2015 TD

[Mike McElveen]

I just finished riding the Pie Town to Silver City segment since I didn't get to see it in the epic floods of September 2013.  Of note:
1.) The Gila has decent moisture right now due to some late rain/hail/snow, all of which I got to experience.  This should be enough to preclude fires in early summer.
2.) I found no water between PT and Beaverhead except for ML's super-secret church spigot.
3.) There's actually lots of water from Beaverhead to Silver, including all the streams and a near-roadside concrete horse trough whose float switch was not completely shutting off      the inflow so the water in the trough was clear and clean.
4.) The ranchers around Wall Lake are pissed at cyclists for "always needing help."  Not sure what they're referring to, but I heard it from two of 'em as I passed.
5.) The start of the CDT at Sapillo Campground (which still doesn't have water) is confusing.  Hint: just keep heading steeply uphill.
6.) Of greatest importance: the turn on to the CDT after the second butt-busting push is COMPLETELY unmarked/invisible.  I don't know if this is new or if it doesn't matter since most of you   
     use GPS.  However, if you're using maps only, as I was, there's no CDT tree blaze at the turn, nor are there any (not one) for the next four miles until you reach the next map prompt about       
     the Mesa fire, at which point the trail is filthy with them.  There's a fair amount of deadfall, bowling balls, and completely overgrown stretches.  Other than that the anxiously
     awaited single track was tedious and no fun.  However, it does get you over to some beautiful little dirt roads.
7.) As most of you know, that stretch from Beaverhead to Silver is the real deal:  8,200 feet of climbing in just 72 miles.  

[Gimmearaise]

well I see we now have our official 2015 GPX track, the 2 re-routes look pretty routine from a big picture point of view.............http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php

I noticed there was no Union Pass on the 2015 track. Seems to head west of Lake of the Woods. Maybe it it connects to the Continental Divide Trail... to make up for the loss of milage in the basin?

[cross40]

Ditto the comment made my Marshal. Much appreciated. One problem is that those of use using Apple do not have access to the GPS track and updates. Can download file but cannot open. Please tell me I am wrong and I just have not found the software.

[tuhduhvuh]

Ditto the comment made my Marshal. Much appreciated. One problem is that those of use using Apple do not have access to the GPS track and updates. Can download file but cannot open. Please tell me I am wrong and I just have not found the software.

This depends on how you are using the track.   If using a Garmin unit, you CAN use Garmin basecamp  (I am a Mac user).  Download the GPX file and use basecamp to get it into your unit.  You can also use the supplied image file as a "basemap".  (Instructions given at topufusion website)

But of course there are so many possible ways a person is using GPS,  so that's just a general comment.  Yes, Mac users do NOT have the same options in the GPS world but I am confident you can make it work, but you'll need to be more specific.   Programs like GAIA  are cross platform and work in the iPhone and nicely integrate with a Mac desktop.

How are you planning to use the track?

[Bluechip]

I was having all kinds of trouble on my mac getting the gps on the garmin.  I recently found Ridewithgps and now it's super easy to get it loaded.  It took me less than 5 minutes to get it done this morning.  I paid for the premium account to get the easy write to garmin.  Well worth it to me.

[Bluechip]

What is the link to add yourself to the TD trackleaders page?  Also the 2015 TD Trackleader page with Billy Rice already on it is the old route still going through Rawlins.  Will it be updated to the new route? 

[Flinch]

Sign up:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Q1UHjIKml475yatejXB3fSql5jZyEQEEhqPlvY6T_1c/viewform

[pyerger]

  Flinch, have you signed up for spot tracking, or is it not ready yet? I have not received any instruction's. I am signed up on google docs, and sent LOL. to websight. Do you know if devices are mailed, or are they available to pic up in Canada?
 Thanks Peter

Sign up:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Q1UHjIKml475yatejXB3fSql5jZyEQEEhqPlvY6T_1c/viewform

[dream4est]

I have one question. Cues for the new Matt Lee reroutes? I would expect more than a track for new sections - what if someone is navigating without GPS for instance.

edit- last year we did a new route after Elkford for some of the way into Sparwood. I think we had cues for that one? I will have to look at my notes.

Looked at notes Matt posted a link in last years thread to a map for that section:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zwdbczDNCLPA.k7UiBqiLSuBY&msa=0&ll=49.916525,-114.907379&spn=0.144578,0.264359

Here is the post from last year from Matt:
Sorry for another last min edit to the TD14 GPX file, but there is now a V2 of the 2014 file posted here (high-res version forthcoming): http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php

The latest change relates to still unconfirmed conditions along the Fording Mine Rd in the vicinity of this GDMBR CA Map B cue: "11.2mi / 18km Come in immediately above water on a cliffside bench." This area slid big time in the `13 flood. It was sneakable late last summer by fording the river, but the Fording R. honks this time of year, so no way it's safely passable if the slide has not been re-benched (nearly all sources say it's not yet fixed).

Enter Josephine Falls Trail: This popular Elkford trail has been on TD's radar for a few years now. This trail heads south from Fording River Rd, exiting early from the stout pavement climb out of Elkford (exits pavement @ just 2.3mi, or so uphill from Elkford). I fully expect this bypass to be a big improvement on the 6mi pavement slog past the Greenhills Coal Mine along the existing GDMBR. The fine print: There is a 'hiking trail' connector required  (no, not like the Wigwam-Galton bushwhack) between the dead end overlook for 83ft-high J-Falls, and the upper stretches of the road described in this GDMBR CA Map B cue, "15.4mi / 24.8km Curve L onto wider, unsigned, and potentially dustier road (a sign identifying the road you’re coming off reads “Fording Rd.”) This new road also goes R, but that would require a R-hand turn of more than 90 degrees."

"This new road also goes right", is the very logging road TD riders will be ripping downhill from the J-Falls Trail connector (similar grade to the main GDMBR, it's mostly downhill). One rejoins the GDMBR proper 2 miles sooner than if the current main GDMBR was traveled but it will be a bit slower going, so I expect it to be a wash.

Here's a Google map depicting the change (basic cues to follow): https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=200334849650645495946.0004fa82b409b51e2c70d&msa=0&ll=49.916525,-114.907379&spn=0.144578,0.264359

Cues were never posted for that reroute IMO.

[BobM]

I have one question. Cues for the new Matt Lee reroutes? I would expect more than a track for new sections - what if someone is navigating without GPS for instance.

Gosh, I'm so old I still remember when navigation was one of the challenges involved with racing this.

[pyerger]

 Still old school, as I plan on navigating without gps. I hope that can work with new reroutes?

 Peter

Gosh, I'm so old I still remember when navigation was one of the challenges involved with racing this.

[sfuller]

I have one question. Cues for the new Matt Lee reroutes? I would expect more than a track for new sections - what if someone is navigating without GPS for instance.

I would load the track into Google Earth or other mapping software and manually build cues for the reroutes. I'm using GPS as my primary navigation tool, but I'm planning on cues/maps as backups. Planning on building my own cues using the ACA files as a starting point of reference. Lots to do these last few weeks before heading to Banff.

[dream4est]

Finding the start of the trail (Josephine Falls?) without exact cues will be difficult in the section after Elkford. I had trouble with GPS last year.

Clue- If u reach the dead end, go back 200 ft. Trail is on right heading uphill hard to see as u pass it going towards the dead end. Track is a bit wonky there it wants to take you to the dead end.

[Bluechip]

The ACA maps lack detail on the areas of the new route.  You would have to print some of your own maps to go along with the ACA maps.  

[ScottM]

Well spotted, Marshal, on the first rev 2015 file.

I noticed there was no Union Pass on the 2015 track. Seems to head west of Lake of the Woods. Maybe it it connects to the Continental Divide Trail... to make up for the loss of milage in the basin?

There is a tiny bit of CDT proper, but it's not singletrack and it's in an area where it's very poorly signed.  Expect some cool 2-tracks, a steep descent (HAB NoBo) and a jaw-dropping ridgeline 2-track run with views of the Tetons, Pinnacles, and the Winds.  That Matthew was able to link that section is very cool.  It was a highlight of that section from CDTbike.

What is the link to add yourself to the TD trackleaders page?  Also the 2015 TD Trackleader page with Billy Rice already on it is the old route still going through Rawlins.  Will it be updated to the new route?  

We still haven't published the tracking sign-up page -- waiting for the final word to release.

Yes, the tracker will get the new route.

Still old school, as I plan on navigating without gps. I hope that can work with new reroutes?

Cues will be forthcoming, as with all the non-ACA reroutes.  It is possible these could become the ACA route in the future, esp. with the construction mess and endless pavement their current route faces south of Rawlins.

[Askjeff]

Posted before regrading but was curious if anyone has any insight to where I could rent a SPOT Tracker for the race? Reached out to Trackleaders to secure one but haven't hardback. Any other services out there? Just looking to avoid a last minute scramble so I can concentrate on "bulking up," for the impending deprivation....Jeff

[ScottM]

Posted before regrading but was curious if anyone has any insight to where I could rent a SPOT Tracker for the race? Reached out to Trackleaders to secure one but haven't hardback. Any other services out there? Just looking to avoid a last minute scramble so I can concentrate on "bulking up," for the impending deprivation....Jeff

Trackleaders will have plenty of rentals available.  Sign-up is coming (for both your own SPOT and rentals -- same form).

[dream4est]

Well I saw on Marshals blog he has a new gas tank he is all bragging about. Its pretty sweet. Made by 12wheels aka Greg the Bolder Bikepacking Gear guy. I may have to make a mod for my tank- that cover looks like a great idea.



So I must post my new bags here as bikepacking.net is as close to blogging as I get. New feedbag and downtube bag and a new insert for my gas tank to give it a reusable zip tie phone mount and some compartmentalization as well as a small waterproof area. I used a new method of stiffener for the two new bags. Juice bottles. Set in after sewing. Really stiff but super light. Formed in one case to fit. They work really well. Did the same concept for my gas tank mod. Also, reusable zip ties have made mounting stuff like phones or gps or spot or cyclometer really easy.

Bike is 35.5-36 lbs with Azt750 tires and extra stans. I was shooting for 34lbs dry weight or right about the same as last year leaving Banff. With Maxxis Ikon 2.2 EXO and my hygiene kit I should be 34.5-35lbs. Not Matt Lee 2010 light or even Marshal 2015 light but really close if you factor out my suspension and dropper post added weight.

[sfuller]

Man - My Fargo is pushing about 45 or so dry :-/ . It will be really cool to see the rigs you veterans are riding up close in Banff in a couple of weeks. It's getting harder to go into work as the day gets closer...

[Bluechip]

My FargoTi is 51 lbs with 3 liters of water so it would be just under 45 lbs dry.  I could probably pare it down a couple of pounds but I think I'll leave it as is for now.  Not much time left.  A carbon fork would be nice but it's way too late for that.