Ultra Cycling » Furnace Creek 508 or Hoodo 500?

by Franz Kelsch

I have ridden the Furnace Creek 508 twice and crewed on the Hoodoo 500 once and thought I would give some perspective of the two. In summary I feel those interested in doing such a long event might consider the Hoodoo 500 instead of the Furnace Creek 508 for the following reasons. Of course some may view some of these as a negative.

These are just my personal opinion and some may view things very differently. It is clear that the Furnace Creek 508 has the larger reputation, which is understandable since it has been going for more than 25 years. The Hoodoo 500 is relatively new, just completing it’s third event. Still with just little experience, the Hoodoo 500 competes quite well with the Furnace Creek 508 event and in my opinion surpasses it in many areas:

Furnace Creek 508 vs. Hoodoo 500
	Furnace Creek 508			Hoodo 500
Reputation		over 25 years			2009 was 3rd
Field Size		250			More limited, about 50, some prefer
Fees		Significant yearly increases			Lower fees, especially teams
Route		Death Valley is during the dark			Scenic Southern Utah (except Hwy 89)
Climbing		Townes Pass is remarkable			Several steeper climbs
Elevation		Below Sea Level to 6,000 ft.			From 2,500 ft to over 10,000 ft
Weather		Wind can be big issue			Potential greater weather extemes
Start Hotel		Sevearl choices			Better start hotel and lower cost
End Hotel		Ends in different city			Same as start hotel
Rules		Too many rules			Rules are limited to what is needed
Night riding		Requires following too early			Can ride solo if 2 independent lights
RAAM		No			RAAM Qualifier
Voyager		Must have crew			Option for no crew support
Start Times		All teams start together			2X and 4X start 2 hours apart
Breakfast		Food was okay			More like an awards breakfast, prizes
Coding		= Poor	= Okay		= Good