Anyone else sick of the "real world" and want to try this again?


Anyone else stumble on this article:
http://halfpastdone.com/2013/06/14/face-of-a-trail-angel-kirstens-tour-divide-story/

We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven.
That which we are, we are: One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate,
But strong in will.
To strive, to seek, to find.
And not to yield.

This journey we started together has evolved into a completely different race/tour for each of us based on where and when we encountered each aspect of the course. What an amazing experience for us all! Whether we finished blue or orange or were forced to scratch... we each gave all our heart, soul, mind, and body had to give. And then some. I am proud to be a part of such a humble, caring, powerful community of the world's greatest mountain bikers.
Special thanks to all those I had the opportunity to shred the trails with: Dan and Brad; Lee; Aaron;  Max and Peter; Rod and Jerry; Jason, Brett and John; Tanner and Tony; Michael and Jim; Steve, Andrew and Scott; Tricia; Jessica; and especially Eric. Without each of you my personal adventure would have been hallow. Thank you all.

Never ever yield. Never.

Kristian

Hey Matthew or Scott. Know you're busy but I messed up on my TrackLeader registration. Could you check the info email box for a couple messages from me please?
Thank you!
   

Use the TopoFusion software to load the route. Not the BaseCamp. BaseCamp worked well to load topo maps but couldn't get it cooperate with the route. TF worked just dandily.

Anyone else have trouble loading gpx file on their Etrex20 using BaseCamp? Mine will load part of the Route, not even to the US border, then freezes up. Frustrating at this stage of the game! Any tips?


Hmmmm... think I got it. Used Topofusin software instead of BaseCamp. WooHoo!

All this talk of shaving weight is freakin me out... clipped the tags from all my clothes last night.

Tore all the bags and paraphernalia off my Fargo last night as I am heading to my LBS tonight to rebuild the drivetrain and "stan up" the tires.
Darn thing looks naked!

36 days and counting.

I'm running a SON28 hub and Etrx 20. Can't charge the NIMH batteries with the hub. Any ideas? Is it even possible? Website for Garmin doesn't sound promising. Might need to carry a NIMH AA battery charger and extra set of batteries. Was trying to avoid that for obvious reasons... Anybody?

I want to complain about the weather here in MN... 34 and wet with 2 inches of fresh slush from last night... but then again, I could be sitting at work all day! Off to do an overnight gear shakedown and pump out some miles on my Maxxis Crossmarks.. Have a great weekend all!

I like paper... big industry where I'm from... is the Cordillera 5 available in book format or only kindle?

I don't know about anyone else, but I'd be a little p.o.'d if I had a flat and a busted pump and everyone sped by citing "sorry dude, rules!"  That's just a little dick-ish. I would have no problem lending my pump, and I hope that others would do the same for me. Obviously we are all "unsupported" and self-reliant, but that doesn't mean we have to be dicks. (Not that I'm accusing anyone, just my two cents). After all, one could cite riding together as a form of emotional support because it alleviates homesickness, etc. It's a fine line, I get it, that just seems rather cruel to me. But, there's probably a different mentality among the front of the pack to the back. I hope to be somewhere in the middle.

I'll be a dick... you can use my pump anytime. The "spirit" of this ride/race far outweighs the rules to me. Dang I can't wait for 6/13!

Of course... I'm out to finish respectably, not win!

... So,  I've been trying to "mentally" prepare by being as positive as I can be (I have a very Eeyore personality) and simply trying to ENJOY being outside, riding, and being blessed with the physical and financial means to actual be doing that.   Billy Rice commented in the Cordillera something about "no more negative thoughts.....ever!".  yes, you have to deal with issues, but not to get hung up on them.  Enjoy being in the moment....

AMEN!!! What in life could possibly be better than what we are about to do!

That's it! Minnesota winters are long enough and cold enough the way it is... but 60+ days of below zero is all I can handle. I'm leaving for Florida with just my bike and wallet! Don't get me wrong... I've had the bike out in the snow and cold, but I need some sun and sweat! A few days of gear testing and pumping the miles in the human tolerable temperatures of Northern FL is exactly what I need right now.
My Salsa Fargo is all but ready, the research into equipment has exhausted my patience and wallet, the maps are spread out on the kitchen table, training is going well, and I'm psyched for June 13th!
See you all there!