make sure I was ok and was going to make it. Thank you, for all of your attention to the safety and comfort of the participants. The SAG stops were great, the subway lunch was wonderful, and the presence of ambulances was especially appreciated. Anyway, I wanted to write and thank you for a great event. I will be in better shape for next year's, reserve hotel earlier (furnace creek was sold out when ride registration opened) and be more prepared. This was definitely a challenge for me with the winds, and one I know I will do a lot better on with more training next year." - Barbara Mau

"Thanks for the memorable ride!!! Hope to see you in the fall!" - Dave Clemes

"Thanks so much for putting on such a great event Sat. It was my 2nd Century and by far the most challenging and fun(?) Loved your inspirational send-off speech of " Pain is temporary, but quitting is forever." You and your whole crew do a bang-up job, including my sister "Badwater Babe" Maureen. Oh yeah, and then there's Timmer, Ashford Mills main man. I plan to return next year and do the double. t's imperative that I'm there as my boss tried the double this year, but DNF'ed, so for job security I need to go with him and not let him fade. He's skulking around work as we speak. Thanks again. Look forward to seeing you and your crew many times in the future." - Bob May (comments from his boss follow)

"I am really glad that the Death Valley Double was my first shot at a Double century. What an experience!!! I keep upping the level of challenges for my rides, and it was frustratingly cool to be whipped by a list of places that include 'Furnace', 'Death', 'Badwater', 'Coffin' and 'Funeral' in their names. Yeah, I’m bitter, but now that I understand the type of persistence that the finishers had to muster, I am more determined than ever to go for it again. What an amazing bunch of athletes assemble in the desert for your events!

"Bob and I trained together this winter. I am impressed that he finished the Century and pleased that he will be shooting for the Double next year. I plan to either draft off him all the way to Salsberry Pass or be fit enough to pull him through whatever the desert decides to whip up that day.

"Thank you for creating an event that stands out as a real special marker in my life’s list of challenges." - Sincerely, Steve Sorensen (the "boss" mentioned above)

"I enjoyed volunteering in Death Valley. I met a lot of great people and made several new friends. I look forward to volunteering again." - Fred Klinzman

"Very, very nice ride in Death Valley. Delighted to meet you and hope to ride with you again, probably at the camp if you run it in 2009. Look forward to seeing my picture on the website. (You snapped me with Telescope Peak in the background. I had the funky white cloth on my helmet.) Let me know if you get around to reading the book, especially since the hero is a former cyclist. Thanks much for everything.

"Would we do it again? You know, Death Valley is so beautiful, I would never turn down a chance to ride here. And the organizer, AdventureCorps, really runs a nice, tight, no-silliness show. But this was a terrific lesson about activities in the mountains or the desert (and shows why CNN is always showing those tapes of rescuers searching for people who went out for an easy day hike and nver came back.) If the wind had stayed down, this would have been an easy century, a perfect way to kick off the season, not much harder than Palm Springs last year. But throw in weather, and what we expected to be a little jaunt turned into the second toughest ride I've ever done. Then again, if I'd wanted easy, I could have stayed home. I don't think Death Valley is about easy." - Sam Hill

"Thanks so much for such a great event. This was my first century and I'm still riding a high. The precision with which the event was run was flawless and the volunteers were uniformly friendly, helpful and efficient. Thanks again for such a great introduction to the sport. I look forward to the fall!" - Kevin Fitzpatrick

* "Re: Paul Fahey's 'video blog'. As his father I could agree with your assessment that he has too much time on his hands. However, for 105 days he heralded the event with a light-hearted spirit (that masked his apprehension), entertained his family and friends, and drew their steadfast support of his efforts.

"Throughout the day of March 1, without benefit of ESPN and Wide World Of Sports, we tried to imagine what he, and his friend Jim Darling, were going through. Questions...questions...questions. What were the headwinds doing to them? Did the heat and hills take their toll and force them to call it quits? Hell, did one of them sit on a scorpion? No cellphone service, no internet access, no report.... Were they lying dead by the side of the road? Paul, what did you do with all my tools that you borrowed?

"No, Paul Fahey and Jim Darling FINISHED the ride, crossing the finish line a mere 27 seconds under the deadline. Hell, I can't do a 105 mile DRIVE without a biology break! They didn't set any records but they did finish, and that says it all.

"I am deeply proud of my son, his dedication, his accomplishments, and his steadfast devotion to a goal he set a long time ago. What lies ahead? I have no idea, but I'm sure it will be 'a doozie'. Stand by for yet another 'blog'.

"To AdventureCorps, and all the participants in the Spring 2008 run, I say 'thank you' for affording Paul the opportunity to challenge himself and prove he has "the right stuff". Keep up the good work." - John Fahey

"Great event ! I had a blast. It was my first time riding (and finishing) a double century." - Thanks, Steve Kreider

"Thanks so much for such a great event. This was my first century and I'm still riding a high. The precision with which the event was run was flawless and the volunteers were uniformly friendly, helpful and efficient. Thanks again for such a great introduction to the sport. I look forward to the fall! - Kevin Fitzpatrick

"I rode on Saturday and it was my first century. It was great fun and I had a wonderful day out...although, thanks to the wind a little longer than anticipated. I wanted to say thank you for organizing such a terrific event. I thought you guys did a tremendous job of finding the balance of making sure everyone was safe while still allowing people to do their own thing. Also, the volunteers at the rest areas were the true heros of the day, without them these kind of events cannot happen. Please pass on my thanks to all of them. Thanks again and hope to see you out there in the future." - Best regards, Mark Tobin

The Spring Death Valley century, a first for me, was an outstanding experience that can only be described by superlatives. The SAG support, the organization, the food/hydration stops & the comradery were all excellent, despite the intense headwind which made the ride quite challenging. I'll be back again!! - Paul Hanna

March 1st DV Century was my first! WOO HOO! Thank you so much for such a well organized, awesome event. Wow, those winds...that must be nature's way of making us all really, truly feel alive. I know I did!
Thanks for everything you do. - Gina Becker

Chris, thank you. It was both a honor and a privilege to ride in you event, complete with it's wonderful traditons and history. This was our first trip to Death Valley however, from a distance we've long been aware of the physical and mental challenges that athletes have accomplished in this greatness of outdoors. As such, it was a treat to be in the company of excellence in the environment, athlethes, volunteers and organizors. A highlight in our 2008 year. This is a must do experiance for any cyclist or ultra athlete. We hope to be back soon. - Roger George & Ev Cristello - The Canadians

Thanks to your staff for a great ride. Even with the brutal headwinds, nothing beats cycling in Death Valley. A bad day there is still more fun (with more stories and tall tales as a result) than a good day in a lot of other places. - Best, Robert F. James

The Death Valley event was very well run. All the volunteers were great and the Furnace Creek Ranch was a really nice place to stay and eat. Thanks for putting on an excellent ride! - Debbie Albers

I rode the Spring Death Valley century with your group on March 1. It was my first century, undertaken as a challenge for my 60th birthday which was March 2. It was harder than it looked and the headwinds really made me cranky! But it was otherwise a beautiful day and I felt well supported all along the way by the people at the rest stops, the sags along the road, and by the other riders. Thank you for a wonderful experience! - Katharine Blank

I am a first time century finisher. Little did I know that this century was 'extra tough' with the winds! Great support with the water/fuel stops. Your volunteers at the ‘fuel’ stops were great and uber-helpful – they deserve all the praise they can get! Very well organized (the registration line moved really well!). Thanks, again. - Cynthia Jule Clarksilly question: how does my time work out to 10:20 when i left at 6:40 (second wave of century riders) and checked in at 4:20? (Scrambling to get in before the 4:30 cut-off!) Am i missing something?

Overall, the event was very well coordinated. You and your volunteers were outstanding and you do a tremendous job of promoting the sport of ultra-cycling. Please keep up the excellent work. - Sincerely, Martin Hukle

Thanks for another EPIC event, I had a great time and the wildflowers were beautiful! Coming into Badwater on the way back reminded me of the movie "Triplettes of Bellville" when the riders bonk on the side of the road. So many riders at that stop were "catching flies" with their gaping mouths and starring off into space, or maybe that's just how I perceived it during my euphoric hallucinations due to running out of water myself 5mi before that checkpoint. - Brian Davidson

Full Results

Congrats to first-time century finishers Pam Andreasen, Katharine Blank, Gina Becker, Kelly Brown, Cynthia Jule Clark, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Elaine Lauer, Audrey Leonard, Zachary Lester, Pamela Ott, Susan Rogers, Mark Tobin, David Trousdale

Congrats to first-time double century finishers Peter Campbell, Michael Carlson, Ev Cristello, Jens Deichmann, Roger George, Robert Jones, Steve Kreider, Jim Verheul

Kudos to the two cyclists who rode the double century and then ran the LA Marathon the next day! Brian Davison ran the 26.2 in 4:14 and David Goggins ran the 26.2 in 3:29. Awesome!

(If you were a first-time century or double century finisher, let us know and we'll note that here!)

Above: Left: Chris Kostman, event director since 2001; Middle: Ben Jones, Badwater Hall of Fame member; Right: Hugh Murphy, event creator and director, 1991 through 2000.