So, according to the call-in, Ollie first, Craig second, Garrett third, Kurt fourth. Yes? How does that get verified if Craig's spot wasn't working?

Edit:
Craig Stappler called in with his finish call! He recaps his final push. He finished at 11:45pm last night!

Woo-hoo!!! Congratulations, Craig!!! :-)

If you listen to Ollie's call-in, he mentions that Craig was hoping to finish up today - he didn't think his spot tracker was working. Here's hoping that is correct and Craig is okay.

Thank you to all the racers for looking out for each other. You are very special and those of us "watching" the race (at the very least, me) appreciate you!!!

For those of you who had to pull out due to various reasons, you are still above the norm, as many of us would not even attempt something like this! Get better so we can "watch" you next year!!

TB & EF - still think the two of you should get some sort of medical award!! :-)

TB and Fixie Dave passed each other. Question to those who race... do you stop to chat with someone coming from the other way? Just wave? or just continue on?

Cjell looks like he has less than 200 miles to go to finish. Anyone know what the mountains he's going through are like now? I know the Southbound riders said they had to carry bikes instead of ride... is it still like that or worse due to mud?

There is more safety in being in stealth mode on some parts of the course. Unfortunately, not everyone who follows the blue dots is encouraging and supportive. Bikes have been stolen and riders have been harassed in the past. The riders number one concern is safety. That is why the riders wish each other safe rides in their call in's. I am sure Craig, Kurt, and Serge are making progress towards the finish.

That's also why it is so nice to make sure they are okay & to hear about the wonderful things people do while they are riding. So, thank you (again) to everyone who posts their smiling faces (or scary ones prior to eating)!! And to everyone else for being a part of it.

I had never heard of this event until my co-worker decided to do it. Now, however, I believe I will be "watching" yearly!

Calls Serge Chiasson called in from the Good Pie Cafe in Pie Town. He was out of cash and they don’t take plastic but they’re letting him mail a check! Props to the Good Pie!

I love that there are still places in America that trust in others. Thank you to everyone who keeps track of the riders on the route!! I know I have appreciated all of the photos and smiles provided!!!

Still watching Eszter crush the women's record as well! :-)

Cjell is hitting the Canada part of the trail soon... Everyone who does this is amazing. Thank you all!!!

Eric Foster, how's the knee? Are you going to do the TD again?

I saw his name and wondered if it was the same one who put his own knee back in place. Eric, you are amazing for being able to do that and still ride for days after. Not sure if there is an award for best medical, but you or Tracie B should get one (I can't believe she's riding again, either!)!!

Ollie: Congratulations on killing more than one record! (Pancake challenge Craig referred to in his call-in...) Hopefully someone has a huge bowl of ice cream at the finish for you!

Does anyone know where the finish line is in Banff?
Cjell looks like he will finish in the next few days so dad is going to head up to Banff to see him in.

Suezim: I'm glad one of the family will be able to see him complete the ride! Please be sure to tell him he was watched (even if we couldn't do it in person!). Congratulations on your new boy in the family! Maybe he'll take after his uncle... :-)

Ordered my books & received them already! Read most of volume 2 last night. Smiles, laughs, & tears. Thank you to those who put it together and those who anonymously match the donations! While I will most likely NEVER do this ride, I have been canoeing in the Boundary Waters where you pack in everything you need & pack out the remains. It may not compare in a lot of respects, but does to the call of nature & being alone. Thank you to those of you who ride, those who post, and those who take care of the "logistics" of the event! :-)

Cjell: You do have spot stalkers... we're just not in a spot where we can physically stalk you! :-) You've been doing an awesome job. Enjoyed the blog & pictures as well. :-)

I guess I will weigh in on Cjell Money, the Manalope, one of the few northbounders.  I'm his mom.

suezim: I loved reading your post!! I would say that you have done an excellent job in your son. :-) Congratulations on the newest addition to your family as well! I, too, hope there are people cheering him on when he hits his "end" point. One question for you - is he flying back to Minnesota or going to ride back to see his new niece/nephew?

Not to distract anyone from the Rules thread or anything    but I'd love to hear about the riders out on the course, from family, friends, or fans.  Tell us something about your rider, it makes it more fun to follow their dots.  Last year we discovered some interesting things about the riders - unusual occupations, accomplishments in sport (or life) prior to the TD, family ties, motivation for signing up for the TD.  Want to hear about back of the pack, front of the pack, and everyone in between!

Well, Gary Glunt is a co-worker of mine. In the last year, he has gone through an amazing physical transformation. If you look at some of the pictures available on the web, they show him at his "heavy" weight. He's started the biking as he lost the weight. While I do not remember the amount of weight he lost within a year's time, I know it was well over 50 pounds. He is a proud dad & grandpa. I haven't talked to him from when he started the race, but it's my understanding that he took a couple of spills (one that messed his ankle up) & he had to get his bike fixed twice due to the spills. He had to walk the bike for quite a few miles not to mention carrying the bike through the snow at the start. He didn't have shoes that were meant for doing that, so that didn't help much. He is also someone who will help others if needed. While he didn't get very far this go around, he said he was going to do it and followed through - even if he didn't make it to the "finish".

Having not known about this race prior to Gary's participation, I just want to say that it has been a very enjoyable (albeit worrying) experience. The endurance shown by all, the smiles throughout in the pictures, the humorous call-ins, and the emotional call-ins are things I will not forget. I purchased two of the books (volumes 2 & 3) in support of Dave's daughter. In a world where there is all too much negativity, I have enjoyed being a "participant" (even as a 'chair' participant) in this positive event, reading about everyone else, and enjoying the wonderful pictures!!

Here's a huge shout-out & hug to all of the riders (past & present) for doing what you do. Listening to the call-ins & looking at the pictures is amazing. Thank you all for allowing us to "be a part" of the ride. To those of you who had to drop out due to health/injury issues, know that you are still awesome!! Take care of yourself now so that you can potentially enjoy the trials & trails at a future time. Thank you all!!!

Did you see that Jarral and Eszter stopped at the same store at the same time? She left before he did and has about 7 miles on him right now, but this is going to be a good race between them just like the CRT.

So... when they're coming up on each other, do they start singing the theme from Jaws to get the other one moving? :-)

Eric Foster (after putting his own knee back in place) & Tracy Burge (after being incredibly sick) are machines! I'm amazed at the ability to have major issues & keep going! I have no idea what happened to my friend Gary in Whitefish, but he's back at it and doing great! I am in awe of all who have done this ride at ANY point in time! (In addition to all who are dealing with stomach issues & swollen anythings!) To see the pictures of them smiling and having fun with each other & people they just meet is amazing.

It's my understanding that he needs to follow the route completely. More importantly, it looks like he's walking, so let's hope that everything is ok except for his bike.

Definitely - when I clicked it earlier he was at 10.something miles/hour, but off route.