The 2005 Solvang Double Century was far and away the biggest and BEST ever. 474 riders took to the roads of the Santa Ynez valley, and enjoyed this beautiful course under sunny, blue skies. The wild flowers were incredible and the hillsides more lush and green than we've ever seen.

Here's what a few of our riders had to say about it:

"Congratulations on another great double! The minor course detour in SLO was handled very smoothly, but then I would expect nothing less from a ride director who pulled off the Butterfield reroute (also smoothly accomplished). I missed the excitement of a mass start, but concede that 500+ riders would be overly exciting. I also could have waited until 7:30, but at my pace I would have been on Drum Canyon uncomfortably close to sunset. I did enjoy sleeping in some and starting/ending in full daylight. With over five hundred riders you rival the Davis Double and dwarf the other doubles. I'm surprised that all your doubles aren't equally as large as the routes are beautiful. Keep up the great work." - Tim Houck

"The 2005 Solvang Double was the most enjoyable cycling event we've attended in a long time. All the volunteers were unfailingly friendly and patient (even when you were doubtlessly answering the same stupid question for the 300th time). What a contrast to some other events!" - Keith & Mireya

"Thank you for the staggered early time starts. Being a slower rider it helps me to start early, get ahead of the crowd for awhile, and always be around riders
throughout the day instead of alone so much. ... The route was beautiful, the support was great, and the ride was organized. Thanks for all the hard work that went into making this a wonderful and rewarding event." - Sharon Dermer

"What a great weekend! I can't thank you and Brian enough for the opportunity too help out on Saturday. It was an eye opener for me, as I had no idea how much effort goes into one of these rides. (Probably still don't.) Your efforts are greatly appreciated. I had a great day helping people, and seeing the course from the car." -Steve McGrath

Kudos to all of the rookie double century finishers! Here's a list of the riders who told us it was their first time: Neal Abello, Tony Curwen, Marc DeFalco, Stuart Ewy, Mark LaBouff, RJ LoCurto, Barbie Lucas, Maxwell Lucas, Andrew McClain, Jim Pettett, Sandy Pflug, Bill Schuler, Susan Snow, Nelson Stanford, Granger Tam, Vickie Young, Frederick Zankowsky and Eric Zetterbaum

Heartfelt thank yous to the AWESOME, GENEROUS, FRIENDLY AND TIRELESS volunteers who made this Solvang Double Century the very best ever!
Rider Check-In: Brian Bowling, Deborah Caplan, Jeff Landauer, Lee Mitchell, Marlene & Thomas Tily
Course marker: Louise Lunstrum
Water Stop on Foxen: Laurie Harrison
CP#1: Adam Bickett, Brian Bowling, John Canning, Lorah Gross, Linda Hopkins, and Eileen Motzkin
CP#2: Brien Anderson, Brian Bowers, Brian Bowling, Andrew Griffice, Jenn Hardy, Dale Hill and Robin Oswald
Morro Bay Chip Stop: Brien Anderson
CP#3: Lorah Gross, Frank Neal, Doug Patterson, Joe Rayburn and Loren Stephens
CP#4: Barry Burr, Deborah Caplan, Linda Hopkins, Patricia Marlow, Cathe & Wick Waltmire
CP#5: John Canning, Judith & Andrew Gustafson, Judy Mullins
Finish: Brian Bowling & Deborah Caplan
Roving SAG: Brian Bowling, Deborah Caplan, Laurie Harrison, Steve McGrath, Lee Mitchell, Kriss O'Kubo, Laura Perone, Curt Simon, Eric Smith, Marlene Tily and Melissa Wilson
Sunday Staff Ride SAG: Mark Dehanke and Mike Sturgill

Check out the awesome photos taken by SAG extraordinaire, Eric Smith, by clicking here. Eric's photographs are available in 5x7 prints for $10 each. 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 Caplan will do the swim and Brian Bowling will do the bike leg of this very challenging Half Ironman course. Check out Eric's excellent photos and support a worthy cause at the same time. GO LYNN!!! (Extra congrats to Lynn for completing her first Marathon only ONE WEEK before she rode and finished the Solvang Double Century.)

Solvang Double Century Results
A NEW RECORD 528 Registered Riders!!!
474 started on Saturday, 459 riders finished on Saturday
8 awesome volunteers finished the staff ride on Sunday (marked with *)
Riders with a time started in the 7:30am group. All other finishers completed
the course within the 18 hour time limit.