2011 CTR Planning

[gdillon]

I guess one could also do bike swaps at post offices along the way, which would also meet the literal description of only using mail drops. Nothing like a freshly serviced and clean bike optimized for each section.

That's a good idea!

[Done]

Looks like I opened Pandora's Box...

Rule discussions always get crazy. Everyone has strong opinions, and none of the ultra rule-sets encompass all of the possible ways that people approach racing. And even when the rules are seemingly clear, people still interpret them differently--both in hypothetical and real situations. But I personally applaud anyone who takes the time to think and ask questions about the rules--especially when planning for a race. Just realize that not everyone is on the same page, and that you'll probably get unfairly slammed for broaching a sensitive subject--especially if you give specific examples of different interpretations of rules and ethics, both written and unwritten. It's better to catch a little grief than screw up though, right?

[aaron w]

I too plan on picking up as well as getting rid of stuff at a post office.  This is totally legit.

[jeffkerkove]

Here are a bunch of photos from the CT outside Durango.  These were taken on 7-2-11 during the Durango Dirty Century.













All photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffkerkove/sets/72157627102563714/

[6thElement]

Well that terrain and scenery looks sucky.

Nice photos!

[gdillon]

Thanks for the photos.  Georgia Pass and Searle Pass right now are reporting as snowed in... good to see a little less snow down south.

[bartspedden]

I was up on the CT east of copper heading over towards wheeler pass this weekend.  The CT was fine, but wheeler pass at and around treeline was still snowed in.  After a good 30 minutes of post holing   I decided on an alternative path    From what I could see above treeline all of the shelves were still snow loaded with at least a couple feet of snow.  Fingers crossed, but I think most of it should be gone by August.

Thanks for pics Jeff!  Some great shots.  I love that rock garden, it's soooo long!  Here's a side view of it:

[Stefan_G]

The rule is very clear an easy to interpret:

"No pre-arranged support, with the exception of maildrops to a post office and only a post office."
"If you need to get rid of something, find a dumpster or a post office."

If you want to ship yourself a Clif bar or a shiny new bike or a stack of porns, go ahead.  Last year I shipped gear to BV that I didn't need the first 200 miles.  Racers have shipped excess gear home from Silverton that they didn't need for the last 70 miles.

Bingo.

Of course, any post office drops and pickups might just slow you down altogether.  There has been much chatter about doing away with this allowance for the CTR since it is such a "short" race by Great Divide / TD standards.

[Done]

There has been much chatter about doing away with this allowance for the CTR since it is such a "short" race by Great Divide / TD standards.

While the rule change wouldn't be a problem for me, there are folks out there with weird dietary restrictions who may need to mail food ahead. If you do outlaw PO stops, it might be worthwhile to include a clause that allows people to use the PO for food drops.

[timroz]

I have a dietary restriction that forces me to eat at K's Dairy.

[jakomait]

Personally I'm not in favor of using the post office to obtain or discard supplies.  To me it doesn't seem much different than stashing gear on the side of the trial albeit a little more awkward to access but it has the same gain of getting exactly what you want at a point in the course that you essentially placed.  Not that it is cheating but to me the CTR is starting at one end and getting to the other using only what was you brought and what happened to be there.  If you race through a jungle full of bananas then get ready to eat bananas.  I'm not trying to change any rules, I'm just sharing my thoughts.

[sherpaxc]

That's the beauty of all this. Everyone has their own view and right to enjoy the backcountry how they see fit. T minus two weeks until my crew starts!

[Yogi the Barry]

Not this year, since it's so close to the start, but I vote to level the playing field and do away with the PO allowance... unless there is a medical need. Otherwise, the CTR should be called the the CTT [Colorado Trail TOUR].
Let the July 7th fireworks begin, 
-Barry
PS - Does anybody have a problem if mosquitoes are also banned?

Of course, any post office drops and pickups might just slow you down altogether.  There has been much chatter about doing away with this allowance for the CTR since it is such a "short" race by Great Divide / TD standards.

[Done]

Not this year, since it's so close to the start, but I vote to level the playing field and do away with the PO allowance... unless there is a medical need. Otherwise, the CTR should be called the the CTT [Colorado Trail TOUR].

If everyone is allowed to stop at the PO, then I think that it's a level playing field, no?

I really don't care which way the rule goes though. I don't intend to stop at the PO either way, since I don't want to worry about timing stops in towns--and I really don't see much benefit to either dropping off or picking up stuff anyway...

[Zach]

I don't care whether there are PO drops or not; it just changes planning and strategy a bit.  But so long as the rule is in place, the same opportunities exist for everyone, so it is not cheating or unethical or "gaining some special advantage" to use the PO.  While the motivations behind ditching gear at a PO and trailside are the same, the difference is trailside gear stashes are a stain on the scenery and qualify as littering. 

[Stefan_G]

Not this year, since it's so close to the start, but I vote to level the playing field and do away with the PO allowance... unless there is a medical need. Otherwise, the CTR should be called the the CTT [Colorado Trail TOUR].

P.O. drops or not, the CTR is what you choose make it.

[bartspedden]

Thanks for bringing this thread back Stephan.

The CTR is the funnest thing I've ever done a bike. Just the thought of riding it inspires me... makes me dream...



Just heard from someone that hike Georgia Pass that there were still plenty of snow fields up there.  Come on sun, melt that snow 

[Done]

P.O. drops or not, the CTR is what you choose to make it.

Absolutely agreed, Stefan. Even staying very safely within the rules, there's lots of room for people to design their own experiences. Stay in hotels; only bivy in a rain jacket. Carry extra comfort items like a stove; eat only Powerbars and pemmican. Ride through the night; sleep from dusk to dawn. Ride a fixie; bolt on a super-granny. Lots of different ways to have a great adventure in a beautiful place with some inspiring people!

I hope that you don't have to sort out any cheaters like last year though. There's just no excuse for breaking/bending the rules by doing things like dropping gear in the woods, mailing gear to hotels, riding in cars, bumming food & water from hikers, taking shortcuts, etc. Fortunately, I think that bad apples are reasonably rare, especially in this sport.

[timroz]

What's the road like from Sedalia to the start?  At night.  On a bike.  Probably after a few beers.

[tetontodd]

Hey Tim you're scratchin around this thread quite a bit! I know you want another shot at this, Is Oatley coming down again this year?
Hope to see you at the start! Let's button this thing up!