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

I would say there is a 99.9999% chance he WAS wearing his helmet on a gravel downhill, alone, in the middle of nowhere.

Followup article in the Steamboat Pilot:

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

This just sucks.

Dave was in the bunk across from mine at the Y so I got to know him a little bit before the race.  A very nice guy.  Although he was obviously well prepared for the race he didn't brag, didn't predict outcomes, no trash talk.

The world needs more people like him, not fewer.

Bob

About Kurt's info about the current fire conditions...
Remember a couple years ago when the road crew near Togwatee required cyclists to ride in a vehicle for a dozen miles through the construction zone.  It created a small drama about perseverance, integrity, and all the other things this race brings to the surface.  IIRC, the rules clarification that resulted from the confusion is that racers are permitted to violate the "must ride every mile" rule if doing so would be a violation of the law, i.e. if the highway patrol has set up a roadblock and tells you to either detour or ride in a vehicle, then you ought to do as the highway patrol has directed and you won't be relegated for it.
Presumably the same logic applies to roads closed by a fire crew, right?
AmyL

PS - and please no supported-racer category.  Although this race is by, for, and about racers, it also has the side effect of publicizing the good work that ACA does for bicyclists of all sorts, including the use of bicycles as an alternative to fossil-fuel-consuming modes of transport.  A race that encourages yet more vehicular use would conflict with the whole ethic of bicycles and bicycle travel.  My two cents are worth nothing on this topic, but I had to get it off my chest.

Hi Amy,

From the FAQs, in response to a question from Erik L about fire closures:

"When faced with route closure a conscientious Divide racer tries to ride the maximum amount of official GDMBR possible (within reason), detouring at the last possible safe opportunity, rejoining at the earliest safe opportunity."

Also, my comment "Personally I would love to see what the time would be for a fully-supported racer, just as a comparison to self-supported racing." did not refer to this or any race, it was merely wondering out loud about how much of a "disadvantage" the self-support aspect is.  Personally, I don't think a fully supported racer would be able to cut that much off the record given the average mileage posted by the winners over the years.

Bob

Last I checked the maps Blaine was 70 miles behind Matthew.  I wonder if Mr. Lee feels the pressure; that's only a half day at their pace so one mechanical could allow a change of leaders.

To me it looks like racers do this very often as it is. Maybe it could be a Class, too, though. Neat idea. Now, I'd think that plans/paces could change on a route like this, would they be obliged to stay together? As it is, it looks like riders sometimes change partners or groups.

I'm no rule expert but I also wonder about drafting. Maybe a Buddy Class could allow it? Offhand, I think I'd like the idea of riding with folks but wouldn't want to have to have a "keep away from me" mindset. In the headwinds across the basins, whew, taking turns only makes sense. I've done TT's but have never ridden among a sizeable group without drafting, so I don't know what being savvy about such a rule would be like. If it's wet, muddy or dusty maybe everyone tends to keep a bit of distance, who knows.

Buddies could also perhaps share equipment for lighter loads. ? I recall Jeff of Carousel saying that was a big part of his own interest in UL touring: the social aspect that came with sharing stuff to improve the experience of both.

Of course, buddying would have its own challenge! One could get tired of their twin...

Don't forget that the route is public and the maps/cues are commercially available, so literally anyone can race the route any way they like or even organize their own race.  Personally I would love to see what the time would be for a fully-supported racer, just as a comparison to self-supported racing.

Bob

Has anyone ever reporting seeing Bigfoot during the Divide? Would make for some hilarious stories.

Adrian Stingaciu reported a yeti sighting in a 2008 call-in.  I think he was kidding 

I think this comment is unfair to Lance. How much money has he raised to help cure cancer, support and help those who have this horrible disease.   Do you think Lance can stop during a flat, mountain stage or perhaps a TT of the Giro, Tour De France or TOC and shake hands, discuss current issues and etc. Just chat and watch the 40+kph peloton ride away and give up the race.  Here is a guy who has given a huge amount of time, energy and money off the bike to a wonderful cause and yet we rip on him for not stopping during a race to chat and take a picture during a race.

Sorry about that!  I certainly did not mean to imply quite that much!!  I have modified my comment above.

Bob

Caught up with Matthew on his way up Boreas pass, he stopped and chatted for a bit which was very cool. Hopefully he and the other racer's don't get into too much wind through south park. I'll try to get photos of the other racer's coming through.

Matthew is such a great ambassador for this race, this route, and racing in general.  I wonder how many frontrunners have stopped during a race to chat and have their picture taken with fans?

Every interaction I have had with Matthew has been upbeat, respectful, and encouraging.

Gee, maybe now that Matthew has his bike fixed he'll be able to race 

I don't see the attachment for the pics???

The pics and attachments are there for me.

Hi all,

Here are a few pictures from the start in Banff (if the attach feature works properly).  The bike is Kent's rig.  If someone can give me an ID and email for the "gunslinger" I can send him a copy of the full size file.

Bob

Who is that riding the bike with the Alfine hub? 
I believe I read that Dave Blumenthal is on a Rohloff, true?  Anybody else this year on an internal geared hub? (sorry if this has been covered already)

Derek Richert, Dave Preston, and Brad Perry all lost time this week going into Jackson, probably to deal with mechanical problems.  It would be interesting to know what they were fixing.

AmyL, Palo Alto

Stephen Huddle is riding an IGH.

Does anyone out there have any info on what is in Mr Lee's kit? He seems to have it completely dialed and it would be interesting to see what you can do without.

There is an bonus feature on the Ride the Divide video where Matthew talks about his kit.  1 pound bag, 8 ounce bivy, very few tools (no pliers, no chain breaker).  He says just pack like for a day ride and add the sleeping bag/bivy, a few extra clothes, and your food.

It looks like Kent is following the "hot breakfast" racing strategy.

Go Mountain Turtle!

Here's a wonderment about the vibe of the race... It seems like there might be a good social aspect to it. It looks like a small posse is riding and bunking together. Seems like fun to me. At the same time, it also looks like there are a string of riders rolling along who are, like, a couple miles apart -- a few minutes -- for days on end. To each their own, right?

Steve Wilkinson quote:

"To ride fast, ride alone; to ride far, ride together."

I think Kent Peterson should get the Jay Petervary Attitude Award (or perhaps honorary British citizenship).  His calls are so upbeat - he's always having a great time and just keeps motoring forward.  If it gets a little chilly he just picks up a pair of longjohns and keeps right on going!  Energizer Turtle.

[on the route]

I don't follow.  If you "ASSUME" he got to Lima on route, and there does not seem to be an alternate route at that point, and Matthew was there at the time, then why would you be concerned about Erik's forward move via car?

Hi Bounce,

I'm concerned because the rule states that in case of emergency you may catch a ride in any direction EXCEPT forward on the route, for the reasons that Matthew stated in the FAQ.

If he hitched a ride to Lima via an alternate route, even if that way crossed the main route, he would be OK, as Matthew has clarified in the FAQ.  As I said, IF he hitched in along the main GDMBR route, hopefully Matthew has already OK'd this as an exception.  This would be a very bitter relegation given Erik and Matthew's places in the race otherwise.

Personally I feel that as long as a person returns to the route at the place they left it they should be fine, but the rules do not read that way at present.

Bob

[capture]

I am concerned about Erik's forward move via car as well.  Hopefully he cleared it with Matthew as he was there at the time.  I'm assuming he got to Lima "on route" as there does not seem to be an alternate route at that point.  From the FAQ:

"As TD understands this 'original rule', you can even cross the GDMBR en route to help.

This rule can be problematic, even to think about. The original intent of prohibiting forward (on-route) hitchhiking is a) to prevent the reconnaissance of the route ahead and b) to severely penalize a rider for getting in a car."


John Nobile's fairings are OK as they are not designed to capture the wind, but to cut through it.  His rear fairing actually penalizes him somewhat in a tailwind.

Stephen Huddle is running an internally geared hub, I assume Rohloff, this year.

Bob