MULHOLLAND CHALLENGE RIDE REPORT
112 miles - 12,500 feet of climbing*
One of the toughest events in Southern California

The second annual KING OF THE MOUNTAINS CENTURY CHALLENGE is off to a great start! A record 376 riders headed to the hills and were treated to perfect climbing weather- cool temperatures under cloudy skies. And climb, they did! Over 12,500 feet in 112 miles - with both long, meandering hills as well as super steep, thigh-busting grades.

As before, we're not going to comment now on the standings, as some riders may or may not be riding Stage Two, Breathless Agony. But heartfelt congratulations to all of the riders who completed this super tough course - especially to the five riders who beat last year's course record of 6 hours 58 minutes: Keith Brodsky, John Heiss, Robert Yula, David Morse and Mark Raybeck.

(We will, however, comment briefly on the results as it pertains to the ten minute time penalty given to sixteen riders who either failed to stop for the fourth sticker at Peter Strauss Ranch, or failed to wear their rider number, in violation of the event rules. Our general policy is to DQ riders who violate the rules; not to be harsh, but in fairness to those who play by them. That said, the 10-minute penalty is a one-time exception; and, after careful consideration by the Planet Ultra event production team, will not be repeated at future events.)

Special thanks to the wonderful volunteers who helped make this event extra spectacular:
Rider Check-In:  Deborah & Brian Bowling, Betsy Summers, Martin Ward, Tracey Lynn White
Sticker / Water Stop on  Mulholland: Paul Kopit, RitaAnn Henriksen, Chuck Phillips
Peter Strauss Ranch -  Amie Lawson, Greg Lawson, Greg Lawson, Leslie Leon, Bill Meadows
Little Sycamore - Rita Mathys, Lyn & Tom O'Kane
Deer Creek -  Linda Bouchie, Caryl Ishizawa, Foster Nagaoka
Decker - Chris Hedberg, Kevin Kay, Chuck Phillips
Peter Strauss Ranch. - Ron Hanson, Lynn Katano, Bill Meadows, Bruce Mullins
Top O' Stunt: Clem Bartolai, Bobbi Fisher, David Slaton, Tim Sullivan
Roving SAG: Brian Bowling, Foster Nagaoka, Frank Neal, Mike Rathwell, Barbara Taylor
Finish Line: Linda Bouchie, Deborah Bowling, Debbie La'O, Tracey Lynn White 

Thank You to our product sponsors: Clif Bar and Hammer Nutrition

Totally unsolicited, but greatly appreciated, rider feedback:

"You and your team did a wonderful job on the ride. I was really impressed with the organization, support, signage, etc. Personally, your accommodations were deeply appreciated. Planet Ultra has come a long way. You should be proud of what you have built." - Bill Birrell, Los Angeles, CA

"Thank you again for executing another very well run event.  Since this was my second year for Mulholland it made navigating the course a bit easier this year, although it was very well marked. Everyone had great attitudes during the event, both riders and support staff.  It was good to talk to so many first time riders for the event. Thanks again and looking forward to Heartbreak!" -Jeff Ishmael, Costa Mesa, CA

"Thanks for the excellent support. SAG personal was right there, almost instantly! Sag Stations were perfectly placed and everyone was extremely friendly. Awesome, the Best I've ever seen! See you at the Heartbreak Century." -Ben Konell, Redondo Beach, CA

"It was a tremendous ride on Saturday and I thank you for the well organized event." -Randolph Laub, Los Angeles, CA

"Being my first organized event, I really didn't know what to expect. But the Mulholland Challenge exceeded all my expectations! Very well organized and plentiful support and supplies. Kudos to Planet Ultra and all the volunteers." -Vance Macdonald, Sherman Oaks, CA

"I wanted to thank everyone involved for putting on a fantastic event!" - Andrew Markham, Aliso Viejo, CA

"Great event. Very well organized. Thank you." - Frank Quan, Carlsbad, CA

"Thanks for a awesome event. We really enjoyed the ride and it was by far the hardest, but most rewarding event we have done on our road tandem.  When we reached the sticker point at the top of Decker and Brian handed us our stickers he mentioned we were the only tandem so far and would be the first tandem ever to finish the event if we did so. This was all the motivation we needed to push us over the final hills! Thanks Brian!" -Mark Weidinger, San Diego, CA

Click here to check out the awesome photos taken by SAG driver, Barbara Taylor.

2007 MULHOLLAND CHALLENGE RESULTS:
STAGE ONE OF THE KING OF THE MOUNTAINS CENTURY CHALLENGE
Ride Stats:
376 Registered Riders for the Mulholland Challenge
299 Completed the Challenge
46 Riders completed distances other than the full Challenge
31 Riders had all kinds of excuses as to why they didn't start
12 Riders earned KOM credit by completing the Mulholland Double Century: 205 miles with over 16,500 feet of climbing!

299 Riders Completed The Challenge:
F=Female; T=Tandem.
A 10 minute penalty was imposed on all riders who violated the rules by failing to stop at CP#4 (Peter Strauss Ranch) on the return leg (which was evidenced by their failure to obtain a red sticker), or by refusing to wear their rider number. Next year, all such riders will be DQ'd.