CTR 2013 Discussion

[Stefan_G]

Even though I ended up quitting less than halfway through, this was yet another enjoyable and memorable experience on the CT for me.  Personally, I found this direction much more rideable on the hardest sections of the whole trail: Coney/Cataract and Sargents area were just fantastic! And once up on Indian Trail Ridge out of Durango, there is sooo much downhill to Silverton. Or maybe it was just being fresher...  Either way, I got to ride all the segments of the trail in reverse that I really wanted to, which is likely the key to me already being at peace from dropping out.  I hate bailing, but this one just seemed right.

The main reason for dropping was actually *knowing* what was happening to my hands.  Like they say, good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment... I think if I had done one more day, I'd be hard-pressed to hold a pencil normally.  If I had pushed to the end, it would have been another 6-9 months nerve damage recovery time like in 2007. Boooo! I'll happily take some family time and huge "in-a-day" type events over messed up hands.

Carry on!  Good watching, and I'm super impressed with the field this year.  The start was just awesome - Carvers hooked everybody up for breakfast.  Man, we just gotta figure out how to start *and* finish in Durango!

[MikeB]

satellite internet phones with 24/7 webcams

Just like Nick was wearing in 24Solo...

[jlobeck]

It was actually picture#4 (not #3) that was Erik Lobeck.  He experienced serious altitude sickness and was sorry to drop the race.  he is touring his way home for those of you still seeing his spot. looks like he is at least going to get a little bit of single track on the way.

[Carney]

Caught Jesse and Jefe nearing Gold Hill this morning and they were both cruising and both looked remarkably comfortable considering their pace so far. I'd say 5 minutes separated the two of them.  The climb up Georgia Pass from the West is going to be rough but hey, it's all downhill after that right?... 

[lonefrontranger]

ack... Jefe and Jesse are riding right into a biggish thunderstorm on top of Georgia Pass.  I've ridden that particular piece of trail (Kenosha-Breck) a couple times and I WOULD NOT want to be in their (very soggy) shoes right now

[markphx]

Even though I ended up quitting less than halfway through, this was yet another enjoyable and memorable experience on the CT for me.  Personally, I found this direction much more rideable on the hardest sections of the whole trail: Coney/Cataract and Sargents area were just fantastic! And once up on Indian Trail Ridge out of Durango, there is sooo much downhill to Silverton. Or maybe it was just being fresher...  Either way, I got to ride all the segments of the trail in reverse that I really wanted to, which is likely the key to me already being at peace from dropping out.  I hate bailing, but this one just seemed right.

You put out one hell of an effort man! Good judgement on your end by pulling the plug on your ride. Much better to preserve the body and ride another day than destroy it and undergo months of recovery.

[DaNM]

Good call Stephen, I'm just getting my neck straight from 08. This journey will mess you up. Meanwhile from my armchair I'm fortunate enough to see Georgia pass and it is raining but not as bad as the ten mile, but it is getting worse as they approach the summit. Ok now it's bad, they are getting hammered.

[desertrat]

A couple of photos that Bob Butrico sent to me.

That top pic is awesome!!  Thanks for posting!

[RonDog]

Man, we just gotta figure out how to start *and* finish in Durango!

Yo yo?

[Woodland]

On 285 outside Bailey looking towards Mt Evans wilderness and Georgia...really nasty here now!

[Matt]

Where is the finish? At the end of the single track or at the end of the road? Will there be a sprint?

[ridevintagemtb]

Will there be a sprint?

Was thinking the same. Someone needs to go draw a line in the road at the base of Waterton.  Cat and mouse the whole way down?

[Pivvay]

waterton trailhead I believe which is the road basically. I doubt it will be a sprint but who knows. The last climb up from the river can easily be a gap maker

[Pivvay]

Oh and the Tarryall detour is a LONGGGGGG way!

[danwiz]

anyone in the littleton/front range area guessing what time they might finish?  anyone wanna go draw a line in the dirt to see the end of this epic battle....i think i might venture down there...any intel on a time they might be there?

[Woodland]

Yeah, still over 115 miles of racing left for them.

It is possible if they get to the road and are still together that they just decide to finish together...I don't see a cat/mouse, duke it out, sprint for the line thing happening.

[ridevintagemtb]

No way. Those two aren't forgoing sleep and resupplies so they can ride together across the line hand in hand.

[Matt]

anyone in the littleton/front range area guessing what time they might finish?  anyone wanna go draw a line in the dirt to see the end of this epic battle....i think i might venture down there...any intel on a time they might be there?

I am sure they still ride fast than I do. This was w/o gear to give you an idea. I would be down for heading out there to cheer them through.

http://app.strava.com/activities/57919186

[lonefrontranger]

arg... and now Jesse's SPOT is acting up a bit; only a point every 20-30 minutes or so.  MUST. STOP. HITTING. REFRESH... so many things to finish before I have to leave for short track...

[pharmvet]

I am heading out for sobo ITT on CT early Thursday, tomorrow, morning so I might get to see either or both of them, though at the rate they are going, I could miss both of them!

Looks like an epic race at this point.