Oct. 18, 2003 Death Valley Century and Double Century

Photos by Chris Kostman, October 18, 2003

"Hotter than hell" temps made for a tough day for everyone at the annual Fall Death Valley Century and Double Century, held October 18. With the mercury rising beyond 100 degrees, just 76 of 169 double riders completed the 200 mile distance, while 110 riders tackled the century. (Of course, this ride always has a higher than usual DNF rate, due to the fact that double riders pass through the start/finish at their mile 150, making it soooooo very easy to just call it a day.) Regardless, it certainly was an epic day, and ride, with which to finish the 2003 cycling season. We salute everyone for tackling this particularly difficult ride, regardless of their final result.

Of great concern to everybody were the several riders who needed ambulance transport to the hospital due to crashes or one case of over-heating. They're all recovering well, but it was a sad day for them and for the rest of us. Unfortunately, we anticipate the National Park Service mandating that we bring our own ambulances and medical crews to all future events in the park. We calculate that this will force a price increase of $20 per rider to cover two ambulances being in the park for 20 hours, plus their expenses. We apologize in advance for the price hike, but it's all in the name of rider safety in a very, very remote part of California.

Great job!!! First time century rider Anna Saenz, and first time double finishers Wayne Caldwell, Louise Comar, William Heise, John T. Murphy, Troy Raffelson and Heather Rose.

Kudos to Jeremy Eliot, Robert Hawks, Tham Herbert, Tony Ibarra, Daniel Kennelly, Emily Kenyon, Matt Leedham, Sheri Lehman, Mark Littlefield, Katie Norton, James Norton, James Sullivan and George Vargas for successfully completing their California Triple Crown. (If there are others who earned their Triple Crown, but didn't tell us at the finish - kudos to you too!) - Chris Kostman

A million thanks for our incredible volunteers:

Badwater: Franklin Clair Jensen, Ken Kistinger and Eva Meyer

Ashford Mills: Reed Flamingo Finfrock, Mark Panther Patten and Tim Divins

Water Stop: Jennifer Adamson and Carol Haddakin

Shoshone: Mike Bejach and Doug Patterson

Furnace Creek: Anne Bennett, Tracy Bowers, Deborah Caplan, Sandye Clare and Caryl Ishizawa

Stovepipe Wells: Carol Breed and Doug Grattan

Roving SAG: Mike Angelos, Paul Sparrow Hawk Biron, Jackie Burneson. Chris Kostman, Jennifer McVeay, Eva Meyer, Robert Limpkin Thomas, plus Gary Belanger who pitched in on the spot

Medical Roving SAG: Anny Beck and Dan Crain

Sandwich makers: Anne Bennett, Tracy Bowers, Deborah Caplan, Sandye Clare and Caryl Ishizawa

Wonderful Feedback about this Event

"Thank you for a great ride in Death Valley.... everyone was great..... I can't thank you enough for a job well done.... it was the most enjoyable ride of my life!!!!" -Mike Mitchell, Old Forge, NY

"I just wanted to thank everyone that came out and help with the SAG, If it wasn't for YOU, we would have died out there on the course. and a special thanks to Chris and Debbie for all the work they do on orginizing an epic event like this!!! This was my fourth double with planet ultra, and I enjoyed everyone of them from the route to the great SAG (the best I've seen ever!!) I'm planning on doing everyone next year and meeting some new people that enjoy doing epic rides as much as I do!! Thanks!!" -Gary Poles

"This is my second time doing the DV century, I have not built up enough to do the double yet.... Just wanted to say that the weekend was amazing and the support was awesome. I am already looking forward to next year!" -Larry

"Being this was my first double, I must say I sure picked the hard one! Although I did even come close to finishing, I learned a lot about hydration, nutrition and most importantly, riding in the heat. The climbing was not as hard as I expected although it appeared at times to go on and on. Once I figure out the heat variable I think I will be able to conquer this beast. Anyway, hats off for providing a great volunteer group at the ride. They were very friendly, forgiving, and believe it or not, actually felt the pain we all were going through. Keep up the good work." -Ryan Yuen

"Whew, just got home after a long drive back to San Diego. Sunday traffic on I-15 ain't no joke. Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone for making my first event (as a rider) so great! My wife Jen (Yellow Xterra) worked support while I got to ride and we both had a great day. Deb and Chris, a real class act and your events attract the nicest people! We met some really nice folks and exchanged email addresses and info with several. We will be back for future events, somehow I see a Triple Crown or maybe even a Grand Slam in the future. Thanks and keep doing what you do best." -Craig McVeay

"Thanks for putting on a such a terrific event. I can only imagine how difficult it is logistically to pull something like this off, and you guys did it beautifully. With your support, Anna and I were able to achieve our goal completing 5 doubles this year. We will certainly be back next year, both as a participant and a volunteer." -Regards, Rick Stewart

2003 Fall Death Valley Double Century Official Results

(169 starters, 76 finishers)

Last Name First Name City State Time
Meelbusch Brian San Marcos TX 11:36
Poles Gary Escondido CA 12:26
Richardson Butch San Diego CA 12:26
Pitton Jim Fresno CA 12:43
Sturgill Michael Phoenix AZ 12:43
Hoff Richard Sanger CA 12:43
Burgart Cal San Diego CA 12:55
Lester Gregory Cazadero CA 12:55
Landauer Jeff Fair Oaks CA 12:58
Kennelly Daniel Sacramento CA 13:02
Schmidt Rob Palo Alto CA 13:02
Carles Eric San Francisco CA 13:09
Rhinehart Kirk Capistrano Beach CA 13:30
Dewey Jeff Moorpark CA 13:41
Borgers William Santa Barbara CA 13:45
Benitez Rene Nuevo CA 13:50
Rapp Brian Long Beach CA 14:02
Goode Gerald Tucson AZ 14:29
Haddakin Christopher Hemet CA 14:42
Lichtenstern Fred Moreno Valley CA 14:42
Vargas George San Diego CA 14:42
Saavedra Jorge Huntington Beach CA 14:45
Bramwell Chuck Irvine CA 14:52
Burns Mike Yorba Linda CA 14:52
Clare John T. Long Beach CA 14:52
Heise William Fullerton CA 14:52
Long John D. Signal Hill CA 14:52
Raffelson Troy El Cajon CA 14:52
Warren Mike Santa Barbara CA 14:59
Lusby Richard Zephyr Cove CA 15:13
Mazzoni Darla S. Lake Tahoe CA 15:13
Spano Daniel Zephyr Cove NV 15:13
Speckert Les S. Lake Tahoe CA 15:13
Thomas Robert P. San Diego CA 15:13
Stewart Anna Susanville CA 15:19
Stewart Rick Susanville CA 15:19
Hiltunen Bruce Quincy MA 15:25
Perkins Lisa East Windsor CT 15:25
Anderson Bruce San Luis Obispo CA 15:26
Norton James Sacramento CA 15:26
Norton Katie Sacramento CA 15:26
Cole Dale Eldorado Hills CA 15:36
Lehman Sheri GoldRiver CA 15:36
Littlefield Mark Aptos CA 15:41
Sullivan James San Francisco CA 15:41
Bates Bud Glendale CA 15:42
Elliott Jeremy Berkeley CA 15:48
Leedham Matt San Francisco CA 15:48
Murphy John T Encinitas CA 15:48
Rose Heather Tustin CA 15:48
Neal Frank San Dimas CA 15:51
Comar Louise Atascadero CA 15:52
Lorenz Kathy Redlands CA 15:52
Mahaney William Cedarpines Park CA 15:52
Martinez Tony Cherry Valley CA 15:52
Evans Dave Lakewood CA 15:56
Hawks Rob Richmond CA 15:56
Hill Dale Ramona CA 15:56
Jones Greg Moorpark CA 15:56
Kingsford Adam Lake View Terrace CA 16:00
Smith Renee Pasadena CA 16:02
Kenyon Emily Berkeley CA 16:04
Bartolai Clem Sierra Madre CA 16:07
Wildin Rowena Pasadena CA 16:07
Meyer Peter Scotts Valley CA 16:10
Waltmire Wick Irvine CA 16:10
Waltmire Catherine Irvine CA 16:10
Cooper Victor Torrance CA 16:15
Hernandez Luis N. Hollywood CA 16:15
Cohen Arthur Orinda CA 16:22
Brown Barclay Carlsbad CA 16:23
Ibarra Tony Concord CA 16:27
Tham Helbert Concord CA 16:27
Mockler Edward West Warwick RI 16:34
Parkes Thomas Fountain Valley CA 16:38
Grantner Richard Santa Ana CA 16:54

Double Century DNF
Aguirre Julian W. Toluca Lake CA DNF
Alley Ray Escondido CA DNF
Axtell John Minden NV DNF
Barnes Raymond Woodland Hills CA DNF
Beck Ronald Northridge CA DNF
Beckloff Renee Palo Alto CA DNF
Berge Catharina Visalia CA DNF
Biron Paul Sherman Oaks CA DNF
Blietz Scott Santa Clarita CA DNF
Bowers Douglas Arcadia CA DNF
Bowling Clay Piedmont CA DNF
Boyle Craig San Jose CA DNF
Brookes Mark San Francisco CA DNF
Brown Bryan Beverly Hills CA DNF
Burneson Rick Whittier CA DNF
Burton Ralph San Dimas CA DNF
Carr John Moraga CA DNF
Clarke Richard Thousand Oaks CA DNF
Clemes David Oakland CA DNF
Combs Randy Frederick MD DNF
Crouch Rowland Rye NY DNF
Crough Raymond Frederick MD DNF
Curtis John Antioch CA DNF
Dagg Alan Concord CA DNF
Dempsey Rick Baltimore MD DNF
DiLuccia Don San Clemente CA DNF
Dyson Thom Antiok CA DNF
Dyson Veronica Antiok CA DNF
Engblom Thor Frederick MD DNF
Fields Marvin Newhall CA DNF
Gehrke Ralf New York NY DNF
Gentry Tim Mission Hills KS DNF
Goodwin Doug Pahrump NV DNF
Greene J. Paul Los Gatos CA DNF
Gregory Stuart Salt Lake City UT DNF
Gross Joe San Francisco CA DNF
Habegger Dana Piedmont CA DNF
Hance Thomas San Pedro CA DNF
Hayase Merrill Aliso Viejo CA DNF
Hazlewood Stuart Westport CT DNF
Hertlein Dan Antioch CA DNF
Holmberg Chuck Erick OK DNF
Irizari Alexis Las Vegas NV DNF
James David Venice CA DNF
Jonas Charles Piedmont CA DNF
Kain Robert Del Mar CA DNF
Kibble Greg Lake Forest CA DNF
Koenig Dick San Diego CA DNF
Kopit Paul Sunland CA DNF
Leong Andrew Albuquerque NM DNF
Linn Lavalle Santa Rosa CA DNF
Lipsky David Oakland CA DNF
Low Ray Cupertino CA DNF
McGrane Matthew Fremont CA DNF
Melczer Andrew Garden Grove CA DNF
Mendez Jose Playa Del Rey CA DNF
Miller Susan Oakland CA DNF
Mirich David Las Vegas NV DNF
Morton Phil Berkeley CA DNF
Murphy Cheryl Los Angeles CA DNF
Murphy Kevin Mission Viejo CA DNF
Owens Tim San Diego CA DNF
Patton Marc Woodland Hills CA DNF
Paul Adam Fremont CA DNF
Phillips Chuck Tustin CA DNF
Phillips Cary Moss Beach CA DNF
Piasecki David Santa Barbara CA DNF
Pohle Steve Mission Viejo CA DNF
Prentice Kristin Berkeley CA DNF
Rash Robert Buena Park CA DNF
Rathmann Thomas Pleasanton CA DNF
Reisler Bill Mission Hills KS DNF
Roppel David Port Hueneme CA DNF
Russell John Sebastopol CA DNF
Scalabrino Antonio Torino Italy DNF
Schoney Joe Cedar City UT DNF
Smith Ron Chula Vista CA DNF
Smith David C. El Dorado Hills CA DNF
Spadoni Linda Mission Viejo CA DNF
Spence Jeanine Fresno CA DNF
Strong David M. Albuquerque NM DNF
Struck Bruno San Diego CA DNF
Tamminga Jeff Long Beach CA DNF
Tang Irene Rancho Palos Verdes CA DNF
Thompson John Pleasonton CA DNF
Viens Joe Lincoln RI DNF
Wang Tony Redondo Beach CA DNF
Whittle Stuart Brooklyn NY DNF
Williamson Jack Villa Park CA DNF
Woodhead Mike Santa Barbara CA DNF
Woods Paul Colorado Springs CO DNF
Yuen Richard Laguna Niguel CA DNF
Zurakowski Ryan Goleta CA DNF

2003 Fall Death Valley Century Roster (110 riders)

Last Name First Name City State
Aikman Bart Valencia CA
Aliprandi Giambattista La Jolla CA
Amesbury Sylvan Reno NV
Andring Ron Apple Valley CA
Ayala Samuel Las Vegas NV
Ayala Jorge Las Vegas NV
Ayalew Yesewlik Thousand Oaks CA
Bak Thomas Orange CA
Barnacle Lynda Brainerd MN
Barnacle William Brainerd MN
Barrett Stan Oakland CA
Barry Peter San Diego CA
Barry Richard Los Angeles CA
Barry Robert Santa Maria CA
Begley Patricia San Diego CA
Belanger Kate Santa Barbara CA
Benninghofen Anne Encinitas CA
Berkshire Jay Visalia CA
Blevins Geoff Simi Valley CA
Bobik Robert Cedar Glen CA
Bouckaert Paula Santa Barbara CA
Bowen Richard San Diego CA
Bradley James Tucson AZ
Buck Tom Ojai CA
Bunnell Susan Newbury Park CA
Caldwell Susan San Marcos CA
Cardoza Angel Mission Viejo CA
Carlgren Nate Yerington NV
Carlgren Donna Yerington NV
Cashel William Santa Monica CA
Castellano Eugene Ogden UT
Chapman Michael Placentia CA
Copeland Joe Torrance CA
Corkill John San Diego CA
Creevy Jackie Agoura CA
Culkin Scott El Cajon CA
Danielson Steve Solana Beach CA
Desnoyers Ray Grenada Hills CA
Desnoyers Melanie Grenada Hills CA
Dixon Dan Villa Park CA
Franz Grace Lancaster CA
Franz Ryan Lancaster CA
Friedman Ronald Monterey CA
Friedman Ken Santa Monica CA
Gillespie Michael Yucaipa CA
Green Dennis Los Angeles CA
Hanna Robert Victorville CA
Hanson Chris Redondo Beach CA
Harrison Christi Fallbrook CA
Harrison Shawn Fallbrook CA
Hochleitner Josef Los Angeles CA
Ivins Karen Camarillo CA
Ivins Terry Camarillo CA
Iwaki George San Francisco CA
Kershaw Nigel Redondo Beach CA
Kosich John San Francisco CA
Kuhn Jack Menlo Park CA
Kuolas Almis Danville CA
Lipstadt Aaron Hollywood CA
Lobenberg Patricia Santa Barbara CA
Long Gale Casper WY
Lueke Michael San Diego CA
Lueke Diane San Diego CA
MacDonald James Los Angeles CA
Malec Ian Oakland CA
Marion Jonathan Mojave CA
Martersteck Karl Thousand Oaks CA
Maurer Joseph Mountain View CA
McAfee Leslie Burbank CA
McClain Thomas Los Alamitos CA
McDonald Ben San Francisco CA
McVeay Craig Alpine CA
Mitchell Michael A. Old Forge NY
Molloy, II Bernard Temecula CA
Moore Edward Exeter CA
Moran Curtis Lancaster CA
Morgan Lowell Monument CO
Nicholson John Monterey CA
Nielson Mark Berkeley CA
Noga Robert Del Mar CA
Nokes Linda Yerington NV
Northway Don Danville CA
Ormonde Kevin Bakersfield CA
Paschild Christine Whittier CA
Pollack Sean Whittier CA
Powell Cathy Blue Jay CA
Powell Gary Blue Jay CA
Robinson Chris Seal Beach CA
Rosa Larry Castro Valley CA
Ross William Calabasas CA
Saenz Anna San Diego CA
Schofield Dennis San Francisco CA
Scott Sherry San Francisco CA
Scott Zachary Folsom CA
Shaul Kelly Coronado CA
Shetter Todd San Diego CA
Siler Ron Yerington NV
Skrinskas Gailius Toronto, Ontario CAN
Skrinskas Alena Hamilton, Ontario CAN
Sohn James Pasadena CA
Sohn Marsha Pasadena CA
Spicer David A. Beatty NV
Stranger Bob Yucaipa CA
Vaden Brian Oceanside CA
Vaden Rachel Oceanside CA
Waldman Daniel Santa Barbara CA
Webber Adam San Diego CA
Westergard Kent Farr West City UT
Zahrobsky David San Francisco CA
Ziegler Dwayne Long Beach CA