2014 CTR Discussion

[Stefan_G]

Speaking of the bible, the official CTR web site says for the Collegiate Peaks detour we go:

"Left for 3 mi. on Clear Creek Road, right for 5.9 mi. on US-24, left on Rd-371 for 10 mi. on old railroad grade to B.V. Right on Main...etc."

Is it okay to continue on US 24 to main and then turn right, skipping the gravel road section? Guide book says it is acceptable, but don't know if it is CTR acceptable. Speed limit is 55, but shoulder is 6 feet wide.

Ah, mistake in the guidebook then!  CTR follows the dirt through the railroad tunnels.  Old versions of the guidebook also indicated this, but I do not have the newest one, so perhaps it changed.

[Stefan_G]

Looks like the Breck Epic starts Sunday. Racers will be on the CT around Breckenridge Monday and Tuesday. Prob when most CT Racers get to this area. It looks like they will be traveling in the same direction on the trail. Just to let you know...

Dang.  My apologies to CTR racers for this. I didn't realize they were overlapping.  :-(

[Pivvay]

If the BE racers know about it ahead of time then maybe it will be a positive and not negative? I know at least some of them realize the overlap.

[Stefan_G]

If the BE racers know about it ahead of time then maybe it will be a positive and not negative? I know at least some of them realize the overlap.

I hope so. Get the word out if you can!

[KO]

Looks like only the really fast guys may encounter the BE racers on Monday and the BE looks like it'll only be on the CT around 10 miles or so.

[joeydurango]

Man I'm jealous!  Only one short day until go time and everyone is getting excited.  I'm working so much this summer that I haven't even been riding lately, other than to work - and all this chatter is getting me worked up!

Good luck to everyone taking a crack at the beast this year.  Stop in to say hi when you get to Durango.  I'll try and semi-live-blog the race, like I did two years back, if I have the time to watch those fascinating blue dots...

May the skies stay clear-ish, your mental state strong despite the inevitable highs and lows, your steed in one piece, and your legs at least mostly okay.  Hoping to join in for a third round next year!

[apple]

Apple's camp will have a 1 second white strobe this year at mile 11.9 in section 18. This is just before you guys take the right onto Saguache Park road and then the detour. We will have Gatorade and fresh water. See you soon.

[KO]

Stefan,

For the Leadville detour, are sticking to hwy 24 through the town like in the databook?  IIRC there was a different detour last year that didn't go through the middle of town but I'm having trouble finding that discussion.  Can you please clarify?

[Pivvay]

Nice looking rig there Barry. Maybe I'll finish packing and post mine up soon.

Alright I didn't manage any new pictures but this is basically my rig. 32x22 rigid singlespeed, dyno light, 2.35 Ikons, Relevate bags. It ought to be faster than the 26" Monocog I did it on last time??

[Shirey]

All packed and ready:

Bike is a custom build carbon 29-er and I'm praying the frame is up to snuff. Last year I rode a FS Yeti SB-66c that climbed like a pig, but sure was comfortable over the long haul. I've seen some very experienced riders commenting lately, "never again on a hardtail." I guess I'm about to find out.

Mix of Bedrock and Revelate Bags.

Bar bag is clothes & bar pocket has the guidebook, water filter, lube, sunglasses, and all the other little stuff I want easy access too.

Stem bag has my camera and about 1500 calories of honey stingers, candy bars, and cheezits.

Frame bag has 3L water and a bunch of HS waffles.

Seat bag is bivy, pad, sleeping bag and puffy jacket.

My backpack has my tools and a lot of food. Probably starting with way too much food, but I like having options. Last year my backpack was crushingly heavy but I made it. I'm very glad to get my water off the back and onto the frame.

[boatmana]

Love all the rig pics. Really wish my dynamo setup was ready. Here's my rig before any last minute fat trimming.

[Woodland]

Great setups. Good luck to everyone!

The 'supermoon' was spectacularly awesome here in Bailey last night. Here's to clear skies for next week!

I'll be watching and I'm now bummed my effort didn't work out this year - but that's all right. Maybe I'll come out to Segment 2 or 3 tomorrow and spectate.

[Shirey]

Looks like only the really fast guys may encounter the BE racers on Monday and the BE looks like it'll only be on the CT around 10 miles or so.

Exactly... so to be specific.... BE racers join the CT at Middle Fork Swan, which is the bottom of the big descent off Georgia Pass. Then they follow it over the Westridge climb and split off about halfway down the Westridge descent on Red's  Trail.

However, they will rejoin the CT at Tiger RV park and head back against CTR traffic to the Horseshoe Gulch where the Dredge parking area is. So you could do a head-on with a smoking fast pro rider there.

Stage starts at 8:30am and it'll probably take about an hour for the top riders to hit the CT.

edit: oh, and here's a good question? would a BE aid station be considered Trail Magic?  .... just kidding, just kidding....

[mtbcast]

Please consider dialing into MTBCast. I'll be out following the route as best I can and, of course, will be at the start in the morning. I'll have call in stickers with the toll-free number 888-866-4491 on them. I realize there's a lot of back country and lots on your mind as you make time across the route but I hope you take the opportunity to call occasionally to let friends, family, and fans know how things are going!

[mtbcast]

Overnight - ITT Karlos Bernart called in from the route beyond BV and Twin Lakes. He found a great place to camp but almost lost his cooking pot.

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/ctr14/

[sherpaxc]

Alright I didn't manage any new pictures but this is basically my rig. 32x22 rigid singlespeed, dyno light, 2.35 Ikons, Relevate bags. It ought to be faster than the 26" Monocog I did it on last time??

Good luck Chris. I'll be keeping track of you. I'm pulling for you. What frame is that?

[Pivvay]

Good luck Chris. I'll be keeping track of you. I'm pulling for you. What frame is that?

On-one Lurcher/Niner Fork

[Stefan_G]

Stefan,

For the Leadville detour, are sticking to hwy 24 through the town like in the databook?  IIRC there was a different detour last year that didn't go through the middle of town but I'm having trouble finding that discussion.  Can you please clarify?

When I posted the link to Toby's .gpx file I inadvertently removed the link to the hand-drawn Leadville detour. I just put it back up.  Either way is acceptable. Sorry about all this last minute stuff everyone.

-Stefan

 

[mtbcast]

K Chatfield is booked up! I'm at Towne Place off Ute and 470 so really close to the TH and free with points. Who's in for High Plains Taphouse? Time?

[Gimmearaise]

Aaron and I would like to meet up, were also looking for a cheap hotel.