Matthew thanks for your always reasoned replies. Self-sufficiency means planning for things you know you'll need.

Kudos to everyone who finish, and bravo to all who've made a sincere attempt regardless of the result.

I'm disappointed for Mike Hall that a course mod altered his amazing display.  Regardless- incredible!

You already know my story for this year but most don't; I scratched near Lima after a crash and first-ever hospital stay. I'm back home now after my wife drove 19 hours to Butte chasing me down.  It will take a while but I'm getting better daily.

I just registered here this morning but have watched the site for many years. I'm saddened by the negativity I've seen growing here.  It adds no value.  The 'true purists' should start their own event if TD isn't good enough.  Nothing stopping it.  This is just a bike race folks. It's not our whole life.


For those interested in how things can go wrong, I humbly offer my blog for my story.  I'm nowhere near a newby to ultra-distance events or racing in general, but will attest that sometimes things don't go your way.

www.living-fast.blogspot.com is my site.  I have more pics to post soon.

I will say that my experience out there far exceeded my most positive hopes in terms of the people and challenge. If you are contemplating your own entry, face your fears and go for it. Ignore the negativity- know yourself and live your dream.

I'll be back, and next time I'll bring both lungs the whole way...