2015 TD

[M Harris]

I might not be in the age range for the TDOFR, I'm still a young "53"  so I will bask in your glory, any reason to meet up for a beverage is good with me. 

[ScottM]

Will you still have the option-w-fee to register a rider-owned SPOT?

Yes, definitely.

[tuhduhvuh]

HI,  just a quick question re   Spot/Trace rentals.

I didn't pay much attention last year since I had a Spot.   Is there a post with info on how the rental system works?
Is there a pre-sign up to insure you get one?  How do we return them, etc.

I know the new Trace units have no SOS capability,  but not having to deal with batteries seems a pretty big plus.  Sign me up!

Tom

[ScottM]

Hi Tom,

We really need some updated tracking info on the TD website.  But currently it will be sent out by Matthew to everyone he's heard from as an LOI or direct email.  He'll detail everything about rentals, signup, cost, differences in units, return, etc.

We have a very large fleet these days, of both Gen3 and Trace units, so we will have plenty for everyone.  No need to worry about reserving early.

[Beatty]

I have a Spot Gen3 and I am about to register it and get the yearly plan (using this for other adventures this/next year too). Is the basic plan good enough for tracking or do I need to shell out for the Extreme tracking? Are there any subscription discounts for TD riders? Thanks.

[Marshal]

TDR Shake Down Run

Open invite to anyone who would like to join me on a pre TDR shake down ride:

When:
Depart this Friday, May 8th (leave GJ sometime around 11:00am to noon)
Return May 11th, Monday (return to GJ sometime in the morning, around 10:00am)

Where:
Depart and Return: Grand Junction Colorado.  
Route is flexible but general plan is to travel:
•   GJ to Loma TH then follow some or all of the Kokopelli trail to Moab.  
•   Moab to La Sal UT and on to Bedrock (mix of pave & and dirt)
•   Bedrock to Dolores / San Miguel Rivers confluence to Hwy 141 to Gateway
•   Gateway to East Creek/Paradox Trail, Paradox trail to Grand Junction
Route can be shortened or extended as time and desire allow.


This is meant to be a TDR training ride so the general intent is to ride a sustainable, long-steady pace each day, possible into the night.   On the other hand I plan to take rest stops when I get the urge and spend extra re-supply time at Moab and Gateway, have a good meal and maybe some ice cream etc.  

Main resupply points are Moab and Gate way, with ‘possible’ resupply at La Sal I arrive during biz hrs (and Bedrock if the store is still in business)

If you are interested PM me

Marshal

edit--fixed date typos

[dream4est]

So I am having issues trying to go northbound. Getting to start not easy. Anyone want to hook me up with a ride from Denver to banff ? I will probably just fly like last year but I am willing to split gas etc.

Mark c

[MikeI]

So I am having issues trying to go northbound. Getting to start not easy. Anyone want to hook me up with a ride from Denver to banff ? I will probably just fly like last year but I am willing to split gas etc.

Mark c

Planning to drive to AW from Tucson on the 11th.  Then taking a good nap before starting out at sunup on the 12th.  I think there are 3 of us so far ( Me, Kevin J, Jon M ) and so we might be renting something that a relative will drive back to Tucson.  If you're still thinking NB, let me know.

[ScottM]

I have a Spot Gen3 and I am about to register it and get the yearly plan (using this for other adventures this/next year too). Is the basic plan good enough for tracking or do I need to shell out for the Extreme tracking? Are there any subscription discounts for TD riders? Thanks.

Basic tracking will work just fine on the Gen3 -- 10 min tracking.  There's no need to go to Extreme tracking (2.5 min interval) since it can be a drain on battery life, though it will make you look good on the tracker. 

All our rentals have the "Unlimited" tracking at 5 min interval.  The Unlimited feature is extra money but is pretty nice for racing TD because it eliminates the need to reset the device every 24 hours.  That's one of the biggest sources of people not tracking well and showing a day or so behind -- they forget to re-engage their tracker in the morning.  Unlimited tracking goes to sleep when you don't move for 30 minutes and wakes up (with a motion sensor) when you wake up and get moving.  So it's more of a 'set and forget'.  Plus you get 5 min tracking for Unlimited, too.

[Beatty]

Thanks ScottM, that's a big help. I would rather not have to worry about anything more in the mornings. About how long do each set of lithium batteries last in the Gen3?

[ScottM]

Thanks ScottM, that's a big help. I would rather not have to worry about anything more in the mornings. About how long do each set of lithium batteries last in the Gen3?

Simon posted a table earlier in this thread:

Tracking Based on 24 Hours a Day     
Intervals   100% Clear View of the Sky   50% Clear View of the Sky     
60 Minutes   ~ 52 days   ~                             26 days     
30 Minutes   ~ 26 days   ~                             13 days     
10 Minutes   ~ 17 days   ~                             8.5 days     
5 Minutes   ~ 9 days   ~                             4.5 days     
2.5 Minutes   ~ 7 days   ~                             3.5 days   

In practice the numbers tend to be close to the 100% number given time for sleeping and other stopped time.  So I'd figure 8-10 days.

[tuhduhvuh]

Today was a good day to confirm clothing choices....

May 6, Edmonton River Valley

[hruss]

Scott M,
I guess my Spot 2 will still work to be tracked for the TD? I have used it the last two years.
Hal

[ScottM]

Scott M,
I guess my Spot 2 will still work to be tracked for the TD? I have used it the last two years.
Hal

Yes, of course.

[flyboy]

Today was a good day to confirm clothing choices....

May 6, Edmonton River Valley

Tom, I hope the Edmonton area is waaay colder in general than the Banff area. I have fingers severely crossed for a hot, dry year. But I have just purchased some Seal Skin socks-hoping for the best, planning for the worst. 

Does anyone know what the snowpack is like in the north?

On another note, I will be flying into Calgary on the 9th and have booked into the Y for that night. I have a spare bed for a non-snorer on the 9th/10th if it helps anyone, but it is already booked for the 11th. PM me for details.
Cheers
Dave

[Roons]

Looks a lot less in comparison to 2014.

[dream4est]

I just booked a dorm room at the Banff Y and its looks like there are a good number of available private rooms and dorm rooms. I saw mostly green and not many closed spots on the booking page at ymountainlodge.com.

Thanks to Mikebike for hooking me up with a ride from Colorado!

Edit= I am bringing lots of Geronimo! pain cream and balm to Banff. Lots of AZT750 and 300 racers had the products on them, including Josiah Morgan, who snagged 3rd in the 750. Its like a whole universe better than other chamois products. Anyone considering a petroleum based product like A+D ointment or Prep H or most normal chamois creams should really think about what they are putting on their private parts. Instead of popping Vitamin I and using Deez Nuts why not use Geronimo! on your legs and chamois? Its better, healthier and basically my secret weapon against pain.

So order cream or balm at regular price (at the link in my sig) and $5 shipping to your home before the race, or PM me to reserve some for pickup in Banff.
In Banff on June 9. 10 and 11 at the Y Banff lodge.
20 USD each:
 4oz Geronimo or 2oz balm

[mountainbaker]

ScottM, when do you think we'll see the official route for 2015?

[ScottM]

ScottM, when do you think we'll see the official route for 2015?

I am still waiting to hear a final report from Mr. Lee.  There are some early NoBo ITTs, so it will need to be relatively soon.

[Askjeff]

Question for you TDR vets; I was wondering what water capacity you chose for the drier stretches in NM then the Great Basin and how you carried it. I currently have a 6L bladder in my frame bag with 1-2L more in reserve (1 L bladder to carry in a Montbell super lightweight storable back pack and 2 water bottles...thanks in advance. I am NOBO traveling...