Several calls posted for today. Erik just called in from Cuba and warns about the traffic on the re-route. Any NM'ers out there? Any chance of getting some patrol visibility up there? A thought.

Just got calls from Grant Crosby and Matthew Lee. Matthew was in Cuba. Going to try to clean up his call before I post as it has a nasty buzz in it.

Update: Calls are up from Matthew Lee in Cuba and Grant Crosby and Shawn Sheppard in Silverthorn. Shawn is waiting for his Spot to show up!

Hey everybody,

First of all, I'd like to offer my condolences to Dave Blumenthal's family, especially his wife and daughter. I can't imagine what they're going through right now.

Secondly I just wanted to clear up the speculation regarding Kent Peterson's course deviation. After a tough couple of days, he's decided to call it quits. You can read about his decision at his blog.

It wasn't an easy decision for him to make, but we're all really proud of him. To be able to ride 2K+ miles (he rode from Issaquah to Banff as a warmup) self-supported, on a single speed at 51 years old is an incredible achievement. Go Mountain Turtle!

-Eric Peterson

Sorry to hear that Kent pulled out. I looked for a call this morning, though I'm sure he'll give have one later. Kent is an inspiration to me personally and his positive attitude is always so refreshing to hear. I'll never forget his first time doing the GDR. No one had ever done the race SS let alone rigid. When he pulled into Whitefish one of the other racers said, "We didn't think you'd make it this far."

Followup article in the Steamboat Pilot:

http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/jun/24/bicyclist-dies-after-steamboat-area-crash/

The comment about the helmet is concerning. Though I think given enough force no helmet can completely protect you.

Episode TD Day 14 GDR Day 7 is up. There's 3 minutes of silence in memory of Dave. http://tinyurl.com/2v33ou7

Just got a call from Matthew Lee. We actually spoke before he called the race line. He's riding on for Dave and the race will continue in his name.

It's truly sad, especially for a young family. I hope some consolation can be found in that Dave was doing what he loved to do. He was challenging himself. We're all made better people by such challenges and Dave no doubt had such a great appreciation for life and his family from the challenges he encountered on his adventures.

Mark calls in from Utah. Lots of wind noise on this recording but you can tell he's in St. George and that he finished at 10-something. Congrats, Mark!

Mark Caminiti calls in from Jacob Lake after crossing the canyon. He's beat but is determined!

Kurt calls in from Tusayan after a cold night!

Just added Mark's call above.

Kurt calls in from Flagstaff but the call is cut off.

Mark just called in from Tusayan and prepares to cross the Grand Canyon!

Just got a call from Mark. He's up near the Coconino Rim. His calf is better and he's tired so he'll be plugging along slowly today.

Got a blank call yesterday. Late last night I got a call from Mark but all I got was his name then it broke up. Hope he's okay!

Mark C. calls in from Flagstaff. He seems to have his mechanicals behind him!  Kurt Refsnider calls in from Payson!

Mark Camimiti calls from Mormon Lake  and gives a rundown of his muddy and bumpy ride!

Mark calls in from Pine sounding tired while giving a rundown of the of the tough riding from Payson.

Mark C. has some confusion over the detour. I forwarded this to Scott Morris. I’m posting it anyway as he has some other comments and someone else may be able to assist.

Mark C calls in from Payon where he's at the BK giving an update. He heard about Brad and Matt's misfortunes. Sounds like no one is without a misfortune or two.

Mark  calls in from near Roosevelt Lake and he may finally have his mechanicals behind him! Hang in there, Mark!