CTR 2011 Start Dates

[Stefan_G]

Keeping the start on a Monday as there was much positive feedback on lower US-285 traffic.  Of course, it wouldn't matter so much for starting in Durango.  

Course is the same as 2010, including the Indian Creek Segment substitute for Waterton Canyon since Waterton will be closed through December 2011.

Full moons on 7/15 and 8/13.  New moon on 7/30.

Pros and Cons:  

• People claim better weather (i.e. less precip) near the full moon, but I am skeptical...  
• On 7/11, there is approximately 1 hour more daylight than on 8/15.
• Snow may be an issue near 7/11.

Choose wisely!!

[Done]

Voted. Thanks Stefan!

[murphyo]

Hi all,

After a year off, I'm really looking forward to the CTR again. I voted for an Aug 1 start date due to work constraints. And I like the traditional Denver-to-Durango direction -- just can't imagine doing it any other way. Hope to see you all on the trail. Happy New Year!

-Owen

[riverfever]

I need to be in Pennsylvania on the 13th for a wedding so I'm looking at starting on the 1st from Indian Creek (either with the group or as an ITT).

[jeffkerkove]

+1 for August 1  
+1 for Denver to Durango

[Done]

August 1st for me too. But I wish that Stefan would fix the moon to coincide! 

[wookieone]

Voted for August 1rst, are we for sure Durango to Denver? Only about 8 months away....Jefe

[Fettis]

Thanks Stefan. I like the idea of July 12th with the extra hour of daylight. Happy to go with your local knowledge though, especially if snow is still a risk. Can't be sure I'll be there but hope to make it.
John

[mikepro]

Voted for 8/1.  I might be able to make it out from the Pacific NW, if it's an 8/1 start.  And maybe that's enough rest time that they'll be another rider or two giving the TDR/CTR "double" a shot.

[krefs]

8/15 and there's a chance my legs might be recovered enough to give it a go!

[Chad B]

Voted...hoping to make it this year, if the date is right.

[tetontodd]

Voted for August 1st!
I rode the AZT instead of the CTR last season! Looking foreward to this monster again!
Count me in!

[sherpaxc]

I'm not going to vote since I won't be starting with the group.  Myself and 2 others will be starting on July 23rd.  I'm giving myself 10 days to finish. 

Looking for some redemption.

[Chad B]

I'm not going to vote since I won't be starting with the group.  Myself and 2 others will be starting on July 23rd.  I'm giving myself 10 days to finish. 

Looking for some redemption.

Perhaps you should vote for the 25th then to help me out I gotta do it before I start classes in early August.

[Mathewsen]

Stefan,
Can you remind us of the full intel. on Colorado monsoon season? I know it's tied to dewpoint in NM/AZ but what is the 'historical' season again? They seem far more thwarting than lingering snowpack or diminished light. Can you say if you *think* it's trending earlier and/or concluding earlier? It seems to be that case for NM. July 4th was the old start date but the past 5 years or so dew points are ripe by June 30th or even earlier. IIRC in 2010, third week in July was a really bad time to be on the CT.

As the (un)organizer for TD, i admit i am biased towards 7th of August so that the double or triple crown of ultra bikepack racing is more feasible (with good form). I know Ethan Passant for one has his eye on this, and perhaps Kurt? Maybe Ezster, too? (Apologies to Chad, et al)

[speedracer]

8/1
Denver to Durango

[sherpaxc]

Perhaps you should vote for the 25th then to help me out I gotta do it before I start classes in early August.

Yep.  Got that same problem.  Gotta get back to the classroom.

[gbach]

I'm leaning toward a July 25th start, so I can be recovered after a brevet, But damn, I did want to try this ride under the full moon.

[chuckyb]

big early moon would make for nice ridden! might even feel more like the normal group night rides... and you wouldn't feel the pain.  i picked Aug8 to get some of that light and still make it back to school start (due to wife/kid pickup-mobile).  on the route direction - it would make for easier logistics for most i think, to have the flexibility of ending in Denver, hmmm

[dogboydan]

Stefan, you have done a great up job putting the whole CTR together! Whatever the start date, direction and route the awesome sprit of the great adventure of such a huge solo race will always be there. What a sweet thrill we all can enjoy for free. Thank you.

I voted - start date Aug 8. Over the last years I have observed less rain at night in the Colorado mountains when there is a full moon. Also the light from the moon makes night riding and camping a little easier.  The later start date helps snow melt. I choose less snow over extra hour of sunshine.

Direction of travel - Durango to Denver
With the direction from Durango to Denver the shuttle from Denver to drop off racers in Durango can be on a fixed date making it easier for scheduling. This Durango to Denver direction makes the logistics easier for the riders who make it Denver. However if a racer drops out before Buena Vista on the way to Denver, the logistics of a shuttle to Denver are harder. Compare a shuttle from Lake City to Denver verses a shuttle from Leadville to Denver. In keeping with the last changes to the race that make it more difficult (adding Tenmile and Cataract) it seems like reversing the direction would the way to go.