Dixie 200 '14

[plesurnpain]

As much as I have been looking forward to this adventure, it may not happen this year. I haven't given up hope yet, but am waiting on the results of my blood work from my doctor. I thought the only thing that would keep me would be work, but it turns out health is a bigger issue. I have no strength or energy due to what we believe are issues with my thyroid medication. Last weekend I had to pull the plug early on a gear testing sub 24 ride before the 75 mile completion. I went to the doc, made some adjustments to my medication while waiting on the results and even ordered a hanger to run my ss as a 1x10. If I'm feeling any better in a few days, I'll go for it but I don't want to be stuck out there and not able to pedal my bike. I'm hoping things get better and I can make it. I guess I need to decide in the next couple of days.

[DaveH]

Sorry to hear that pleasurnpain. You definitely need your energy & wits for the Dixie regardless of bike choice. The course isn't going anywhere, you can ride/challenge it anytime it is snow free. Best of luck on the healing process.

[DaveH]

SPOT Tracking

Trackleaders signup is here: http://form.jotformpro.com/form/41649324575966

There are some Gen3 units available but you'll need to sign up ASAP to get it in time, preferably by Monday (6/16), drop dead (and risky) date is Tuesday (6/17).

[ec_duz_it]

Dave, I am short on time because of some unforeseen emergencies this week, and I think I might need to do the Dixie Lite (or even something shorter) instead of the 200.  Do you see any issues with me ridding the Dixie Lite course this year? 

-Erin

[DaveH]

Dave, I am short on time because of some unforeseen emergencies this week, and I think I might need to do the Dixie Lite (or even something shorter) instead of the 200.  Do you see any issues with me ridding the Dixie Lite course this year? 

That's an interesting question. My first reaction is that I'm stoked whenever anyone rides any part of the routes I've put together in SW Utah. It's super scenic and great bikepacking terrain. The counterpoint is folks are lining up with the intent to do the 200 and may be confused to see you head in a different direction or use a strategy that wouldn't fit with the 200.

In reality it's a tiny event so we are talking about a handful of riders here. Ride whatever route you find a best fit, just announce your intent on the start line if it is anything other than the 200.

[markphx]

I'm still committed to the Dixie 200. I'm planning on signing up on Trackleaders either tonight or tomorrow (I've got my own SPOT). Any idea on how many committed riders/racers there are for the 200 or is that sort of something that isn't really known until Saturday morning? Looking forward to it.

[SLCook]

Well I guess it is time to throw my hat into the ring.  Dave, I know you were wondering if I would try again.  I couldn't miss it; I love riding down there not to mention the great course/scenery and my inability to finish it the last two years.

I have my own Spot and will sign up.

See you Friday night.

[Soft Pedal]

It's official! I am in too.  See you all Friday night at the start!

[plesurnpain]

Things are turning around and my medication is back on track, but I'm still not sure if I'll be ready by go time. I'm leaning toward going for it but haven't committed yet. I may end up going spot free. I guess if I want one I need to sign up tomorrow. One thing I know for sure is that I'll be riding 1x10 instead of singlespeed if I go.

[DaveH]

Good to hear pleasurnpain.

Mr. Cook - 3rd time's a charm! This is your year.

markphx - this thread is my only gauge, looks like 4-5? The Dixie remains a hidden gem which is ok by me

FYI - there is great camping about 1/4 mile up the course. First big meadow on the right past the creek is the spot, I'll be there Friday evening. Looking forward to seeing y'all there.

[plesurnpain]

I'm going to go for it. Headed to Trackleaders to register. Hope I'm in time!

[markphx]

Just signed up on Trackleaders. Catch you guys there on Friday night.

[plesurnpain]

I got in on Trackleaders and am all in. Now the only glitch is that I found a small crack in the paint at the top of my right seat stay. I'm sending photos the manufacturer tomorrow am to see if I can ride as is or if they can overnight me a new frame to build up on Thursday. I can't wait and should be to camp by 6 or 7 on Friday evening. Looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing the adventure with new friends. This will be my first self supported event and first time over 26 hours of riding.

[plesurnpain]

It's official...frame is cracked. A new one was shipped today and I'll get it Friday. Quick parts swap before hitting the road. Huge props to Spot on their customer service. A new frame was on its way within a few hours of me calling and sending photos. Sounds like a fluke as they haven't seen anything like this before. Getting more stoked as Saturday gets closer.

[DaveH]

The SPOT tracker is up: http://trackleaders.com/dixie14

Weather looks perfect, somewhere between 40 and 87 depending on elevation and time of day.

See you tomorrow evening about 1/4 mi up 2nd Lefthand Canyon!

[B_Bock]

Dang! I was hoping to make it this year, but I'm still recovering from tendinitis in my knee. Maybe next year.
I'll be following the tracker. Good luck to all!

[Soft Pedal]

Great! There is great camping up 2nd lefthand about 1/4 mile, just past the creek crossing. I will camp there friday night and we'll stage from that area - we made that change last year to avoid a deepish creek crossing 30 seconds into the ride.

Dave, Is my little subaru impreza going to make it through the creek crossing to camp on the other side with you all? Is there camping below?

[DaveH]

The creek crossing should be passable for about any car I'd think. The reason we meet at the meadow beyond the creek is so the ride doesn't start with wet feet at 7am. Anyone following TD will surely laugh at that statement 

If for some reason it looks impassable there is open space right at the junction of the hwy and 2nd Lefthand.

[ec_duz_it]

With a very heavy heart, I will not be making it out for the Saturday start this year.  Life got the better of me this week.  I found earlier this week that my good friend who has a rare form of leukemia went from treatable to terminal, so I traveled across the country to visit him and I am now behind on work and just mentally spent in general.  I hope to come out as early as possible for an ITT on this course, because I don't want to wait until next year to ride it.  It is obvious Dave really put a lot of effort into it.  I hope you all have a great time and I look forward to the trip reports. 

[plesurnpain]

Sorry to hear you won't make it to the start, but am looking forward to hearing how your ITT goes later in the year. You were the first to throw your hat into the ring and I was looking forward to meeting you on Friday night. I've been a bit surprised at how everything has to fall into place to make this happen. I first dealt with health issues and now I'm waiting on a last minute warranty frame that's supposed to show up tomorrow around 1. I will be there one way or another with a few cold beers to enjoy with the remaining field of 4 (plus Dave) tomorrow evening.