2017 CTR: Planning & Who's In?

[evdog]

Most definitely carry extra pads. I haven't needed them but many others have

I would second that.  Lots of long descents can easily wear out pads.  And I'd bring extra of the little metal clips that spread the pads too.  I have had those catch on the rotor before and needed to replace just the clip.  Happened to JoeP on the AZT300 a few days ago.  I'd bring anything that isn't a big weight penalty that could end your ride if it breaks.  Things like spare derailler cable, spare derailler hanger, etc.  I'd even bring a bleed kit for my shimano brakes.  Small kit that could save my ride.....

[evdog]

Should also say... if I can get the time off work, I am in.  I will probably do Denver to Durango though, and likely not til September.  Or earlier in July depending on snow pack. 

[Paadria]

Thanks for the info.  What about the front rotor size?  Should I up size the 160mm to a 180mm?  Also, my flight comes in at 9am Saturday July 22nd.  What options are there for getting to town?  Are Cabs or shuttles available?

[Bob Loblaw]

I used a 180mm front rotor, but many people have used 160mm. If you have the money to spend, go for it, but in all likelihood it won't make or break your race.

[dummey]

I feel unprepared, but I am going to commit myself. See you guys at the start!

[joeydurango]

Welcome to the board, Dummey (somehow that sounds wrong)!  If you feel fully prepared for this beast without having done it before, then you're probably overconfident or unaware of what's in store... ha!

Nevertheless, you will have a most excellent adventure.

[sundog99]

Assuming you are lucky enough to finish this beast, any suggestions how folks get back to the start to pick-up their vehicles?

Thanks!
Rob

[JoePAz]

I'm IN for the Durango depart this year!! It'll be a welcome change from Phoenix in late July. I'll have to remind myself of that while pushing up some of those passes!! I was able to sample some of the CT before & after Silverton last September and I can't wait to see more.

John,
  I am thinking about the CTR for 2018 and will really love to watch your process.   Also I will be in Durango / Leadville area in  mid-late July.  In fact I booked at camp spot right on the CT at Twin lakes July 19-20.  Probably before you start and most like way before you roll through.

[JoePAz]

I would second that.  Lots of long descents can easily wear out pads.  And I'd bring extra of the little metal clips that spread the pads too.  I have had those catch on the rotor before and needed to replace just the clip.  Happened to JoeP on the AZT300 a few days ago.  I'd bring anything that isn't a big weight penalty that could end your ride if it breaks.  Things like spare derailler cable, spare derailler hanger, etc.  I'd even bring a bleed kit for my shimano brakes.  Small kit that could save my ride.....

Yeah spare brake pads are a must.  The are light and easy to change if needed and if you need them you will want them.  If you did not need them so what.  They are few grams of piece of mind.   Reminds me I should have brought a spare shifter cable on my 300 ride this year and forgot. I did not need it, but if I did I would have been worth it.

[the.hamtron]

I'm in! Last year was a serious learning experience and so, so humbling,  and though I dropped in Silverton and didn't complete the line, I had a blast and am anxious to give it another go. Looking forward to the Durango-->Front Range direction this time around.

- Paul H

[joeydurango]

Hamilton!  Yes!  Glad you're in for another go.

I heard you were getting your wisdom teeth yanked!

Just found out that the dentist screwed up the procedure in a major way and now, two months later, I have to go have the whole thing redone.  Things are not looking good for riding/training this year so far... pretty bummed.  Also not looking forward to more antibiotics and liquid "food".     If you're ever in Durango and need an oral surgeon... go somewhere else, because we only have this one.

[geekonabike]

Assuming you are lucky enough to finish this beast, any suggestions how folks get back to the start to pick-up their vehicles?

Thanks!
Rob

Bustang will get you halfway:  http://www.ridebustang.com/west-line. I did it a couple of yrs ago & I don't recommend doing the other half on a trail geared single speed. Leave downtown in the afternoon/evening get in to Glenwood Spring round midnight. I moteled it. & Blair House hostel in Silverton the next night.

[agardner]

Barring any surprises in our little world, I am most likely holding the needed kitchen pass to join everyone this year. Very psyched!

Anyone interested in carpooling from Denver? I'm hoping to ditch my car in Denver and possibly rent a car or chip in for gas to Durango.

[Bmac2002]

Hey all. Like many others I have been stalking this site and trackleaders and am ready to give the CTR a go this year (assuming I stay healthy). I am excited to meet those of you who are educating us newbees with your past experiences. I think that really speaks to the kind of people I'll hopefully be 'racing' against. Getting more and more excited as the calendar moves closer to July! Will be heading down to Durango from Denver so would be interested in splitting a one way rental or catching a ride (beers and gas on me).

[Ben Salthouse]

I have a question regarding mail drops. Mail drop resupplies are attractive for a number of reasons with the obvious downside being the post offices limited hours.

For those of you who have ran the race what are your thoughts on using post office mail drops?

My current thinking is I will send a package to Silverton to be picked up first thing Monday morning and also to send two identical packages to BV and Leadville so if I miss the post office hours in BV I can do a mini resupply at the grocery store and grab my box at Leadville or vice versa. I also plan on having shopping lists printed out as backups. How does this strategy strike you?

-Ben

[THE LONG RANGER]

Leadville has a very decent grocery store right on route, so there's no need for a mail drop there. BV has a decent grocery store too, maybe two blocks off route - if you need to top things off, the Princeton Hot Springs is not that far away. Hours for that are weird, and the restaurant has a tendency to be slow. 

Silverton doesn't really have a grocery store, but it has a small store/gas station right on route that should have everything you need if you want to cobble together something high-calorie. The race starts in Durango this year? So, your job is to get to Silverton, when the store is open and stock up for the long haul to the next resup. I guess we'll see if Apple is around the detour.

My thoughts are this: mail drops on the CTR are a luxury. The Post Office is going to have worse hours than any store on route. I personally wouldn't bother. Grab and go!

[joeydurango]

Note:  Apple should in no way be construed as, used as, or counted on as a "resupply" of any kind.  He's not there to resupply racers, he's there to be a bit of trail magic for trail users.  I missed him altogether in 2011 and enjoyed a completely unexpected root beer float in 2013.

Justin, not harshing on you, just not completely certain what you meant and didn't want newcomers getting the wrong idea. 

I agree with Justin.  Don't worry about mail drops.  Plenty of food out there.  Also, if you're leaving Silverton in the AM as late as the PO or grocery will be open, you're setting yourself up for some serious probable afternoon weather trouble on the high sections (22/23).  I'm personally a fan of packing food from Durango to BV, and making sure I'm heading for Stony Pass by 3-4am if at all possible.

[THE LONG RANGER]

No disagreement with the Apple situation - he's trail magic, all the way!

Joey's strategy of packing food till BV is sound. Having to stop because of lack of food is no fun in a race situation. I had to drop into Lake City one year because I couldn't make it to Silverton (going Denver -> Durango), and that was demoralizing!

[Biggs23]

Another little hidden gem is the Twin Lakes General Store.

[Ben Salthouse]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll put this in my pipe and smoke it.

I was trying to think of ways to lighten my load between Durango and Silverton as I remember some of that stretch of trail being pretty burl. Also I was thinking I'd be pretty scrambled by the time I pull into Silverton so I might make mistakes on the resupply.

I may be able to make it to Silverton before the store closes but coming from sea level I don't want to depend on it. Sounds like my best bet may be to just suck it up and carry the food.