Death Valley Century and Double Century
October 28, 2006 Results

Slideshows

	Slideshow 1: Start Line, Side Of The Road CP, and H20 Stop
	Slideshow 2: Approaching Scotty's Castle, Part 1
	Slideshow 3: Approaching Scotty's Castle, Part 2
	Slideshow 4: Scotty's Castle
	Slideshow 5: Stove Pipe Wells and Nevada Checkpoints
	Slideshow 6: Nevada, Ubehebe Crater, and Final Finisher Doug Bowers
	Slideshow 7: The Return to Funace Creek
	Bill Nicolai's Ride Report

Spectacular weather greeted the annual Fall edition of the Death Valley Century and Double Century on Saturday, October 28. This particular edition was the fourth in history to traverse the northern route of this event, heading to Scotty's Castle, Ubehebe Crater, Hell's Gate, and other roadside attractions. With riders representing AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, NC, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WI, plus Canada and the United Kingdom, this event remains one of the most popular endurance rides in the country.

256 intrepid cyclists tackled the course. By the end of the day, 106 would complete the century, 127 would complete the double century, and just 23 would DNF one or the other distance. Special Kudos to Alfonso Estrada and Spener Klaasen for completing the double on fixed gear bikes and Ron Smith for completing the double on his recumbent!

The next edition of the Death Valley Century and Double Century, featuring the southern course, will take place March 3, 2007, while this northern route will return on October 27, 2007. We hope to see you there! (Stay tuned to our email newsletter for the actual registration dates for the 2007 events.)

Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who made it all happen!

Check-In: Larry Peelen, Gary Sedlack, Timmer Vadheim, Bob Lloyd, Mike Angelfish Angelos, Anthony Woofie Humpage, Steve Desert Duck Teal, Wayne and Shelby Kostman, and Chris Kostman

Start Line: Timmer Vadheim, Bob Lloyd, and Chris Kostman

Stove Pipe Wells & Nevada: Larry Peelen and Gary Sedlack

Side of the Road: Timmer Vadheim, Bob Lloyd, Adam Webber, Ruth Merki, Mike Angelfish Angelos

Water Stop en route to Scotty's: Anthony Woofie Humpage, Steve Desert Duck Teal, and Matthew Schneider

Scotty's Castle: Wayne and Shelby Kostman, Maxwell Lucas, Jack Lindquist, Megan Dean, and Stacy Zung

Ubehebe Crater: Annie Beck

Water Stop on Return: Matthew Schneider

Hell's Gate: Karen and Steve Giant Water Bug Gray

Finish Line: Anthony Woofie Humpage, Steve Desert Duck Teal, Matthew Scheider, Wayne & Shelby Kostman

Roving SAG: Lee Maggott Mitchell, Mike Angelos Angelos, Erik Sloth Skramstad, James Pearce, Larry Peelen, and Chris Kostman.

Awesome, Unsolicited, Totally Appreciated Feedback!

"To all of you: A great big thanks and well done for a wonderful experience. Having served time in Saudi Arabia in the service, I never imagined I would willingly travel to Death Valley, but the lure of a century ride finally won me over. Since I didn’t train anywhere near the amount I had in seasons past in preparation, my overall time didn’t come close to any of my personal bests. I was certainly not going to overdo it, though, and DNF… especially with the costs involved of just getting there. I had considered not attending, especially after losing my mother – who fought the after effects of cancer to the very end – just three weeks shy of my wedding. But, in the end, my wife and I couldn’t think of any other way to pay tribute to her but to finish this one in her memory. As I crossed the line at Furnace Creek, I pointed up and said “Thanks Mom.” Again, thank you all very much and I look forward to experiencing this wonderful event again in the future." -Steven Hamer

"Hey Chris, I would first like to say thanks for the opportunity to participate in the Death Valley ride. I was part of the Arkansas & Oklahoma group that came over for the ride, everyone had a blast and we plan on coming back. That was the most incredible century I have ever done! The support was great and the ride went off without a hitch." -Jason Beebe

"If you like knock-your-eyeballs-out scenery and are willing to take what the weather gods dish out, this is certainly one of the most beautiful places to ride in the country." -Bill Nicolai (Read his full report!)

"Thanks for all of the great organazation that went into the DV ride yesterday." -Stephen George

"I want to thank you for option four (telling me to "just push a little harder, stop a little less, and finish on time!!!"). I had a great time.... I also want to thank you for all of your encouragement... I honestly did not think I could finish within the time limit. Glad you had faith in me..." -Bobbi Fisher

"Thank you! You and your volunteers did a fantastic job putting on this event. I'm originally from the freezing backwoods of Canada so being able to ride in Death Valley was quite the adventure for me. I did eight organized/supported century rides so far this year and this one could very well be my favorite! Next year I plan to tackle your 200 mile Death Valley ride." -Elizabeth Jefferson, San Diego Century Riders

"I would like to forward my Appreciation towards you & your staff for another great event!!!... It is always a pleasure, and privilege to ride in Death Valley... The organization, and support were fanatasic!!! Even though I did not finish (I came down with food poisoning the night before, I started 'Weak', & didn't get any stronger), the good memories of riding through the Valley definitely out-weighed the personal disappointment of not finishing... For my own personal reasons, I decided that the prudent decision was to turn around at the Nevada stateline, and ride back and not take up valuable SAG resources for those who would need them more... Now I have another personal goal... Thanx Again For A Great Event..." -Mark A. Martinez

"My friend Greg Robinson and I went for the double century Saturday. It was a first double attempt for both of us. We weren’t too sure what to expect, but we both did quite well I think. (I was glad the wind wasn’t too nuts!!) Thanks for the great ride." -Dave Calkins

"Thanks for the Fall Death Valley Double experience. It was quite a ride. I'm proud to be able to say that I finished. This was my first year riding double centuries. And, finishing both the spring and Fall Death Valley Doubles were important personal goals for me. By the way, the Death Valley Ultra Cycling jersey is very nice. I wore it on a short recovery ride when I got home and I really got some extraordinary looks from folks. Thanks again, and I hope to be out there next year for the Spring Double." -(William) Ron Keesling

"I really appreciate your support, and that of the event volunteers. I am still pretty new at this ultracycling stuff, but I have seen lots of organizations and groups put on lots of different kinds of events. And I have put on lots of entertainment events myself. Yours are among the best organized and best run I have seen. And the volunteer staff is terrific. Better than most 'professional' groups by far. Put me down for support for both JDRF events for 2007." -Steve Barnes

"We had a great weekend in Death Valley and we’re happy it worked out that we could find a way to pitch-in. We’ve gotten far more out of our 508 and DV ride experiences than we could ever repay. We had a great time at Hell’s Gate. That’s the first chance I’ve had to be on that side of a ride. It was fun to offer some encouragement and help folks get it together enough to make it to the finish. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hanging around finish lines or watching people push themselves beyond their limits. I’m sure your job is no different than any other and you have good days and bad days. But, it seems to me that you’re lucky to do what you do and lots of us are lucky that you do it so well (and that sometimes we get to help out)! Thanks again." -Steve Gray, Fall 2006 Death Valley volunteer

"Thanks for organizing such a great ride. Your group of volunteers did an excellent job. I want to give a special thanks to Lee Mitchell. I had a rear tire blowout, in the dark, while coming down the hill from Hell's Gate. I was able to hold the bike up and stop. After getting my wits together I walked my bike to the side of the road, took out my small flashlight, a tube and a spare tire that I was carrying. Then along came Lee he stopped in such away that I was shielded from any oncoming traffic, automobile as well as bike traffic, and his headlights allowed me to change my tire. I have known for quite a while that he is the most knowledgeable when it comes to providing support. If Lee did not show up I would have spent another hour changing the tire. He is the best. Thanks again." -Gerald Gerbil Goode

"I had great time on your Death Valley Double last Saturday. The northern route was the first for me. Riding at 4,000 feet during the heat of the day was great. Thanks again." -Brian Rapp

"The 2006 Fall Death Valley Double Century (my first double) was the most powerful learning experience in my life.. I plan to concentrate on doubles until next October's 508.. I hope to see you then." -Eric Troili

"I wanted to thank you for putting on a great ride last Saturday. It was my first in Death Valley and I thoroughly enjoyed it." -Scott Major