Photo by Eric Smith. For Eric's 2006 photos, click here.

The 2006 Eastern Sierra Double Century was a spectacular day with absolutely perfect weather for the 207 riders who joined the fun. A smoking tailwind from Benton to Bishop??? A small, but very welcome miracle!!! Riders were all smiles as they "crossed the finish line" to complete one of the most beautiful double centuries in California. Another wonderful, memorable day on Planet Ultra

Here's what some riders and volunteers had to say about their Eastern Sierra experience:

"I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the ride on Saturday.  Planet Ultra planned an absolutely breathtaking course and provided excellent support along the course – making a difficult course an enjoyable day (and evening) on the bike." - Jill Fernandez, Long Beach, CA

"Eastern Sierra was awesome, as usual!" - Bobbi Fisher, Burbank, CA

"Saturday was a great experience for me.  I enjoyed working with the other volunteers and the riders, there is real sense of community.  You can count
on me to volunteer in the future, anytime I am not riding.  That is one super ride.  You and Brain are to be congratulated on yet another extraordinary
event; superbly conceived and executed." - Jim Henderson, Riverside, CA

"Thank you so very much for a super ride!  I had great time and will be back next year.  Thanks to all the volunteers who always have something encouraging to say -- like --"Good Job!" or "Almost there!" or, my favorite, "It's downhill from here on!" And thanks to all fellow riders who are the friendliest bunch I know." - Edith Reasons, San Bernardino, CA

Congratulations to the following nine riders who completed their Planet Ultra Grand Slam at Eastern Sierra: Tom Amerine, Dan Crain, Michael Head, Robert Hurst, Jeff Landauer, Michael Lueke, John Pingel, Brian Rapp and Donald Zwiebel.

Congratulations also to Bud Bates who who rode Eastern Sierra as his 50th lifetime double century! We're honored that Bud chose a Planet Ultra event to reach this milestone. Bud will be inducted into the California Triple Crown Hall of Fame in September! Fantastic!!!

Kudos to Michael Deitchman, Ethan Glicker, Mark Hughes, Jason Joyce, Gavin Krusor, Milos Nemcik, Andrew Parsons, Sue Schoney and Craig Vandelist who rode Eastern Sierra as their first double century! Great job!

Best lit up nighttime rider - Mark Martinez. Mark receives a $25 ride credit towards his next Planet Ultra event. We're especially pleased to give this award to Mark, as he completed Eastern Sierra less than four months after being hit by a car and sustaining very serious injuries. It's great to see Mark back on his bike! It sure was easy to see him in the dark!

A HUGE round of applause and endless thank yous to our amazing staff of volunteers:
Friday Rider Check-In - Brian Bowling, Deborah Bowling, Jim Henderson, Jeff Landauer
CP#1 - Steve Carney, Elaine Lauer, Frank Neal, Doug Patterson
CP#2 - Judith & Andrew Gustafson, Ben Jones, Phil Marchant
CP#3 - Daryl Baucum, Nina Bartolai, Jim Henderson, Matthew and Scott Skipper
CP#4 - Frank Neal, Doug Patterson
Sagehen Water Stop: Phil Marchant
CP#5 - Judith & Andrew Gustafson, Kathy Parsons
CP#6 - Nina Bartolai, Lorah Gross, Linda Hurst, Matthew and Scott Skipper
Chalfant Water Stop: Jim Henderson, Frank Neal, Doug Patterson
Finish Line: Deborah Bowling
Roving SAG: Daryl Baucum, Brian Bowling,  Steve Carney, Eric Smith

Click here to see the awesome photos taken by pro photographer, Eric Smith. 

Click here to see slideshows from CP2 (Crowley Lake) staffer, "Badwater" Ben Jones.

Eastern Sierra Double Century Results
198 Finishers
9 DNFs (our lowest ever)
5 riders did the Sunday Staff Century: Brian Bowling, Deborah Bowling, Andrew Gustafson, Frank Neal and Doug Patterson
* Denotes new course record! Way to go, Jeff!