That's a righteous rant! 

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

You seem to think you have my motivations figured out. I'll leave you to your assumptions.

it'll get Adam what he wants

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

And then have you accuse me of taking outside support?

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.

Am I?

I've written a lot about my CTR preparation and experience at my website. I posted a link to 60 high-res photos from the race here on these forums, and encouraged anyone who wanted any of them, to download them. I've offered various gpx tracks, maps, recon reports, and stories at my blog for more than 8 years. I participate in these forums where I feel like I can be relevant. I've donated money to the CTF, to say nothing of all the free time I put into the trails/community here at home.

I've also benefited from the shared experiences of other riders. Some of those experiences have been shared freely, and others, I've paid to read in magazines, newspapers, and books.

I enjoy participating in the "well-established precedent" of autobiographical storytelling. 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 I wanted to get rich, I'd find a real job. I made the story because I enjoy writing, and because it's something that I think CT racers will enjoy reading. I think it's a solid contribution to the body of CT literature. You do know, Toby, that the writers who write the "free" stories about the CT/CTR in newspapers and magazines get paid for their work, right?

If the existence of my book offends you, then don't read it.

Cloud reader info: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/?nodeId=200732260

Matt, the story can be read on an iDevice or computer using the Kindle App or Cloud reader.

I don't think the story is just a long blog entry. I hope not. I spent a lot of time writing/rewriting, gathering feedback from past CT racers, and an editor. I did my best to capture the spirit of the CTR. I think it turned out well, but then, I've been so immersed in it that I don't know anymore. My goal was to write something that both CT racers and non-MTB riders would enjoy and relate to.

Those who read the story will decide if I succeeded.

I posted a sample from it at my blog: http://grizzlyadam.net/durango-to-denver

The numbness in my hands and feet is almost gone. But my left hand is still goofy. I don't have the same level of dexterity I used to. It's improving, but so, so slowly. I've started using one of those hand squeezee things to add strength. Maybe it'll help. Up until about a week ago I had to have my wife clip my fingernails. I couldn't squeeze the clippers!

My story about the '13 CTR kept growing, and so I turned it into an Amazon e-book. It's up now at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9BS5QQ

I'd love to hear what you guys think!

I *almost* flatted about a mile above popping out onto the Water canyon road. Burped a bunch of air dropping a little roll over. Luckily I had a Co2 stashed away for such an occasion, and was rolling again in no time.

My race write up is huge, and not finished. But here's a little taste of our rollout from Durango: http://grizzlyadam.net/2013/08/ctr-excerpt.html

It's been more than 2 weeks since I finished, and the race is still dominating my thoughts. I tell ya, the CT gets into your blood!

I thought long and good out there about doing a photo/essay project about the CT and the people of the CTR. I think it could be done without damaging the mystique and underground nature of the event. The best thing the CTR has going for it is its sheer brutality. I don't think it will ever get much bigger than it is because it's just too much of a commitment for anyone to approach casually. HAB has a way of turning away the masses.

Just as long as the gubmint doesn't get involved, I think the CTR will have a long happy life underground, even if it gets mainstream media attention.

Wonderful Mike! You continue to be the best bike trip documentarian in the world. Well done.

Photos I took along the way: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjHb1wW1

Thanks Stefan for making the CTR a reality. It was the best/worst adventure I've ever had. I swear I won't ever do it again, until next year.

Pat was amazing. When we pulled up at 11:00 Friday night he was out on the porch with several folks waiting for us. As we arrived he called us by name, told us to get inside and get to work on the hot food he had prepared. He also sold us a bunch of stuff from his store, and then let us bivvy in the yard. He was super excited about the race. He had his laptop out and was following Trackleaders constantly. He is a part of CTR lore now!

Also, I just uploaded a bunch of photos from the race to Flickr. If you see one you like, or are in, feel free to download it!

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjHb1wW1

I'm back in the office, where instead of "CTR finisher", I'm just "the guy that took a week off." But what a week! It was great getting to meet and ride (hike) with so many of you.

 

Yo fellas, if anyone is interested, I posted my setup on the Twenty2 blog.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I'm lookin' forward to hanging with you all!
http://blog.twenty2cycles.com/

Great write up! I hope you see your Pop out there too. I'm sure he'll be helping you push up Stony Pass.

I put down a few thoughts about taking on the CT. http://grizzlyadam.net/2013/07/colorado-now.html

I'm a mess right now. Excited, nervous, moody. I just need to start pedaling (and HABing)!

See you nutjobs in Durango.

Silverton stores open at 7? Well that changes things. I'd thought they didn't open until 9. Does anyone know if the Sunday hours are the same as every other day?

That first day is still going to be a puzzle. I suspect that at 6:00 Monday morning there will be 50 people waiting outside the grocery store. Maybe we can convince the owner to stay open all night.

For this year (and probably in the future) the Leadville Bypass will be the official route. Since this is already on a CT detour, leaving the detour to detour further into Leadville, and then rejoining the detour later on instead of backtracking will be allowed. I hope this doesn't cause too much confusion, and I'm guessing that only a few folks will actually skip Leadville in any case.

Can I get a few more details on this? We ride through (or just near?) Leadville via a Wilderness detour, but there is another (optional) route that misses the town? Also, with Tarryall a part of the route now, does that make Leadville the last resupply before the finish?

Sorry for being thick. I'm trying to wrap my head around as much of the geography as I can, which is a little daunting for an out-of-Stater.