Yea, it does look like Jo Ann B is rockin' a cross bike.  Didn't someone else attempt this on a cross bike?  Maybe, Fixie Dave...prior to being Fixie?  I remember someone saying, never again would they try it on a cross bike.

I count at least 14 "groups" of riders riding within very close proximity...I don't think this is much different than last year (SB).  I don't believe there is any indication that the two leaders planned anything as your example of riding with a friend would be.  If two riders ride in close proximity but are not drafting, sharing, etc., this appears to be well within the rules.  I think anyone who has seen Ride the Divide would recognize that Matthew Lee and Reuben rode for quite some time within the same proximity.

It may be possible that these two guys are very evenly matched and each believes that they have one chance for a break that will stick...and each is waiting until closer to the end to make that break.  I for one am enjoying the race and am interested to see how it unfolds.   

Another quote from the rule section:

"TD is a solo challenge, however, racing in the company of other challengers is tolerated. Again, no drafting, and each rider must maintain separate gear. "

The race for 3rd is really heating up.  It looks like Serge has really put in a strong day today although Kurt is still looking strong and consistent...and consistent is good.  Eszter is strong and steady.  She really is putting in one impressive race, crushing the women's record thus far.  And Katherine Wallace...also a very impressive showing.  There really are some strong contenders.  Fixie Dave...ride strong my friend...who the hell would attempt this on a fixie???  It makes me smile every time I think about it.

Looks like Perry Clawson PC missed a turn....and another.  He's maybe 8 miles off course at the moment.

Looking at trackleaders it appears as though riders are spread out a lot more this year than previous years.  Digging a little deeper it looks like the field is split in half with those averaging above and below 100 miles per day.  I'm wondering if this years hike a bike was significantly more than in previous years, or weather was more drastic or just the fact that there are more people this year which stretched racers over a wider distance than previous years....maybe a bit of all of the above.

** Update - Ha!  Just noticed when I was typing my message lttrain was recognizing the same flow of the race.

I tend to agree with Marshal on Ollie and Craig.  I don't see a break happening until New Mexico unless there's a mechanical.  I don't know either of these guys but they are in a race and they are at the front so I would assume at some point one of them will push to win.  Pushing too soon makes you a rabbit.  Some are comfortable with that position, others are not.  Enjoy the ride in close proximity for a while and then at some point, go.

It would be interesting to know if there has been a friendly discussion...something along the lines of, "we're in a race and it's great riding with you but at some point, if I have it in me, I'm going to go for the win as I assume you will too.  Until then, I'm enjoying the company."  Speculation is half the fun in watching this race

Looks like Justin, aka Long Ranger is heading to Jackson.  There are a few bike shops there so the hub is probably giving him more trouble and he thought best to get it repaired now while a few shops are somewhat near.   Actually, it looks like about 25 miles off route...50 bonus miles!!

It looks like Serge just got about 5 bonus miles in but is back on track. 

Long Ranger and Fixie Dave are back on track.

Looks like Eric Foster is rolling again.  Hope that knee holds up.  He may get the Chuck Norris award for popping his knee back in and riding 

It looks like Jo Ann Burtard is riding a cross bike (crumpton).  That'd be interesting.  I don't think anyone has completed the TD on a cross bike.  I think some have attempted it and stated, never again do to flats, etc. 

Cjell looks on course to me...and contacting him is a no, no.  Finding your own way is part of the challenge, and rules.

Wow, that seemed like a long stop for Stappler.  I wonder if he was doing some serious refueling for a long pull, mechanical, etc.  It'll be interesting to see what happens tonight.  Ezster seems to be putting serious distance between herself and Katherine...maybe an additional 15-20 miles today so far.  It looks like her pace today is significantly above her average.  Possibly from better weather or flatter terrain?

In terms of iPhones...I think it comes down to you, either decide to adapt to the realities that technology is here to stay...or you don't.  I know initially there was some grumbling about having gps's instead of using maps/cues.  It seemed like an unfair advantage but people adapted.  For those very few people who wish to and have the capability to set records, possibly it is just another facet of the race that needs to be mastered...possibly there would be more strategy involved.  The bottom line is that effects very few people and for the rest of us, it allows a connection to the world that we are already connected to...allowing us to share our journey with others.  Not necessarily a bad thing in my opinion.

Back to the race!

What is the record for over 50?  I was supposed to have a go at the TD this year but got smacked by a truck a couple of weeks ago and couldn't recover.  Not that I would be able to beat the record but having another year to train, it's something to strive for

If you haven't read Cjell Money's blog, you should.  The guy is a trip!  Good stories from his travels around the world...stories only someone in their early 20's tells...had me cracking up.

This has been exciting so far.  I've been stoked to see what Ezster could do to the route and so far  she's killing it.  The breaks in the front are interesting...holding them will be even more interesting.  At the back I've been following 71 yr old Larry Hipskind.  I'm rooting for that dude.  I'm sure he's a mentally tough guy.  I hope the hike a bike doesn't wear him down physically.  Great race and I'm sure lots of good stories throughout the pack.  I'd like to find out more about him.  I guess I'll search the internets for him...

No East Coast love

IMO 9 ounces is little to carry for piece of mind.  Bear sprays are formulated specifically for a bear type attack (fog, distance, formula, etc.).  Go with one of those not just a pepper /mace spray not specific for this type of attack (even though the formula may be similar the spray pattern's are most likely different).  Likelihood of being attacked minimal.  So are you feelin' lucky today?  Well are you?? (in my best clint eastwood voice)