My understanding from the rules (see 6 on the rules page) is that a spot isn't required, just recommended.  Maybe it is different for an ITT vs the mass start?

I don't see why every competitor wouldn't want a spot.  It proves that he/she did the whole tour using no short-cuts or outside help and that they hold themselves in the highest regard as to honesty.  Plus, mainly, it's darn good fun for friends, family, etc to watch as they make their way up or down the Continental Divide   

I think that for medical emergencies when the rider with treatment can potentially return they should get to the nearest hospital and then return to the place where they had to leave the route.

Makes sense to me.  I don't see anything different about this than if you had to leave the route due to mechanical failure as long as you return to where you left. 

David Horton is 61 and is the oldest finisher of the 2011 TDR.

David Horton ROCKS, too.  From Ultramarathoner to Ultracyclist!  Next up...UltraSwimmer??   

I'll be 50 on August 8th ;-)   
sr

Re: TD'11 Race Discussion
« Reply #1959 on: July 10, 2011, 03:37:51 PM »
   
By the way, he probably wouldn't want me to tell everyone, but James is 60!  So I think he is probably the oldest rider.


You two ROCK!  Just goes to show age is ONLY a number :-)

That truly sucks for Justin.

Does it ever!  I was hoping Justin could be patched up enough to cross the finish line after coming so far with so little to go.  Bummer!   

Just out of curiosity what are the ages of the oldest man and oldest woman to complete the TD? 

Caboose is a much better term for the last Tour Divide rider ..... for poetry it rhymes with so many western things like moose, noose, ....

Agree!  papoose, vamoose, and I can't wait 'til my Cordilleras I and II arrive!    

Here's a photo of the balloon finish line that Crazy Larry put up.  Ross hammed it up for him as he came across.

Every CD finisher needs a Crazy Larry cheerin' for 'em!   

Did Craig Dolwin finish ?

Yep, Craig finished early this afternoon.

Ross Delaplane called in from Steamboat Lake. He spent the day in Steamboat getting his frame welded and seat tube fixed. Steamboat's a good place to be with a problem like that.

What a WONDERFUL cycling community in Steamboat and a big shout-out to Native Son Welding and Evan at Moot's for getting Ross back in the saddle.  ♪♫He's back in the saddle againnnnn♪♫  Toot-toot 

Determine your course and go do your race. I'd rather lose a day to integrity than gain 2 to compromising my principles.

Well said! 

It doesn't mean we can't try to help prospective racers see the light on the matter, or feel as if it bears negatively on the unsupported ideal.

Anyone seriously gearing up to race the CDT has already thought through the motel vs camping vs some of each choices.  This reminds me of the different stages triathlon has gone through from it's inception with no cleats, no bike shoes, no wetsuits, no aerobars, few fancy bikes, challenge the environment, do your own mechanicals (no help allowed),etc.  Now, it's a totally different sport with all sorts of advantageous equipment, hydration, nutrition, but, the one thing that needs to be remembered is no matter the equipment or where you sleep or what you eat or drink is the "engine" is still one human body sittin' on a bike cranking off the miles on a wild ride from Point A to Point B and all points between, and that's what matters. 

   

Also, using local businesses is going to keep the locals happy and hopefully will continue to treat the racers/riders with respect.   

I totally agree.  From what I've been reading on this forum, local businesses up and down the CD are more than willing to bend over backwards for all racers, and that's worth everything.     

I would love to see this 39er

LOL, make that a 29er!  I'd like to see a 39er, too, bet it'd be awesome 

HI, everyone, Ross Delaplane's mom here.  His dad and I are addicted to the Leaderboard and can't pass the 'puter without checking in.   I was so hoping Sandra Musgrave would continue on, and sorry to hear about Russ McBride having to drop out.  You ALL have fans!  And, yes, Ross made it to Salida in time to pick up his bike bags at the PO before it closed at 12pm.  A BIG SHOUT-OUT to Tamara, Ross's wife, for tracking the misdelivered bags down in Golden (sent Express by Revelate, postal carrier threw 'em on a front porch a block away) and forwarding them to Salida for pickup.  All is well; the bags are hangin' off Ross's 39er!  Lovin' this blog and all the tidbits about the riders.