2006 Furnace Creek Race Report

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2006 Red-Eyed Vireo Furnace Creek Race Report

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 and the
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 internet 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 Kostman, race director, 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.