The Flathead descent trail seems also to be shared with the creek, so some racers seem to take some trainers for this section.

Any opinions as to the pros/cons of taking a set of trainers for this early wet section to ditch at Eureka? With my luck I'd take the spares but drop my cycling shoes in the water.

I took light weight shoes in 2013 and last year. Never again. Tried them on Flathead, then quickly decided that off/on/off shoe dance wasn't worth it. Rest of race just waded with bike shoes - no biggy.

Your ten toes may vary

Glen

I´ve got a doubt about the dragging of the hub dynamo.
Does the dragging exist when the electronic circuit is open, when you are not using the light or charging any device?

The drag when the dyno is not powering anything is about 1 watt = nothing.

Normal drag from your front hub (non dyno) is around 0.2 watts. Drag from the dynohub when powering devices varies with speed. The most perceived drag is from low to moderate speeds. When you are going fast the amount of drag from the hub as compared to the drag from rolling resistance, wind, mechanical etc. is relatively small, thus you won't notice it as much. Table please:
Speed (mph)   Hub Drag   Speed Loss
6                    3.3 w   1 mph
12                    5.3 w   .67 mph
18                    6.7 w   .4 mph

For comparison, you generate 0.1 hp, or 74 watts, riding your bike on the level at 10 mph. So 7 watts of drag is about 1/10 of the effort. Assuming that 1/3 of the TD route is uphill, and 1/3 is on the flats, you will have >70% of the riding time (not distance) experiencing drag. By my calcs that adds a few hours to riding time. Even tho you adapt to the drag, it still exists. Kinda like those extra pounds I need to lose. The oft quoted 'biscuit per mile' drag does not take into account that the human body is 24% efficient at converting consumed calories to power, so multiply the biscuits by 4 . Yum!

Having said that, I've just built a wheel with a Shimano hub, and am building the lighting control circuit as we speak. It will run lights, charge a standby light battery pack, and two Nicads for my Garmin. Last year I carried batteries, and the weight is not the only issue - handling three sizes, and mixing up used ones and fresh when you are tired (who did that!??), sigh. But, either way works.

More info: http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/schmidt.asp  and http://www.bikequarterly.com/VBQgenerator.pdf

Good luck!
Glen

Too bad the two can't do the GD. The kid has guts, see http://minipips.blogspot.co.uk/ . Will be an interesting year: youngest rider, Guy Martin, (word on the street) Mike Hall...

For 2013 and 2015...

Bought $3.50 US military five finger glove liners, blend of wool and nylon, without shell. Used them plus riding gloves. Wet but warm. No need for waterproof anything with this setup. Wool military mitten type gloves with trigger finger (like lobster gloves) will work but much heavier and a bit slippery. I like cheap...

Feet: Two pair thin wool socks, one pair thicker wool (not all worn at same time!). You will have enough stream/mud crossings to make putting on/off anything a pain. I brought lightweight pair of camp shoes, and after on and off 'dance' for the first stretch of Flathead river ride, just went with riding shoes. I waded through everything else along the way with riding shoes. Warm plus/minus wet. Wool is key. Wool nice master....my precious!

Didn't have snow hiking, so YMMV in that event, and no experience with Gore socks or gloves...although I DO have an idea for Gore underwear...perhaps later?

Glen

Continental Race Kings 2.2 front and back. Low rolling resistance - tubeless. Changed to Race King 'Protection' on rear in Steamboat, although probably didn't need to. Came into race with 1/3 worn tires. Front and back still going strong after another 1500 training miles post-race.

Think low rolling resistance first, and keep 'em pumped up. This is a road race.

Glen

Snow: http://www.eldoradocountyweather.com/snow-ice-cover.html
https://www.ccin.ca/home/sites/default/files/snow/snow_tracker/plot_anom_sdep.png
http://www.snowforecast.com/
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/index.html

Simply import the TD GPX route, translated to KML, into Google Earth and you can fly along it.

GPS Map Tip: Don't use a map underlay when racing! Use only the route line on a blank background. LOTS easier, not cluttered!

Glen

Pie Town has the 'Toaster House', a free place open 24 hours for hikers and bikers to stay. Stocked with food, hosted by a nice trail angel. Be sure to donate if you stay there = keeps the place going.

Glen

What they said...

Water filter: Ditto Sawyer, but carry tablets that kill Crypto and Giardia for suspect water (ie: near cows or dead elk). I used Katydyn, reason is that some suspect water also has virus. Sawyer only filters protazoa and bacteria. So if getting water out of cow pasture drainage ditch like I did both trips, add tablet to kill any virus, such as hepatitis, etc.. Yep, that water was brown but 'clean' ! I used cheapo water bottle to fill Sawyer 1 liter bag, then squeezed into 'clean' water bottles and Platypus bags. Cheapo bottle is because it is hard to fill Saywer bag from standing water. You can also fill cheapo bottle, add tablet, and wait for drinkable water = extra carry capacity.

Iodine and Clorox drops do not kill Crypto or Giardia. Oh yeh, might want to get good bug repellent; when you stop to filter, mozzies are waiting!

Tip'O'Day: Water is plenty in Canada all the way to Pinedale WY. Bonus Tip: Don't carry water up Richmond Pass, at least three springs on main road near top.

Flinch

Sandstorm, +1 on Phil_Rad's ideas

Like him, my sleep setup is a Big Agnes Pitchpine bag, so temp range of 40 degrees is spot on. I use a tent both times, but would try bivy next time. Adjust sleeping comfort by wearing layers of clothing if needed. Keep your bag DRY! You will get wet while riding, either from rain or sweat, so wet and warm is key.

Be brutal while packing: take ONE of everything for clothing, except two pairs of socks. By that I mean one pair riding shorts, one jersey (wool good), one thermal lightweight hat, warm gloves, one set arm/leg warmers, one synthetic jacket (mine = Nano Puff), one pair shoes = riding shoes only. I got extra wide shoes (my feet are wide), and then had cobbler stretch them. Your feet may swell, but don't go overboard, a half size larger than normal should do.

Cooking: Forget it. Leave stove and pots etc. at home. I took cook set first time, not second, big difference in weight.

Basic rule: Make sure rain gear and sleep system is bombproof. All else is fluff.

Remember that the race is a road ride, and lightweight is good. There are plenty of resupply stations along the route, and if you really need another chunk of gear, you can find it.

You'll do fine   

Flinch

Dave
.
Spinning was (and still is) an important part of my training. I consider it a must, as it mimics interval training and is structured, therefore harder to ignore :>

Based on my fudge factors, I consider an hour of spinning equivalent to 15-18 miles of mountain bike rides on my hilly training course. Anecdotal Evidence: In 2013 I stopped going to spin classes a few months before TD & within a few weeks I could feel that my times and hill climbing were getting worse. Went back to spinning and a couple weeks later could tell the positive difference.

Best of luck

Glen

Yah, ditto aero bars - I rode with stubby versions, now have full tilt bars - shoulda had them in race. Ergon grips: I've used them for 3 years now, and not convinced they do good for me. During the race I wrapped them with the grey foam pipe insulation (got at Home Depot) and this helped until the foam collapsed after a few days.

Forgot to mention - I used swept back bars this year, I believe they are the 'Maid' On-one copies. Helps with upright stance. Also changed from front shock to rigid carbon fork and that may have not been wise, hands-wise (more vibration and shock).

Left hand much better - still some tingling. Right hand falls asleep at night, last two fingers still numb but getting better. Still some grip weakness.

I've tried everything I can think of without much success. Best I can say is to get a bike fit, more upright riding posture.

One thing I think makes it worse are these gel padded gloves. They put the pads right where the nerves run, causing points of pressure. I have better luck with unpadded gloves. I'm going to try Specialized gloves next, the kind that had just the palm pad, not pads over the nerves.

Good luck

FWIY

I started training in January from a base of 50 miles/week. My goal was a sub 25 day ride, averaging 107 miles/day en route. I had toured half the route in 2013 at 63 miles/day average. Most training was with my mtn bike on paved roads, at elevations from 4,500 to 6,500 feet. Last two months I rode with partially to fully packed gear. My average elevation gain per 'average' ride was about 2000'. I was 64 years young during the training. I lost a targeted 20 pounds during training. Note the weekly increase in mileage targets (about 8-9%). Here's the gory details:

Weekly
Miles   Hrs   Ride1   Ride2   Ride3   Ride4   Ride5 <- up to 5 rides per week
42   3.0   15   27            
67   5.1   42   25            
73   5.4   18   27   28         
88   6.4   22   42   24         
68   5.2   35   34            
80   5.5   28   42   10         
93   7.0   30   25   39         
106   7.6   29   29   25   23      
95   7.2   62   33            
133   10.2   33   31   15   55      
114   8.1   37   9   34   35      
150   11.4   35   42   74         
110   7.9   31   10   33   37      
176   13.6   47   33   33   62      
177   13.3   53   42   42   40      
153   11.5   49   38   34   33      
212   16.5   90   50   44   27      
220   16.9   60   50   62   48      
159   11.9   45   23   51   41      
262   19.8   71   56   53   52   31   
213   16.9   10   80   53   70      
164   12.8   57   56   52         
176   9.0   34   34   57      52

Total   Total   Since Jan:      Avg:   132 miles/week
3131   232   Last 2 mos:      Avg:   194 miles/week
      Last 1 mo:      Avg:   220 miles/week

Notable notes: Full disclosure, I scratched in Silverthorne. During the ride most days I felt physically strong. Max mileages were a couple three 130 mile days. Climbing was w-a-y easier this year than in 2013. Wayyyyy. Sleep issues and hand nerve damage done did me in.

From all the reading I've done on ultras, I agree with posters that no one (book) has a real clue. Here's what was important to me (remember, my target was modest and consider age in there):

- Trained using 'rest' weeks here and there.
- Went to gym and weight lifted 1-2 times/week <-- Don't skimp on the Gym, you'll need it (I chanted 'glad I lifted, glad I lifted' all way up connector)!!
- Spin classes twice/week. Absolutely essential, learned faster cadence (important for more 'mature' riders), and is substitute for intervals.
- Should have compressed training into 4 or so fewer weeks as I peaked and extended taper for 2 weeks
- Avoid junk miles, those less than 20 miles per ride or so.
- No need to ride long miles! Note my max ride. From all physio-effects I've researched, anything longer than 80-90 miles is not that beneficial.
- I tried long slower rides, no luck, I have one training pace, and that's at, well, training pace. I think it helped mentally during race (race was generally a bit slower pace)
- As one third of race is up hills, you will spend the majority of riding time on hills. Seek them out and ride more than you think you need to.
- Keep an organized training plan! Be flexible, but do the 'bookwork'. Helps to chart progress and plan ahead.

During the race I rode many days longer distance than my previous max distance, and it seemed 'normal' to do so after a while, so you'll do well too.
I had gear pretty much nailed down, so didn't feel need to camp out and test.
This was the first bike race I've ever entered. I have 20+ years mountain biking though, and 45 years casual road.
Oh, and make sure bike is in top shape before race - I didn't and it got me big time (replaced drivetrain and bracket during race)

Hope your training goes well!
Flinch

[Get over it.]

Late reply LOCKS:

One easy method if you run disc brakes is to take a small padlock, and lock it on the rear disc rotor. Lock front and rear if paranoid. No, won't keep anyone from carrying your bike off, but will keep it from rolling easily. I took a small cable lock this year, and mailed it back home halfway.

Tent - vs Other: I used a Tarptent Moment, 30.5 ounces, and hoteled half the time. Moment had condensation issues but worked. Set up in two-three minutes max. Don't know re bivy, although I have two of them unused (!). DO NOT underestimate the need for good sleep! I did not sleep well at all this year (not tent's fault), and suffered as result. In 2013, slept like dead (tent). Go figure. You WILL get eaten by mozzies if tarping it!

Sleeping in grizz country: Get over it. How many racers/snacks have they had in the TD history? I slept in high density grizz areas both TD runs, and hardly got eaten at all! Do be food-bear careful though!

Rookie tip: Camp site outhouses ('Montana Hiltons') provide a semi-warm safe sleep area. Potty etiquette: Only sleep if the camp or camp near the potty is empty. Share with others if requested. Don't throw trash down hole. Leave your room clean and a tip for the maid (hah!).

One other thing, The Place Cafe before Pinedale is closed. I stopped this year, and they use it to feed ranch hands only.

Cheers,

Flinch

There are statistics, then there are statistics...

When comparing racers as a group, best to include all differences. For example, the glaring lack in the men vs women comparison is the average age of both categories. Someone please redo the stats using age and gender, and lemme know.

The long history of Olympic competition between elite male and female athletes has pretty much empirically proved that there is a difference in the max performance between women and men - regardless of who is doped up. The idea that men are basically doped up women is (mostly) wrong. Perfect example are the East German women athletes in the years 1960-1988 who WERE doped up with testosterone...and still fell short of male record performances.

Age category - being one of the more 'age experienced' racers, I can appreciate what Bob is saying. However, his age cutoff is incorrect....should be age 64+     sorry Bob, you'll have to wait!

While there is a danger of creeping featurism in modifying the TD to include age categories, and I know what the TD Gods feel about it (can you hear Matt twitching?), we as racers can set any informal category we choose. After all, there are already categories taking into account differences in bikes and gender.

In the end, it's what you do as an individual racer anyway. If the race is only about the winner, then logically the only person who should start is that winner. All the rest stay home.

Full disclosure: I scratched this year, so in effect all the women finishers kicked my booty. Statistically, that hurts!

Oh pooo

Looks like heavy cloud/rain cover over Leal - so says weather radar. So much for the no rain forecast earlier. Speed down to 0.9 mph at 7:50 pm her time.

Let's hope for the best

Based on Leal's first race time from Cuba to AW, she is on track for a projected 15 day 22 hour finish. This assumes she stays at same pace as last time, and doesn't light the afterburners.

Last race, time to Cuba 14:08:11  Cuba to AW 2:17:40 (check my math) Finish time: 17:01:51
This race, time to Cuba 13:04:15   Cuba to AW 2:17:40            projected finish time:  15:21:55
(Note that Trackleaders has her time to Cuba as 13:04:49, but that is the time point after Cuba. I projected the :15 minutes (versus Trackleaders 49 minutes) from her last SPOT before entering Cuba)

Good on her!

5 day Weather forecast for New Mexico

Cuba             temps mid 80's, no chance precipitation
Grants          temps mid 80's, low-no chance precip
Silver City     temps mid 80's low 90's, 30-40 chance precip (scattered storms) last two days

Mud? What Mud? We ain't got no mud! We don't have to push through no stinkin' mud!!

[regardless]

Using her average overall mph since she got her SPOT (7.28 mph), her projected overall time would be 15 days 4 hours, 32 minutes, assuming things stay the same. (Ha! As in, "What?? Stay the same??!!" ) This uses a course distance of 2,659 miles.

In any case, let's agree that she owns the course this year, regardless.

Boogie Leal, boogie !