Cyclists Challenge 508 Miles through Southern California's Mojave Desert and Death Valley in 29th Anniversary Furnace Creek 508

Oak Park, CA - AdventureCORPS, Inc., an event production firm specializing in ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, will host the 29th Anniversary, and 38th edition, of the Furnace Creek 508 Bicycle Race on October 6-8, 2012. This 508-mile event serves as a dramatic forum for bicycle racing, personal achievement, and self-discovery. Some call it a “The Hell of the West,” while others call it “The Toughest 48 Hours in Sport!” Everyone agrees it’s “The Great American Bike Race.” Furnace Creek 508 is universally recognized as the world's premier ultra distance bicycle race

HISTORY
Commonly known as "The 508," the race was created in 1983 by John Marino, the godfather of ultramarathon bicycle racing who also founded the Race Across America and the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association. The race route was originally a 102 mile loop in the Hemet, CA area that was ridden seven times sequentially. The winners of the inaugural race were Michael Secrest and Kitty Goursolle. In the Fall of 1985, the race was moved to the roads between Tucson and Flagstaff in Arizona, where its first champion was Scott Fortner. It was also held twice a year for a number of years, which is why Furnace creek 508 is celebrating its 38th edition after twenty-nine years.

Since 1989, The 508 has been held on the world-famous Death Valley course that is used today. Its first champion was John Hughes and 2472 racers have now competed on this fabled route.

Since October 1990, The 508 has been proudly produced by AdventureCORPS, producers of the world’s finest endurance sports events held on the open road and “out there.”

ROUTE
This non-stop 508-mile bicycle race is revered the world over for its epic mountain climbs, stark desert scenery, desolate roads, and its reputation as one of the toughest but most gratifying endurance challenges available, bar none.

The Furnace Creek 508 race course is 508.7 miles long and has a total elevation gain of over 35,000', while crossing ten mountain passes. It stretches from Santa Clarita (just north of Los Angeles), across the Mojave Desert, through Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve, to the finish line at the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, CA.

HOW, WHO, and WHY
Designed as an endurance challenge, no drafting or pack riding is allowed in any division at Furnace Creek 508. There is a 48 hour time limit for the solo division and a 46 hour time limit for the two-persona nd four-person relay team division. All entrants are accompanied by a personal team and vehicle.

With over 240 racers and crews coming from all over the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, The 508 is truly a world-class destination race. Click here for the entrant roster.

In an ongoing effort to minimize the environmental footprint of the event, as well as make them safer and less obtrusive on the highways, AdventureCORPS initiated a "Green Team" program at Furnace Creek 508 in 2007. More info. Additionally, AdventureCORPS is a member of 1% For The Planet and the Conservation Alliance. More info.

The Official Charities of AdventureCORPS, Inc. are Challenged Athletes Foundation, Major Taylor Association, and Death Valley Natural History Association. More info.

The sponsors of the race are Hammer Nutrition, Bicycle John's, Hyatt Regency Valencia, Furnace Creek Ranch, and the Best Western Gardens Inn of Twentynine Palms.

A live webcast of the race, including time splits, results, images, and more, will be available on this website at this link.

RECAP:

What: 29th Anniversary AdventureCORPS Furnace Creek 508 Bicycle Race

When: 6:30am, October 6 to 6:30am, October 8, 2012 (48 Hours)

Where: The start line is the Hyatt Regency Valenica. The halfway mark is at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park. Racers then pass through the Mojave National Preserve en route to the finish line at the Best Western Gardens Inn in Twentynine Palms, CA, the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. More info.

Who: Approximately 240 bicycle racers from across the USA, Canada, Asia, and Europe. Roster.

Why: To challenge themselves in the world's toughest and most prestigious single stage open bicycle race. To experience an unparalleled spiritual odyssey.

For more information, contact:

Chris Kostman
Chief Adventure Officer, Race Director, and Totemizer
AdventureCORPS, Inc.
Oak Park, CA USA
www.adventurecorps.com
www.the508.com