CTR 2018 Race Planning and Discussion

[THE LONG RANGER]

The fire closure that covers a significant portion of the route is still on, and isn't planned on being lifted until the stated start of the GD.

A good bet is that the GD will be delayed.

This fire is extreme circumstances. In late July last year, it was so rainy in the San Juans (near constant), I almost had to quit on my 2 month trip.

The part closed is absolutely the best part of the route, without question. Missing the San Juans would be criminal Taking the highway from Silverton to Durango really would be a soft CTR.

[Bigbuck]

Doesn’t sound like the San Juan’s will reopen until well into August. This fire down near Durango won’t be contained until the end of July. If you can, I’d say a late summer/early fall ITT is your best bet.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Anyways, we'll see what Stefan wants to do? I know he's been very involved in some personal issues.

[tanadog]

A good bet is that the GD will be delayed.

I hope the GD isn't delayed. I've got international flights booked based on the stated GD date. I've a few days wiggle room, but that's it.

That's the thing about GD's. It is what it is and you get what you get.

[Inertiaman]

Thanks for the feedback.

Given my flexibility, and the apparent likelihood of the GD being disrupted to at least some extent, I think I'm going to wait for better conditions. 

[Bigbuck]

I think it might come down to, going off as planned with the finish being Silverton; or delay the GD... Forset service in the San Juan’s is looking for 100 hours of rain fall before they reopen the forest. We’re probably at 15 thanks to this storm that rolled through. Keep your fingers crossed!

[Bigbuck]

Well... a glimpse of good news down here. The San Juan national forest is going to mostly reopen tomorrow (6/21). The CT will remain closed from Molas to Junction. BUT it is movement in our favor way sooner than expected. Late July could be a go after all! Maybe...

[woody]

Looks like the San Juan National Forest will reopen tomorrow with a stage 2 fire precaution. Keep those fingers crossed it will remain open.

[Ahaughey]

At this time the 416 fire is much subdued from last week. No giant plumes of smoke above Animas mountain. No smoke filled town each morning. According to local firefighters and flight crews, there are numerous areas of small (campfire sized) fires throughout the previously burned area. They are reopening the San Juan Nation Forest tomorrow except for the CT supposedly due to the Burro fire burning to the west which is not nearly as big at about 3000 acres. Dry weather over the next week will likely rekindle some of the burning, but hopefully monsoons will enter the equation soon.  For more formal info check out Facebook 416 fire or google Inciweb.
I’m hopeful.

[kuzco]

Forgive the noobie question...what does "GD" mean?

[jmrl]

Grand depart. There are two categories, Grand Depart and ITT (Individual Time Trial). The Grand Depart is a date set by the promoter for everyone to come together for a big group ride. The ITT is for everyone else who can't make the date or just wants to ride the route at a different date.

[kuzco]

Thanks jrml!

Another general bikepacking question...how do secure your bike when solo bikepacking? Namely when restocking  food. Also when sleeping. And any other time when you may need to be separated from your bike.

Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk

[joeydurango]

I am really, truly, not being snarky here:  Is the above post for reals?  I cannot determine whether you're joking or serious.  I never would have imagined this as a thing, especially for backcountry use...

In response to the original security question:  On the CTR, I've never worried about security of my bike.  When bivying you tend to be in the middle of nowhere.  The only place that could be a real potential bummer is the Buena Vista City Market - that said, leaving my bike outside hasn't been an issue.  When touring, I've used a tiny Kryptonite cable combo lock - only a light 5mm cable, but your bike can't "walk away".

[peteshoe]

Thanks jrml!

Another general bikepacking question...how do secure your bike when solo bikepacking? Namely when restocking  food. Also when sleeping. And any other time when you may need to be separated from your bike.

Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk

By the time I get to BV's city market, I little bit of me hopes someone will steal my bike so I can rest for a while, but if you do want to lock it up, check out this light weight option, in a bright color it might be enough to give someone a second thought - Adam found it, so I'll share his link:

http://grizzlyadam.net/2018/01/useful-bikepacking-addons.html

[kuzco]

No Brainer ---- Security Drone

My drone autonomously launches by voice recognition and hovers 7 meters above my bike, even if I'm moving.  It has a camera and all sorts of shit like remote control and 4G streaming.  The drone knows where my bike is by my bicycle's reflective IR signature, which is basically a reflector mounted on my spokes.  The coolest part of all this is that my drone launches from a magnetic mount on top of my helmet.  The sound is so cool when it launches.

So like one of my besties, Ryan Sadness, literally found his stolen dirt bike with his drone.  I know it's not bikepacking but still it's two tired.
Here is the link to his jaw dropping video.  What happens next will amaze you.  His dirt bike appears at 3:20.  So cool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKbxyXizNAE


Here are links to 3 drone buds that I have partnered with in the past.  These guys are like besties to me by now.  Mega shout outs cause I never had a stolen bike.
http://www.aptonomy.com/
https://www.airbornedrones.co/
https://www.nightingalesecurity.com/

Anyway I hope this helps.  Here is a picture of the cool stickers I have on my bike and my helmet too.

Nice! Technology in the Backcountry! This can probably even scare away or alert you about bears, wolves, coyotes, hermits, and chupacabras.
Now, about that 11-minute battery...

Thumbed from my mobile.

[kuzco]

By the time I get to BV's city market, I little bit of me hopes someone will steal my bike so I can rest for a while, but if you do want to lock it up, check out this light weight option, in a bright color it might be enough to give someone a second thought - Adam found it, so I'll share his link:

http://grizzlyadam.net/2018/01/useful-bikepacking-addons.html

That Z-lok has great potential... Much lighter and smaller than a chain.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Thumbed from my mobile.

[SlowRide]

I used a snowboard lock for Tour Divide, didn't use a lock for AZTR or CTR, just google "snowboard lock" and you'll see them, it's another lightweight option.

[geekonabike]

Thanks jrml!

Another general bikepacking question...how do secure your bike when solo bikepacking? Namely when restocking  food. Also when sleeping. And any other time when you may need to be separated from your bike.

Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk

I pulled my bike just inside the door of BV market. Lean it some where out of the. At all stores I ask if I see an employee that not busy. Never been refused. Another method is to remove the front wheel & carry it inside with you.
Just a little uncertainty in the thiefs mind makes a big diff.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

[Stefan_G]

CTR Trackleader sign-up is live!!
https://form.jotform.com/trackleaders/ctr18

Any wildfire detours will be published July 22nd.

[smokeater]

Where can I find the official route, minus the detours?

I’m going to be leaving on the 18th, figured I’d be able to find and download the detours somewhere on route.

Thanks

Garrett