Although I believe that seeing a person that you know while on course (especially in multiple places) would certainly provide emotional support, I have always believed that the biggest benefit is realized when I was packing for a race and agonizing over what potentially life saving items I should take or leave because of the weight. Anyone that races bikes, climbs, runs, or skis in the high alpine knows that weight is a major factor in speed and success, and those people also know how quickly things can go from wonderful to very scary in that environment.  When pushing a bike uphill (or riding it uphill), even the smallest reduction in weight can (and is) substantial, especially over a multi-day race.  It becomes exponential.  Knowing that a person(s) will be out on course and most certainly in close range during portions of a race and capable of coming to my aid in an emergency, would make it much more likely for me to leave that sleeping bag, that larger puffy jacket, or those extra pairs of gloves at home.     

I recall sitting there for hours or days thinking about whether I thought the risk of leaving a particular piece of gear at home was worth the danger in which I might be exposing myself because no one would be there to help me if things went bad.  I still make those calculations when skiing or running or whatever.  Racing in some of these races can be frightening at times, and when faced with limiting certain potentially life-saving tools to go faster, I often thought those decisions were as impactful as almost anything that I did out on the trail. Some might suggest that an InReach quells those concerns, and I suppose it lessens them to a degree, but to me it is not nearly as significant as knowing that there is likely someone very close by that is looking out for me and could help me in a pinch.   

It's looking like less than 5 days is going to be really tough this year. 

Yep, with decent weather and no significant mechanicals I am thinking they will finish in the 4 days/7-20 hour range, though I am hoping faster.  The weather is really turbulent up in the Camp Hale area right now, but they probably won't reach there until the early early morning hours tomorrow. 

I was hoping to be able to do it this year, as having a little girl under 2 and some odd health issues have prohibited me from doing so the past couple of years.  However, nagging back issues and/or old bones seem to be impeding progress again this year.  Ugh!  So, I am hopeful that I can make it next year.  I envy each of you who is fortunate enough to do it this year.  The Colorado Trail will no doubt be as beautiful as it always is. Good luck!

-Jerry

Yep, not suprise at all to see Schiff up there.  Keep it going boys!

Good work, player.  Strong strong work.  There are just so many factors that go into the CTR.  Great job dealing with them!

Without the ghost times I can say Neil is hauling the mail!  When I was digging into split time goals for myself making Leadville by noon would be a hero effort.  Its only 11am and I'm sure he's stuffing his pie hole with anything he can grab over there!

Yep, Jessie, I was thinking the same thing when I was looking at the route before determining a month ago that I couldn't swing it this year either.  I figured getting over the 10 mile during the middle of the 1st night was going to be tough, and that if you managed that you would be in great position.  Neil is doing some damn strong work right now.

That reminds me of Ride The Divide movie, when Reuben Kline finds a computer to see where Matthew was. I also remember Matthew asking where Ruben was. Although it was not a phone, Computers are very easily accessible.

Yeah, I have thought about the computer scenario as well.  To me, I have no problem with someone going into a public library and spending time on the computer spot stalking.  If they want to take the time to do that, then I have no problem with it.  But, pedaling along and watching one's i-phone to determine where other riders are stopping, sleeping, riding, etc. and adjusting your race in accordance therewith is something that I wish did not occur.  I realize that it would be impossible to police, but there are a ton of things that occur during the td or ctr that are impossible to police, and it is simply left up to the riders to police themselves.  At the end of the day, though, I think all of us riders know who we were stronger than and who was stronger than us. 

I nominate Toby to be Judge Jury and executioner!
If everyone is so concerned about rule infractions in essentially a "non event" then some sort of authority should be responsible for determining placing and DQ's.
I never understood the no forward hitch rule even back in the dark ages. Who could possibly benefit from hitching forward, then hitching back to recon the course?? Seems like you would be better off riding your bike or sleeping!
It is a much bigger advantage to have previously ridden the course in my opinion.
Also trail magic is nothing in comparison to the places that throw their doors open for racers during the Tour Divide. Imagine no Brush Mt Lodge or the Lodge in Polaris?
Then there is the issue of ITT's and trying to pick the best conditions. I say only N to S Grand depart runs should qualify for the records and only by rookies!
BTW;)

Completely agree re the "records" issue.  To me, that is not even the same route/race.

I don't think that anyone has ever argued helping another rider is grounds for disqualification
 In fact, I think that it generally considered appropriate, especially when the receiver is in danger. In my perfect little world, I think that it should actually be required to help any other rider who is experiencing an emergency situation. But anyone receiving assistance, for whatever reason, is clearly not self-supported anymore, and should DQ themselves. Continuing to ride the route, outside of the race, is great though--so the experience could still be great. But all of this may be pretty much moot, since fewer racers seem terribly interested in pushing their self-reliance and independence lately, and nobody is enforcing the rules (or keeping track of finishing times and places aside from record-setting efforts).

I agree with you, Toby.  Also, one of the rules that you discuss on your website is the one regarding utilizing one's phone to determine where other competitors are on route and/or contacting friends/relatives to figure out the same.  I realize that is tough to police, but a ton of the "rules" are tough to police.  That one seems to really irk me.  I just can't see any reason why that one is permitted.

Jerry

[Re: Still Too Much Snow?]

Re: Still Too Much Snow?
I had hoped to ride from Copper to Leadville on July 5th. Sounds like there may still be too much snow to make it thru Searle/Kokomo. Note to self: Never say "too much snow" come winter. Can anybody comment/confirm how snowy it still is around Copper?
-Barry

Hey Barry,

I just came over Vail Pass this morning, and there looked to be a good bit of snow up there still.  I would be surprised if you could swing it on the 5th, but I will let you know if I see anything different in the next week.

Jerry

Later this month will be on line the new website with all relevant information.

in the meantime, this is a video

https://vimeo.com/94250695

and here's a photo gallery

http://www.orme.tv/portfolio/tuscanytrail/index2.html

Wow!  That looks incredible.  Thank you for the video. 

I'm assuming since the GPX file is "official",  it should include the Gold Dust Trail...?  That's what I assumed anyway.   Just a rookie so I can't be sure, but following the track after Breckinridge,  it clearly diverges from the road,  (see attachment) which I would think is where the section of single track is...?   I'll hope someone with more experience will chime in here...

Yep, right after you go over the top of Boreas Pass, make sure to keep your head on a swivel, b/c that singletrack comes up pretty quickly on your right. 

Hey Justin,

I like where your head is at!  I have been thinking of doing this exact same thing for a while now, but I haven't thought that I would have the time over the next few years to do it, so I haven't actually sat down and put pen to paper in terms of logistics.  You, however, have done a great job in thinking this one through.  Super psyched for you, and will definitely be following along.  Good luck, compadre!

Jerry

Don't think those coordinates are correct, after looking in Google Earth. Your coordinates are above treeline, on a section of trail that's still climbing [southbound]. Although I've blasted past this spring almost a dozen times, while riding Monarch Crest, I've never attempted to find it, but I'm fairly certain it's in section of trail with trees and before [heading southbound] the whoop de doos...
Edit: I think it is the M13.1 waypoint on Toby's GPX file at:
 38°24'20.99"N
106°15'16.49"W
But I'm not sure. The lat-long coordinates you posted are what show up in a ride description for the Crest. I think they have the part about the spring being after (S) of the lean-to and before (N) of Marshall Pass, but I think the coordinates are wrong.

Yep, my recollection is that it is just after the parking lot and then the whoops as you head up the road when going northbound.  

I agree about the tank 7 area being dry.  I didn't top up on the last crossing of Fooses Creek due to the fear of the extra weight for the final push, but I wish I had.  It was cool and evening/night time frame when I went through and I ran out of water an hour before I hit the next reliable source at tank 7.  I want to say I had 3 liters when I started climbing Fooses.

I went through Sargents Mesa in the cool of morning and 3L got me through pretty good.

That said, I think the databook said something about a spring as you approached Marshall Pass.  I looked for it a little bit, but then pushed on.  Has anybody seen this spring?

Yep, there is a spring on one of the sections of two-track in that area before Marshall Pass if you are heading from Durango to Denver, I believe.  I only noticed it last year b/c it is on your right (right next to the road - it might even have a pipe, but I can't recall) if you are climbing the route from Durango to Denver.  When heading the other direction, you are usually flying down that section of jeep road. 

Hi Sherpa,

Generally, I think the CT has plenty of water sources to go fairly light in that department.  Last year I got by with 2 bottles and a bladder that I had in my frame bag.  I didn't even really use the frame bag supply after the first day.  So, I don't think I would have had a problem with just 3 bottles (and only 2 full most of the time), but that doesn't leave a ton of margin for error.  Probably the location where having enough water is most important is in and around Tank 7, and I think that is a bigger concern when traveling from Denver to Durango as opposed to Durango to Denver...at least that is my recollection.  One other factor is the time of day or night that you end up traveling through some of the sections, as you just don't need nearly as much water at night as opposed to the middle of the day on Sargents. 

I hope this is helpful. 

Jerry

Thanks for posting the pics!  This race looks really rad!  I'd like to add it, and the race in the Holy Land, to my list!  Congrats to all!

One of my favorite places...

Yep, agree.  The best sections in my opinion.

In 2011, I rode a full suspension 29er.  I didn't have a frame bag b/c of the limited space, so I put a lot of weight on my back, including all of my water.  My sleeping setup was a bivy sack and a very light down bag.  I ended up suffering madly due to pain in my shoulders and neck, which resulted in numb fingers for about a year.  I also experienced some numbness on my taint b/c of the extra weight on my back.   

In 2013, I rode a ti hardtail 29er with bags from Oveja Negra (seat, frame and feed) and my sleeping setup was only a bivy sack and a down jacket. I did not use a backpack.  My hands never bothered me and I didn't even end up with a saddle sore.  I actually liked the hardtail much more b/c I was able to get more weight off of my back, and I liked the ability to stand and climb more efficiently. 

I was faster in 2013 and there are probably many reasons for that, but for me personally one of the biggest ones was the comfort of not having that weight on my back.  I just didn't experience the general body fatigue quite so much as I had in 2011. I would also say that my kit was overall a bit lighter in 2013. 

It is funny, when you are out there riding and it is sunny, you don't think much about it, but when you are at 12k feet and it starts to rain, you begin to consider whether or not you are a moron for not having brought more supplies.  Then, as we spend time in the comfort of our homes during the winter, I think those feelings tend to go away, we forget the fine line that we may have been running, and we decide for the next year that we can cut a little more here and a little more there.  I remember feeling like my setup was pretty light in 2013, and then I looked over at Jesse's and it seemed to me that he was going for just a long day ride.  So, my guess is that with his experience he has kinda fine tuned his setup in the same way.   I would suspect that I will do the same this year.

In the end, I guess it is just whatever makes you feel comfortable on the trail, whether that is from a pure riding standpoint, enjoyment or the feeling of comfort and safety.  I think either bike and either way, with pack or without, might work better for different peopl.