CTR 2015 Planning

[Johnny_mtb]

Our Tennessee guys missed a turn and are heading down the Engineer trail.  I made the same mistake 2 years ago and realized about 100 yards later. Its an easy mistake with the CT going downhill and making a 180 degree turn and the Engineer trail goes straight ahead.

edit -
actually looks like they are headed down a dirt road. I think the engineer trail is closer to Silverton. Hope everything is ok.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Stars ain't aligning for me, for the mass start this year, unfortunately - too many things up in the air and I dare say, even though I'm super fit right now, my MTB fitness could use some work!

I could potentially help someone on the Front Range who needs their car back at the Northern Terminus, if that makes logistical sense. It would mean a cheap ride to Durango to hang for a day or so, for me! Still sketching out my month, though. Perhaps PM me?  

[Adam Alphabet]

Stefan's website has a little blurb saying the latest data book matches the CTR course. I can only assume that the GPX matches as well.

Pretty sure it matches - Toby did a pretty good job with the track.

Thanks! figured as much, always nice to have some validation.

[Matt Schiff]

If the weathermen are right it could be a wet year. The only section of trail I've ever ridden when it was soaked was the moto trashed section between the Silver Creek trail and Tank 7. All the troughs in the trail were puddles of water. Some of the trail is sandy (pine junction area) and probably rides great but I'm sure other areas are more sensitive. What are other people's thoughts on riding soaked trails cause its race day?

[Bob Loblaw]

I never ride wet trails in normal life, but I'd have to say that after spending almost 2 years getting ready for the CTR, I'm not gonna let wet trails stop me. If I know my riding is really messing up the trail, I'll be sure to help the CTF rebuild whatever I can. (I probably should donate more time as it is)

It's an interesting question though. I guess the answer could depend on what sort of "race day" it is. If it's a race like the CTR, it probably has a lot less impact than something like the Firecracker 50 where 1000 people ride a small course.

[joeydurango]

I agree with Bob - the relatively small number of people spread out over a long distance has much less impact than lots of racers on one small loop.  Also, so much of the CT is up high with loamy soil that I don't think the trail is that much worse for the wear in the rain.  Now, if the race were 500 miles of Durango-valley clay, that would be a different story... and probably impassable anyway.

[joeydurango]

Wonder what happened to the ITT guy?  He was headed down Cascade Divide Road, but the tracker hasn't updated in a while.  It's difficult to get sidetracked onto Cascade Divide by accident.

Kiwi David Wicks just popped into town after finishing the TD.  He's headed out for a CTR ITT on Saturday, after I get him rolling on some fresh tires and drivetrain on Friday afternoon.  That's a big year of bikepacking!

[Adam Alphabet]

'Wet' is a fairly relative term....When you guys say 'wet' what's the interpretation for that down there in Colorado speak? Days on end, non stop morning to night rain? or storms roll in, get soaked, pass over? other?

I met a couple in Salida when I toured the route and they didn't ride a planned ride they had because of a little precip. To me it was barely raining, we call it drizzle up here. I asked why they weren't riding and the dude was like 'Why would I ride today when it'll be sunny tomorrow? I don't want to get sick'. They asked if I was going and I said 'of course, it's barely raining out there.' Best part was he hard 'HTFU' taped to his bars. 

[joeydurango]

Can be either of the above descriptions.  More often afternoon thunderstorm cloudbursts in the summer, but we have had a very wet year this year - lots of rainy nights, mornings, afternoons, you name it.

I never, ever, understood the idea that you'd get sick if you went outside in the rain/snow/cold/etc.

[Bob Loblaw]

Are the Tennessee guys OK? I'm not quite sure how to interpret the tracks. Maybe they headed down the dirt road, met a car and hitched a ride to Silverton?

[Majcolo]

They haven't moved in quite awhile, had TL up for the last few hours.

[joeydurango]

17 hours and counting since last update...

[mountainjah]

Accumulating snow falling up high yesterday at Black Hawk and Kennebec. Pulled a tour group off the CT last night after they got smoked heading out from Celebration. It's super cold this am in town- lest we forget these are big mountains....I can only guess our trail friends have been met with some tough conditions over the past 48hrs...

[Majcolo]

Update! Chris Joyce is in Sargents. I hope that's good news. Wonder what's going on with the Spots.

[bigportions]

anyone have room for one more to durango from denver or wanna share rental. pm me thank you

[Danish]

Another rider/racer looking for a ride to Durango from Denver area.  I have a few extra days and wouldn't mind arriving early to sit by the river and have a beer before the race gets real.  I'm interested in other ideas too like a uhaul for a few folks.

Anyone know if there are cue sheets like for the AZTR for a Durango start?


-Jens

[cjdunn]

I'm thinking about doing this but looking for a ride back to Durango. Since I'm from AZ it is a much shorter drive for me to drive to Durango then figure out a ride back.  Anybody?

[dwengs]

Sorry, new to CTR, finished the TD and looking for more, anyone know where the sign up sheet is for the CTR?  Thanks!

[Johnny_mtb]

No sign up just show up. Unless your talking about the trackleaders sign up then its here: http://trackleaders.com/ctr-signup

[THE LONG RANGER]

Been on the trails that make up the CT around Leadville and Summit. LOTS of water. Lots - it almost looks like Crested Butte in the mountains W of the Arkansas Valley. Y'all are going to have it easy this year sourcing water.

But, lots of mosquitoes, though. If you're looking to get some sleep, I would almost think of getting some sort of net for your face. Bivvying, I would awake w/dozens of them above my head. I'd pay attention to what the rainfall is supposed to be, and maybe adjust your sleep systems to match it.

Also, there's a Whole Foods in Frisco now - it's a little off route, but right by the bike racks, is a cache of bike tools and a pump, if you need something you didn't bring, and the shop in town isn't open.

Ran into a rider doing the CT - not sure if he was racing or touring - BIG beard!, around the junction of Peaks Trail and the CT just a few hours ago. He was in good spirits, but wasn't looking forward to getting some more rain on him. I thought it was just going to spit a bit more today, but about 20 minutes later, it really let loose!