319 riders enjoyed nearly perfect November weather on our third annual Solvang's Finest Century - A Ride To Benefit Challenged Athlete's Foundation. Other than the typical headwind on Santa Rosa Road, the 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 $700 for CAF! Special thanks to our highest fundraiser, BJ Gicquel, who won a Season Pass to all 2008 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.
Camelbak: Boxes of new electrolyte drink Elixir
Clif Bar*: Clif Shot Bloks
Detours: Saddle bags and rack bags
E-Caps/Hammer Nutrition*: Recoverite, Hammer Gel, Perpetuem
Road ID: Gift certificates
Totally Tubular Design: Purses/wallets made from recycled tubes and tires
Ocular Eyewear: Very cool cycling sunglasses
Challenged Athletes Foundation: Jerseys, arm and leg warmers, 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 $40,000 for Challenged Athlete's Foundation - and to date (since 2003) nearly $95,000. 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 website link or this form.

Additional thanks go to the Meadows Restaurant for catering our delicious post-ride fiesta lunch (tostada bar, enchiladas, rice, beans, chips & salsa) 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, Randy Hoke, Lynn Katano, Mark Patten
Checkpoint #1 - Zaca Station: Tom Anderson, Randy Hoke, Saralie Liner, Mark Patten, Jon Shellenbarger
Checkpoint #2 - Hwy 1: Peggy Sue & Chuck Phillips, Linda Shea
Checkpoint #3 - Harris Grade: Lynn Katano, Saralie Liner, Mark Patten, Mike Warren
Checkpoint #4 - Los Alamos: Tom Anderson, Randy Hoke, Jon Shellenbarger
Roving SAG - Tom Anderson, Brian Bowling, Peggy Sue & Chuck Phillips, Steve Weixel
Finish Line - Deborah Bowling 

Click here to see the photographs taken by Planet Ultra event staffer Steve Weixel

Solvang's Finest Century Rider Roster
388 Registered Riders Riders
320 Riders enjoyed the day; 68 folks missed the fun - but their entry fees were donated to CAF!
2 dedicated Planet Ultra staffers rode the entire Century on Sunday and 4 rode some other distance