The 2005 Mulholland Double Century was an epic, challenging first leg of the California Triple Crown Stage Race. Riders were treated to perfect sunny Southern California weather as they climbed and descended the endless canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Due to road closures in the Ojai area, we had to change the route. Most riders applauded the change and have encouraged us to make it permanent. Hmmm....

To create the safest, most interesting and beautiful course possible, we had to add a bit of climbing... which made the day all the more challenging, and all the more rewarding for those who crossed the finish line! When we scouted the course, we came up with 16,500 feet of gain. Reports from riders at the finish showed 15,860, 15,940, 16, 337, 16,500, 17,346, 17, 442 and one as high as 18,000. Whatever the actual number, it was a very tough day, with many prolonged climbs and a few very short but quad-busting steep ones.

The California Triple Crown Stage Race is off to a great start! In the women's race, Linda Bott takes a commanding lead with Agata Wysiadecka, Kitty Goursolle and Kerin Huber in hot pursuit!  The men's race is a nail-biter, with Tao Bernardi, Lasse Bjerga and Jeff Landauer tied for the lead. David Roth and Robert Choi are breathing down their necks, just seven and eight minutes behind. It was awesome to watch them hammering up Stunt Road! Good luck to all racers at the upcoming Devil Mountain Double!

A million thanks to the AWESOME, GENEROUS, FRIENDLY AND TIRELESS volunteers who made this Mulholland Double Century the very best ever!
Rider Check-In: Brian Bowling and Deborah Caplan
CP#1: Deborah Caplan, Sandye Clare and Jim Kehr
Mini-Stop: Judith Gustafson, Mary Long and Cathy Wagner
Secret CP: Doug Bowers and Jim Kehr
CP#2: Lance Christensen, Deb Moss and Lynn & Tom O'Kane
CP#3: Jackie Burnes, Judith Gustafson, Mary Long and Cathy Wagner
CP#4: Doug Bowers, Hartmut Frenzel, Steve Meichtry
Water Stops on Mulholland: Tonya Hayden, Janeene & Foster Nagaoka
CP#5: Rick Loy, Judy Mullins, Lynn & Tom O'Kane, Donna Watson
CP#6: Andrew & Judith Gustafson, Lynn Katano, Jeff Tamminga
Finish: Brian Bowling & Deborah Caplan
Roving SAG: Brian Bowling, Deborah Caplan, Jim Kerh, Mark Martinez, Eric Smith and Ron Smith
Finish Line: Brian Bowling & Deborah Caplan

Here's what some riders had to say:

"This was my first Mullholland Double so I cannot compare it to the past. But I thought this was a very challenging and enjoyable ride. As usual, you organized a great ride. I would like to add my comments that you should make the changes permanent. I loved the route." - Scott Bottles

"Thanks for managing another great double! The course was tough but interesting and beautiful. The route slip was accurate, easy to understand, and not cluttered with a lot of extra information getting in the way of what you needed to know." - David Holt

"Thanks for the turn-arrows as they were a great help... Though I am not a glutton for punishment, I think you should keep this course. Just finishing this is a big accomplishment for some of us. ... The volunteers were again exceptional." - Alex Irizawi

Click here for view the awesome photos taken by SAG extraordinaire, Eric Smith.  Eric's photographs are available in 5x7 prints for $10 each. A portion of each sale will be donated to Challenged Athletes Foundation on behalf of fellow rider (and runner) Lynn Katano's fundraising efforts for the 2005 San Diego Triathlon Challenge. On October 30th, Lynn will be the runner for Team Planet Ultra. Deborah Caplan will do the swim and Brian Bowling will do the bike leg of this very challenging Half Ironman course.

Click here for a terrific slideshow by Mulholland event staffer Steve Meichtry!

Mulholland Double Century Results

*DQ penalty related to private SAG