Our new Butterfield route turned out to be a real winner with the riders! To top it off we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day with mild temperatures and little wind. Perfect!

While we initially reported about 6,900' of climbing based on our driving the route, riders came in with anywhere from 7,250' to 9,000' of climbing using various types of computers/altimeters and GPS. We've updated the website to reflect the average at 8,500' (better to err on the high side). Since 8,500' of gain should still be considered fairly low for a double century event; we feel comfortable calling this route an "entry level" double.

Congratulations to Max Hogan who smoked the course, and set the new standard at 10 hours 20 minutes.

Since the route no longer passes along the Butterfield Stage Route, we're looking for a new name. Riders who participated last weekend have until February 20th to submit their ideas to Planet Ultra. Whoever comes up with the new name will win a free single-day event entry!

Good Samaritan Awards:
Heartfelt thanks to David Holt, the only rider who stopped to help Keith Brodsky after he crashed and broke his collar bone. David gave up his position in the lead group, and waited with Keith until he was safely transported. David put the hammer down when he got back on course - and still finished with the third best time of the day. Heartfelt thanks also to Peter Giannini and Bill Wilson who stopped to help fallen rider Mike Curren. Mike is a stroke survivor - and had a little scare of reoccurrence - but last report is that he's A-OK. Peter and Bill stayed with Mike until the ambulance arrived; and lost so much time that they finished dead last after the course officially closed. Based on their selfless acts, we of course gave them time credit so they are listed as official finishers.  It's wonderful to see, and we sincerely appreciate riders looking after their fellow riders. Neither we, nor EMS, can be there immediately; and even a wait of several minutes can seem like an eternity when you're hurt and alone. Thank you again, David, Peter and Bill. (This is also a good time to remind folks that they should always carry a cell phone in case of emergency!)

Kudos to rookie double riders Marciano Abuan, Spencer Abuan, Eric Anderson, Xenia Bixler, Chris Burrill, Bruce Der-McCloud, Peter Glenn, Patrick Griffith, Byron Ho, Mike Melville, Bev Monahan, Paul Purmort, Andy Shaker, Colin Stokes, Alan Travis, and Mike Tsoi. Keep up the great work! Next stop - Grand Slam!

A big round of applause for our awesome Butterfield Staff:
Rider Check-In: Deborah & Brian Bowling, Alan Darnell
Mini-Stops at Dana Point and Benet Road: Jon Shellenbarger and Julie Stokes
San Onofre State Beach Campground: Ken Campbell, Ron Hanson, Elise & Paul Haussler, John Long
All Seasons Campground/RV Park: Lisa Hartman, Frank Neal, Henry Riley and Phil Thomas
Trabuco Oaks General Store: Lee Scott, Cathe & Wick Waltmire
Roving SAG: Brian Bowling, Deborah Bowling, Jim Cook, Randy Hoke, Kris Okubo, Lee Scott
Finish-line check-in: Deborah Bowling

Although not present on the day of the event, the following were instrumental in making the 2008 Butterfield happen: Dave Evans, Jim Henderson and Lynn Katano pre-road the course, completely un-supported, to test the accuracy of the route sheet and to advise of any road obstacles or other hazards, as well as to confirm that the time limit was appropriate. Thanks also to Dave Evans who put the final touches on the actual route sheet.

And now the stuff we hate to report:
In spite of the fact that every single riders knows it's against the law to run lights and stop signs, along with the fact that we reiterated this point during the pre-ride announcements, several riders reported that they witnessed dozens of riders running red lights and stop signs. Those of you who ran lights know who you are. SHAME ON YOU!!! We wish we could have caught you and DQ'd every one of you. We warned that this route was very suburban, with lots of traffic lights  - so we're furious that you would come and blatantly break the law and put the future of this event (and others in Southern California) in jeopardy! And more importantly, do you even care that you're needlessly risking your life? For what? 2 or 3 less minutes on the clock??? Riders like you ruin the sport for those of us who play by the rules and abide by the law, and engender much of the motorist's legitimate anger towards cyclists.

Now, here's something just as bad, but even more appalling, disgusting and juvenile: Several riders were seen by residents at the All Season Campground/RV Park urinating against the wall and/or in the bushes near the public restrooms, instead of waiting thirty seconds until the bathroom was unoccupied. The owner of the campground was absolutely furious (as she had every right to be), and stated that we'd not be welcome there again, even after five great rides in prior years. We tried to smooth things over - apologized profusely and offered to pay any cleaning expenses incurred - but we don't know if she'll forgive us and let us back next year. Since there isn't another facility nearby where we could relocate the checkpoint, those ill-mannered cyclists may have ruined this course for everyone. Volunteers at the San Onofre State Beach Campground also reported that riders there refused to use the numerous public toilets; instead urinating in nearby bushes just at the perimeter of the checkpoint. For heavens sakes! This is a State Park! And there were at least four toilets right at the checkpoint, as well as countless others throughout the campground. What is wrong with you people?? Fortunately no rangers saw what happened; but if they did, or if someone complained, we'd lose our permit there as well. Unfortunately, the volunteers did not take down names or numbers of the shameless, classless, selfish riders who couldn't wait 2 minutes to relieve themselves. If we'd have caught you, we'd have not only DQ'd you, but assured you that you would never be welcome again.

To all of you who play by the rules and behave like human beings, we apologize for the rant. But please help us save our events by reporting any egregious behavior to a volunteer or directly to Planet Ultra. These events will cease to exist if riders can't conduct themselves legally, with humanity and good sportsmanship.

Below is some feedback from the ride (received after the report went out via Planet Ultra Mail):

"I would like to comment on what a great event this was and on a couple of additional Good Samaritan awards. I can not tell you enough how much I appreciated the support of Rick Burneson and Les Medlin who got me off on a great start. Special thanks to Rick who stayed with me the entire day with play by play commentary on the course so I knew exactly what to expect. Also special thanks to Paul Haussler who brought my over loaded bag back to the hotel because I didn't quite get the bag rule and that it was only for lights. Two of my training partners declined on this event because they were worried about the urban description. Despite this route being in the city as described, what we discussed throughout the day was how wonderful the roads and bike trails were and how much we were enjoying the ride (especially the snow on the mountains!). Even though it was in the city the bike lanes were so wide and roads so well maintained I never felt vulnerable from the traffic. Thanks again for a great supported ride by all the staff and the new experience." - Xenia Bixler, Grover Beach, CA

"Thank you for putting that ride together; it was awesome and especially since it was my first, I am still 'daydreaming' about the beauty of the course (although, following Doug, Alan and Mike, I must admit I didn't get to look at that much scenery). My idea for a new name would be Fallbrook Century since it was that part of the ride that I noticed the beauty the most. Thank you for the great ride!" - Chris Burrill, Irvine, CA

"Thanks Again! It was the most FUN double I have ever done. Great Support!!!!" - David deVries, Bishop, CA

"Thanks for a great ride you guys. It was a perfect day for a double century. A bit cold in Trabuco Canyon, but quiet and nice riding during the night." Tony DiLorenzo, Poway, CA

Click here to view photographs taken by Planet Ultra Staffer Jon Shellenbarger.

2008 Butterfield Double Results
Ride stats: 189 registered riders; 158 official finishers, 2 unofficial finishers, 2 disqualified, 14 DNF, 13 DNS.
6 riders completed an unsupported staff ride.

158 official finishers, 2 unofficial finishers: