Partner Needed for Colorado Trail (Now 27Aug-11Sep )

[sullivan006]

Hey Ya'll.  I plan on riding the Colorado trail this summer and am looking for a partner(s).  I plan on riding from Durango to Denver and would like to average 40-50 miles a day.  I'm not sure exactly when this summer, but it tentatively looks like it will be early July (I'm still not sure the exact dates when I can take off work).  A little about me- I'm 24, male, from the Seattle Area.  This will be my first major bikepacking expedition, however I have done a month long traditional tour before (averaging about 60 miles/day- not bad considering we didn't train! )  I will most definitely train for this though - plus the altitude is going to be a real killer for the first few days since I live at sea level.  

Please let me know if you are interested in joining or if you have ideas of other forums where I could find a partner.

Also to those who have done this before, what is the easiest way to get back to your car?  Hitchhike?

-Matt

[adventeurs]

Hey there, I am planning on bumming around this summer and doing a bunch of bikepacking routes. I have rode the GDMBR and half the IHSMBR. I hear that the Colorado trial has an immense amount of hike-a-bike sections.

I'm interested. Keep me posted on your plans as time gets closer, or if you decide to do another route in the SW I'd prob be down.

Peace!

[mtnbound]

Sounds like a great time! Best of luck!  I would love to go but three toddlers are keeping me busy right now.

For training, yes, be prepared (mentally and physically) for major climbs and tons of HAB - it is not unusual to spend half of your time pushing your bike uphill (ugh!!!).  Which is another reason it is best to try to minimalize your stuff to keep it as light as possible (which can be tricky - be safe and prepared but keep to a minimum). 

I strongly recommend: 1) getting the Colorado Trail book from the Colorado Trail Foundation and 2) reading some of the CTR threads - tons of good info there, even though you won't be racing, on just about everything you will encounter - food/water and filters/training/sleeping items/packing/first aid kits/bike maintenance/types of bags/shoes/etc.  Just ignore the comments about ethics of racing - those discussions can go on for pages!

[Yagi]

To love bikepacking is to hike-a-bike.  Embrace the suck.  That is what makes the memories.  

I wish I could swing it again this year - I'd love to tag along.  It's a great trail, and I second mtnbound's recommendations.  Get the data book and the official guide.  Indispensable items.

If you have any more questions - don't hesitate to ask.  There is tons of knowledge on this site.

Good luck.

Steve

[sullivan006]

Adventeurs- Hey thanks for expressing interest in riding with me.  I am still waiting on specific vacation dates from my company, but I should know within the next month or so.  I would be potentially down to do a different route if for some reason you can't ride the CT, mainly since I think that riding with a partner is more fun than riding solo, but I'd prefer to ride the CT.

Mtnbound and Yagi- thanks for the advice.  I've already picked up a copy of the "data book", however it doesnt seem as helpful as I thought it might be, especially since I'm thinking about riding from the opposite direction.   I still might get the Official Guide book as well and I've heard good things about Erik the Blacks Colorado Trail Pocket Atlas.  Thanks again!

[eile]

Hi Matt - I'm just planning my CT trip too. Vacation is stencilled in for Jul 16 - Aug 14. I'm flying in from Switzerland to Denver, and was planning to do the CT in the other direction, hopefully make it to Durango and then go back to Denver by bus (or other transport if it can be organised). I have done a few multi-week trips through the alps and pyrenees, and am mountain biking for over three years now.

Feel free to contact me PM (eile@mailbox.org) if you are still looking for partners.

[jeremy11]

In early July you will very likely run into extensive snow up high.... so just pay attention to the snow levels before you go.
These pictures were taken on the sections 22-23 probably the end of June, 2011. I was living in Lake City at the time so it was a short overnighter out my back door.
In the first picture I had to use my bike as an ice axe to get across the steep snow field..... 1. Kick steps.  2. Toss bike forward and hold onto bike. 3. Kick next step.
There were several snow slopes like this with long but fairly benign runouts at the bottom.... just don't fall!

[eile]

Hi Jeremy,

cool pictures!

Do you happen to know how much snow the region had this year? As said above, I'll start mid-July from Denver, so about three weeks later than you.


Cheers,

Stefan.

[jeremy11]

No idea for conditions this year, I'm living in Grand Junction and don't get up to the high country often.

[Traoska]

Hi Matt, I'm interested in joining! Please keep me posted on your plans. Tracie

[eile]

Hi Tracie, I haven't gotten a reply from Matt yet. See above for my current plans, and shot me an email if you want to discuss and plan further. I will likely book my flight in the next couple of weeks. Where are you based?

[sullivan006]

Hey Ya'll,

Thanks for all the responses, I really was not expecting so many!  I have some good and bad news.  First the good news- I now know when I can take leave.  The bad news- its from 27 Aug to 11 Sep, so considering the travel time from WA to CO I'll probably be riding from 29 Aug to 7 Sep.

These dates are later in the summer than I expected (July), but that is what the military gave me.  At least the snow pack should be less of an issue.

If anyone is interested in riding during that time period just respond or shoot me an email (mjbunker@sbcglobal.net)

-Matt

[eile]

Hi Matt, thanks for the update. Seems we're not crossing paths (ha!) then. I want to take more time to enjoy Colorado, and also have planned on an earlier period. Good luck, I'll post an update of my experience here.

Tracie, others: If mid July - mid August is of interest to you, let me know.

[rengland]

Hi Everyone,

Just found this site and am also looking for a partner for early July to do the Colorado Trail.  I'm fairly flexible with time but would like to purchase my plane tickets in the near future.  I'll be coming from the Pennsylvania.

Renee

[eile]

Hi Renee,

This thread was for last year. Don't make me envy you who has the best still to come!

[rengland]

Oops.  Thanks for letting me know.