Durango to Denver: A Thru-race of the Colorado Trail

[GrizzlyAdam]

My story about the '13 CTR kept growing, and so I turned it into an Amazon e-book. It's up now at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9BS5QQ

I'd love to hear what you guys think!

[Done]

Out of the many riders who have posted their CTR experiences, advice, etc., I believe that you are the first to ask for money. Not that three bucks is a lot of cash, but I've always enjoyed the bikepacking community's willingness to freely share and contribute to the sport--with nothing expected in return. To that end, I've always thought of the stuff that I post, from GPX files, gear lists, thoughts, etc., as a way of paying forward for all of the help and kindness that I've received from others. Even the organizers don't collect any entry fees, despite putting in huge amounts of time and effort. The one literary project that I can think of that does cost money, The Cordillera (Tour Divide stories), benefits a fallen rider's (Dave Blumenthal) daughter. Some nice karma out there.

But I suppose that there's nothing inherently wrong with putting a price on a good read. Perhaps your story is really that much better than what others have posted, and I'm just being a curmudgeon. Certainly wouldn't be the first time...

[Jilleo]

I agree that the open sharing of advice, experience, and stories is one great aspect of online communities. But attitude that all content should free is an unfortunate side effect of the Internet age. Adam isn't just a bikepacker, he's a writer. He undoubtably spent a lot of time and energy crafting his story, and I think it's fair to put it out on the market and see if it captures readers' imaginations, as any writer would do.

Undoubtedly you put a lot of time and work into your CTR contributions as well. For anyone who shares their stories online for free, that is their right and choice in the free market. It doesn't make their content worth any more or any less, it's just a different decision. And of course no one has to purchase anything they're not interested in. But demanding free content disturbs me as a journalist (now freelance) who's tried to make a living in an eroding industry for the past 14 years. I also wrote a book about the Tour Divide that I sell through multiple online outlets.

Although I've had Adam's book for a few weeks now I've admittedly been very busy and haven't had a chance to read it yet (I apologize, Adam.) I did skim through it though and it seems like a compelling read. I'm very much looking forward to it.

[Matt Schiff]

If it's a polished story, then it's worth turning into a product. If it's a long blog entry then it's probably boring. I don't have a kindle so am out of luck? There is certainly no reason why people should expect everything to be free just because this is a backpacking forum or that others should offer things for free because you yourself give so much for free (Toby). Trackleaders isn't free and I don't think people begrudge Scott because of the contributions he's made.

[GrizzlyAdam]

Matt, the story can be read on an iDevice or computer using the Kindle App or Cloud reader.

I don't think the story is just a long blog entry. I hope not. I spent a lot of time writing/rewriting, gathering feedback from past CT racers, and an editor. I did my best to capture the spirit of the CTR. I think it turned out well, but then, I've been so immersed in it that I don't know anymore. My goal was to write something that both CT racers and non-MTB riders would enjoy and relate to.

Those who read the story will decide if I succeeded.

I posted a sample from it at my blog: http://grizzlyadam.net/durango-to-denver

[Matt Schiff]

Matt, the story can be read on an iDevice or computer using the Kindle App or Cloud reader.

I know what a pdf is but I'd have to look into the other options. Bikerpacker means a good chance of being a dirtbag which means the technology and devices stop at flip phone, digital camera, and internet.

[GrizzlyAdam]

Cloud reader info: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/?nodeId=200732260

[Done]

The CTR is an amazing example of people putting more into it than they take out. Think about:

1. The thousands of volunteer hours that go into maintaining the trail (not to mention the time it took to establish it).
2. Stefan's time and effort to organize the event.
3. Jerry Brown's amazing waypoints.
4. The many dollars donated to buy tools and supplies to maintain the trail.
5. All of the blogs, gear lists, etc. that so many people have posted.

Without so many people willing to give so much, the CTR wouldn't exist. We are following in the footsteps of a lot of selfless, generous, and kind people.

It's not about what's "free." It's about what people are willing to share to help build something greater than themselves.

Anyone who comes along later to commercialize the CTR, and monetize their participation is, of course, free to do so. I don't have to like it though, right?

[jaken]

I enjoyed it---thought it was well worth the $3 to see the ride through Adam's eyes after riding most of the trail in August.

Thanks.

jeff

[Buttermilk]

from Toby - "It's about what people are willing to share to help build something greater than themselves."

That sums it up for me.
Lots of sweat and blood has gone into this and countless other bikepacking races with the sole objective of community spirit and leaving a legacy of something greater than themselves for others to enjoy. I'm a grateful beneficiary of all that sweat and blood and look for ways to give back and pay it forward. The soul of these races is the open/sharing community.

[sherpaxc]

Good lord, it's $3. Adam rites gooder than me. If it weren't for people like him, Jill, and The Mountain Turtle I might actually have to work at work.

Good luck with your mini book Adam. I'm sure at sme point I will buy one.

[Done]

Good lord, it's $3.

Yep, it's a trivial amount of money for sure. Especially since Amazon gets such a big chunk...

[jthops]

Adam trained and prepared for the CTR with the intention of finishing and pushing himself to the limit. He was attracted to the CTR for all of the same reasons that others on this forum are. His intention was not to commercialize the CT or get material to write about (as is evidenced by the fact that the ebook only costs $3). He is part of this community, and he has been a part of bikepacking for a long time. He participates in this forum, is willing to take the time to answer questions about the CT (or anything else) from anyone who asks, writes a blog that is free to all, he donated to the CTF, AND he writes to help support himself and his family. You can't try to vilify someone in this circumstance because you consider yourself to be on some moral high ground. I am grateful to all those who made the CTR easier to prepare for and complete - the CTF, Stefan, Trackleaders, and everyone who participates on this forum. Adam's book is a great read. There is no reason to cry foul.

Now, my new book about the 2013 CTR will be out on Amazon in the next week for only $29.95. Please buy it! Just kidding.

[Done]

You can't try to vilify someone in this circumstance because you consider yourself to be on some moral high ground.

I'm not vilifying Adam. I'm simply pointing out that he's swimming against the well-established precedent of people freely sharing their CTR stories, advice, time, etc. with others. Since I'm a huge fan of non-commercial racing in general, and the CTR specifically, I am going to question anything that smacks of commercialization. Absolutely nothing to do with morality, vilification, etc.!

I don't personally know Adam. He's probably a great guy--you certainly make it sound like he is! Nobody should be threatened by having a decision or two questioned and/or challenged. It's a small thing, not a threat to his moral compass, character, etc.

[GrizzlyAdam]

I'm simply pointing out that he's swimming against the well-established precedent of people freely sharing their CTR stories, advice, time, etc. with others.

Am I?

I've written a lot about my CTR preparation and experience at my website. I posted a link to 60 high-res photos from the race here on these forums, and encouraged anyone who wanted any of them, to download them. I've offered various gpx tracks, maps, recon reports, and stories at my blog for more than 8 years. I participate in these forums where I feel like I can be relevant. I've donated money to the CTF, to say nothing of all the free time I put into the trails/community here at home.

I've also benefited from the shared experiences of other riders. Some of those experiences have been shared freely, and others, I've paid to read in magazines, newspapers, and books.

I enjoy participating in the "well-established precedent" of autobiographical storytelling. I'm charging money for my short book because I put hundreds of hours into creating it, and because writing is a part of what I do for a living. I won't get rich from DtoD, but I *might* cover the cost of the hotel I stayed at in BV during the race. If I wanted to get rich, I'd find a real job. I made the story because I enjoy writing, and because it's something that I think CT racers will enjoy reading. I think it's a solid contribution to the body of CT literature. You do know, Toby, that the writers who write the "free" stories about the CT/CTR in newspapers and magazines get paid for their work, right?

If the existence of my book offends you, then don't read it.

[Done]

Adam,

If you're putting DtD on sale because you need enough money to cover your hotel room, then here's my offer: I'll pay for your room, and you can put your book out there for anyone who wants to read it. Or, alternatively, I'll send the the same amount of money to the CTF. Sound like a deal?

Cheers,
Toby

[GrizzlyAdam]

And then have you accuse me of taking outside support?

[Done]

And then have you accuse me of taking outside support?

That's pretty funny. You must be a writer?

But just in case you're serious, I don't think that having your room retroactively reimbursed qualifies as outside support. If you're worried about it, maybe reimbursing your CTF donation is a better idea? Perhaps sending them more money on your behalf?

[Jilleo]

Sorry to interject. I felt compelled to chime is as well in defense of writers who are also sometimes bikepackers.

There's already a fair amount of ultra-bikepacking literature and media out there, actually. Paul Howard's "Two Wheels on my Wagon." Jon Billman's Outside Magazine article. Many smaller magazine articles. The Cordillera (first two versions did not donate proceeds to a cause. I helped with the design of V.2.) "Dividing the Great" by John Metcalfe. Ride the Divide. Reveal the Path. Not to mention all the bike-touring adventure books put out by Alastair Humphreys. You're entitled to feel the way you do, Toby, but singling out Adam and blasting him on a public forum just because his book is about the Colorado Trail is unfair.

Personally, I would love to see more outdoor adventure and endurance racing literature reach the wider world of readers. Bikepackers and people who are interested in bikepacking read and share information largely with each other. But someone who has never heard of either is more likely to stumble across and possibly gain inspiration from Adam's book. Over the years I've received e-mails from people who are never going to race the Tour Divide or the Iditarod Trail themselves, but felt compelled to plan an adventure or try a new thing after reading one of my books. Most of them had never heard of these races before and would have never stumbled across my blog in an Internet search. People on this forum obviously fit into the first group. Still, even CTR enthusiasts might appreciate a more story-driven format about a rider's particular experience. Literature and play-by-play race reports and gear reviews are, in my opinion, separate entities. I've written both.

Also, Amazon receives 30 percent of eBook sales. It's a more than fair margin for a retailer who provides the world-wide reach and specific and effective algorithm-driven marketing that they provide. Brick and mortar book stores take 40 percent for a much smaller customer base.

[Done]

Hi Jill,

Yes, I agree that lots of adventurers charge for their stories. I've bought and read many of them myself. And, yes, I'd like to see more.

I've tried to articulate why this instance is different. Looks like we're not going to agree. No worries, I'm moving on. And, no, I'm not opposed to Amazon (sorry if you got that impression).

Adam, my offer stands.