CTR 2012 Planning

[Flounder]

I can only speak to the first 105 miles, but the forests were generally dry, but not tender-box dry. It appeared to be getting progressively wetter over the weekend. As for water, I think if you find water, it will likely be in the sources listed as perinial. Many of the smaller surface flows I came across were dry. Overall, water on that stretch wasn't hard to find.

[JReeves]

Truly can't believe it's here already!  
Glad to hear that it might be a little wet and cool.  I'm ok with a little rain, when my other option is 100 degree heat and sun.  My buddy and I will be driving to Durango tomorrow night!  Bike is loaded up and ready to roll...  Now I'm just trying to relax and quit stressing on every little detail of it.  The months of planning are complete, now it's time to make it happen!  Can't wait to line up at Waterton!
-Jesse

[THE LONG RANGER]

Uh, now my legs are coming around, I'm sad not to be lining up! Maybe I can make it to the start, to cheer everyone on, before our tour kicks off! Good luck, everyone!

[bartspedden]

I crossed over the CT this pass weekend on my way over hagerman pass.  I saw one guy training for the LT100 and a couple of other guys that looked to be putting the finishing touches on their legs for the CTR.  The western side of the divide is remarkably wet.  While you could see the dried up and crackly plants from last month, there was plenty of new, green growth too. Because of the moisture, morning temps were chilly, nothing out of the norm though. There was a hail storm that dropped 1/2 inch of happy whiteness.  Once again though, nothing out of the norm.

Can't wait to see you all merrily pushing your blue dots to durango (or denver)   

And remember, if you start this thing, it's best to finish, lest you want to live with dreams of an unfinished ctr for a whole year until you can give a crack at it next year. There's no reason to stress over it. Just be humble, and brave, and finish. Through the highs and lows, keep it together.  I was amazed at the AZT this year, so many folks that started the full meal deal completed it! My wish is that everyone that starts the CTR this years gets the chance to finish! Hang tight, it's about to start!

[gdillon]

Despite my feelings last year about not needing to ride the CT again, Bart is right: the need creeps in slowly until it once again becomes an obsession. Good luck to all out there and may you be safe and (possibly) dry. May be out there in 2013...

[Done]

And remember, if you start this thing, it's best to finish, lest you want to live with dreams of an unfinished ctr for a whole year until you can give a crack at it next year.

Even when I did finish in 2010, I obsessed about doing it again in 2011. And then when I failed in 2011, I obsessed about redeeming myself in 2012. Finish or not, I think that I'm obsessed...

[ScottM]

We've got 74 people on the tracker now (including ITT's, several of which have started already, or will start soon).

Important: if you have paid for tracking and do NOT see your name on the righthand sidebar of the tracker, please drop me a note (smorris@topofusion.com) .

http://trackleaders.com/ctr

Also I have loaded all the avatars I could pick out with the keywords "avatar" or "image" from my email.  If you sent us an avatar and don't see it on your individual page, let me know.

Only a few days now... wish I was heading out with everyone, though my head is not in the right place to reach anywhere near potential, and I don't really feel like fast touring it -- though even that is tempting.  I've been at Brush Mtn Lodge, Durango, Crested Butte and Leadville for the last 6 weeks, so I am as well versed in Colorado riding (and storm dodging) as I've ever been.  It's awesome out there right now.

[aaron w]

Can anyone familiar with the metro area near the race start help me with a motel suggestion?  I can get dropped off at a motel on Sunday and will need to bike to the start.  I'm hoping to find something that would be 45 minutes or less bike ride to the race start.  Thanks in advance! 

[joeydurango]

Aaron, you're in again!  Awesome.  Can't help you with your question, but best wishes out there and hit me up when you make it to Durango!  Stop by the shop - 1077 Main Ave.  Good luck!

[Eszter]

Aaron!  You're nuts.  Plain and simple.  I'm going to be plenty happy being a blue-dot junkie this round.

[JCarr13]

Yeah Aaron! Just cant get enough huh? Hope we get to ride together for a bit again this year!

[mtbordie]

Aaron  I think there are some motels around 470 and wadsworth area
and then its a quick ride down wadsworth to waterton.

[aaron w]

Thanks for the motel info.  If anyone has an other advice please post!

I'm really doubting that I can match my time from last year, but what the heck I have the week off.  I am hoping to avoid sweating or getting rained on though.  Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces!  See ya'll at waterton!

[Done]

My two cents on this beast:

allthingsepicwithjill.blogspot.com

Good luck to all!! 

Sounds familiar!

ROCKY TRIBUTE -- EYE OF THE TIGER

I'll enjoy watching your back as you burn out of Waterton!

[KO]

Have fun out there everyone.  I finally finished the beast.  I have a new found appreciation for you guys and gal that slay the beast in half the time it took me.  As if you're not stoked enough to start the race, here's more: http://forums.mtbr.com/colorado-front-range/durango-bust-803746.html

[Johnny_mtb]

Just reached BV today and that's all the farther I planned this year. Next year I'll race! If you're worried about the water from Denver to BV - don't! All the spots in the guide book with half cup or more were flowing great. Good luck to all you racers!

[slacey24]

If any Denver CTRites need someone to vouch for Aaron W. before letting him surf their couch and give him a ride to the canyon for the start I’ll tell you he’s a good dude and pretty sure your animals will be safe.  Sorry I can’t make the start this year Aaron, hope to make a run at her in a couple weeks. 

[THE LONG RANGER]

Aaron - can I help you out? I'm staying in Arvada (64th/Sheridan), which isn't super close to the start line, but you can spend the night, and I'll drive you to the start line eeeearly in the morning. I was planning on checking the start for fun, anyways. May take ~45 min to drive there. but we can load up the Subaru beforehand and just get up and go.

Let me know and I'll see about borrowing the Sub. PM me about it, 

[Matt Schiff]

weight discussion/bragging rights:

I'm a horrible overpacker and bike toured the US (www.bike49.org) with a bike that at times weighed 115lbs with food and water. If I saw something that I thought would be neat to have, I'd throw it in a pack. This time I'm trying to be weight conscious, using a postal scale around the house to check everything in ounces. My gear without food or water but including the weight of the bags/packs is 15lbs (12.5lbs without packs), a little heavier than I would like. Here are some items that I know would cut weight:

1. The pack is an Osprey Talon 22, tried and true but weighs in at 1lb 11 oz.
2. Sleeping bag at 1lb 14oz.
3. Synthetic fluff jacket 15 oz.
4. Extra tire 18oz.

So with the lightest weight gear and no extra tire I could save a little over 2 lbs.

Who else has meticulously weighed their gear or has suggestions on ways to cut weight?

[Stefan_G]

1. The pack is an Osprey Talon 22, tried and true but weighs in at 1lb 11 oz.
2. Sleeping bag at 1lb 14oz.
3. Synthetic fluff jacket 15 oz.
4. Extra tire 18oz.

IMHO,

1. Gotta have a pack, and for it's size and comfort, the Talon 22 is pretty light.
2 & 3. Choose gear that is multipurposed and only bring one or the other.
4. Ditch the extra tire and bring some emergency tire boots.