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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #140 on: April 24, 2012, 08:09:08 AM
jryter


Location: Gunnison, CO
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« Reply #140 on: April 24, 2012, 08:09:08 AM »

Hey if you finished the CTR or are going to (just keep the legs moving) here is a link at the CT site.
http://www.coloradotrail.org/completers.html
fill out the form and email it in.
Can't wait to see the blue dots going past Gunnison! I think I'll take a camping trip and ride some of the route during that week.....have fun.
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #141 on: April 24, 2012, 03:22:09 PM
mtnbound


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« Reply #141 on: April 24, 2012, 03:22:09 PM »

At this point in time, I am planning on an ITT starting Saturday, July 28 or possibly Sunday July 29 (i.e. just before the mass start) due to work issues.  Knocking two days off during this weekend will mean two days less I have to take off the following week (I am expecting it to take about 10 days for me).  I know this creates problems for the Bailey to Kenosha Pass portion but, on the plus side, since I am a back of the pack rider, it may be fun to see all the racers as they pass me!  Of course, if anyone else wants to start at the same time, just let me know.
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #142 on: April 24, 2012, 04:30:09 PM
THE LONG RANGER

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« Reply #142 on: April 24, 2012, 04:30:09 PM »

I'm certainly listening to you, about a different mass start date. I'm trying to make the CTR a priority, but it's falling on the same dates the music project I'm in wants to Tour. I already ditched out on them last year, with the TD - where the exact same thing happened, so I sort of want to be able to be there for everyone this year. I'm looking at options to bus it and meet everyone mid-tour, somewhere in NV or CA. Ugh!

As this is a planning thread, I should also ask what bus options there are out of Durango. Maybe it's cheaper to fly to Las Vegas!
« Last Edit: April 24, 2012, 04:33:48 PM by TheArtist » Logged


  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #143 on: April 24, 2012, 09:03:56 PM
Foster


Location: Fort Campbell, KY
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« Reply #143 on: April 24, 2012, 09:03:56 PM »

In for the CTR this summer.  I will be at the mass start.  It will conclude one big year for me from riding the AZ300+TDR+CTR in one season.  The next year I plan to do the same but with the AZ750 instead of the 300 completing the triple crown(I think that's what its called).

Can't wait to see everyone out there, make new friends and share new experiences. 

Eric
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #144 on: April 25, 2012, 04:57:58 AM
bartspedden


Location: Crested Butte, CO
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« Reply #144 on: April 25, 2012, 04:57:58 AM »

It will conclude one big year for me from riding the AZ300+TDR+CTR in one season.

I'll be cheering for you the whole way dude! Way to dream big!
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #145 on: April 26, 2012, 03:14:37 PM
dgjessee


Location: Atlanta
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« Reply #145 on: April 26, 2012, 03:14:37 PM »

FYI - I just reserved a minivan from Durango to Denver one way for after the race if anyone wants to share the car back. Booked it for Aug. 10-12 and will adjust as needed.

just email me if you're interested: dgjessee@gmail.com.
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #146 on: May 03, 2012, 05:04:52 PM
BigPoppa


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« Reply #146 on: May 03, 2012, 05:04:52 PM »

So, how far is it from the finish trail head to the actually city of Durango? I don't have any friends down that way, so I imagine I'll be riding it all the way into town....

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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #147 on: May 03, 2012, 05:37:55 PM
Done


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« Reply #147 on: May 03, 2012, 05:37:55 PM »

So, how far is it from the finish trail head to the actually city of Durango? I don't have any friends down that way, so I imagine I'll be riding it all the way into town....
Just a few miles down the road. Easy ride.
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #148 on: May 03, 2012, 05:55:44 PM
BigPoppa


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« Reply #148 on: May 03, 2012, 05:55:44 PM »

Just a few miles down the road. Easy ride.

Thanks Toby! I still have a feeling I'll be stopping for a nap in the parking lot before I ride into town though....
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #149 on: May 07, 2012, 09:52:13 PM
Foster


Location: Fort Campbell, KY
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« Reply #149 on: May 07, 2012, 09:52:13 PM »

Anyone ever ride the CTR with a single speed?  If so whats your gearing?
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #150 on: May 07, 2012, 09:57:47 PM
Foster


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« Reply #150 on: May 07, 2012, 09:57:47 PM »

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,323.0.html

nvm, I guess there was already a forum for this.  Looks like 32x22 on a 29er is a common agreement for the CTR.
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #151 on: May 07, 2012, 10:01:06 PM
Foster


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« Reply #151 on: May 07, 2012, 10:01:06 PM »

I ran 32/22 last year.

I wasn't that strong and it hurt on the longer road climbs but I could pull most of them.

It was alright on the trail.

Not sure if i'd go to 32/24. I know I wished for it a few times.



Couple questions on that...

Do you think you were faster on the SS than if you had gears or would it not have made much difference?  For the downhills did it matter that you spun out or are all/most of the downhills steep enough to gain enough momentum?

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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #152 on: May 07, 2012, 10:40:43 PM
Foster


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« Reply #152 on: May 07, 2012, 10:40:43 PM »

If you can keep the discipline to push hard on a geared bike like you'd push on a SS I think you'd be faster... especially on the flats.

Having a simple drive train was nice.


I would have to agree with that. The simple drive train is also nice...
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #153 on: May 08, 2012, 01:13:41 PM
JReeves


Location: Reno, NV
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« Reply #153 on: May 08, 2012, 01:13:41 PM »

I'll be running single speed on my first CTR this year.  I'm two weeks into my belt drive experience, and so far I truly love it.  I've had no problems at all, and the silent drivetrain is awesome!  If I don't have any problems in the next few months leading up to the CTR, I'll be doing it belt drive as well.  It's a 29er, and I'm running the equivalent gearing of 32-20 on it now, but plan to swap it over to 32-22ish gearing for the CTR.  I ran the 32-22 gearing on my last bikepacking effort that fell short 8 hours into the trip(5 flats), and it seemed to be the ideal gear for singletrack specific trips.  It forces you to rest your legs on the downhill, which is safer too, as after a long day in the saddle you can get lazy at higher speeds and dealing with a much bulkier bike. 
I've also considered taking an extra cog and swapping it over for certain sections.  I actually put some thought into this when I was putting my bike together, and I'm using this style of "lockring" so that a cassette tool, or chain/belt whip isn't needed for swapping cogs.  It's truly a 1 minute process that involves dropping the wheel out of the dropout, loosening the one allen bolt on the GearClamp, and swapping the cog and tightening it back up.  Obviously this wouldn't work for everyone(EBB), but I have the Paragon Sliding Dropouts, so re-tensioning everything is simple as well.  Even for just the one or two long detours of the route, a 19t or 20t cog would be pretty beneficial...
I'll be taking the bike out in two weeks for my first shakedown run on the Toiyabe Crest Trail, which I'll be doing rigid.  I've read some horror stories about riding the CTR rigid, but I'm not completely sure if I'll throw a suspension fork on it.  My bike, and fork, are titanium, and I'm running Maxxis Ardent 2.4's front and rear with plenty of clearance.  Between the flex of the titanium fork, and the huge volume of the 2.4" tire, I'm almost considering giving it a go.  I'll know more how I feel about this after putting some long days in later this month... haha.     
Getting excited to start nailing down the final details!!!  Can't wait to roll up to the start line with you guys!
-Jesse
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #154 on: May 08, 2012, 01:37:59 PM
joeydurango


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« Reply #154 on: May 08, 2012, 01:37:59 PM »

I ride SS 99% of the time, but for the CTR I did a 1x9.  Two things:  1) looonnng road sections where even a 32x20 would suck, and forget a 22t, and 2) the more weight you carry, the lower your strength/weight ratio, which translates to SS not being ideal for bikepacking.  Personal opinion, I know, but take it for what it's worth.  I'd much rather deal with a derailleur and its potential issues (of which I had zero) than actually swap cogs out on the trail.  Something sweet you can do if you have an SS frame is run your dropouts positioned for a 32x whatever cog you pick from your cassette, and size the chain for the SS gear and then add a section of chain via quick links for your derailleur setup.  That way if you mangle a derailleur or something you can simply pull the section of chain and revert to SS with a minimum of hassle.

Jesse, rigid sounds painful as hell to me, but more power to you if you pull it off... I want to know who will win the battle between your wrists and Sargents Mesa.  Keep us posted!
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #155 on: May 08, 2012, 02:23:05 PM
fastmtnbiker33w

Nuclear Sunrise Stitchworks


Location: El Paso, TX
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« Reply #155 on: May 08, 2012, 02:23:05 PM »

I'll be running single speed on my first CTR this year.  I'm two weeks into my belt drive experience, and so far I truly love it.  I've had no problems at all, and the silent drivetrain is awesome!  If I don't have any problems in the next few months leading up to the CTR, I'll be doing it belt drive as well.  It's a 29er, and I'm running the equivalent gearing of 32-20 on it now, but plan to swap it over to 32-22ish gearing for the CTR.  I ran the 32-22 gearing on my last bikepacking effort that fell short 8 hours into the trip(5 flats), and it seemed to be the ideal gear for singletrack specific trips.  It forces you to rest your legs on the downhill, which is safer too, as after a long day in the saddle you can get lazy at higher speeds and dealing with a much bulkier bike. 
I've also considered taking an extra cog and swapping it over for certain sections.  I actually put some thought into this when I was putting my bike together, and I'm using this style of "lockring" so that a cassette tool, or chain/belt whip isn't needed for swapping cogs.  It's truly a 1 minute process that involves dropping the wheel out of the dropout, loosening the one allen bolt on the GearClamp, and swapping the cog and tightening it back up.  Obviously this wouldn't work for everyone(EBB), but I have the Paragon Sliding Dropouts, so re-tensioning everything is simple as well.  Even for just the one or two long detours of the route, a 19t or 20t cog would be pretty beneficial...
I'll be taking the bike out in two weeks for my first shakedown run on the Toiyabe Crest Trail, which I'll be doing rigid.  I've read some horror stories about riding the CTR rigid, but I'm not completely sure if I'll throw a suspension fork on it.  My bike, and fork, are titanium, and I'm running Maxxis Ardent 2.4's front and rear with plenty of clearance.  Between the flex of the titanium fork, and the huge volume of the 2.4" tire, I'm almost considering giving it a go.  I'll know more how I feel about this after putting some long days in later this month... haha.     
Getting excited to start nailing down the final details!!!  Can't wait to roll up to the start line with you guys!
-Jesse

You change cogs, you aren't single speeding the route.  Last year's winner did it on a SS and I highly doubt he changed his gearing mid-race.  And that belt drive system is a waste of money.  I tried it and enjoyed the light weight, but being a big guy with a lot of torque, it skipped all the time and ruined a hub when I tried to make it tight enough to not skip.  Those belts are super expensive and you'll need an extra with you in the backcountry.  That's a quote from a retired pro that does a lot of bike testing...not me.  One of my local bike shop guys about became a one nutter when a customer's belt broke when he was test riding it in the parking lot.

I'll be single speeding the CTR this summer.  32x22 on my 29er...traditional chain and cogs.  Bring the rain bitches....in buckets!
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #156 on: May 08, 2012, 03:18:49 PM
joeydurango


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« Reply #156 on: May 08, 2012, 03:18:49 PM »

Kevin definitely did not change gearing mid-race.  But if you've ever ridden with the guy you know why... he's super-strong.  One of the only people I've never been able to keep up with.  Someday...

As a mechanic and shop owner I agree with your assessment of the belt system.  I wasn't going to say anything but since you did I'll throw in with the same impressions.  You gotta watch the bike industry, because they're always trying to push new stuff.  Sometimes it's worth it... often it's not.
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #157 on: May 08, 2012, 03:39:44 PM
JReeves


Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 145


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« Reply #157 on: May 08, 2012, 03:39:44 PM »

Appreciate the input guys...  Obviously everyone has had their own experiences with certain gear, and I'll keep those stories in mind when making my decision come race day...
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #158 on: May 08, 2012, 04:35:14 PM
Juan Speeder


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« Reply #158 on: May 08, 2012, 04:35:14 PM »

I'm gonna roll a 34 tooth Rotor ring x 24T.
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  Topic Name: CTR 2012 Planning Reply #159 on: May 12, 2012, 03:12:49 PM
anth


Location: Boulder, CO
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« Reply #159 on: May 12, 2012, 03:12:49 PM »

Hey all!

So first, starting to get excited for July 30th with the weather warming up here in CO!

I've been making some final-ish gear decisions and there's one thing I can't seem to come to a conclusion on, even with the tons of info online here: gloves. Right now I'm planning on my normal riding gloves + warm windproof fleece. I'd love to find just a gore-tex or event shell to throw over them if it pours but can't seem to find any. I understand nothing will keep your hands dry forever but what do folks usually plan on for their hands in the rain up high? Right now I'm thinking I'll either go bare-handed and keep my gloves dry in my pack if it's warm enough or go with the fleece as the windproof membrane keeps the rain out for a little while. Suggestions?

cheers
anthony
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