I guess I don't have the competitive edge, I'd always stop for pie. Particularly if I came from another continent. Besides, if Mike comes back and gets a chance at the course record the pie stop has been done now and is optional ... or is it? Now that he's got a taste of it, maybe he'll mess up his next win just for another slice of that delectable pie. Mmm, pie.

Hey everyone, some total noob comments to follow, so go easy on me. ;-)

Not having a clue about the condition of the NM fire, last night I dreamt up an ideal situation where the fire was almost under control and they reopened the trail in time for Jesse and he just took the record. Of course, now I see he needs to make up some time too. Oh well. (Never mind what I was dreaming up was going through Craig’s head at times.) Watching blue dots does wonders for the imagination.

Regarding the previous discussion of too many riders, is that becoming a real logistical problem, or is it being talked about here? If it’s a real issue, they could cap the entries and put people on a waiting list. Elite riders would get automatic entries. Alternately, a second wave a week later wouldn’t be too bad since the timing seems largely to to with max daylight - less of an issue if you’re taking 4 weeks or more to complete. My 3rd idea was to cap entries and offer an alternate grand depart northbound to those who don’t want to be on a waiting list. A lot of people like the excitement of a grand depart, so it would be good not to restrict it to elites. Finally, silver dots for riders over 55? :-D