


| October 6-7, 2008 508 miles and 35,000 feet of climbing VIDEO OF THE 2006 FURNACE CREEK 508 SLIDESHOW |
| The Rookie Solo Flight of the Red-Eyed Vireo Summary What follows is a summary, if you would like to read a more detailed race report there is plenty below complete with LESSONS LEARNED. On October 6-7, 2006, I participated in the “toughest 48 hours in sport”, The Furnace Creek 508. For the uninitiated, “the 508”, as it is affectionately referred to by those in the “community”, is a 508 mile non- stop event. It combines 35,000 feet of climbing, calorie deficit, desert heat, and sleep deprivation. All the elements you need if you want to challenge yourself as an Ultra Cyclist. I finished 32nd out of 60 in the Men’s Solo Field in a time of 42:59. That's right 43 hours on the bike no sleep and over 48 hours awake. I wish I could have napped but I couldn't sleep. It was my rookie year and boy did I learn a lot. I had stomach issues for many hours and that affected my first 21 hours of the event. I felt really strong on the second half of the course but missed my goal time of 36 hours. I had a good bike set-up on my climbing bike, but my time trial bike was not as comfortable. I had the right wheel choice but the wrong support vehicle. I had the right nutrition plan but the wrong execution. I had all the data on the course but still felt lost and out of tune with the climbs or descents. I had a great crew but needed more information from them. But here is the good news; I am an official Solo finisher. |
| Packing up. Jeez, what do I pack? This question haunted me for weeks. I looked at the various inventory lists available on the net from previous riders and of course Lee Mitchell’s. I found some lists had too little and some too much. In the end, I packed my Double Century list and used Lee Mitchell’s list as a check to make sure I didn’t leave something out that his experience suggested should be brought along. Basically, I doubled the food, added over-the-counter medications and spare clothing. |
| Pre- Race We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. The hotel had nice rooms and it’s conveniently located near the host hotel for the start and within walking distance to Denny’s. We got to Santa Clarita in good time to get our support vehicle and bikes inspected. I then checked-in with Chris and his volunteer staff. I was interviewed and photographed for the webcast. Chris and his staff did a fantastic job in keeping the website updated. My friends and family were able to log on and see my progress and see pictures of me “in action.” It was interesting to see how we all smiled for our mug shots, including the veterans. And yet we were about to suffer for 508 miles and 35,000 feet of climbing. But as Ultra cyclists, I think most of us have a screw loose anyway. |
ADDITIONAL FURNACE CREEK RACE REPORTS |
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