2003 Furnace Creek 508 Webcast

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Three Dreaded Letters

The desert winds of fortune blow kindly on most of the Furnace Creek 508 field. However, for an unfortunate few, their names in the race results will be followed by three dreaded letters: DNF, the acronym for "Did Not Finish."

Sometimes, troubles can be attributed to a disagreeable stomach. Other times, a biomechanical problem surfaces, such as a bum knee or painful saddle sores. Occasionally, extreme fatigue cannot be overcome. In any event, the brutal conditions and sheer enormity of the task that is the Furnace Creek 508 play a deciding factor.

Riders this year who have fallen prey to the DNF grim reaper include Akita, Octopus, Gorilla, Flamingo, Worm, Sponge, Basenji, Pirhana, Elephant Shrew, Fennec Fox, and the team of Amoeba/Abalone. Most of these drops were reported as of the 26-hour point of the race.

Although a DNF ends the rider's day, it doesn't begin to take into account the valuable lessons that can be learned from adversity. Some riders actually believe that a DNF has the awesome power to make you a stronger rider, ready to return another day to the starting line in Santa Clarita for another Furnace Creek 508.

Note: no animal was harmed for the purpose of the photo above.