 Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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on: May 08, 2012, 05:33:14 PM
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jaxani
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 3
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« on: May 08, 2012, 05:33:14 PM » |
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Hello bikepackers of the world!
I need some opinions from you fine folks. I am a younger guy that's just landed a new job beginning in early July and I was planning on taking June off for some "me time". As if the stars have aligned, I have realized that this might be a wonderful time to give TD a shot. I mean, beyond this I am moving into a serious gig that won't allow me to take a month off, and having a family is probably not all that far away. Perhaps this is as good of time as any to try this thing out. Am I nuts to be thinking seriously about this with only a month to prepare?
I've cycled across Canada, done a bunch of 24 hour races, enduros and Transrockies. I'm not a newbie to endurance cycling, but then again TD is a whole different beast. I have limited experience with self-supported riding but am an avid camper that can repair almost anything on a bike without issue. That's gotta be worth a little, at least?
Here's where I'm at: my overall core and strength fitness is good although my race legs are in crappy shape. (I feel like the first week of TD can take care of that in part). I'd be looking to treat it as a tour (not a race!) and hope to finish around the 30 day mark or so, if at all. I'd honestly be happy to give it my best shot, take it as it comes, and make it as far through the States as possible. It's all about the experience this year.
I know this is an insane idea to prepare for this in a month. My fitness is my biggest concern. Mentally I can take the long days in the saddle alone. Logistically and financially it's doable. So, why not?
What do you fine folks think?
Thanks very much for your thoughts and time!
Jordan
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #1 on: May 08, 2012, 05:36:30 PM
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ImAFred
Big B
Location: Las Vegas NV
Posts: 139
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« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2012, 05:36:30 PM » |
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I say, go for it! Otherwise you'll always regret not trying when life makes it harder to get there later.
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I dig dirt!
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #2 on: May 08, 2012, 06:34:31 PM
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harryonaspot
Posts: 405
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« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2012, 06:34:31 PM » |
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You should do fine. The first week will sort you out quickly! If you go at it with a good attitude, it will be a blast. Early June you will have snow up high and some mud. That should improve as you go south. You'll get to ride with the TDR riders which will be cool also. I did it 2 summers ago. A great memory.
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #3 on: May 09, 2012, 07:46:39 AM
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jaxani
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 3
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« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2012, 07:46:39 AM » |
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Thanks guys! Appreciate your positive attitudes about it... especially considering this is such a knee jerk, insane idea. I want to test myself a little this weekend before making my final decision. I am planning on doing two 130 mile days on dirt with a weighted bike to see how I handle it. I'm hoping my youthful vitality will help me out.  If anyone has any other opinions I'd love to hear them! Thanks very much, J. |
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #4 on: May 09, 2012, 08:27:31 AM
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Dumpster Juice
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 62
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« Reply #4 on: May 09, 2012, 08:27:31 AM » |
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Go for it...or you will wake up one day like me and wish you had. Family and work really make taking that much time for yourself hard.
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The older I get, the better I was...
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #5 on: May 09, 2012, 12:20:18 PM
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fotooutdoors
Posts: 206
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« Reply #5 on: May 09, 2012, 12:20:18 PM » |
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Nuts? Yes, but then most of us that frequent this board are. I don't have any experience with the TD, but I think Dumpster Juice has the living life well thing down. Since you have the time now in your life, well, live your life. Good luck!
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #6 on: May 09, 2012, 12:32:46 PM
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kkjellquist
Posts: 61
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« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2012, 12:32:46 PM » |
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If I recall the guy riding with Matt Lee in 'Ride the Divide' did it on a weeks notice. If you are in shape and push on through the dark moments you will be fine.
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #7 on: May 09, 2012, 03:22:48 PM
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Chad B
Moderator
Posts: 484
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« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2012, 03:22:48 PM » |
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I deleted your other double post, FYI.
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #8 on: May 09, 2012, 03:24:09 PM
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jaxani
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 3
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« Reply #8 on: May 09, 2012, 03:24:09 PM » |
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Thanks Chad, appreciate it. I posted there first to realize that it's better suited here, then went back and wasn't able to delete it. Newbie mistake!
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #9 on: May 09, 2012, 03:47:40 PM
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Chad B
Moderator
Posts: 484
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« Reply #9 on: May 09, 2012, 03:47:40 PM » |
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Thanks Chad, appreciate it. I posted there first to realize that it's better suited here, then went back and wasn't able to delete it. Newbie mistake!
No worries. If I had my choice of riding for a month, I would bikepack around Colorado with friends for about 1 week and then take 1 week to do the CTR. Possibly add some internationally bikepacking to my resume also. Although, this is coming from a guy that is singletrack minded. |
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Topic Name: TD Question: Am I nuts?
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Reply #10 on: May 10, 2012, 10:55:00 AM
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vancouvergnome
Posts: 24
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« Reply #10 on: May 10, 2012, 10:55:00 AM » |
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Go for it. "Who Dares Wins" as they say in the military. Life is a funny thing and sooner than later a job, relationships, kids... come into the picture and make those "insane" thoughts harder to execute and achieve. I'm planning on the TD someday but as mentioned life has gotten in the way this year. Enjoy the adventure.
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