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presents
Fall Death Valley Century and Double Century
Come Ride Death Valley by Moonlight!
October 25, 2008
Northern route to Scotty’s Castle,
Ubehebe Crater, and Hell’s Gate.
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| SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
We invite you to join us at CORPScamp Death Valley on Saturday, February 21 thru Wednesday, February 25, 2009.
The original CORPScamp features five days and up to 400 miles of epic, one-of-a-kind cycling in and around “Mother Nature’s Greatest Sports Arena,” Death Valley National Park. We've been producing events here since 1990 and we never tire of sharing one of the world's most dramatic, inspiring, and unusual landscapes. From desert flowers to snow-capped mountains, we'll see it all by bicycle. Bring a camera or nobody will believe your stories!
Participants should plan to arrive the 21st and depart the 25th or stay longer, perhaps to ride the Spring Death Valley Century and Double Century on Saturday, Feb 28, 2009 (separate entry). We also have CORPScamps at Mt. Shasta & Paso Robles.
Detailed CORPScamp info.
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Death Valley has a 300 rider limit and it always SELLS OUT!
Spring Death Valley event info - Results and Slideshows
PLEASE STUDY EVERYTHING BELOW CAREFULLY. ALL POLICIES STRICTLY ENFORCED.
SOLD OUT! SORRY, NO WAIT LIST.
Registration
As we promised, the registration link for the Fall Death Valley Century and Double Century was posted to this page at 9pm (actually, 830pm; thirty minutes early), California time, Monday night, June 2, 2008. One hour prior (8pm), the registration link was sent out via our email newsletter, giving a small headstart to newsletter subscribers. (Note that delivery time varies for the newsletter - no system can send out 7,000 emails simultaneously.) Last year this event filled in four days. This year the Spring Edition filled in less than one day - with the registration link made available ONLY via our email newsletter (not posted to our website) - so one could imagine this Fall edition will fill even more quickly. (It did.) Please note, once the event is sold out, it is SOLD OUT. Do not drive out to Death Valley and expect to ride unless you are pre-registered! NOTE TO WOULD-BE RIDERS WITH VOLUNTEER CREDITS: Please email us in May to request your space on the event roster.
 Official Charity: Challenged Athletes Foundation
Click here for the "Race For a Reason" program - You can personally participate in our events on behalf of CAF - and even earn cool incentive prizes in recognition of your efforts! The Challenged Athletes Foundation was created on the belief that people of all abilities should have the opportunity to pursue a life full of physical activity and of sports. Be they recreational or in pursuit of a gold medal at the Paralympic Games, people with a physical disability are limited only by their access to funding. Click here to donate to CAF right now through a secure and easy-to-use webpage.
Start/Finish
The Death Valley Century and Double Century will start and finish at the Furnace Creek Ranch in the heart of Death Valley, CA. If you are not staying at the Furnace Creek Ranch, please DO NOT park in any of their parking lots. Instead, please park in the gravel lot to the north of the front entrance to the Ranch.
Hotel
We highly recommend the Furnace Creek Ranch. The Furnace Creek Ranch offers a special room rate of $110 in October. Please reference the AdventureCORPS Death Valley Century and Double (Booking #7390) when calling the reservations office at (760) 786-2345. Don't wait until the last minute to sign up for the event or to make your hotel reservations! Our block of rooms is only held until 30 days prior to each event, so make your reservations right away or you may not find a place to stay! Additional hotels. If you are not staying at the Furnace Creek Ranch, please DO NOT park in any of their parking lots. Instead, please park in the gravel lot to the north of the front entrance to the Ranch.
Carpooling and Hotel Room Sharing
We encourage carpooling to and from our Spring and Fall Death Valley Century and Double Century events, as well as to and from all our other events, such as the Badwater Ultramarathon and Furnace Creek 508. For Spring and Fall Death Valley, with some 300 riders coming from 20 or more states (and a few foreign countries), there must be somebody who lives near you, or along the route you'll be driving, or perhaps someone just needs a ride to and from the airport in Vegas or LA if they are flying to the event. Please use this section of the AdventureCORPS blog to connect with other riders. Share the ride! Save gas! Save money! Save the earth! Maybe find a roommate, too!
Check-In
Rider Check-In will take place on Friday evening in at the Furnace Creek Ranch from 6:30 to 9:00pm at Room 516, located on the way to back of the Ranch, in the one-story row of rooms on the right (this is the last room before you get to the two-story 600-900 buildings). (Check-In is for pre-registered riders only. We do not accept in-person sign-up. The event is SOLD OUT many months beforehand.) We will also have Rider Check-In from 600 to 645am on Saturday morning. Please come prepared and please don't wait until the last minute to show up!
Death Valley Entrance Fee
Death Valley National Park requires us to pay a $10 park entrance fee for each entrant. The park depends on this type of income to support what they do there. It's a great place and much cheaper than a movie! If you want a Park Entrance Fee ticket for your car window (such as if you will tour around the National Park immediately before or after the event), stop by the Visitor's Center, tell them your name (which will be verified against the event roster) and they will give you one. (You do not need to do this if you only plan to drive in and out of the park for the ride.)
 
Hincapie Jerseys, Vest, and Arm Warmers
We are excited to offer a selection of short-sleeve jerseys, plus a vest and arm warmers, by our new garment supplier, Hincapie Sports. Please note that we have used Louis Garneau for our gear in recent years. Reference the Hincapie Sports Sizing Chart to be sure you know your correct size before you order the new gear. You may see large versions of the above images here.
Twilight, Sunrise, and Sunset
Twilight begins 6:44; Twilight ends 18:24. Sunrise is 7:11; Sunset is 17:56.
Time Limits
The Death Valley Century and Double Century is a timed cycling event and begins with an organized wave start at first light of day, known as "civil twilight" according to the U.S. Naval Observatory. Riders may not leave earlier or later than the official start time if they want to be timed or receive credit for completing the event. The time limit is ten hours for the century and seventeen hours for the double century. Checkpoint opening and closing times are generally based upon an average speed range of 11.5 to 20 mph.
REVISED! Results and "Finishing Credit"
All riders, both 100-mile and 200-mile, have the option of being timed. Century riders must fully and safely complete the entire century route within the ten hour time limit to be recognized as an official finisher. Double century riders must fully and safely complete the entire double century route within the 17-hour time limit to be recognized as an official finisher and to receive California Triple Crown credit. Full results / roster and several online digital slideshows will be posted to the website shortly after the event, noting each rider’s time, DNF, DQ, or just their name if they didn't take the necessary steps to be timed. Feel free to download any photos you'd like or ask us for a free copy of the original hi-res version! (But please credit www.adventurecorps.com.)
HOW TO BE TIMED:
1) Be sure your number is marked for the wave in which you start the ride.
2) Collect marks on your bib number as required along the way (as per the route sheet).
3) At the finish line, GET OFF YOUR BIKE AND WALK OVER TO THE FINISH LINE TABLE. Show them your bib number and the various marks to indicate which distance you rode, in what amount of time.
4) Initial this information where it will be noted on the Timing Clipboard: THAT is the info which will be used to list your finishing time and distance on the website.
5) Feel free to tell us then that is is your first century or double century and we will also note that on the results. Congrats!
This event is specifically non-competitive and is not a race. Everybody who finishes is a winner! It’s primarily up to the participants in the events to maintain the decorum, safety, and sense of fair-play and sportsmanship that should always and in all circumstances abound in these types of events.
CORPSyoga Classes Saturday Afternoon at the Finish Line
 Saturday afternoon we'll offer two CORPSyoga classes right at the finish line in the grassy area outside of the Furnace Creek Ranch registration building. Please bring a yoga mat. CORPSyoga is designed for for everyone, regardless of yoga background, or lack thereof, and is designed to help athletes unwind, accelerate recovery for the next day's adventure 9or the long drive home), minimize the chance of injury, and rejuvenate and restore energy balance. Classes will be one hour long and will take place at approximately 4pm and 5pm. Open to spouses and ride volunteers, too. Waiver must be signed by all participants. More info.
Wave Start Times
Each wave will have 50 riders and they will begin in ten minute intervals. Read carefully:
Before the first wave starts at 700am, riders should line up in TWO SINGLE-FILE lines in front of the Steak House in Furnace Creek. There, two batches of 25 will have their numbers marked, then will move up to the start line corral under the FC Ranch sign. After each wave starts, another 50 riders will be marked and then will move up to the start line corral. Riders starting in a later wave don't have to be in line right at 700am. See below for the wave start order. Please get in the appropriate wave.
- The FASTEST 200-mile riders will begin at 700am.
- The MIDDLE SPEED 200-mile riders will begin at 710am.
- The SLOWEST 200-mile riders will begin at 720am.
- Century riders will begin in ten minute waves starting at 730am, 740am, and 750am, fastest first, then middle, then slowest.
All eyes—Rangers, CHP, park employees, and visitors—will be watching this event. PLEASE do the right thing, everyone! Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
What to Bring
Riders must come prepared for any possible mechanical failure or contingency. At the very least, all riders should carry a spare tube, tire, pump, patch kit, basic tools, water bottles, money, personal and medical identification, cell phone, money, credit card, and a good attitude.
Hydration
Death Valley got it's name because it is a place were living things go, get dehydrated, and die. Death Valley has the driest climate on this planet. Most of the time there is practically no moisture in the air at all. This means every breath goes in dry and comes out wet. When you are sleeping in Death Valley your body processes about a pint of water an hour by breathing. This means at the end of 8 hours sleep you have consumed about 1 gallon of water. You must hydrate and replace your electrolytes even when you are not cycling. Therefore we suggest you bring a Camelbak!
Lights
All riders riding in hours of darkness must have a legal front and rear lighting system and have reflective gear on their body and/or bicycle facing in all four directions. This means a white headlight that can be seen from 500 feet and a minimum of TWO red taillights (non-blinking) secured to the bicycle and visible from 500 feet, plus lots of reflective gear and as many other lights as possible. Do not mount taillights to your helmet or backpack because they become invisible when you lean forward. We recommend two headlights and we REQUIRE two taillights because loss or failure of lights is an extremely dangerous situation which jeopardizes your safety AND the future of this event! Be safe and be visible! You will be DQ'd if you are on the course, or arrive at the finish line, without proper lights.
 Riders will have the option of having their lights delivered up the course from the start line. We will have bags available at check-in or you can bring your own lights bag. Please write your name and number in clear large letters on the bag. These bags will be transported to Scotty's Castle at mile 121 for this route.
Route Description
Extensive route descriptions, including a larger map, elevation profiles, and more, are available for each distance: Click here for the century route and click here for an even more extensive description of the double century route. For a photographic tour from when we created this route in 2003, click here.
Support Provided
Entry includes entry to the ride, Death Valley National Park entrance fee, route sheet, excellent rider food at the checkpoints, "Subway" lunch, roving SAG support, an ambulance on patrol, and event results and images on this nifty website. Checkpoints, and their opening and closing times, will be clearly marked on the route sheet. At these checkpoints, riders can reasonably expect to find oranges, bananas, PB&J sandwiches, prezels, peanuts, Clif Bars, Sustained Energy and/or Perpetuem, Hammer Gel, HEED, and Endurolytes, plus, at one designated "lunch stop" we'll also serve Subway sandwiches, soda and chips. "Lunch" is at Scotty's Castle. Several support vehicles will roam the course continuously. We'll sure help you and keep you on the road if we can!
Century Checkpoint Locations: 18mi (Mud Canyon Turn-Off), 40.5mi (1000' Sign - Water Stop), 54.2 (Scotty's Castle), App. 75mi (Water Stop), 90.4mi (Mud Canyon Turn-Off).
Double Century Checkpoint Locations: 24.5mi (Stove Pipe Wells), 32mi (Mud Canyon Turn-Off), 54.5mi (1000' Sign - Water Stop), 68.2mi (Scotty's Castle), 94.6mi (Hwy 95 Turn-Around), 121mi (Scotty's Castle), 130.1mi (Ubehebe Crater - Water Stop), 169.1mi (Mud Canyon Turn-Off), 175.6 Hell's Gate.
Personal SAG Vehicles
Not allowed! Death Valley is a beautiful, generally traffic-free place to ride, so why spoil it with more cars? The definition of a personal SAG is any non-staff motor vehicle that is providing any type of aid, assistance, or motivation to any rider. No RAAM crews in training, personal cheering squads, photographers, video crews, or the like, please! If your family or friends want to be there, we'll be happy to put them to work at a checkpoint!
Special Park Service Regulations
The National Park Service requires that we ride single file at all times. We must also ride as far to the right hand side of the lane as is safely possible. Always use front and rear lights while cycling at night. Do not turn them off! Remember, your behavior on the road dictates whether or not we get to host this event again. Take this seriously. We do!
Volunteers
We always need help at our events! We can only put these events on with the help of loyal, trustworthy, motivated individuals running the checkpoints along the way. To provide a little incentive, we offer one free entry into the next edition of this event if you volunteer. It's a simple formula: "work one, ride one free!" So please contact us to let us know when and where you'd like to help. Likewise, if you have a Free Ride Credit you'd like to use, email us BEFORE or during the standard entry time frame for the event to reserve your spot on the roster.
Important Registration Details and Policies
- All entrants are required to sign the Accident Waiver at check-in (before beginning the event). The waiver may not be modified in any manner.
- All riders must pay the event entry fee, except those with a Volunteer's Ride Credit.
- Entry fees are non-transferable. (No rider exchanges.)
- Entry fees are non-refundable. (No roll-over credits, either.)
- We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
- These events ALWAYS sell out way in advance! There is no registration at the event. You may not ride unless you have pre-registered and therefore your name is on the event roster.
- There will be no mailing via postal service of any info, results, or entry confirmation before or after the event, however Active.com will email you confirmation of your entry when you complete the application process through their website. Keep that email on file as proof of your registration. We will keep you up-to-date via our email newsletter, but only if you choose to sign up for it.
- We ride rain or shine.
Rules for Riding in Death Valley
- All riders must be friendly and must always display a good attitude before, during, and after the event. Whining and/or a sense of entitlement will not be tolerated.
- All riders must carry and/or wear the official event ID provided at check-in. Riders without ID will be refused support and will be listed as DNF in the results. "Bandit riders" will be banned from future events.
- All riders must carry proper personal identification and personal emergency contact phone number at all times while cycling. We recommend the fine products from www.RoadID.com.
- All riders must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet while cycling.
- All riders must obey all laws and all relevant aspects of the California Motor Vehicle Code and National Park Service regulations. Riders who break laws and/or ride unsafely will be disqualified from the event and lose California Triple Crown credit; they will also be banned from entering future events.
- All riders must follow the basic rules for safe cycling, including, but not limited to: Ride to the right, single file at all times. Stop at all stop signs and red signals. Protect and warn one another about road hazards and traffic. Don't overlap wheels. Practice safe paceline and group riding etiquette. Be courteous to and cognizant of motorists and other park visitors.
- All riders must carry and use legal bicycle lights and reflective gear when cycling at night.
- All riders must begin in the wave start as directed.
- All riders, including those who DNF, must check in at the finish line.
Directions to Death Valley
Here is the coolest and most direct route from LA (or anywhere that passes through Mojave on the way to Death Valley): Reset odometer to zero in Mojave and take Hwy 14 north. At mile 20, veer right onto Randsburg Road. At mile 32.2, stay straight (not right). Go left at the t-intersection junction with Hwy 395 at mile 40.5. At mile 43.6, turn right on Searles Station towards Trona (easy to miss). At mile 50, a t-intersection, turn left to Trona. At mile 58.4, another t-intersection, turn right on Hwy 178 towards Trona. Pass through Trona, including its Chevron Gas and Mini Mart, at mile 71.0. (Be sure refuel here; They are nice people nad have a remarkably clean restroom!) Trona must have been featured in The X-Files, don't you think? NEWS FLASH: One can now buy an espresso, latté, or chai in Trona at the Desert Holly Espresso at 82856 Trona Road. This is a bit after the Chevron, on the left, by the Rite Valu. Halleluhah! Tell them Chris at AdventureCORPS sent you!
At mile 104, you have two options. If it's nighttime or you don't like a little adventure, turn left towards Death Valley via Hwy 190. At mile 117.5, turn right at the t-intersection on Hwy 190 towards Death Valley. You will now ascend the infamous Townes Pass (elev. 4965'), known worldwide from its presence on the Furnace Creek 508 race route. You will go over Townes Pass, pass through Stove Pipe Wells (gas, mini mart, hotel, and restaurant), then arrive at Furnace Creek at mile 170.
Your second option back at mile 104 is infinitely more fun and interesting, as well as even quieter. It's truly epic and feels like going back in time a few zillion years. So, at mile 104, if it's daylight and you have a working spare tire in your car, stay straight towards "Death Valley via Wildrose" instead of veering left as in option one. You will ascend over Emigrant Pass (elev 5318'). But first you'll go over three very short gravel stretches. They are only a few tenths of mile each and are easily passable in a normal car (not to mention on a road bike), unless there's a storm dumping on you. Be sure to check out the neat little oasis-like canyon you'll pass through. At mile 113.5, go left at the t-intersection towards Stove Pipe Wells and Furnace Creek. At mile 121 you'll summit Emigrant Pass. At mile 134.3, turn right at the t-intersection with Hwy 190 towards Furnace Creek. You'll pass through Stove Pipe Wells at mile 143.5 on your way to Furnace Creek, which you'll reach at mile 168. Voila!
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