Photo by Eric Smith. For all of Eric's photos, click here.

Yet another perfect day on Planet Ultra! Awesome scenery, perfect weather, and a fabulous group of riders and volunteers, made the 2005 Eastern Sierra Double Century an event to remember.

Here's what some riders had to say about their Eastern Sierra experience:

"This was an overwhelming experience! As somebody who likes altitude and knows and loves much of the Eastern Sierra, I did have high expectations before I registered for this double. But throughout the day, it just kept getting better and better - and all my high expectations have been exceeded. Taking in the vistas and the pure air on a bike really makes a big difference. Not only was this my best double-century experience ever; it feels like something legendary and unique. Sincere thanks to Planet Ultra for maintaining this event (I want to come back many times in the years to come!); and sincere thanks to all the volunteers who contributed to make it a memorable experience for me and my son (who made this his first DC). " -Joseph Maurer

"Just wanted to drop you a note and say what a great time I had on the ride.  That was my first double after a 16 yr layoff and I'm glad I picked that one.  The food was exactly what I wanted and all the staff was very helpful.  At the Sagehen CP one person held my bike while another help me get set with food to head down the road.  I felt like a rock star racer!  I won't even bother raving about the scenery....everyone knows the East Side rules.  My only complaint is that I had to come all the way from Boise, ID. to do the ride.  How about putting some rides up closer to me?  How about a ride in far Northeastern California? There is some great riding up there.  Also, my wife and kids had a great time helping out at CP#2. Thanks again...see you soon on another epic ride." - Dennis Ahern

"Thanks for having the Eastern Sierra! It was a perfect ride! The weather was great, the scenery fantastic, hills were manageable and no traffic which led to an overall amazing day! I've never enjoyed a double century more than this one..." - Raymond Barnes

"The Eastern Sierra Double was easily the most pleasurable double century I've completed.  Perfect weather, great scenery and company, and there no place in the world quite like the Eastern Sierra.  It was sublime." - Victor Cooper

"Thanks again for an well-organized and beautiful ride! ... You had very friendly and helpful people on your team throughout the event. Thank you so very much for offering the Eastern Sierra...it's definitely one of my favorites!" - Sharon Dermer

Congratulations to the following thirteen riders who completed their Planet Ultra Grand Slam at Eastern Sierra: Adam Bickett, Mark Deger, Mark Dehanke, John Hopkins, Robert Hurst, David A. Jones, Brian Kingman, Saralie Liner, Curtis Moran, Matt Ruscigno, Jim Swiegert, Vernon Watters and Allan Zebedee

Kudos to Bill Becker, Scott Covington, Sebastian Maurer, Don Parsons and Mark Rinaldi who rode Eastern Sierra as their first double century! Great job!

A HUGE round of applause and endless thank yous to our amazing staff of volunteers:
Friday Rider Check-In - Deborah Bowling, Chuck Phillips
Friday Food Prep - Celina Avila, Sandye & John Clare, Liz & Mike Curren, Jeff Landauer, Tom Parkes, Kathy & Don Parsons
CP#1 - Mark Dehanke, Cindi & Mike Sturgill
CP#2 - Kirsten Ahern (and kids), Ben & Denise Jones, Albert Kong
CP#3 - Celina Avila, Nina Bartolai, Deborah Bowling, Liz Curren, Laurie Harrison, Caryl Ishizawa, Heather Nelson
CP#4 - Mark Dehanke, Cindi & Mike Sturgill
Sagehen Water Stop: Richard Grantner
CP#5 - Mike Homes, Linda Hopkins, Albert Kong, Mark Mangelsborf, Heather Nelson
CP#6 - Jackie Burneson, Richard Grantner, Judith Rayburn
Chalfant Water Stop: Kathy Parsons, Chuck Phillips
Finish Line: Deborah & Brian Bowling
Roving SAG: John Bachar, Peg Bauer, Deborah Bowling, Mike Curren, Doug Goodwin, Laurie Harrison, Laura Perone, Chuck Phillips, Eric Smith
Sunday Staff Ride SAG: Carol & Peter Giannini, Tom Parkes

Click here for view the awesome photos taken by SAG extraordinaire, Eric Smith.  Eric's photographs are available in high quality 5x7 prints for $10.95 each. You may also purchase the 5x7 print and get the digital image for $20. A portion of each sale will be donated to Challenged Athletes Foundation on behalf of fellow rider (and runner) Lynn Katano's fundraising efforts for the 2005 San Diego Triathlon Challenge. On October 30th, Lynn will be the runner for Team Planet Ultra. Deborah Bowling will do the swim and Brian Bowling will do the bike leg of this very challenging Half Ironman course.

Additional slideshows coming soon!

Eastern Sierra Double Century Results
239 registered riders (including staff riders)
12 riders no-showed and 18 riders dnf'd
* indicates staff rider