314 riders braved the early morning drizzle on our second annual Solvang's Finest Century - A Ride To Benefit Challenged Athlete's Foundation. Those who started were rewarded a few hours later when the sun came out with an absolutely wonderful day. The afternoon skies were clear and sunny - and everyone, including the awesome Planet Ultra staff, enjoyed the beautiful fall colors of the fields and vineyards and the spectacular views as they ascended into the trees of the local mountains.

Besides enjoying the best organized bicycle ride in the Solvang area, through some of the best cycling grounds in the world, the purpose of this ride was to raise funds for and awareness of Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF).  Many riders sent in donations with their entry fees, and a bunch more also contributed to CAF by purchasing raffle tickets at the event. The raffle alone raised $900 for CAF! Special thanks to our highest fundraiser, BJ Gicquel, who won a Season Pass to all 2007 Planet Ultra single day events, as well as other cool schwag, and several raffle prizes.

Nearly everyone who bought raffle tickets was a winner! We really appreciate all of our sponsors who donated lots of great products.
Clif Bar*: Boxes of Builder Bars and Mojo Bars, Clif Shots and Clif Shot Bloks
Detours: Saddle bags and rack bags
E-Caps/Hammer Nutrition*: Jugs of Recoverite
Road ID: Gift certificates
Second Summer Tours: Gift certificates
Snickers Marathon Bars*: Boxes for the raffle and bars for the goodie bags
Challenged Athletes Foundation: Sweatshirt, t-shirts, socks and water bottles
And, of course, Planet Ultra donated free ride entries, discounts on multi-day tour entries and discounts on Planet Ultra cycling gear.
(*also donated product for goodie bags)

This year, with the proceeds from Solvang's Finest Century, the individual donations sent in by riders with their event entries, and Planet Ultra's per rider donation from every other century, double century and tour, we've raised over $21,000 for Challenged Athlete's Foundation - and to date (since 2003) nearly $50,000. We hope to raise a couple thousand more at the Club Christmas Century - and we invite you to join us for that. If you can't make it, but you're feeling generous, feel free to send in a tax-deductible donation by using this form. Beginning in 2007, Planet Ultra will host fundraising raffles with great prizes at every single day event, and will offer incentive prizes for riders who personally donate or make the effort to raise funds for CAF. Look for details about that soon.

Additional thanks go to the Meadows Restaurant for catering our delicious post-ride fiesta lunch (tostada bar, enchiladas, rice, beans, chips & salsa); to Jeff Landauer, Minister of Massage, for working out riders' kinks after the ride; and to the Royal Scandinavian Inn for hosting another wonderful Planet Ultra event.

Last, but certainly never least, heartfelt thanks to the generous and friendly volunteers who made Solvang's Finest Century a wonderful, memorable experience for everyone:
Rider Check-In: Brian Bowling, Deborah Bowling, Tracey Lynn Bunka, Mark Patten
Checkpoint #1 - Zaca Station: Steve Barnes, Tracey Lynn Bunka, Jason Moore, Mark Patten, Jon Shellenbarger
Checkpoint #2 - Hwy 1: Brian Johnson, Deborah Bowling, Tracey Lynn Bunka, Bobbi Fisher, Brian Johnson, Ian Walker
Checkpoint #3 - Harris Grade: Brian Bowling, Lynn Katano, Doug Patterson
Checkpoint #4 - Los Alamos: Steve Barnes, Jason Moore, Mark Patten, Jon Shellenbarger
Roving SAG - Ed Bailey, Brian Bowling, Brian Johnson, Jeff Landauer, Eric Smith
Finish Line - Deborah Bowling, Tracey Lynn Bunka
Sunday Staff Ride SAG- Eric Smith 

Click here to see the photographs taken by Planet Ultra event staffer and profession photographer, Eric Smith.

Totally unsolicited, but very much appreciated rider feedback:

"This was my first Century. Thanks for a Fabulous Adventure. Iit was Awesome! And when I pulled into the Royal Scandinavian Inn after 100+ miles, it was Overwhelming! Thanks again.  I'll see you next year, if not sooner..." -Harvey Ah Sam, Sylmar, CA

"I want to say that the Planet Ultra team did a great job once again! We really enjoyed the Solvang's Finest Century ride." -Jim Axtell, Los Angeles, CA

"GREAT cause... TERRIFIC venue.  I had experienced riding in Solvang, so expected the views to be gorgeous.  But I did NOT know what to expect of from Planet Ultra and CAF, as I'd never heard of them before. This was my 17th bicycle event this year. I have been riding for a good many years - so I speak from some experience when I say that your ride this weekend was one of  the best organized events I have ever attended. Everything from registration on went smoothly. Your personnel were friendly and knowledgeable. The rest stops were well spaced and offered taste treats for every palate. The after ride lunch was not only tasty, but was eaten off of real plates with real silverware and cloth napkins, and we drank flowery tea out of glass stemware! The raffle prizes were generous.  More people need to purchase raffle tickets next year.  NO one should win three prizes having bought just four raffle tickets!" -BJ Gicquel, Salinas, CA

"I rode in your Solvang's Finest Century on Saturday. It was my first time riding one of your events. I thought the ride was great & you all did a great job! Nice route, excellent support & one of the BEST post ride meals on any ride. I'll be back next year for sure!" -Glenn Hammerson, Manteca, CA

"Solvang's Finest Century was GREAT! It was so nice not having a billion people on the ride. Really nice crowd, great support and best of all a great ride. So THANKS!!" - Tanya Zimmer, Ventura, CA

Solvang's Finest Century Rider Roster
365 Registered Riders Riders
314 Riders enjoyed the day; 51 folks missed the fun!
10 dedicated Planet Ultra staffers rode the Century on Sunday