CTR 2013 Planning

[Matt Schiff]

I think if someone cannot afford to donate to the ctf, then they surely cannot afford the other costs of riding the ctr either.

I agree that everyone can afford something. Everyone has different circumstances. For some, donating $300 wouldn't make you flinch. For others, they sleep on their camp mattress year round, get free food when they can, make a bike mechanic's wage 9 months out of the year (that's like 15-25K), and put all disposable income towards their obsessions. The CTR isn't the only good thing out there. There are local trail trail groups to support, environmental groups (if you're into that thing), Non-profits that grab your attention while you're travelling, etc. Then there are unexpected bills like Heath Insurance rising 50% suddenly. What I'm saying is, don't demonize someone because they haven't donated and simplify the situation. The easiest thing someone making a good wage can do is give away money. The next easiest thing is preach to others. Two years ago I donated to my local trails group and participated in 5 trail days. Last year I camped out in the summer and tried to find a job/place to live. Things change. Thanks Stefan for bringing awareness to the lack of funding for the CTR. I will look into whether a donation or volunteer work is better for me. It seems like 50% of the comments are similar to mine in that no one likes being told what to do.

[mtnbound]

Based on Matt's post, I would amend my prior post re publicly making a list of CTF donors to add that "contributing" would include volunteering for the CTF (trail days or otherwise) so there is no distinguishing between financial and service contributions on the list.  Contributing either way is all good.

BTW, many non-profits publicly list their donors for multiple reasons - it encourages others to donate, it publicly thanks the donors and it promotes the non-profit.  I think that the CTR (though it is not a non-profit organization) would help the CTF (which is a non-profit organization) by making a list which would do these things.  Just my two cents.

[Stefan_G]

Thanks for all the great comments and perspectives everyone.  Keep 'em coming!

I would love for the "Tribal Pressure" to work, but so far it really hasn't.  I agree completely that all should be free to give back to the CT in their own way, whether this is labor or $, or $$$, which does make the idea of a "mandatory" dollar donation problematic...

Anyone is free to go ride the CT or the CTR course in whatever style they choose, whenever they want, and not give a dime to the CTF.  However, I spend many hours each year organizing the CTR (answering questions, collecting and assigning SPOTs, posting results, etc..) and all I'm askin' is that if you're gonna participate in the race, give back to the CTF! I kind of like the idea of only listing people in the results who have donated time or money to the CTF, but even that doesn't seem quite right. More suggestions?  If nothing else, hopefully these posts will help out, at least for 2013!

[Couloirman]

I meant to post four days go, but 96 days until the CTR people! Time to start ramping up the training rides...

[THE LONG RANGER]

More suggestions?  If nothing else, hopefully these posts will help out, at least for 2013!

You're doing great job bringing up the issue + everything else, so far. Hope to bump into you, one of these days on the trail!

[THE LONG RANGER]

And just to do exactly what I've suggested: I'm now a member of the Arizona Trail Association! YEAH! Since the AZTR is happening later this week, it seems only right. (when I did the TD I also signed up to be a member of the ACA) I ALSO beg/plead to my friends sometimes (FAR too much, to be honest) when I'm completely broke and I want to do these crazy things. When it's there turn to do their adventures, I try to help out, donating a little bit as well. Keep the flow movin'!

[Matt]

Very excited to race the CTR for the first time in 2013!! IMO the idea of donating time and/or money to the CTF is the right thing to do. As far as enforcing time/money from CTR participants...I don't know Stefan. Maybe the best thing to do is do what you have just done, made all the readers of this forum aware of the CTF and their efforts to support the CT, as well as your efforts to make the CTR happen!!

I cannot stop thinking about this race. Looking forward to being out there!!!!

[Shirey]

Well, tribal pressure worked in this case.... now, let's do Tarryall, let's do Tarryall!


Hello Scott Shirey,
This email confirms that you have donated The Colorado Trail Foundation 100.00 USD using PayPal.
This credit card transaction will appear on your bill as "PAYPAL *COLORADOTRA".

Donation Details
Donation amount:   
$100.00 USD
Total:   
$100.00 USD
Purpose:   
Colorado Trail Foundation contribution at Partner Level
Reference:   
Partner
Contributor:   
Scott Shirey
Message:   
Mountain Biker.... thanks for your hard work and our continued access.

[jackinmd]

Is there a place where we can see who is intending to ride the CTR this year? Aside from sifting through this thread?

[joeydurango]

Sift away, my man... this is as close to a start list as you'll likely get.

[Done]

Is there a place where we can see who is intending to ride the CTR this year? Aside from sifting through this thread?

Once TrackLeaders gets everyone into their system, you'll have a pretty good idea who's racing. But that doesn't usually happen until a few days before the race.

[jackinmd]

Thanks! Just kind of curious to see who I'll be riding with and how many of us there will be.

Planning on making my donation to the CTF this week! Very excited for this race.

[Gimmearaise]

I am also turning my concentration towards the CTR now that the AZT Is over! So excited for this year!

[tlideen]

do you CTR racers anticipate a slower overall ride/race time as it is starting in durango and ending in denver this year?

[Couloirman]

I bet its about the same. Much slower first couple days (especially the initial climb out of durango), but faster last couple days should even out. Day 1 might be painfully slow and make you wonder why ou even brougt your bike in the first place haha.

[Gimmearaise]

If we end up doing the Tarryall detour over 285, it will be 50 miles longer. Stefan estimated an extra 5 to 8 hours.

[Marshal]

Going S-N my seat of the pants thinking comes up with at least 4 additional extended hike-a-bike sections.  And if Tarryall detour is included I think altogether it will take at least 1 full day more for a back of the pack guy like me.  I would casually speculate at least ½+ day additional for the front of the pack.
 
That being said I think actual real time, on-ground conditions, weather, timing into limited re-supply, individual issues with gear,body,bike or nav will be a bigger factor for 90% of the racers vs route direction…..

[DaveH]

I bet its about the same. Much slower first couple days (especially the initial climb out of durango), but faster last couple days should even out. Day 1 might be painfully slow and make you wonder why ou even brougt your bike in the first place haha.

The trail is surprisingly rideable and fun (if you enjoy climbing, that is) all the way to the base of sliderock. Once you get to Indian Trail ridge all bets are off

[Stefan_G]

Tarryall is a go.

Poll results were more decisive than most Presidential Elections.  Hopefully I can get to the webpage text and GPS files by this weekend.  Carry on!

[Done]

Tarryall is a go.

YEAH!