According to the rules (as I read them), family and friends are prohibited from visiting with riders along the course -- am I wrong? I'm planning to ride the TD next year and I'm trying to get my mind around the rules.

We live right by Frisco. Considering we are some local spot stalkers that attempted to spot stalk him on his way through shouldn't be an issue. No assists. He definitely wanted to play by the rules considering the investment. Yes we know him but no prior arrangements had been made. With the 20min to 45 min updates on the map it wasn't easy!

Did you ask what was the story behind the POC shirt modification? I too am wondering why no helmet, other than to make a statement? Looks like in tennis shoes and flat pedals? he has been trucking along pretty well.

Haha. Alright. One of Cjells #1 Spot Stalkers here! His GF from Vail...Very happy that he will not be a blue dot anymore after today. I have been reading the forum for a while now and I wanted to thank everyone for the pictures.
I also wanted to comment on the POC t modification. Cjell got a very large and new tattoo in NM before starting the race. Wild and yet very like Cjell to get his first tattoo in the middle of a 6,000 mile ride. Halfway between San Jose, Costa Rica and Banff, Canada. He kept one sleeve to cover the new ink. Cutting the other one off for ventilation.
Not riding flat pedals. He actually modified his shoes to clip into his pedals. Those are some of his fav's. For anyone who's been watching him, his bikes custom. He made it with the Black Sheep guys in Ft Collins. Sewed his own bags with some light weight sailing material and obviously likes traveling light. He has some extra layers but has been riding with only one t-shirt this entire time.
And yes...no helmet. No idea why! Probably because of the weight. He's never worn a helmet touring. I mentioned something when I saw him on his ride through Frisco, CO. He said he should have had one during the NM stretch, for sure.
Congratulations Cjell!!! Truly an unbelievable experience and a ride of a lifetime.