CTR 2013 Planning

[joeydurango]

Just adding a little more of that "tribal pressure" we were talking about...

Myself/Velorution Cycles just donated $250 to the Colorado Trail Foundation.  For me that's a lot o' cash, but it's only 50 cents a mile, for some of the most beautiful trail miles on earth!  I made sure to lobby for continued bicycle use.

Not looking for recognition - just figured that the CTF could use the plug, as they've had their budget slashed bigtime this year.  Show them support!  Hope everyone's planning is going well...

[Done]

Nice work, Joey! You may not want to recognition, but you deserve it. May the trail be smooth and fast for you!

[ScottM]

Way to get it rolling, Joey.  I just threw down $250 from trackleaders, again thanking them for the continued support and enthusiasm for bikes on the trail.  Hopefully a little more tribal pressure will help and another plea to show them some support (and mention bikes in the comment field!).

[Mini Bear]

I'm glad people are talking about the CO Trail Foundation. I've honestly had such tunnel vision with the planning for this thing, I didn't even think about the people (literally) on the ground making it possible. Tribal pressure or just helping someone pull their head out of their ass; it's working, made my contribution today. Now back to CTR induced neurosis... 

[DaNM]

Hey yea, got an EIN number? Put me down for 250$, I'm trying it rigid, will they buff it out before we go? How about trackleaders?

[joeydurango]

Eh?  I'm confused.

You're joking about the "buff it out" part... I hope.  Just keeping the CT open and somewhat maintained is plenty on the CTF's plate.  And its primitiveness, in places, is part of the attraction.  Buff = boring, after a while.

[Beardog]

2013 gpx question--I downloaded both files from the CTR website and both are the 500 point splits-20 files-neither of which can be split into a single 10,000 point file. Has anyone else been able to make this a single 10,000 point (idiot proof) track? I prefer having a single track with less details so I can just start the track at the start and not think about it again until I am done.

[Stefan_G]

2013 gpx question--I downloaded both files from the CTR website and both are the 500 point splits-20 files-neither of which can be split into a single 10,000 point file. Has anyone else been able to make this a single 10,000 point (idiot proof) track? I prefer having a single track with less details so I can just start the track at the start and not think about it again until I am done.

Oops.  I'll look into this and get the correct single 10,000 pt file up properly.

BEWARE! The current .gpx files do not include the Tarryall Detour. I am waiting a touch longer to contact the construction company so they will have more visibility about where in the project they will be.

[Beardog]

Thanks Stefan--I understand the only part missing is the 7 extra miles after you turn off 285 heading north off the pass-I think what happened was both were uploaded as the 20 segment section but labeled differently.

[bicyclerytom]

If I want to do this race/ride is there a sign up or letter of intent?

[Stefan_G]

If I want to do this race/ride is there a sign up or letter of intent?

Nope.  SPOT rentals will be available online soon though. Otherwise, just show up at the start ready to ride and play by the rules!

[bicyclerytom]

thanks

[tomis916]

To tag on to Beardog's post, I have a couple of basic GPS questions.  I know these might be slightly off topic, but I do plan on riding (not racing) the CT this summer.  I have a Garmin eTrex 20.

(1)  Is the trade-off between using the single track and the split tracks that the split tracks has more track detail, but you have to manually change tracks as you move through the trail?  I believe I can load the single track on my eTrex, but I'd like to have more detail where the turn-offs get confusing.

(2)  Does zooming in your GPS to show more detail accelerate battery usage because the GPS is refreshing more often?  I believe it does, but I'm not really certain.

Thanks for your help

[Done]

Older GPS units are limited to tracks of 500 points. So the 10,000-point track is broken into 20 tracks of 500 points each. Since 500 x 20=10,000, the file contains the same number of points as the single 10,000-point file.

Newer GPS units can load 10,000-point GPX files, so breaking the track up isn't necessary.

Both files look the same once loaded to your GPS. You just visually follow the line, regardless of number of tracks. You don't need to manually change anything, etc. In fact, you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the two.

[JosiahM]

I am interested if anyone knows if having all 10,000 points loaded into memory at once will drain the battery faster than only having 500 points loaded at a time.

[Done]

I am interested if anyone knows if having all 10,000 points loaded into memory at once will drain the battery faster than only having 500 points loaded at a time.

I've never noticed or seen a difference in battery life due to track complexity or length.

Again, the only difference between the 20x500 file and the 10,000 file is number of tracks. If you have an older GPS that can't load a single 10,000-point track, then use the 20x500 file. Otherwise use the single 10,000-point track file. It's really that simple!

[mtbcast]

Is there a racer list online?

[Stefan_G]

Is there a racer list online?

Nope. The best guess will be from SPOT rental/tracking sign-ups once Scott creates a leaderboard as there is no registration.  :-)

[Stefan_G]

Yep, that is the best approach. Thanks for that. I did the same for another guy who showed up as I was packing up. In 2010, there were 3-4 of us who took turns watching bikes and shopping.

Alas, there are times when nobody else is around. I've only used my lock twice in three years--but I was glad that I had it.

Watching another racer's bike while they are in the store is the same as giving a fellow racer directions, mechanical assistance, water, a tube, or moral support. Perfectly acceptable within the CTR rules, but you shouldn't feel entitled to this luxury, nor required to watch someone's bike should they ask.

[jryter]

Eh?  I'm confused.

You're joking about the "buff it out" part... I hope.  Just keeping the CT open and somewhat maintained is plenty on the CTF's plate.  And its primitiveness, in places, is part of the attraction.  Buff = boring, after a while.

Rode section 18 and cleared downed trees etc and made sure markings were obvious and added new ones. My wife, kids, inlaws and many friends also hiked parts of it. We have been doing this with Martha Violet, retired music prof at Western State Colorado University. She and her husband, Ted, maintained this section for years and hiked the trail. After Ted died of cancer many of us who worked with him go out and help with the trail and have a great time and lunch after. If you can't give $ give in other ways.

And thanks for all the other people helping in anyway. So glad I had the chance to ride all of the trail at once and the many other shorter rides.