Someone posted a note on MTBR.com (Colorado Front Range forum) saying that they have contacted S&R, and that they don't need additional resources right now. I hate sitting on my hands, but they also probably don't want 200 riders adding to the chaos. I sure would like it if a bunch of experienced bikepackers were out looking for me or my wife in a similar situation though, so I'm torn.

http://forums.mtbr.com/colorado-front-range/lost-rider-old-stage-road-colo-springs-879027-post10713822.html#poststop

Jesse's wife is missing:

http://gazette.com/search-continues-for-36-year-old-cyclist-who-went-missing-sunday/article/1507004

I'm trying to find out if SAR needs riders, and where we should go. Anyone know who might be coordinating the search? I imagine that a bunch of us could be very helpful at the moment, especially if someone can help us search in an organized fashion.

I'll post more if I hear anything.

I'd rather have a GPS track that cost me $5 that is curated and correct than something that someone put together in 5 minutes for free.

If people share stuff for free great, but there are MANY MANY MANY times I'd rather pay a few bucks for more quality than the free equivalent.

Yeah, my GPS tracks sucks, and it would be better if someone got their act together and started selling something decent before I die of embarrassment. For that matter, the whole CTR sucks, and would absolutely benefit from entry fees, sponsors, and podium girls. As for all of those "free" blogs?--utter crap compared to Adam's book (which wouldn't be half as good if it were free, even with the same words!).

You're totally right. We really should start taking cues from online poker. Damn, I wish that I had thought of that! Without any "skin in the game," the ultra-racing scene is pathetic compared to even to the limited visceral thrill of Vegas--never mind the primal satisfaction of pumping "real" money into virtual computer games! I think that I'll put some skin in the game and skip today's ride.

The more money we soak into the sport, the better. The vibe of friends sharing with friends is just a bunch of hippie smoke anyway. Friends without money suck. What goes around, comes around--so cough up some cold hard cash my way already!

I think that I've learned my lesson. The sooner that I monetize my CTR experiences, the happier and more fulfilled I'll be. I'm going to slather myself in logos and the American flag--and stick a "Donate Here" button on my ass.

 

"River City Rides" was a free book, then?

No. As I recall was ten bucks or something. We sold several thousand through bike shops, book stores, gift shops, etc.

Out of print but still available on Amazon. New copies are only $114.96: http://www.amazon.com/River-city-rides-Mountain-west-central/dp/0963984209

Wow, makes Adam's $3 book seem like quite a deal!

But that's great that you have a book out there, Toby. You should update the information and put it back on the market.

Naw, that was a different time. Trail guides are pretty much obsolete now that everyone posts routes on blogs, etc. Books on really long routes like the CT, GDBMR, etc. are probably best documented by the the organizations that maintain them, so that they can turn the proceeds into more/better trails.

And, for what it's worth, the term "vanity publishing" has fallen out of favor because self-publishing is an actual viable business venture for many authors these days, and is largely managed by the author/publisher themselves rather than dedicated vanity presses.

Self-published books are indeed pretty common. My wife has a current one out, Northern Colorado Plants. My father has several, including Handbook of the Canadian Rockies. Other members of my family also have conventionally published books out there, including my brother's ice climbing book. In my experience, those who publishes their own work are at least somewhat somewhat vain, thus the vanity publishing expression!

toby, you are relentless

Indeed. Seems like I've got similar company at the moment!

At least it has brought some lively conversation to the boards!

For the most part, it's even been pretty civilized. I think that things are winding down though, which is probably good!

Maybe he wants a little more exposure for his work than just posting it on this forum. Not sure, but that would make sense. And there's nothing wrong with it.

Yeah, that seems like a reasonable assumption to me as well.

I don't know if vanity publishing projects get better exposure than blogs these days, but I suppose that they probably reach different readers--as per Jill's comment. I don't know how much other stuff Adam has published, but getting a name in the "conventional" realm is still important to most writers that I know. I can't help but wonder if the future of writing is posting it in a blog AND on Amazon. Kind of like many musicians are doing these days (free MP3 downloads, but for-pay concerts).

But that's a topic for another day. I actually come from a publishing family, and this is the kind of thing that we chat about over dinner.

Whatever you want Adam, good luck.

Edit: Before anyone gets their knickers in a bunch over my use of the expression, "vanity publishing," please understand that it's an industry term that refers to self-published books. I also have produced a vanity press book, but it's long out of print (20 years?). "River City Rides," a guide to mountain biking in the Grand Junction area.

Now maybe we can all be friends?

Adam wants to sell his book (at least that's what I think he wants, but now he won't say). I want the CTR to remain free of commercial exploitation.

We're not going to agree on this, and it's not that big of a deal.

Thanks Toby. I did use your track. I appreciate it.

You're welcome. Glad it helped.

And that's your problem Toby. You think you know what I want.

Sorry if I misunderstood you, Adam. Earlier in this thread, you wrote: "I'm charging money for my short book because I put hundreds of hours into creating it, and because writing is a part of what I do for a living. I won't get rich from DtoD, but I *might* cover the cost of the hotel I stayed at in BV during the race."

If you don't want to be paid for your book, then what do you want?

Toby, your offer is disingenuous. You're simply trying to back Adam into admitting you're right. You're not interested in helping him out.

Bullshit. I made the offer because it'll get Adam what he wants (a few bucks to cover his hotel), and it'll make the story freely available to the CTR community where I think it'll be appreciated in the same way that so much other good stuff is. It's a creative and GENUINE offer, and not about deciding who's right and who's wrong. The truth is that nobody's right here--it's just an exchange of opinions and ideas.

If I haven't properly noted my appreciation for his Adam's other contributions, I apologize. Not enough thanks get passed around in general. But it's not really a pissing match of who's contributed more though, is it? I'm proud to have contributed what I can, while others have contributed far more. Seems to me that anyone who does anything, large or small, to perpetuate the non-commercial vibe of the CTR deserves kudos. Hell, you can even throw some my way if you like!

Hi Jill,

Yes, I agree that lots of adventurers charge for their stories. I've bought and read many of them myself. And, yes, I'd like to see more.

I've tried to articulate why this instance is different. Looks like we're not going to agree. No worries, I'm moving on. And, no, I'm not opposed to Amazon (sorry if you got that impression).

Adam, my offer stands.

And then have you accuse me of taking outside support?

That's pretty funny. You must be a writer?

But just in case you're serious, I don't think that having your room retroactively reimbursed qualifies as outside support. If you're worried about it, maybe reimbursing your CTF donation is a better idea? Perhaps sending them more money on your behalf?

Adam,

If you're putting DtD on sale because you need enough money to cover your hotel room, then here's my offer: I'll pay for your room, and you can put your book out there for anyone who wants to read it. Or, alternatively, I'll send the the same amount of money to the CTF. Sound like a deal?

Cheers,
Toby

You can't try to vilify someone in this circumstance because you consider yourself to be on some moral high ground.

I'm not vilifying Adam. I'm simply pointing out that he's swimming against the well-established precedent of people freely sharing their CTR stories, advice, time, etc. with others. Since I'm a huge fan of non-commercial racing in general, and the CTR specifically, I am going to question anything that smacks of commercialization. Absolutely nothing to do with morality, vilification, etc.!

I don't personally know Adam. He's probably a great guy--you certainly make it sound like he is! Nobody should be threatened by having a decision or two questioned and/or challenged. It's a small thing, not a threat to his moral compass, character, etc.

Good lord, it's $3.

Yep, it's a trivial amount of money for sure. Especially since Amazon gets such a big chunk...

The CTR is an amazing example of people putting more into it than they take out. Think about:

1. The thousands of volunteer hours that go into maintaining the trail (not to mention the time it took to establish it).
2. Stefan's time and effort to organize the event.
3. Jerry Brown's amazing waypoints.
4. The many dollars donated to buy tools and supplies to maintain the trail.
5. All of the blogs, gear lists, etc. that so many people have posted.

Without so many people willing to give so much, the CTR wouldn't exist. We are following in the footsteps of a lot of selfless, generous, and kind people.

It's not about what's "free." It's about what people are willing to share to help build something greater than themselves.

Anyone who comes along later to commercialize the CTR, and monetize their participation is, of course, free to do so. I don't have to like it though, right?

Where can i get a GPS track of the kokopelli trail ?

http://tobygadd.blogspot.com/2012/11/kokopellis-trail-gpx-track.html

Is the next best option a light rack with gear in a dry bag strapped on top?

Seems like a good idea. There are several different racks out there that are pretty tough, and not too heavy. Old Man Mountain's racks probably the best combination of strength and weight. I've used one, and it was great. Freeload racks are also pretty popular, but I've never used one.

http://www.oldmanmountain.com/
http://www.freeload.co.nz/

There are a number of seatpost racks out there too. A lot of them seem to break, although I've heard that there are some tougher options as well. Probably the lightest option, but you'll have to do some research to make sure that get one that's strong enough for your load.

Out of the many riders who have posted their CTR experiences, advice, etc., I believe that you are the first to ask for money. Not that three bucks is a lot of cash, but I've always enjoyed the bikepacking community's willingness to freely share and contribute to the sport--with nothing expected in return. To that end, I've always thought of the stuff that I post, from GPX files, gear lists, thoughts, etc., as a way of paying forward for all of the help and kindness that I've received from others. Even the organizers don't collect any entry fees, despite putting in huge amounts of time and effort. The one literary project that I can think of that does cost money, The Cordillera (Tour Divide stories), benefits a fallen rider's (Dave Blumenthal) daughter. Some nice karma out there.

But I suppose that there's nothing inherently wrong with putting a price on a good read. Perhaps your story is really that much better than what others have posted, and I'm just being a curmudgeon. Certainly wouldn't be the first time...

Def. happy to receive your input, Toby! Thanks again,

Glad to help, Justin. I hope that you get your lungs sorted out soon. Not being able to breathe really sucks. The physical side is bad enough--but the mental impact is probably tougher. Fear combined with low O2 blood saturation can make for some crazy thought patterns. I feel your pain, perhaps a little too acutely!

When I was using someone else's albuterol inhaler on the trail, it seemed to have little effect, which was puzzling to me. I thought maybe I either didn't know how to use it correctly, or it was just too far into having the episode for it to work, "instantly"

So, I took about a week off, after the race (pretty easy to do, with all our raining/flooding) and took an, "easy" spin.  Seems as if, whatever's there, is still happening, whenever I need to breath hard. Ugh. I'm gonna cut out milk/wheat  out of my diet for a while, see if that helps. Of those two, my guess is the milk may be causing problems. I'm sort of leaning on the idea that this also may be a seasonal allergy from whatever is in the air from Late July till now, that I didn't know about.

Fun!

Yes, if you are have a severe attack, albuterol will have less of an effect. That's one reason why asthmatics die--they use their rescue inhalers too late. The hospital has a more effective delivery system, but even it isn't 100% effective if things are too far out of hand.

But albuterol is just one tool in a doctor's bag of tricks. Preventing attacks is generally the best approach. There are a bunch of different inhaled steroids that do wonders for allergy-induced asthma. There are also desensitization shots, antihistamines, bronchodilators, mast-cell stabilizers, leukotriene modifiers, etc. Diet modification, dust masks, and even nasal washes can also be beneficial. But, again, the right combination of drugs and/or lifestyle changes isn't something that you can probably pull out of a hat. A good doctor that specializes in asthma can get you back on your feet with a solution that works for you and your needs. I highly recommend National Jewish Hospital in Denver--it's a world-class facility that gives Colorado residents priority. If I hadn't gone there, I might have died. Instead, I take a minimal amount of medication and a make few lifestyle changes during certain times of the year, and life is good. While asthma sucks, it rarely slows me down these days. The same is true of my mother, brother, and son.

I will now get off of my soapbox!