2003 Furnace Creek 508 Webcast

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How Low Can You Go?

In the predawn hours of the second day of the Furnace Creek 508, solo cyclists and four-person teams are treated to one of the geographical wonders of the Western Hemisphere. At 282 feet below sea level, the alkali lake known as Badwater (namesake of the torturous 135-mile ultramarathon running race) beckons riders.

The four-person mixed Team Saluki powers through the middle of Death Valley, not pausing to ponder the mysteries of the legendary landmark.

The motto of race directors adventureCORPS ("We're Out There") becomes painfully evident as you traverse the length and breadth of Death Valley. Traffic? What traffic? The only travelers on the sometimes bumpy road to Shoshone are racers, crews, and officials. Most casual cycling observers are tucked in their beds, perhaps not fully appreciative of their comfortable surroundings. Then again, it's doubtful that any one of these racers would trade this arduous experience at the FC 508 for anything.

- Greg Pressler