DVMW 2010 - September 17-19, 2010

The 2010 registration form is available to download. For more information, click here for the 2010 brochure and registration form.

We are excited to think about the opportunities this event makes possible for us to be in the lives of kids. 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 our adventures. All those who participate, whether as a rider, volunteer, donor or business sponsor, are an integral part of our team to impact these lives.

Summary of 2009 DVMW

On behalf of Above & Beyond, we would like to thank the riders, the volunteers, our business sponsors and all those who financially supported a rider (or riders, in some cases!) for making the 2009 Death Valley to Mt. Whitney benefit ride a great success! Through your incredible effort and generosity over $33,000 was raised for Above & Beyond.

Gratefully,
Bob and Lynn Balzhiser

THE RIDERS

Seventeen riders lined up at 2:00 pm in Badwater for another remarkable adventure this year. After a grueling afternoon in the desert, the riders welcomed the relief of the evening and nighttime temperatures. Thirteen of the riders made it to the Whitney Portal, with the team of Justin and Allison Leech arriving first at 2:49 am Saturday morning. They were followed closely by sixteen year old Garrett Hankins at 2:51. Garrett rode last year as part of the Hankins tandem team of four riders, but this was his first crack at doing the whole ride solo. What an amazing performance! Click below to see all the results.

In addition to Garrett, we had three other student riders, Peter Carlson, Randon Kruse and Jonas Eiremo. Peter and Randon rode as individuals and have been down here before with us, while this was Jonas’ first time riding in the “furnace” as the member of a team.

Also, a big congratulation goes out to Randon Kruse who hiked the additional distance of eleven miles to the summit of Mt. Whitney after completing the ride (oh yes, he had to hike eleven miles to get back down, too). Randon was accompanied by Sam Archer, who has climbed Shasta with A&B before. Sam’s job was to keep Randon on the trail and from falling asleep. Guess he did his job!

Once again our leading fund raiser was Dean Bailey at $6,695. We are grateful for his effort, as well as the efforts of all the riders.

Click here to view the riders' names and times.

THE WEATHER

Once again the temperatures soared this year. The high temperature was reported to be 118! Yikes, you could fry an egg on your top tube! There was a slight tail wind coming up from Badwater, however it became more than a slight head wind going up Towne Pass. The night-time was definitely a welcomed relief from the heat. However, this year the riders rode into the night without the benefit of any moonlight, as our weekend fell on the new moon. Without the moon, though, there was an incredible display of stars and the Milky Way for the riders and volunteers to take in. It was stunning!

THE VOLUNTEERS

As in the past, close to forty volunteers and YFC staff helped with administrative chores, supporting 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 put on by the Carlson family), 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 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.