WOW oh wow!
You all put on an amazing performance!!

This race has consumed my thoughts and conversation for the past week and a half! Thank you for the awesome show of sportsmanship, perseverance, comaraderie, entertainment... (I could go on and on, but I won't )... You are all incredible athletes and I hope you feel so incredibly proud of yourselves for going the distance, and pushing yourselves through such a rigorous adventure!

I hope you know how much we at home have been rooting you on and cheering for you and talking about you to 'regular' people! You are a true testament to the spirit of the athlete!
Nice job!!
Way to go Racers!
thanks for sharing your fantastic journeys with me and allowing me to be a part of it, if only through the network!
:::big hugs to you all:::
Connie Gallion

Wrote up my take on 6.5 days of fun at http://gooneyriders.typepad.com/.

 I am glad you changed your mind about ringing up Snickers bars all week!  You go Girl!!
Wow! I cried through that whole thing! Thank you for sharing such a personal experience.

Beautiful. Terrible. Amazing. Brutal. Inspiring.

~Connie

Love the mugshots! Thanks for sharing! (Did I miss the pic or is Emily Sportsman missing from the lineup?)

I just cannot say enough good things about the coverage and accessibility you've provided on this forum! Thank you so much for such an amazing organizational service!
I was dreading the days my son would be out there without any way to check on him/his progress... (accidents do happen y'know) and this whole network of people and information and updates really helped put my mind at ease. Plus, as a major bonus, made it SUPER FUN to follow all the racers!!

And even though you don't know me, I feel as though I know some of you!

 
Connie Gallion

Great race Esther! 

  It's been really inspiring to watch your robitic-like pace and to hear you so fresh and seemingly un-crushed!  Eat, sleep and be merry!  Your an animal!

tom jensen

ditto!! Congratulations on an amazing performance!
MomG  (Connie Gallion)

Nathan Gallion called in from Silverton after 100mi and 16hrs in the saddle!
MomG, be aware that your son sounds pretty beat. I've heard a lot of racer audio from the GDR, TD, CTR but this ranks among the most tired I've ever heard a caller. Awesome determination to get to Silverton!

(as I mentioned, he always finishes strong! even if he's dragging. he'll just be grumpy on the ride home until he falls asleep.)
"Thank you" hardly seems like enough to say for the relief I'm feeling right now.  :::insert hug emoticon here:::    I appreciate the effort you "Staff" put into this ride! The coverage is incredible for those of us waiting to hear and just following along. You are an inspirational bunch to say the least!  Nathaniel has been involved in bicycling/trail building since he was a youngster and has become even more interested in helping build and maintain trails since we moved to Colorado three years ago. After hearing all the racers' call ins and seeing these posts all week, I have a new appreciation for the difficult challenge the racers face.  You racers rock!!

If you look at the tracker screen, when the route crosses a paved road that leads to lake city (off route), section 22 & 23 are coming up next

knowing he was in monarch, now knowing where 22&23 are, and knowing how he finishes usually-- i'm confident he'll be right on target!
thank you!

And I know from the standings board that he's not to Monarch yet.

I found out from somebody in Monarch that Nathan was there yesterday afternoon and got back on the trail at about 4:30p.m.
It's amazing how quickly I fell in love with that little "spot tracker"! I miss him terribly.
Now if I could just figure out where Slumgullion and sections 22-23 are... (man I loved that little "spot"!)

Layla, I feel for you girl! I'm glad your man is calling you on occassion though! (am wishing my son would do the same.)  
I also know from Nathan's race history (though never days long before) he is a strong finisher!

This is from the homepage of the CTR -- course description::Spring Creek Pass to Stony Pass Road. - Ride Segments 22, and rerouted (Cataract Ridge) segment 23. Note: This reroute is included in the latest Guidebook, 7th Edition "Revised", as well as the CT Databook, 4th Edition. Pay close attention to the Trailside Databook at the start of Segment 22!.

I hope Nathan Gallion got that trail book he was hoping for in BV. 

I just met Nathan Gallion, he got a little off route from the top of Slumgullion, and ended up at my place outside of Lake City (bottom of Camp Trail).  I got him directions from the top of Spring Creek, he has a sore achilles tendon still, but is pumped to keep riding and thinks he can make it.  He's got some sweet riding coming up on 22-23!

Thank you Jeremy!! That really helps me feel better! 

Ryan Feild....
....We talked for a while. Back near Janets cabin he slept on the deck, thought he heard a bear and moved ti the top back deck. Later that morning he saw Nathan who was apparently sleeping around the same. Ryan mentioned he wasn't too sure about Nathans mental state at that time.

How long ago was this conversation?  The last update I rec'd was that Nathan got some sleep in Beuna Vista on Friday and then was on section 13 just west of Salida and doing ok. (Which makes me think his Achilles problem from Friday morning was at least better.)
And I know from the standings board that he's not to Monarch yet.
Was the 'mental state' comment made tongue in cheek?  
If anybody has a more current update I'd appreciate hearing.  I know from all the racers' comments that this trail is brutal. Lack of calories, oxygen, and sleep can really alter a person's wellness.
Anybody?   Thanks.

Nathan seemed to be doing well and hopefully this puts his family & friends mind at ease.

NL and Ryan, Thank you for that update!!
 This momma is glad to hear that Nathan got some much needed sleep in BV! I could hear the exhaustion in his voice on the Friday morning call in about the Achilles problem. 

     PRESS ON ALL YOU CRAZY ATHLETES!  You are AMAZING!
xoxox

Hey! It's Emily Brock and I am scratching in Salida.... I had an awesome time out there,...." 

Nice job Emily! Hope you feel better soon!

Hello All!  If anybody hears from/sees or knows the whereabouts of Nathan Gallion, please give an update. The last update we heard was that he was having some major pain in his achilles tendon. No word since Friday morning.
 His phone is likely dead and I'm sure he didn't take a charger, even for 'just-in-case'. And his Spot has been 'obliterated'.     The family, and various other cheering sections, would love a progress report!
Thank you.

Amazing job y'all are doing out there Racers!!   GO! PUSH! CONQUER!

You're all in my prayers!  

Hello All! What an amazing adventure. I'm learning my way around the site still... KUDOS to the person(s) responsible for this network! (I'm Nathan Gallion's mom.) We have a cheering section at home, at work, and on Facebook for all of you!! Our prayers are with all the racers. Wishing you a strong finish and not-too-uncomfortable time getting there! You're facing so many challenges, but if you weren't strong and determined you wouldn't already be where you are!! You can do this!!  God's blessings to you all!  Go for it!  <3
~Connie, Colorado Springs (conniegallion@yahoo.com)