2011 Tour Divide

[Mathewsen]

Do we have to wait until March to get the updated electronic cue sheet download?
Thanks!

Probably. As casey says, there aren't that many updates (so far), and it's your responsibility to check for last minute route addenda anyway, so i would wait and integrate once.

Same for the TD race route GPS file located at topofusion.com. wait until it's certified final.

[Spoonie]

Yes, hard to know for sure on the mental part, but not that hard to figure out the physical part by committing to ultralight bikepacking for a while b/f TD. Also, by testing a set-up rigorously, and by picking a year to go for it when you can ensure your life will allow you to be in peak physical shape (particularly if you lack an MTB racing background).

While I'm sure I'm no different to any other punter out there, with the movie having come along in between and popularity/growth of TDR, I fear I may come to regret this approach.  Especially after talking to Alex Field...

Still, the route and adventure will always be there I guess...

*shrug*

Cheers
Craig

[Mathewsen]

While I'm sure I'm no different to any other punter out there, with the movie having come along in between and popularity/growth of TDR, I fear I may come to regret this approach.  Especially after talking to Alex Field...

craig, there's always Northbound. Already two fellows has committed to a 6/10 AW start. The Nobo movement ain't gonna build itself. Do we have a third?

[Markley]

Any idea of how many will attempt this year? I will be a first timer on the Tour and looking forward to the challenge. I have done many multi day races although this will surely be the biggest one. This is a great forum and I have learned a lot already from your wisdom.
Cheers

[Jeff Tomassetti]

Probably. As casey says, there aren't that many updates (so far), and it's your responsibility to check for last minute route addenda anyway, so i would wait and integrate once.

Same for the TD race route GPS file located at topofusion.com. wait until it's certified final.

Yeah, it would suck if someone followed an obsolete route.

[Mathewsen]

Any idea of how many will attempt this year?

Welcome aboard Markley. Hard to say. Hopefully no more than last year in one place at one time. You carry the burden of being first on the list for now. Can you handle it? Cheers.

[Markley]

Well, I will do my best sir! Journey on we shall!
Cheers

[Spoonie]

craig, there's always Northbound. Already two fellows has committed to a 6/10 AW start. The Nobo movement ain't gonna build itself. Do we have a third?

I'm not adverse to the idea and in some ways wonder if it wouldn't be the better way; a little cooler through new mexico and a little less snow  over the passes through to MT and Alberta surely?  I've been paying attention to slowerthansnot et al... so we'll see...

to be honest 2011 was origionally off the cards, aiming for 2012 untill I had spoken to/read about Alex's race so no LOI *yet* (but really only have a week or two to make that call by my reckoning).  Unless work circumstances change that's still the case.   if the face of TDR changes by then, then so be it I guess.  I'll go ride the route anyway

Cheers
Craig

[sluttyduck]

I remember seeing stephen, cricket and jacob camped out here, after climbing through the clearcut:  CANADA MAP B 126.3 (203.2) – Emerge into clearing which is the end of Phillips Rd. Navigate through the scattered clearcut deadfall and continue onto gravel road.

they had a nice fire going in an open flat area. looked inviting.

And yet people passed us by that night.

[BobM]

So, Stephen,

Did you feel at all bearanoid camping in that spot?

Bob

[sluttyduck]

Vallecitos seemed to be over run by dogs. Ride fast through that place. I had 4 dogs following me.

also, this cue totally messed me up:
Map GDMBR 5A  111.1(178. –  At Vallecitos Post Office, turn right toward Canjillon.

there is no longer a post office at the corner. You pass a new Post Office on the left some time before the turn, I think about a mile before.

if memory serves me the turn is 1.1 miles after the new office.

I was worried about being kidnapped since I was the slowest in the pack in some of the more sketchy areas of NM.  But that paranoia was probably due to coming down from a 5hr and coffee marathon morning.

[sluttyduck]

So, Stephen,

Did you feel at all bearanoid camping in that spot?

Bob

No.  I was too tired to care.  I left my food in my backpack and frame bag.
And if I know Cricket(which I do) there is a good chance(about 90%) that she had food in her bivy.
We survived.

[trebor]

the list

What the devil? I submitted the LOI on 12/21 through TD.org.... should I submit another since I'm not listed?

[Mathewsen]

What the devil? I submitted the LOI on 12/21 through TD.org.... should I submit another since I'm not listed?

yes, please. TD.org had some sort of 'server-full' hiccup that caused problems with the contact form. sorry rob. we knew you were in.

[trebor]

right on!

[Marshal]

yes, please. TD.org had some sort of 'server-full' hiccup that caused problems with the contact form. sorry rob. we knew you were in.

Web stuff and hickups? Surely not!

Humm, I looked at the list today and didn’t see two top flight names I was looking for

mentioned here http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,1688.20.html on page 2

(But knowing the poster, it could have been a joke?) 

[6thElement]

yes, please. TD.org had some sort of 'server-full' hiccup that caused problems with the contact form. sorry rob. we knew you were in.

I think it might still have a minor glitch in the matrix, I just tried to send a message to update my entry record and the website gave the following two messages when hitting send:

Unable to send e-mail. Please contact the site administrator if the problem persists.
Your message has been sent.

[Mathewsen]

Web stuff and hickups? Surely not!

Traffic has been pretty high and with all the mp3/blog archiving, i'm not surprised the server is full. The website is no small task, as i'm sure Scott M. can corroborate with bikepacking.net. Thankfully, all the sound advice here from vets such as yourself makes my email correspondence easier. I used to help folks one-on-one much more.

Humm, I looked at the list today and didn’t see two top flight names I was looking for

It's still very early. Not sure who you refer to in your link to Jill's post but if you're talking about Kerkove, he's already told me he wouldn't touch TD w/ a 10ft pole.
Folks like Kurt and Ethan probably won't add till later. Ezster H. wants in too, but may pass this year to peak for CTR.

[BobM]

Joe Meiser posted something about being Trans-Iowa'd out and wanting mountains - is that a hint that he's thinking about another try at a TD record/win???

[Mathewsen]

Joe Meiser posted something about being Trans-Iowa'd out and wanting mountains - is that a hint that he's thinking about another try at a TD record/win???

We can only hope that every time Joe tries TD he will be gunning for the record. He just had his first kinder. He would love to go this year but it may be 2012. Don't rule him out, though. Eli will be big enough to look after the homestead by the time June rolls around, so maybe they'll strike a deal for Joe to sneak out.