2014 CTR Discussion

[Shirey]

How is the snow pack up yonder?

Snow pack is still pretty big, but its melting fast. We have a chance for a pretty significant storm over the whole state this weekend, but these late spring storms melt off pretty quickly.

As of today, here at Loveland Ski Area on the Continental Divide, we are above-average on the year, but still 84 inches behind our record snow year of 2010-2011. Looking back at my records, that summer I was not able to access the Colorado trail above 10,500' until June 29th! And I remember they had to (illegally) use snow-removal machines to clear the Little French climb on the Firecracker 50 course for the 4th of July.

I think we've gotten a bit more snow this year than last, but not by a huge amount... and last year I was able to finally get above treeline on the Colorado trail about June 10th. I bet this year will be about the same.

I'm not sure about the San Juans / Southern Colorado, but it seems like they got quite a bit less than us after a early snowy start to winter.... but I'm sortof just judging by snow reports I looked at all season.

[joeydurango]

We got nothin'.  So long as we don't burn down, we should have a good high-country riding season.

[sherpaxc]

I was planning on starting early on the CT, like on July 6th but a friend convinced me to start on the 21st instead.  I was hoping to get out before the monsoon season is in full swing, but oh well.  Joey, I'm going to make sure and stop in to your shop when I finish up.  Introduce myself. 

[joeydurango]

Awesome!  I encourage anyone riding the CT to swing on by - I love meeting fellow bikepackers!

[Done]

Awesome!  I encourage anyone riding the CT to swing on by - I love meeting fellow bikepackers!

You do realize what how that'll make your shop smell, right?

[joeydurango]

Can't get much worse than it is now...

[sherpaxc]

Anyone remember how long it is from bailey to the top of Kenosha?  Yes, I'm riding the highway up. Not racing.

[Done]

Anyone remember how long it is from bailey to the top of Kenosha?  Yes, I'm riding the highway up. Not racing.

19.5 miles.

[Woodland]

Yes, I'm riding the highway up. Not racing.

All the more reason to take your time and do the Tarryall...no need to rush up to Kenosha via that strip of hell called 285 

And God forbid you miss out on the Stage Stop...I'm already looking forward to Pat's warm welcome!

[sherpaxc]

I've ridden the Tarryall detour before.  It didn't do much for me.  I'll be on 285 going up on a Monday afternoon so hopefully that will lessen the amount of traffic. 

[drchristiansen]

Newbie here again.  I'm guessing that if we are racing we need to do the recommended detours, like the Tarryall and not the 285 bypass?  Is that correct?

[drchristiansen]

Back for another go in 2014. Just made my entry fee donation to the Colorado Trail Foundation.

So glad this thread got some life again too...

Tires? Last year I used a big fat Maxxis Ardent 2.4 on the front and a 2.25 on the rear... both EXO protection.... no flats or tears or nothing, so I'll likely use that again.

I know this is a newbie question, but larger in front than in back?  I would think you would want more surface area in the back for better traction.

[JosiahM]

I know this is a newbie question, but larger in front than in back?  I would think you would want more surface area in the back for better traction.

you want the traction for cornering on the downhills.
you don't need traction on the back because if it gets even the slightest bit steep, you will be walking due to altitude.  at least that's my experience haha

[joeydurango]

If you're in the race, you're doing the same, 550-mile route as everyone else, Tarryall included... as far as the CTR (vs. touring the CT), those detours are absolute.  Of course if you're touring you can do whatever you'd like!

One place the CT Foundation "recommends" a bike detour is around Segments 22/23.  But, it's not wilderness, just difficult - so we do the trail.

[sherpaxc]

So true about the walking. There is just so, so much of it!  Skipping 22 and 23 should never be allowed. There is truly nothing like it anywhere else in the US.

[joeydurango]

One of my favorite places...

[drchristiansen]

Cool, thanks guys! 

New question for ya.  Has anyone checked out these bars?  Goofy or useful?

http://www.jonesbikes.com/h-bar.html

[Joliver]

One of my favorite places...

Yep, agree.  The best sections in my opinion.

[dream4est]

New option for bailing in the CTR. Get to a trailhead or paved road and call AAA!!

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_25676846/aaa-colorado-expands-roadside-assistance-include-bicycles


This is pretty good news. Not just for the race but for all cyclists traveling roads/trails by day or multi-day.

[sherpaxc]

Anyone ever done packless on the CTR?  I was thinking I could probably get away with it for most except for the stretch from Buena Vista to Silverton.  Maybe get a small REI Flash 18 pack and keep it stuffed away until needed? 

Just thinking out loud here.  I'm not a super minimalist in the fact that I use a pad/quilt/bivy/tarp.  I don't bring extra change of clothes other than some long johns to sleep in and a puffy jacket.  I'll have to pack all up and see what I can do.