Self supported, multi-day, offroad endurance racing has done come to Oregon.

360 MILES, 75% DIRT, GPS ROUTE

KLAMATH FALLS TO THE DESCHUTES

FRIDAY – MAY 23, 2014 – 7:00 A.M.

http://velodirt.com/the-oregon-outback-a-360-mile-dirt-odyssey-across-oregon/

I'm in it to win it.     Any other takers?

I have used the same Etrex for the past 3 years and really suck at recommending a GPS as I have zero experience with any other units on the market.  I "like" my etrex and will probably buy a new one for 2014 since this one has gotten kind of beat.  I took a quick look at all the different garmin models and they basically offer the exact same thing in terms of maximum trackpoints.  10,000 is the most you can get on any of them it seems.  So yeah, I would only recommend the Montana if you really like the functionality.  I noticed the battery life is significantly longer with the etrex, something else to consider.  That said, the Montana looks to be a pretty nice unit and will certainly get the job done.  I just kind of balk at the pricetag on the thing.  If it was a GPS/smartphone I'd be all over it but with GPS technology as cheap as it is, I just can't be motivated to pay more for something which drains batteries faster.

Just a short little vid for anyone that needs to up their Trans Am stoke a bit -
http://youtu.be/Yi_vpq12_j8

Note: there will be pie.  

London to Istanbul, 2 control points, choose your own route.

https://www.facebook.com/transconrace
http://www.transcontinentalrace.com/

Anyone thinking about it for 2014?  Entry is open in a few weeks.  It's on my bucket list, not sure if it'll happen in 2014.

Yeah I've used the previous gen etrex since 2010 and have liked it pretty well.  The new one seems alright, haven't used it though.  My old etrex only stored 2000 track points, the new one stores 10,000 which is still only one third of the 40,000 track points for the entire trans am.  That said you can either down-sample the route or chop it up into chunks to upload at different spots on the route.

@TJ

Do you currently have a GPS unit?

For those interested in a higher resolution version of the route, this is not the final official version but it is very close and should make for good planning.  Topofusion puts the mileage at 4,183 and the climbing at 211,000 feet.

http://transambikerace.com/TABR2014.gpx
http://transambikerace.com/TABR2014.kml

Are you using the quick reply to post beardog or hitting the reply button.  If you just use the quick reply you can't pick an image.

Kick ass, yeah hope it works out, either way sounds like you've got some good riding ahead of you next year.  I think the real surprise for folks is going to be the hills in the east.  There are some pretty serious rollers from Missouri to Virginia that are going to be rather trying I suspect. 

Are you ITTing in Kashmir or touring?  Either way sounds rad.

Looks like Taylor got nearly a couple hours ahead of his intended target, a damn fine showing! 

As for the dots, I like the names in the boxes, but maybe they should be blue for reasons of cultural tradition.

Beardog!

http://www.transambikerace.com/
http://facebook.com/transambikerace

It's a for sure thing at this point.  Myself and several others are on the sign up list.  It's the Trans Am touring route across the US, the ACA has the deets on it but there's also plenty of info on the site. 

A rough gpx file is here.  http://www.transambikerace.com/TransAm.gpx  I'm piecing together a higher resolution file slowly but surely!

As for times, I'm guessing 15 days is probably about the fastest anyone could do it.  20 days is aiming high but is certainly within the realm of some folks.

I'm still kicking myself for not being able to make the ALCAN, stupid life with all its "obligations"!

I did a write up of my Oregon ITT of the Trans Am back in August.  It's should be at least mildly interesting to those looking at racing next year.

http://www.giroprotagonist.com/recap-of-oregon-trans-am-itt/

Good reading, bummer to hear your ride through the gorge was so rough.  The gorge is always kind of a mixed bag anyway, it's pretty but there's a lot of traffic.  You'll have much more fun next year crossing the cascades via McKenzie Pass, it is top freaking notch to say the least.

For those who like the taste of pavement, I'd like to point out that the start list is growing.

http://www.transambikerace.com/sign-up/

I wanted to put this out there, I'm doing an ITT of the ACA's Trans America bike route next year and wanted to make a call to others who would like to race.  So here it is. 

http://www.transambikerace.com/
http://facebook.com/transambikerace

Hit me up if you'd like some more info but it should be pretty straightforward divide format racing.  I still need to mark off the splits.  Also feel free to let me know if you have any input or suggestions.  Scott said he'll throw it up on trackleaders so folks can dot watch to their hearts content.

Hope to see you in Astoria!

Am I right that it looks like Mike's moving slow?  Is it just sandy as all get out there or something?  I have trouble believing he's just plain tired and disoriented despite a little bit of backtracking.

Looks like Mike hit the subway and now is probably eating some more at the cafe, wonder if his waiting for a call or what.  Hoping to see him move southwesterly shortly!!!!

He's got to be feeling pretty good to day.  Riding really freaking well and consistently, disappointed I could not join him.  GO BEARDOG!!!

Photo today from downtown del Norte Colo. I can see the smoke plume behind mt San Antonio from my cabin in tres piedras!

Is there any talk of a re-route, just getting plugged back into the forum today.

Yeah he's probably moving, funny to think they'd just be slamming bears in the hot tub shooting the shit.  His pace is freakish and unbelievable.