Going to throw my hat into the ring. I like Timon Fish and Ashley Carelock. Think they will do well the further South they get. Friend in Whitefish says Mother Nature is going to bring Snow/Rain Sunday night through Wednesday.

Timon looks to be off to a smooth start. Going to be fun to follow.

Yup,looks like Kurt finished in 2days 7hrs. Awesome ride,

Kurt Refsnider has a cool and easy to follow guide and super price friendly also. ultramtb.net

Geez,he's faster than Fed Ex.

Crazy!!!! See how long he sleeps.He's 13 miles shy of Spring Creek.

Lachlan Morton ITT has started.Should be interesting to see what he can do.

Wow!! What a battle 3-6th place.Woodland couldn't agree with you more.Georgia Pass is pretty special.

Alexandra Houchin is in first place in the women's category. She's on a single-speed.

Heck Yeah!!! Rocking the single-speed with a 5ish mile lead.Badass!!

Looks like Kurt is about 2 1/2 hours off Jesse's record pace through Cochetopa Park. (3:20:44 is the time to beat) Plenty of riding to go!! ...and hiking...

While Kurt is cruising out in front 3rd-20th place is pretty tight.Going to be fun to watch how this unfolds over the next few days.3:20:44 just CRAZY.:-)

And just like that Kurt is off on his own, ridiculously far ahead of everyone.

Just read on FB that Timon has pulled out...

Tough call for Timon,but with a bicuspid heart valve issue he made the best decision.Not something you want to play around with.It was shaping up to be a battle to the finish between Kurt and Timon.

This RACE tho! Hot. I like Seistrup. 38. Is he a "rookie" at TD? Getting stronger and faster as the race wears on. Simplicity always wins, those without plans who don't need motels. Matt Lee's original "one-motel-night challenge" still stands. TD is a spiritual journey and the happiest rider will prevail. Remember that video of Kato 3 or 4 years back joyously "WHOOOHOOOing!!!" on that final stretch to the border for his win?? TD Forever!!!

Yup.Its starting to take shape at the front.Kinda scary thinking the efforts these riders are putting themselves through.Mother Nature is on a bender in Colorado and the leaders will be faced with some tough conditions.Onward and Upward we go.

Certainly going to be interesting to see what's going to happen with the current snowpack melting as well as any parts of the route that are affected by downed trees from avalanches.

Alot of trail clean up will need to be done this year.Should be lots of water this year as well.Salida Big Friggin Loop is in a few weeks.Going to be interesting to see what the CT looks like.

Who's in for 2019? Mother Nature is on a bender in the high country.Might have to bring a Avy beacon,probe and shovel this year.Ride of choice this year might be a snowmobile.(Kidding).Hope everyone had an awesome Winter.Cheers.

https://www.dynafit.com/en-us/men/apparel/pants/mezzalama-race-pant-man?number=08-0000071072_0000000007
Great pant for those chilly Colorado mornings.Packs up to the size of a baseball.Dynafit rates the pant a 2/5 for warmth.I'm on my third pair and they are plenty warm when you put them on over your bike shorts/bibs.

I use Sawyer Filtration Systems.I carry two filtration cartridges,and two filtration bags.One small bag 20oz and the big one 60oz.I attach a filtration cartridge to both and leave them on.I cut the top of the bag off(Not the part filter goes on).Now you have a big opening to get water into the bag instead of the tiny hole you attach filter too.Once you have water in the bag (3/4 full works best) just roll the bag toward the filter and the pressure increases the flow rate.Works great for me.See if I can post a pic./Users/thomasray/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Previews/2018/12/13/20181213-153616/IMG_1833.jpg

How about a May 31st start date for the GL??
I know its only November,but might as well get it out there.

Cheers

Finished this morning in Fruita just after1AM.Sunburned and Dehydrated,holy shit what an ass kicker.3days 3hrs and some change.I'll write a trip report soon.Trying to get up out of bed for the drive back to Denver.

Well its just about go time.Final bike prep,food prep,etc.I'll be headed out CC.I was originally going to go Clockwise,but I like the option of stopping in Nucla for some food,and being a little closer to GJ/Fruita in case the shit hits the fan.I will be following the route Neil B was following in the fall(525km-8854 Elevation G/L) give or take.I'll be leaving from Fruita tomorrow night 9-11ish,after a quick stop in Aspen and dropping my car off in Fruita at a friends house. I will post back when I get done.
Pete, hopefully I'll run into you guys out there on the trail.Have fun and be safe.
Jim, nice work and great pics.Awesome time as well.

Heck Yeah,gonna be a hoot:-)
Thomas

Hi Thomas,
There are two of us, maybe 3, driving from the front range in the late afternoon on May 31st.  Given the low interest, we were thinking about just starting when we get there, Thursday night.  We are also kicking around a West Water Start.  Where are you driving in from?  When were you planning to arrive?

Hey Pete,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.I'm also driving in from the front range,but I have to swing through Aspen to pick up a few things.I will be starting at 10ish Friday night from Fruita and biking the route  clockwise.Are you biking clockwise or counter? I'm sure I will see you out on the trail.