DVMW 2008 - September 13-15, 2008

Download the information and registration form here or contact us to find out more about next year's event.

Summary of 2007 DVMW

On behalf of Above & Beyond, we would like to thank the riders, the volunteers, our business sponsors and all those who donated for making this year's Death Valley to Mt. Whitney benefit ride a great success! Through your incredible effort and generosity over $46,000 was raised for Above & Beyond.

Gratefully,
Bob, Lynn, Rick & Deanne

THE RIDERS

Nine of the group of eleven riders completed the entire route of 135 miles. The other two riders (both first-time participants and new to the sport of cycling) made it through 45 miles of desert riding and tackled a majority of the 17 mile climb up Towne Pass. Everyone did exceptionally well.

Click here to view the riders' names and times.

THE WEATHER

As always a big concern when riding in Death Valley is the extreme temperatures. In fact the week before we arrived the highs were between 114° and 116°! However, that was not the case when we rolled into Furnace Creek on the September 22nd. We were blessed with a high temperature of only 86° for the two days we were in Death Valley! Badwater was tepid and Stovepipe was on low. The downside to the mild desert conditions were the cooler temperatures experienced over the passes and at the finish. As the riders pedaled up to
Whitney Portal the temperatures were in the mid to
high 30's.

THE VOLUNTEERS

In addition to the riders, close to forty volunteers and YFC staff helped with administrative chores, support riders, man aid stations, put-up signs, laminate numbers for bikes, fill water containers, prepare food and drinks (including a superb pre-ride spaghetti dinner), be part of the photo team, and the list goes on. As the riders know, these are the unsung heroes of the desert and mountain passes. Without them, those of us riding would still be struggling out there in the desert with our tongues hanging out - even in 86° heat - wishing that mirage was an oasis or that tamarisk tree was an In 'n Out Burger stand!

THE PHOTOS

Throughout the ride, we had people armed with cameras and you can take a look at the fruits of their labor here.

LOOKING AHEAD

We are excited to think about the upcoming opportunities we have to be in the lives of kids as a result of this event. Whether it is a snowshoe building class, a snow camping or backpack trip, a climbing league or mountain bike adventure, we will be striving to "activate and re-activate" the lives' of kids (and some adults along the way, too!) through adventure. All those who participated, whether as a rider, volunteer, donor or business sponsor, are an integral part of our team to impact these lives.