2011 CTR Planning

[Yogi the Barry]

Toby,
Sorry for the etiquette breach. I embolded issues that might solicit a CTR response [virus in CTR water and GPS waypoint limit for CTR course] and moved the GPS question over to the Q&A forum.
-B

[Done]

Toby,
Sorry for the etiquette breach. I embolded issues that might solicit a CTR response [virus in CTR water and GPS waypoint limit for CTR course] and moved the GPS question over to the Q&A forum.
-B

No etiquette breach. I really just thought that you might get the information you were looking for more easily that way. All is well!

[Mountaindavis]

I just picked up a Garmin Vista HC X at REI--$150, ($100 off on sale).  Fairly light, takes an micro SD card, and takes 2xAA batteries so you don't need to recharge.  I searched quite a bit, seemed like the best bang/buck/weight.  Played with it for a few days, seems like it will do the trick.   I'm going with the Steripen if I don't just take the pills.  Pills are much lighter and bomb proof.  Steripen will taste better.  Definitely not taking a pump filter or gravity filter.

[Yogi the Barry]

I also pulled the trigger on a Vista HCx at REI yesterday before their sale ended. Still undecided for water treatment, but never considered pills only... Hmmm...
-B

[sherpaxc]

The new Steri Pen Opti is great.  I'm very happy with it.  In my opinon they fixed all the issues that the older gen's had.  Very pleased!

[jeffkerkove]

I used the Garmin Etrex Vista HCX last year on CTR with no issues.  Seems to be the ticket for the self supported riding.....especially with the ability to pick up batteries at small stores on most routes.  Use lithium batteries and get a mega long burn time.

I use a filter, the Katadyn Hiker Pro.  Water is life on these rides.....no water or good water and you will pay dearly.  It is too important to risk it with pills, drops, or other means.  Of course, this is my 2¢.  In my multi-day riding kit, the filter size is nothing.  I was filling my 100 oz bladder with the Hiker Pro in minutes.......very little time at all.

[trailrider11]

Does anyone have experience with a hammock bivvy style setup? Are they worth it?

[TruthRider]

I expect there may be more of these general questions all summer ... Sorry, I know some of them have likely been answered on this thread or others, but since I'm going to attempt the CTR I'm obviously of the lazy sort. Here goes:

Light system?  I know there's been a lot of this posted tons of times.  Do most of you use one main big light system with the water bottle cage style battery?  If so does it last the whole route?  I am thinking of getting four or five small lights, rigging 3 on my helmet and 2 on my bars, and that way I have redundancy if some break or fail.  I'm hesitant to depend on one main light system.  THANKS.

Water - It seems pretty easy until we cross Hwy 50 and start heading into the wasteland.  Are there creeks or sources between Hwy 50 and Silverton?

Ethics - My sister has been talking about hanging out somewhere on the route and surprising me.  It goes without saying that I can't accept any goods or services from her.  But is the mere act of seeing her friendly face considered "support"?  Is that lame?  How is it different than phoning home to hear my wife's encouragement?

SPOTS - do their batteries last the whole route, or do they get replaced as well?

Shoes - Do you all really buy/use an extra pair of shoes that are a size bigger to deal with swelling?  Or is that hype?

THANKS EVERYONE. I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT FOR THIS. I AM DRINKING SO MANY BEERS IN DURANGO !

[sherpaxc]

Does anyone have experience with a hammock bivvy style setup? Are they worth it?

I've got quite a bit of experience with it.  I'll start by saying obviously it's not as comfortable as sleeping in the hammock, but using it as a bivy does work.  Honestly, in CO on the trail you're not going to have any issues finding a spot unless you just decide to hunker down above treeline.  I'm a hanger, but decided to just use a bivy/tarp this year mainly for the fiddle factor.  I want to be able to just lay down and fall asleep.  I figure I'll be so tired I won't care if I'm not hanging in a cocoon of wonderfulness!

YMMV.

Also, Jeff, I agree water is everything.  I own pretty much every single type of filter/purifier/pill there is.  There is for sure a place for all of them.  Good luck this year.  I hope you kill it (and not your feet). 

Ethics:  I think your sister hanging out somewhere is kosher.  Just do the right thing and not accept anything.  There are plenty of people who SPOT stalk and show up. 

Shoes:  Yes, really, your feet are gonna swell.  A full size is a bit much, but a half size is good too.  People bodies obviously react differently.

[Mountaindavis]

I know the snow pack is HUGE this year in places.  But I no very little on how it affects rides like this that late in the year.  Are there any concerns?  More just curiosity since my neighbors are heading up to go skiing at a-basin in the morning...

[ETURK]

Snow is big this year......Aug 2nd seems better than earlier.

[elobeck]

Hey gang.....

Question, thinking about CTR this year, is there an official "sign up" a la tour divide or if one just shows up at the starting line with a spot tracker and a serial number off the device to give to someone?

Erik

[anth]

I'm also thinking of entering and had the same question but would need to rent a spot. Anyone know how late you can sign up to rent a spot? Thanks!
cheers
anthony

[dream4est]

Just to add my .02:

1. Water is scarce for two streches from hwy50 to the finish. The first area is before Marshall Pass to Dome Lakes. The only source between those points is Tank Seven Creek. The other spot is section 27. Get water before clearing Blackhawk Pass in sec. 26.

2. Avoid Spot stalking if you are a rookie. Focus on the important stuff (like the fierce will power needed to continue on).

3. Spot is not necessary/required for the race- only to view it from home for the fans/family. Scott M or Stefan should be putting out info on spot rentals and sign-ups soon.

4. I use special pain cream on my feet that stops swelling. Edema/water retention can end your race quickly.

5. I am running a sawyer inline filter system with camelbak bite valve in the frame bag. Heavier than tabs but much faster.

6. Lights have to be aa or aaa powered or an expensive system for 24hr racing with extra batts (like Stefans prototype setup). I use the aa/aaa type and carry a 7oz. solar charger. Old-school water bottle battery systems wont work.

7. Legend or Vista hcx is the ticket for GPS. I will do it again by memory as it is my 5th run but I had no gps on 07 and had no issues with routefinding. Just dont pull a Dave K. and miss the turn to the railroad grade before Buena Vista.

Here are two pics to get you all stoked on the race. I am getting all excited and it is two months away.

Mark C.

[Done]

Nice photos, Mark, thanks! I'm looking forward to seeing you out there.

[dream4est]

Hey Toby those were some good times out there last year. That final day was totally sweet. Here is a shot of Toby in the distance on the La Garita Detour by The Agency Ranch.

[Yogi the Barry]

Mark,
Please share with us the name of your 'special pain cream'...
TIA, -Barry

Just to add my .02:
...snip...
4. I use special pain cream on my feet that stops swelling.
...snip...
Mark C.

[dream4est]

Hey Barry my girlfriend makes it and we sell it at our store here in Idaho Springs. I am going to have a banner ad here soon (I am working on the website right now). The cream is a chamois, pain cream, anti-bacterial cleaner and aromatherapy  all-in-one.

 http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,2107.0.html

[Yogi the Barry]

And will it awaken the hair follicles in my scalp so I don't always have to wear a cap to protect my balding head?
-B

Hey Barry my girlfriend makes it and we sell it at our store here in Idaho Springs. I am going to have a banner ad here soon (I am working on the website right now). The cream is a chamois, pain cream, anti-bacterial cleaner and aromatherapy  all-in-one.

 http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,2107.0.html

[Mountaindavis]

Mark--I see in your pic that you used your drop-seatpost.  Man, that is my biggest debate--I LOVE mine, but I didn't know if I could justify the weight.  To do over, would you use it again or ditch it for the weight?

Looks like things are shaping up to be an epic mosquito year, folks!  Lots of moisture going to be around, even in August, I predict...