-  Hal Russell arrived on what we now know is his "Farewell Tour Divide" with his patented Hal Russell Smile.  Despite doctors orders Hal is completing his 6 TDR at the age of 70 in his usual style; but this time there is a lot of emotion along the way as everywhere is a cherished memory, a new/old friend, a great meal, another story.  And it obviously saddens him to leave his comfortable friend.  However we tried to discuss the future good; like going back to Vietnam but this time on a bicycle instead of a troop carrier.  Hal if you read this; you are a legend, you will be missed, we will stay in contact!

I have a photo of Hal and another rider (name escapes me; my apologies) at the Grand Depart in Banff in 2015. I was too much in awe/intimidated to approach him for a chat, but he continues to be an inspiration and a true hero for those of us who feel our best may be behind us. Perhaps it's not.

And I'll be surprised if this is his last TD, doctor's orders or not...

Wonderful photos, wedelmaster - thanks for sharing.

I was in Banff for the Grand Depart in 2015 (not riding, just spectating...) and these bring back lots of memories.

On another note: I'm really late to the party this year and haven't kept up the past couple of years due to various things - when was the Flathead removed from the route?

Congrats to Brian, Josh, Ben and indeed the rest of the TD riders wherever they may be. Superb rides all 'round; you all have my deepest respect. 

If Jay Petervary began two days after the grand depart, why is his total elapsed time within just a few hours of the riders who began 48 hours earlier?

Because:
1. he's riding an ITT (his ET starts when he starts, and not at the GD start); and
2. he's Jay Petervary.

To be seventh on the trail after giving the field a 48-hour head start is nothing short of amazing.

Gary

Thanks HappyWanderer. Josh is looking great. 

Absolutely. Glad to see he's back on course and riding well.

GPS drift? Says his speed was 76.4 mph Brian is way off route now.

Perhaps. Just seems strange it would drift exactly to the Lodge, is all...

Josh gone for a bit of a snooze at Holland Lake Lodge? At least I hope that's all it is.

Wondered about JP too.  And Guy Martin?  Nope, don't see him either.   

After coming off his Fireblade at the Isle of Man TT this year, Guy was lucky to get away with a cross-threaded left wrist. He probably wishes he was back on the TD this year.

Good luck to everyone on the TD this year! I was at the start in 2015 (as a spectator) and it was exciting stuff. I wish everyone a speedy and safe journey.

Gary

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/ultra-racing/tour-divide-2016-race-discussion-thread/msg83549/#msg83549

Thanks flyboy; my apologies for missing that.

Does anyone know what happened to Guy Martin? I read where he was seen in Banff, but his name isn't on the list and I'm wondering if he scratched before the start.

Angler;  I will never tire of your photos of the racers.  Gives a whole new perspective.  It is so cool to see these guys having been through the elements and whatever else, and seeing their smiles.

This.

Can't wait for your photos, Angler. Thanks for everything you do.

Photo of the start - Crazy Larry leading the pack off asphalt onto the Spray Trail. Raining in Banff now. 

Thanks for posting that, Tractormann. Brought back memories of the 2015 start when I lived in Calgary and went to Banff for the GD. I wasn't there for this year's start but will follow the dots from Kentucky.

Congrats Billy and Lina for an epic and entertaining TD. Thought about you two every time I looked at the bracelet Lina gave me in Banff. Superb effort and a lot of us are terribly envious.

No Negative Thoughts Ever!

among others ... it looks like Hal Russell finished a little after 2 this morning.  Followed shortly by Jen Marsh a little after 5 am.  Both beating the 30 day mark.

Great job, Hal.  Chalk one up for the Old Guys!

++1. I was away from the PC and missed Hal's finish; he is truly an inspiration to all of us.

Humbled by Marshal Bird. Incredible ride.

+1.

What a superb ride by Robert Orr. Congrats! Gives all of us near-seniors a great deal of hope. Time to keep an eye on Marshal Bird as well. Fantastic performances from everyone.

He's OK. Doesn't want to continue it seems ... listen to his MTBCast.

Thanks kiwidave. I missed that mtbcast post.

I've just noticed that fellow Alberta resident Tom de Vries is listed as scratched as of 20-odd hours ago and 85 miles north of Del Norte. Does anyone know why and/or if he's OK?

Gary

My favorite pic of Josh Kato.

Great work, JMH, excellent photos. 

I also hope that's a beer in Josh's hand. He deserves a truckload after that ride.