CTR 2012 Planning

[Stefan_G]

On another note, has anyone heard if they are having a cut-off of the number of people that can participate? Just wondering if, after pouring myself into this for the last year, if there is a chance I won't be able to participate...

Yes, there is a 74 person limit on group size for events held on National Forest Service land, otherwise a permit is required.  Technically, this limit includes spectators (e.g. friends/family dropping you off at the start), so even limiting the CTR to only 74 racers is problematic at best.  Most especially for an "event" that doesn't even have a registration so the actual number is an unknown until that morning.  Fortunately, the start is at Waterton again this year, so you all will have 6 miles of dirt road (owned by Denver Water) to spread yourself out into smaller groups before entering any Forest Service land...  And after a few hours, the biggest group will probably be down to 10 or less.  Because of the distributed nature of this event, it is hard to even quantify a group size IMO.

So, for this year, if you show up, you can ride!  I hope this doesn't become an issue we have to deal with, but we'll see what the future brings.  The CTR is undoubtedly becoming more popular - however, I don't think it will ever see the kind of numbers any of the shorter (< 1 day) grassroots races are seeing.

And, of course, an ITT at any time is also encouraged!   
 

[Flounder]

And, of course, an ITT at any time is also encouraged!   
 

Initially, I was bummed my schedule didn't align with the actual mass start dates. In retrospect, I'm glad it worked out the way it did. I'm looking forward to my 7-20 ITT date. I've only done a few other races this year. The first, I lined up with 175 riders. The second, 832. The third, 385. I look forward to my solo launch. No hole shots. No bottle necks. No clouds of dust.

[Maverickisme]

Awesome forum, answers so many questions for a CTR first timer!  Look forward to being in CO in a five weeks!

[Laps]

Stefan, do we need to do LOIs for the ctr?  Or is saying you are in on this thread enough? 
Thanks and looking forward to June 30th!

[riverfever]

Stefan,

With all of the wildfires that are going on throughout the state right now, are there any concerns that we will not be able to race?

-Chris

[Done]

With all of the wildfires that are going on throughout the state right now, are there any concerns that we will not be able to race?

I can't speak for Stefan, but I'm very worried that the fire season may lead to re-routes, closures, delays, etc. This is by far the driest and hottest year in Colorado that I can remember. Having so many big fires in June is absolutely shocking. If we don't get some serious rain ASAP, I fear that things are going to get much worse later this summer.

If most of the trail is open, I'll be out there. But I'm not going to ride through closures or heavy smoke.

In the meantime, I'm trying to train the best that I can--despite all of the smoke in Fort Collins. I'm definitely missing riding my favorite trails, whether because they are closed or it's too smoky.

[bartspedden]

I'm pulling the plug on my CTR race for this year.  The smoke is keeping me inside and the heat is crushing my spirit. Can't say too much for the mountains, but from trail runs around Boulder traditional seasonal streams are already dry.  I'm pretty hopeful that things will be ok for everyone else in the race though.  I think I'm gonna focus on some 2-3 days trips in the fall when things cool down a bit.

Good luck to everyone!

[Done]

I'm pulling the plug on my CTR race for this year.  The smoke is keeping me inside and the heat is crushing my spirit. Can't say too much for the mountains, but from trail runs around Boulder traditional seasonal streams are already dry.  I'm pretty hopeful that things will be ok for everyone else in the race though.  I think I'm gonna focus on some 2-3 days trips in the fall when things cool down a bit.

Good luck to everyone!

Bummer, I was looking forward to seeing you out there, Bart. I've had similar thoughts of bailing due to the damn smoke. I haven't gotten out much the last couple of weeks...

[riverfever]

We are on precautionary evacuation right now and waiting. The wind shifted about an hour ago and we are now smoked out again like yesterday. I was out for a 3 day trip until yesterday when my wife finally got in touch with me in Bailey and told me to head home. She is terrified at the thought of me being out there where she can't get in touch with me. Things are bad.  

[Stefan_G]

Yep, reroutes and closures are a real concern this year.  Nothing yet on the CT, but who knows what will happen in another month.

If I were doing an ITT right now, I think I'd start at 2am to avoid heatstroke!

No LOIs (or even comments on this thread) needed to register.  I'm getting lots of questions about Spots and the Spot sign-up sheet.  Rest assured, it will be here soon!  If you don't intend to use a Spot, all you have to do is show up.

-Stefan

[Flounder]

The recent Weber fire outside of Durango could become a concern. It's south of Mancos and burning northeast at a good clip. It could potentially cause issues in the Kennebec, Junction Creek area if uncontained. It would have to get to be a 50,000+ acre burn by then, but as we've all seen, that's not impossible.

For excellent fire data, reports and projections:  http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2937/

Reports around the San Juans already suggest many of the smaller high alpine surface flows are dry. Dry as in bone dry. No agua.

By the way, the Little Sand fire just south of the Wiminuche Wilderness is 30% contained but could present some smoke ugliness.

[joeydurango]

Hell, I sure hope the Weber fire doesn't get this far over.  But you're correct, it could possibly burn into CT areas.  For now it's still south of 160.  Smoke from the fire, however, has been bad in Silverton/Ouray areas.  I'll be up on Sections 22/23 this weekend and I'm quite interested to see how much smoke is up there from the Sand Creek and Weber fires combined, assuming neither is out - which I think is a safe assumption.  I'll keep you all posted.  Beginning to be glad I'm not racing this year... not sure what the water situation will be like out there, unless we get some good rain soon.

[Flounder]

It seems like the Treasure Fire which started yesterday outside of Leadville might be contained more readily than the Weber fire. The Treasure Fire is 5 miles from Leadville and burning NE. It could in theory go on to burn quite a bit, but it's unlikely to get too big. There's only 125 crew on that one.

The Weber Fire is what I'm most worried about short and long term as it heads for really primo areas.

As an aside, if you see someone with a camp fire, beat'em over the head with it.

[mtnbound]

The fire, smoke and trail closures here in Ft Collins have made training very difficult.  Went out on Sat with a friend and had to pull the plug after 5 hours due to heat, smoke and water issues (Bobcat Ridge locked the water sprocket in this incredible heat- really?!?).  Though the Canyon Grill did rehydrate us with ice cold beer!  I would expect water to be a real issue on the CT this year - like it has been mentioned, many seasonal streams are already dry or will likely be dry in 5 weeks.

Anyway, if trail closures/re-routes do occur, how is made known to the riders?  Since a few of us are planning on leaving on Saturday, 2 days b/f the GD, we may run into issues before the group (or at least until they catch up/pass me!).  We may be the scouting/test group/guinea pigs!

[Woodland]

Anyway, if trail closures/re-routes do occur, how is made known to the riders?  Since a few of us are planning on leaving on Saturday, 2 days b/f the GD, we may run into issues before the group (or at least until they catch up/pass me!).  We may be the scouting/test group/guinea pigs!

I'm gonna guess one of 2 ways: you see signs on the trail or you learn of closures from other trail users somehow.

[Done]

Anyway, if trail closures/re-routes do occur, how is made known to the riders?  Since a few of us are planning on leaving on Saturday, 2 days b/f the GD, we may run into issues before the group (or at least until they catch up/pass me!).  We may be the scouting/test group/guinea pigs!

I'm planning on calling the Colorado Trail Foundation before I take off. The should have a pretty good idea whether there's any work happening on the trail, or if any fires are likely to pose a threat. After that, I hope that the FS posts notices at trailheads, etc. I'm most worried about running into an active fire, so I'll be riding with a Spot for sure!

[Stefan_G]

It is up to every individual rider to be aware of any fires or trail closures that may exist, and (of course) obey the law with respect to any closures.  I can't stress enough that you are all responsible for your own safety out there!!! 

If you have to detour, use your best judgment about how and where to regain the CT further along the course.  Any detour due to a trail closure is de facto the new CTR course. 

I know it sounds preachy and I say it over and over, but the CTR is integrally dependent on each racer's decisions and actions.  Imagine everyone in the race (and on the trail, and then another 1000 people just for kicks) making the exact same decision.  If there is any doubt in your mind after considering that, maybe it's not the right choice...

And no matter what - enjoy the adventure!!!

[TruthRider]

The fire, smoke and trail closures here in Ft Collins have made training very difficult. 

I live in Boulder and the smoke has been brutal.  The worst thing is you can't even see it much, but riding this am (pre-sunrise to beat the heat, although it was 84 at 5:20) my throat was burning by the end.   If you live on the Front Range, go out at night with a flashlight and point it up.  Be prepared to be bummed out at the amazing content of ash in the air that you can't see in the day time.   Nasty.

[Juan Speeder]

One more thing to add to the gear list.



Sigh...

[Yogi the Barry]

I like the dust mask... at least it doesn't weight much! 
Now I have two weather scenarios to worry about, full flow monsoon [my biggest worry, because I hate rain/mud/skeeters] or fire closures/reroutes. However, would be really nice if monsoon plume got tapped a bit before the end of July.

If anybody is interested in joining us next July 4-6:
July 4th - Monarch Crest/Rainbow Trail - relatively large coed group ride of mixed abilities.
July 5th - CT segments 13 and 14. Smaller and faster group.
July 6h - Kenosha Pass to Copper - CT S6 & S7. Just me, only person training for CTR, so far...
-B