2011 CTR Planning

[tetontodd]

Nice ride! What Bars are you running?

[perrygeo]

Taking advantage of  snow days here in the Plains. August 1 will be here soon, won't it.

Where did you get/create those elevation profiles?

[pro_out]

Where did you get/create those elevation profiles?

They were created on Topofusion.

[gdillon]

Fully rigid? Yer butt is more manly than mine!

Yea.  I crash less and have better bike handling skills without suspension.  It's also the cheap way to make your bike lighter!

Nice ride! What Bars are you running?

Salsa pro moto 31.8 clamp.  I usually just use 25.4 clamp, but I've stretched out the straps on my bar bag... less wobble now, much happier.

[Mountaindavis]

I was thinking of using an ultralite hammock setup for my sleep seat up--is this wise on the CTR?  I feel that I can always make it to tree line for camping which is always nicer from a wind/o2 perspective anyways but it does predicate having trees for optimum comfort (I can always crash on the ground using the tarp...). 

[Done]

I was thinking of using an ultralite hammock setup for my sleep seat up--is this wise on the CTR?  I feel that I can always make it to tree line for camping which is always nicer from a wind/o2 perspective anyways but it does predicate having trees for optimum comfort (I can always crash on the ground using the tarp...). 

Yes, with a little planning, you can probably always find decently-sized trees on the CTR. Agreed that sleeping down low does help with recovery somewhat--although almost 40% of ride is above 10,000 feet, so it's not always possible to get very low.

[sherpaxc]

I'll be using a hammock on my attempt this year.  I've used a hammock pretty much exclusively for the past 3ish years or so.  You shouldn't have any problems setting it up.  What is your set up?
I'm using:
Homemade single layer with bug net (1.7 I think ripstop)
Tee-Wa underquilt and top quilt
Whoopie Slings

Nothing is more comfortable than a restful night in a hammock!

[Mountaindavis]

I am using a Blackbird dual layer 1.1/Whoopie.  Haven't decided if I will bring an underquilt or a pad yet just in case I sleep on the ground at all.  I don't have an UQ but am looking at them.  For a tarp, thinking of the MacCat micro, possibly their standard.

[riverfever]

I am a very warm sleeper but I have found that I can't use a hammock much out here in Colorado (particularly at altitude) and that's a shame b/c I really like sleeping in one. I have even used a JRB underquilt and was still chilly. However, I can sleep really well with an 1/8" CCF pad cut to torso length and very minimal bag/bivy. Just my .02.

[Done]

Looks like a few of us are getting together at the Rio in Fort Collins at 5:15 this evening. The Rio is having some sort of gear swap at 6:30. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us, whether you've ridden the CTR or are just thinking about it. Should be fun!


Cheers,
Toby

[bartspedden]

Any predictions on when the trail will start opening up this spring for the different sections?

[sherpaxc]

I had an UQ built with extra down that can take me down to 30 degrees without any type of extra pad.  I carry an extra Gossomer Gear foot/butt pad that I can throw under my back if I start to get too chilled.

I am a very warm sleeper but I have found that I can't use a hammock much out here in Colorado (particularly at altitude) and that's a shame b/c I really like sleeping in one. I have even used a JRB underquilt and was still chilly. However, I can sleep really well with an 1/8" CCF pad cut to torso length and very minimal bag/bivy. Just my .02.

[Done]

Bear Creek Survey has just posted the 2011 waypoints for the Colorado Trail: http://www.bearcreeksurvey.com/

Last year, I loaded these into my GPS along with Stefan's excellent CTR track. Sure made for convenient navigation, so I'll be doing the same again this year.

[Carney]

I was thinking of using an ultralite hammock setup for my sleep seat up--is this wise on the CTR?  I feel that I can always make it to tree line for camping which is always nicer from a wind/o2 perspective anyways but it does predicate having trees for optimum comfort (I can always crash on the ground using the tarp...). 

Just a word of caution. As everybody knows beetle kill is everywhere along the route. Last summer some dude up in Summit County set up his hammock to sleep for the night and strung it between two dead trees (of decent size too from what I heard) and not just one but both snapped when he was in the hammock and they both fell on him. Messed him up fairly bad to I hear. Just be careful what you go lashing yourself up to!!

[JonathanEdwards]

Along with a couple of other friends from England I hope to be riding the CTR this year. I've enjoyed reading your accounts and I am really enthusiastic about the ride. We'll be in the US from the 24th July desperately trying to acclimatise to both altitude and sunshine. I look forward to meeting at least some of you in a car park on 1st August...

Jonathan Edwards

[Done]

FYI, the Colorado Trail Foundation and REI recently announced a presentation series, "Hiking the Colorado Trail." Obviously aimed at hikers, but I'm guessing that there's probably lots of good information for CTR rides too. If nothing else, the photography will probably be stunning and motivating.
http://www.coloradotrail.org/media.html

Also, the new guidebook has a shipping date of early April.
http://www.shop.coloradotrail.org/NEW-Official-CT-Guidebook-8th-Edition-GUIDE8.htm

[sherpaxc]

Looks like after my latest trip I've decided that I'm going to sleep in a bivy on the CT.  Question is, do I bring a tarp or not?  Me thinks yes. 
Neoair
down quilt
Montbell bivy
Not sure on the tarp.  I've got a pretty sweet 8x10 sil tarp for my hammock that weighs in at 16oz.  Kind of big and heavier than it needs to be though.  Would love a 5x7 for 7 oz if I could find one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[Done]

Looks like after my latest trip I've decided that I'm going to sleep in a bivy on the CT.  Question is, do I bring a tarp or not? 

I didn't use a tarp, and I never missed it. And being a slow guy, I spent a lot more nights out there in the rain than a lot of people!

I generally bivied under big trees that at least shielded my head from the rain. I figured that hanging around in a cozy camp was pretty much a waste of time anyway--since I was racing, I was supposed to be either eating, riding, or sleeping!

That said, I did pack some comfort items like an extra pair of shorts and an extra pair of socks. One guy's comfort item might be a tarp, and another's might be a clean chamois. Only the really hardcore out there eschew both. Mark didn't even pack a sleeping bag!

[sherpaxc]

Yeah, but I don't think I'm racing moreso than just trying to complete it.  I've got 10 days to do it so I *should* be able to, but that doesn't mean I will!  I'll have to play around with it and see.  Looking back on my latest trip, I'm really glad we got some rough weather as it helped me shake out some gear decisions.  I'll continue using a hammock on other trips, but for trips where I'm pretty much riding ALL DAY and not spending much "camp time" hanging out I think the bivy is the way to go.  Easy set up and easily movable.

I'll have a week in Crested Butte before the CT to try things out.

[jeffkerkove]

I packed a small tarp (9x8) last year.  I tired to use it the first time I stopped to sleep above Breckenridge, but the rain pounding on it was so loud that sleeping was impossible.  In 2011 I will likely NOT carry a tarp...just a sleeping bag and bivy/ground cloth.  I made an early decision during last years rainy version of CTR that when it is raining I keep moving...whether that be riding or hiking.  I would sleep only when it was not raining.  Of course, everyone is different.