So Sorry to hear about Justin. He had a great ride and should feel good about what he did. A real adventure!

Now I think we need a new "fundraiser" for Linnaea. I'm willing to throw in $25 for every day that Stephen H beats his previous best time, which I think is 26 days. It looks like he is well on his way to besting that by a few days. Anyone else willing to throw in a few bucks per day for this? Is this betting? (I did grow up in the horse country of KY)

Julie

A quick Cordillera note...

If you already have a Cordillera Volume 2 in your possession hold on to it. It's going to be a collector's item.

One of the riders mentioned in Jon Billman's excellent piece didn't like the way he was portrayed. He's since contacted the printer and forced them to stop shipments.  That explains why some of you have had trouble placing orders today. 

I rebuilt the book without the alleged mis-diagnosis that caused the drama and set everything up again so sales can resume now but without Jon's contribution.

The Cordillera is not intended to be controversial nor does it want to hurt feelings in any way so I'm going to resist calling this guy out for jeopardizing the fundraising effort and just move on.

It really is a great book, this is just an unfortunate distraction.

Click below to purchase your own copy of the new revision:

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-cordillera/16163086


Eric

How do I  know which  copy I get? I ordered mine Saturday night.

Someone referred to the "basin" that ML is crossing. Can some of the past riders describe the terrain for some of the current riders. I was looking thru the photos on the TD site and was wondering ML is in the flat, rollers in WY while others are still slogging thru more rugged terrain.

Well, flat is a relative term. After crossing the Big Sandy you have to climb a thousand feet or so up to the Divide. It is certainly not as tough as the Montana mountains, but it sure isn't easy either. It's hot and the road is sandier, which can present a whole new host of challenges. And unless you're crossing a stream or river (which isn't often) there are next to no trees between Pinedale and Rawlins. Hills are shorter, but they are there and this section takes its toll in different ways. It's an amazing stretch though and well worth seeing.

Julie

It is really too bad about the bad weather and mud along the Medicine Lodge - Big Sheep Creek Backcountry Byway. The run down that canyon is one of the most beautiful stretches on the Great Divide Route in my opinion. I'm sure it is hard to appreciate that in the rain and mud.

Julie