Congratulations, Mike!!!! Wildly impressive ride, and by yourself for most of it!!!

Will Mike try for the free breakfast at the Lost Miner's Cafe in Plataro?  Many have tried -- many have failed.

the lumberjack challenge, is that what it's called? WOW. approximately the amount of food i eat in 3-4 days.  apparently billy rice 2 years back got his meal for free!

Dylan Gonda has the first full suspension bike I've seen this year...I wonder how he likes it.

Josh Kato seems like just the nicest dude...on the edge of my seat here!!! #kato4president

i hope he hasn't made it too early!

an unexpected turn of events.... G O   J O S H !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been told by one of the racers that he saw the dog at the start with a couple, but his impression was that they were just there for the start or that they were maybe doing it 'touring style'.  Dunno, I'm super intrigued by the dog too. 

https://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/

New update on Lael's situation.  IMO, she is riding in a completely honest manner and what she's doing should count for the record.

In my experience most mechanical and medical emergencies are also the result of "poor planning". e.g. Medical: riding too fast; too long; too tired; poor visibility; choosing a poor riding line (I've scars for that error) etc. Mechanical: equipment choice; equipment maintenance; riding line; speed etc.

I agree with this to some extent, but it seems as if people prepare as well as possible (that is to say, in a highly thoughtful and meticulous manner in general).  Disasters happen, medical and/or mechanical.

I was told that Kristen Arnold began the TD with her boyfriend.  I don't know if this is accurate, but her and someone else from Columbus, OH (Taylor Kruse) have been riding pretty consistently together the entire race.