Good to meet you on the trail too Eturk - we had a chat "four hills" north of Apple's, and it was great to see a friendly, enthusiastic face after I'd just trudged back up from Baldy Lake on a water-finding detour!  Congrats on your finish...

Hi all - just back to the UK after the epic that was the CTR.  I have to admit that it was a step beyond what I was expecting - the heat and altitude, plus the sheer damn length of those Coloradan mountain miles :-) made it a beast of a race in every respect.   On the (very) big plus side though, it was a privilege to be on the trail with such a friendly, dedicated and well-prepared bunch of athletes - I take my hat off to everyone who toed the start-line, and am still in awe of those who racked up   some of those lead finish times.  Finally, a big thanks for Stefan for having the patience and dedication to put on the sort of low-key, under-stated event that attracts people who just love having a big outdoor adventure - it was great to be a part of it.

AndyH 

Thanks guys - appreciate the advice.  I think me and (faster) brother Steve are hoping to head out at least a week before race start to give the lungs a try-out.  I biked in CO about 7 years and couldn't believe how rough I felt 200yards out from the trailhead - humbling!

Hope to Bart - tho am slightly concerned by the altitude!

Aug 1st here too please.