....or I'm too tired to care.

My thoughts... Not sure I'll have the energy. Cool beans, just wandering what others are doing.

Hey folks, quick question for the veterans. Who actually takes their cleats out when hiking through the ditch? Seems like it would be a pain.

All the more reason to do t!!

I hear ya, was looking at the Snotel yesterday, It looks like 43 inches on the ground up a Columbine Pass. That is a solid amount.

http://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/reportGenerator/view/customSingleStationReport/daily/409:co:SNTL/-7,0/WTEQ::value,SNWD::value,PREC::value,TOBS::value,TMAX::value,TMIN::value,TAVG::value

Yeah, the Spot 3 is a bit easier to lash to various places.  The Trace really needs to be put inside of something.  On the TD there are usually plenty of pockets and such to shove the little device into.  However, if you plan on using the device in other pursuits away from the Divide the Gen 3 is MUCH easier to strap onto a backpack, kayak, climbing harness, etc.  This year I rode the whole route with my Spot on the shoulder strap of my backpack.
Also, I believe that you need a small screwdriver to change the batteries in the Trace.  The Gen 3 has little wing nut type screws so you can do it by hand.

I'm hearing that the Gen 4 is not far off... It should be pretty cool with text capabilities...

I had thoughts of this route the other day as it's so close to home. I was thinking about touring it, but if there is a race, sign me up. Is the last weekend in may too early? June is swamped for me.

Osprey Talon22 - with an added internal frame, McGyver-style-on-the-fly just before Tusayan, and it still 'buckled' under the ~40lbs of weight during the carry.  You will probably travel lighter, though .  I still have the pack, and will probably take it again, but will use a different carry system (like those 'strapettes').

Yeah, really like the strapettes too, I may have to just purchase them and play around.

-Going to Join the ATA today, It's the least I can do.

-I guess I should also start planning travel logistics. Ideally I would love to transfer my car up to the Utah/Zona State line, but that may not be realistic. If you are from Denver/Colorado Area, shoot me an email if you are interested in figuring something out... Neil.Beltchenko@gmail.com

So I have heard what Rick Miller did with the Mountain Smith Strapettes. http://www.rei.com/product/671335/mountainsmith-strapettes

What have others used in the past for the ditch hike? Sounds like something with a framed back is nice to give you a bit more structure. I have a Osprey Talon, but its an old one without a framed back. I'm not apposed to rocking a backpack for the entire race, but I really hate weight on my back. What packs have others used?

Just noticed on Google maps that the Safeway in Tucson off of Broadway rd is listed as 'permanently closed'. There appears to be an Albertson's about a mile farther west on Broadway rd. Any locals care to confirm?

How the heck does that happen??? Well, that is more of a reason to bypass Tucson. The past two times I rode the 300, I went on Broadway, and I really don't want to do that again.

paper :   http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/

online:   http://td-2015.eatsleepridegreatdivide.com/

Thanks I meant, basemap for My Garmin. Cheers!

Does anyone know of a good basemap for Canada I can use? I'm set on all the states, just would like some more detail north of the border

Cheersand good luck all!

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.

That is one stout lineup. It will certainly make for a party up front. Glad to see you are interested again!

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.

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

What food do you guys pack for 3 or 4 days, just curious. Thanks

Bacon, Nuts, Tailwind Nutrition, Cliff Bars, Honey Stinger Products, Justins Almond Butter, Sandwich and apple from towns, SNICKERS!

I was wondering what others got for the milage difference near Fish Lake Mtn re-route. I calculated 8.8 less miles then if we were to go over Union Pass.

well I see we now have our official 2015 GPX track, the 2 re-routes look pretty routine from a big picture point of view.............http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php

I noticed there was no Union Pass on the 2015 track. Seems to head west of Lake of the Woods. Maybe it it connects to the Continental Divide Trail... to make up for the loss of milage in the basin?

10:30pm and it looks like Billy is on his way
Go BR...........

Indeed he is, awesome. I have never done the divide, but taking 45 miles off a desolate part of the route seems to be significant. I'm interested to know how rough it really is.

https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/colorado
From Todays Report...
"Beyond this weekend, I have relatively high confidence that temperatures will warm up later next week and into early June, though I have low confidence about trends in precipitation. Most likely we'll see weather that is drier than the pattern that we've been in for the last month, though we will not be free of storms or periods of heavier precipitation." JOEL GRATZ

Currently dumping rains/snow in Crested Butte.

Jarral -- not to late to commit!

The new route would hit the "town" of Wamsutter.  It's a 24 hour truck stop with Subway, food, batts, showers, etc.  I'd imagine it will be an improvement over wandering around Rawlins.

Ahhh I was also wondering about this. Less pavement and more dirt is ok in my book.
On another note, I am flying in to Calgary on Wednesday. Is there transport from the airport to Banff? Also, what do people do with extra belongings - I assume there is a post office somewhere in Banff, but I will likely need to ship things out on Thursday afternoon...

When is Aaron D going to sleep? Looks like he has a about a 15 mile lead on JP, but JP's had some decent sleep time the last two nights. It's going to be exciting to watch these two battle to the boarder.

I'm wondering if he wants to place well in the 300? He is laying it down. Lets not forget how strong he was in the Silverton Whiteout a few months ago. Also wonder how rested JP is, only time will tell, but It would be really awesome for a tight 750.

Yeah, Aaron was battling it out with Kurt on day one -- he's holding nothing back.  It will be an interesting one between JP and him.

Adam Vaughn has scratched in Summerhaven -- stomach shutdown and his sleep setup was not warm enough to wait it out up there.  He had a strong start riding with the peloton.

Bummer. I can not imagine how cold it is up there. Last year I put every layer I had on for the Lemmon Climb.

Can Neil S. hold of the others?

Looks like they are closing the gap, still a long ways....