2011 CTR Planning

[Done]

Okay, navigation question. As a rookie unfamiliar with the CTR (for now, I may attempt a preride..darn work schedule) I was curious to know if people had success navigating the course with just the track loaded in a gps, if having waypoints with intersections and proximity alarm is key, or if the trail direction was fairly obvious. Sorry don't laugh...just getting into learning all I can about the route. What I have done:

Loaded Stefans track into GPS and Bear Creek survey waypoints. Whittling down BCS waypoints to the essential. Studying maps....making elev profiles for study.

Thoughts...?

Erik

When racing the CTR last year, I used the Stefan's GPS track, the Bear Creek Survey waypoints, and a printed elevation profile for 99% of the route. No proximity alarms necessary if you regularly look at the GPS and trail markers--the direction is indeed very obvious. I did carry maps though, so that I could bail out if I needed too, or if my GPS broke. I did use my maps a couple of times, but just to satiate my curiosity, not to navigate.

In short, it sounds like you're in the right track!

[trailrider11]

Fully loaded: I am too a rookie and finally decided to get a GPS and download the waypoints. I figured that even though navigating it wont be to much of an issue in some sections, it is ONE LESS THING TO think about. So all you have to do is follow the yellow brick road on the screen or "whatever color."

 Well, my trip report: Yesterday i learned a lot in terms of the weather preparation. I rode exactly 90 miles on mostly gravel, dirt mixture with sand and a few paved roads. During the first half of the ride it was beautiful and around 65 degrees but the last half its rained and hailed 4 different times in a 3 hour period. So, as you guys probably know, rain gear was taken off and put back on many times.To top it all off, my seatbag rubbed my back wheel a lot after it rained, mostly on bumps, and that is something to figure out. Other than that there were minimal issues along the route and couldn't feel better today. 

[elobeck]

Few more questions oh knowledgeable ones:

1_What are the notorious hike a bike sections that destroy feet? How long are they? Do people carry a lightweight set of shoes or are they not long enough to warrant carrying the weight?
2_29er riders: Do you change gearing for the easier to allow more to be pedaled? i.e. small granny cog or the 29er "boat anchor" cassette or both.
3_Seems like a 29er offers not much advantage on the CTR, but it's what I have. i.e. not lots of "momentum maintaining". It seems like its either up or down with a few exceptions.
4_Route error potential. Where are the sections people tend to screw up by accident navigating?

Erik

[riverfever]

Erik,

Don't bring different shoes for the hike a bike. I know some have but there are shoes that can do both well. I know Ethan (and I think you too) likes Sidi's but I can't wear them when I'm not having to hike. I, personally, need a more flexible shoe like something from PI (from their X Alp line). 10 Mile Range is a good hike but it's roughly 4 hours all the way to Copper and mostly rideable. Not ugly just steep for that third hour. Sargents Mesa is a real fistfest. That was probably the rockiest and most frustrating walking the whole way. There is other sections as well.

I know there's people running 2x10 and that's fine as I could care less about debating but I prefer the 3x10 with standard rings and 11-34 cassette.

I kinda disagree on the 29er not offering as much on the CT. I think it's easier to negotiate the rockier sections with the bigger wheels when you're cooked.

Most of the trail is really well marked and I don't think you're going to have many navigational issues. I don't know what you're strategy is but during the night is when the mistakes will be made (particularly in 22 and 23).

Hope that helps a bit.

-Chris

[Done]

1_What are the notorious hike a bike sections that destroy feet? How long are they? Do people carry a lightweight set of shoes or are they not long enough to warrant carrying the weight?

I don't know of anyone who carried extra shoes. Just get a hikeable pair. X-Alps are popular. I personally prefer Shimano touring MTB shoes because they have stiffer soles, but are still great for hiking. As for as long hike-a-bike sections, a few come to mind: Coney/Cataract, top of Foos, 10-mile, some of Kokomo, etc. The many shorted sections can rip you feet up as much as the long sections though, so make sure that your shoes are good for walking!

2_29er riders: Do you change gearing for the easier to allow more to be pedaled? i.e. small granny cog or the 29er "boat anchor" cassette or both.
3_Seems like a 29er offers not much advantage on the CTR, but it's what I have. i.e. not lots of "momentum maintaining". It seems like its either up or down with a few exceptions.

No idea about 29er stuff, sorry. Last year I rode a '94 Cannondale, with all of 50 mm of front travel. This year I'm riding a Cannondale RZ 120-1 (26' wheels), with 120 mm of full-suspension pleasure. Going to be a lot faster! Lots of 29ers up there though, so they must work!

4_Route error potential. Where are the sections people tend to screw up by accident navigating?

I had to back-track about a mile or something when I missed the turn onto the old railroad grade coming into BV. I also had to backtrack about about 100 yards when riding up the road from Spring Creek. But with a functional GPS, it's actually pretty hard to screw up too much. Just follow the line--and it doesn't hurt to look for the CT signs for confirmation. Of course, you'll be riding faster than I do, so you could go a little farther before realizing an error...

[jeffkerkove]

How long are they?

I think my longest single hike-a-bike pushes in 2010 were from 4-6 hours.

[Joliver]

Hey Fellas,

I have been involved in a few discussions on here before about lights (and I have searched the site a ton), but I am still struggling with the light issue as it pertains to the CTR specifically.  I am still grappling with whether to run rechargeable batteries or replacement batteries. 

For you guys who are spending quite a bit of time riding at night, what are you using?  If rechargeable, are you simply carrying additional batteries or taking the time to recharge them in towns? 

Thanks for the help in advance,
JO

[Yogi the Barry]

I'd at least also take along the CT data book. http://www.shop.coloradotrail.org/Colorado-Trail-Databook-DATABOOK4.htm

The data book isn't that heavy. You can trim away the irrelevant pages [probably even the top, bottom and side margins a bit] and add bike bypass notes. I hope to just ride with a GPS and the data book.

... I was curious to know if people had success navigating the course with just the track loaded in a gps, if having waypoints with intersections and proximity alarm is key, or if the trail direction was fairly obvious. Sorry don't laugh...just getting into learning all I can about the route. What I have done:

Loaded Stefans track into GPS and Bear Creek survey waypoints. Whittling down BCS waypoints to the essential. Studying maps....making elev profiles for study.
...
Erik

[Done]

For you guys who are spending quite a bit of time riding at night, what are you using?  If rechargeable, are you simply carrying additional batteries or taking the time to recharge them in towns? 

Last year, I used lights with disposable batteries. Replacements are available in Copper, Leadville, BV, Mt. Princeton, and Silverton. I'll be doing the same this year, but I'll be adding an additional handlebar light. Bike Planet lights have decent battery life and beam spread, but they are obviously not as bright as some of the more power-hungry models out there. But they are lightweight, inexpensive, and they get the job done. I also wore a Petzl headlamp.

Andy Farish might chime in. He used one of Stefan's awesome Amoeba rechargeable lights. I don't know whether or not he charged it en route, but that thing was BRIGHT! I might buy one for shorter one-night rides like Kokopelli's Trail.

Other people used different systems. A lot depends on how much night riding you expect to do, how many days you hope to spend, whether or not you intend to camp near a power outlet (hotel), etc. Part of the fun of the CTR is customizing your setup depending on how you intend to ride the race.

[Joliver]

Last year, I used lights with disposable batteries. Replacements are available in Copper, Leadville, BV, Mt. Princeton, and Silverton. I'll be doing the same this year, but I'll be adding an additional handlebar light. Bike Planet lights have decent battery life and beam spread, but they are obviously not as bright as some of the more power-hungry models out there. But they are lightweight, inexpensive, and they get the job done. I also wore a Petzl headlamp.

Andy Farish might chime in. He used one of Stefan's awesome Amoeba rechargeable lights. I don't know whether or not he charged it en route, but that thing was BRIGHT! I might buy one for shorter one-night rides like Kokopelli's Trail.

Other people used different systems. A lot depends on how much night riding you expect to do, how many days you hope to spend, whether or not you intend to camp near a power outlet (hotel), etc. Part of the fun of the CTR is customizing your setup depending on how you intend to ride the race.

Thanks for the quick response, Toby.  I appreciate it.

Yeah, I am hoping to put some decent time in while dark, but, of course, that will depend on numerous personal factors.  Did you ride much at night last year?  Were the Bike Planet lights sufficient for riding singletrack at speed?

Anyone else who rode quite a bit at night mind commenting on his/her setup?

Thanks again in advance.

[Done]

Yeah, I am hoping to put some decent time in while dark, but, of course, that will depend on numerous personal factors.  Did you ride much at night last year?  Were the Bike Planet lights sufficient for riding singletrack at speed?

Between my headlamp and one Bike Planet handlebar light, I felt like I had enough light for technical singletrack. But I'm going with two Bike Planet lights this year so that I can get a longer throw for faster singletrack sections. I'll aim one way down the trail so that I don't get tomb-stoned! I expect to use just one light most of the time though.

I did ride at night a fair bit. I'm pretty slow, so I made up some distance by riding into the night and then getting up before sunrise.

[Done]

Fort Collins CTR Meeting
Date: Monday, June 20th
Time: 7:30 PM
Place: Famous Dave's

A few of us are meeting at Famous Dave's in Fort Collins to chat about the CTR. Everyone and anyone is welcome, whether you are a grizzled veteran, fresh-faced rookie, or simply just curious about riding the Colorado Trail.

Please PM if you're coming, so that I can reserve a proper-sized table.

Cheers,
Toby

Not so many takers this time? Please let me know ASAP you are planning on joining us. Thanks!

[sherpaxc]

So how are the skeeters this summer?  Just wondering if I should take a daily bath in Deet!

[sanjuanrider]

Few more questions oh knowledgeable ones:

1_What are the notorious hike a bike sections that destroy feet? How long are they? Do people carry a lightweight set of shoes or are they not long enough to warrant carrying the weight?
2_29er riders: Do you change gearing for the easier to allow more to be pedaled? i.e. small granny cog or the 29er "boat anchor" cassette or both.
3_Seems like a 29er offers not much advantage on the CTR, but it's what I have. i.e. not lots of "momentum maintaining". It seems like its either up or down with a few exceptions.
4_Route error potential. Where are the sections people tend to screw up by accident navigating?

Erik

Question 1 - I bought a pair of moutain bike shoes that are good for both riding and hiking (Pearl Izumi - sorry cant remember the model).  They worked well especially since I hiked approx 100 miles of the course). I would definately put in new cleats or take an extra pair. I wore mine down to nothing by the end of the race.
Question 2/3 - I rode a Niner Rip9 (full suspension 29 inch).  I loved having it for the downhill sections to go fast but was a little heavy for climbing (especially with full gear).  I didn't find it was a problem at all with cornering (just weight).
Question 4 - I lost my GPS near Frisco/Breckenridge and had to do the entire route with nothing but the CT pocket databook.  This trail is so well marked that even at night I only had two spots that I made a wrong turn but quickly realized the mistake.  1 is on Jirosa Mesa (same spot many riders tend to lose the trail).  Just remember to take the road less traveled and stay high (I accidently dropped down the jeep road and had to backtrack to get back on course.  The other spot easy to miss is about 10 miles from the Junction Creek Tralhead - several trail start to merge and signs have been nocked down - I just asked other day riders which trail was the CT. 

[jeffkerkove]

Snap shot of 12,000 ft from the big mountains just west of Denver.  Still have some snow to melt!  Photos taken on Saturday, June 25.  10-Mile Range climb from Breckenridge to Copper Mnt could be interesting come Aug 1.   

[sherpaxc]

Should be very interesting on July 23rd, that's when I start.  Looks like there will be some hike a biking in the snow for sure!  Thanks for the pics Jeff.  Hopefully your legs/body are healing well from your spill.

[Zach]

Does anyone know if there are any gas stations/ grocery stores open 24 hours in BV? Thanks

[riverfever]

Man...I can't recall if the City Market is open 24 hours but I'd be surprised if anything in that town is open 24 hours. Fear not though...if you absolutely need something and you roll into town late just head down to Johnson Village and visit the truck stop there. It's just a quarter mile past the prison and it's got anything under the sun. 

[Zach]

Do you think City Market closes at midnight or more like 10?

[Done]

Do you think City Market closes at midnight or more like 10?

http://services.citymarket.com/StoreLocator/StoreDetails.aspx?recordId=62000437