AdventureCORPS, Inc hosts 26th Anniversary of the Furnace Creek 508 Bicycle Race

On Saturday, approximately 220 bicyclists from across the USA, Canada, Asia, and Europe, will compete in The Furnace Creek 508 Race.

As one of the world’s toughest open bicycle races, competitors will cycle along a 509.58 mile-long route which runs from Santa Clarita to the Mojave Desert to Death Valley and finally to Twenty Nine Palms.

“When I did it the first time, it literally changed my life,” stated Ralph Jacobson, third time participant.  “You haven’t lived until you have sat on a bike saddle for 42 hours straight and gone through Death Valley in the middle of the night.”

Beginning at 7 a.m., individual participants have 48 hours to complete this endurance challenge, while relay teams have 46 hours to finish.

“Its one hundred percent of a mental challenge as opposed to what you would think would be the physical challenge,” explained Jacobson.  “Sure it gets warm in the dessert, sure you’re climbing over 10 mountain ranges, but the biggest challenge is believing you can do it.”

Filled with professional and hobby bicyclists, the record time for the Furnace Creek 508 is a little over 27 hours.

Spectators can watch the competitors take off on Saturday morning at the Hilton Garden Inn of Santa Clarita.