sorry scott

There's a funky gas station just S. of the highschool. That's probably your best bet. That should allow you to resup enough to get to Copper.

Farmers Korner Market & Gas Inc
16115 CO-9
Breckenridge, CO 80424
(970) 453-2281

There's also,

Bunk House
13203 CO-9
Breckenridge, CO 80424
(970) 453-6475

But my google map-fu is failing on me. Streetview isn't very telling if either of those are the ones i"m thinking of. It cuts from winter to summer as you move through it!

I would get outta Summit County as quick as you can - it's a time burner. Leadville is a good resup, with a grocery right on route. Copper should have all ya need for food.

the reason I asked is because someone told me there was a gas station real close to the ct in breck but its not listed

speaking of stores, what's the closest thing to where the CT crosses hwy 9?

If the weathermen are right it could be a wet year. The only section of trail I've ever ridden when it was soaked was the moto trashed section between the Silver Creek trail and Tank 7. All the troughs in the trail were puddles of water. Some of the trail is sandy (pine junction area) and probably rides great but I'm sure other areas are more sensitive. What are other people's thoughts on riding soaked trails cause its race day?

If you can't get someone to give you a ride, try a rental from Avis. They seem to be more okay (much cheaper) with one way rentals

Right or Wrong, Lael is following Esters Record route. Ah

If you want to challenge the current record, follow the same route. Seems to make sense to me.

Not doing CTR but happy to assist again with some logistics. My full intent was to do it this year but a new job hasn't allowed me to train. That in mind, my wife and I are always happy to help those in need of support before and after the race. I live just a few miles from the finish line in Littleton Co so feel free to PM me if you need to store gear or need a place to crash after the race! Sometimes we have just a few riders and sometimes up to 20 so don't hesitate!

Thanks for the generous offer. I know 2 years ago I almost thought I could drive home since my car was right there in the parking lot. But that's not a good idea.

Matt, I'm housemate's with your Sister now. I think she says you should give the CTR another shot.

small world, but did she really say that?

I am totally supportive of those who are trying to optimize performance or gut function, have various food issues or are trying to create the most densely packed nutrition per ounce. But I love eating candy bars and other crap. That's why I ride as much as I can! Cheers

I'm going to assume you are the real Dr. Dre famous for his rap music but perhaps not as famous as a multi day bike racer. The reason people talk about specific diets is because eating candy, pastries, and other crap has left more than one person on the side of the trail puking. If eating anything while riding 20 hours a day has worked for you, than I'm envious. 

Then give it another year and ride with me, Matt! Hope you are well!

I think it's a matter of being around like minded people. I need to live in a CTR frat house and be indoctrinated in the culture and values once again.

Good luck next week. I'll be tuning in to the blue dots.

Kurt, I've considered riding again this year, and not to put a damper on everyone else's enthusiasm, but I'm afraid around day 3 I'll be asking myself, "what's the point?". I don't want to start half motivated.

Kurt, I would agree with your blood sugar stabilization program. Dried fruit instead of gummy bears, fruit and nut bar instead of nutrigrain. I almost felt like a woke up with a hangover after scarfing down a few nutrigrain knockoffs and fruitsnacks before going to bed.

But wait, this is the CTR forum? I've been curious who is participating this year and perhaps I'll start the rumor mill, but I heard yourself, Jay P, Jefe, and Jessie may all be in on the mens side of things as well as other yet to be discovered star superiders, sleep deprivations enthusiasts, and those seeking a break from reality (or their family and spouses). Confirm or deny!   

In 2013 we had to guess how long it would take because it really isn't a popular ride in that direction and in its entirety. Riding from Molas to Durango was more beta. The first thought was that it was going to be hard for the fastest people to make it to the store on time. I think many people felt it was quicker than expected. With that in mind, I am certain I would make it to the store in time once again, but what Joey said about selection is true, so I'd still be up in the air on what percentage of the food to make it to BV I'd start with.

looks like he's 2-3 miles from that decision point

Hope he's okay and maybe with some walking the pain will ease up. Major bummer to be so close to finish.

Woot! Go Mark!

So Joey and I were wondering: how quick can Neil to the stretch from Mola's to Durango? Might be an early morning jaunt to the trailhead to meet him!

So I'm at home trying to guess the same thing. It really depends how far he's pushed the sleep deprivation. Since he has to go through the night it means a lot more variability. For me sitting on the couch to say how long it should take Neil just seems wrong. But two years ago it took me 16 hours (Molas to Durango). I didn't sleep at all during the stretch (from 12 pm to 4am) and I wasn't pushing the sleep deprivation that hard from previous days.

Just doing some time checks. Neil just hit hwy 114 at 5:50. Comparing against 2012 he's back 3:25 from jefe, 4:15 from ethan, and 2:20 from jesse. Factoring in this years' route and a couple hundred miles to go, it means he's still moving damn fast!

The rules are clear. Just cause the spectators are confused doesn't make a difference.

Research of what the route is should begin on the Adventure Cycling Association's web page.

http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/transamerica-trail/

Santiam Alt shown for example:

That is me and if it is the moment I'm thinking of, it's about 9 in the morning and I've only got 5 hours to go, and I just hit a caffeine gel. I also let myself sleep in. If that's not the moment then I don't know why the hell I look so happy.

Thanks for the photo.

Curious to hear why others come back to suffer after doing it once.

A couple of days ago, June 6th to be exact, I experienced the first desire to once again compete on the CTR this year. To my dismay, that is not something I wanted to feel. I wanted to be okay with sitting this year out and maybe picking just a couple shorter races to satisfy my competitive need. The problem I have with racing the CTR is that I really don’t think I like doing it. I’ve tossed around the reasons why I lined up a second year, and am considering a third, when one year is enough for most. The simplified list is pretty short.

1.   I want to accomplish something (prove something, be the best, etc).
2.   I love every minute of it.
3.   The memories are priceless.
4.   All my friends are doing it and I don’t want to miss out.

The first year (2012) was certainly about tackling the challenge. I knew I could do it but expected to be pushed much further than I had before. I wanted to see what that felt like and I suffered more than I ever had. While walking through section 22/23 at night, I knew I wouldn’t do this race again; there was simply too much hiking and being so exhausted wasn’t fun. A day after I finished and caught wind that next year we’d race in reverse. I forgot all my pain and was committed to another year.

The second reason does not apply to me at all. I do not love being out there every minute. The first two days are tough but you still feel like a real person. After that it’s just brutal and there are only moments that I truly enjoy.

The memories ARE priceless. Pain and suffering is easily forgotten and within days or even hours I think only of the amazing times out on the trail. The question I ask myself is, do I ride for 4+ days so I can look back and fondly remember riding through the night when the truth is far different?

The last reason is sort of funny but with the Colorado endurance scene you run into the same characters at the hundred milers that are also tackling the CTR. With at least a few close competitors committed to coming back and more good people to meet out there, it’s more fun to be a participant than a bystander. I hate missing out.

Everyone has a reason why they toe the line the first time or the fifth, but if you are racing the CTR and pushing yourself to the limit, it had better be a good reason – one you believe in – or else by day 3 the fallacy you’ve been telling yourself is pretty well exposed.