Grand Loop 2009

[krefs]

While I don't know anything about an "official" scheduling of the Grand Loop, I'm tentatively planning on a mid-May ITT, assuming that the snow melts off earlyish this spring (and this is a big assumption!).  This is the only late spring/early summer time that fits in my race calendar for this year, so it's either then or 2010.  A few others have expressed interest in joining me if conditions look good, so I just wanted to throw this out there for anyone that has a hankering to race one one of the most grueling courses that has been thought up. 

[ScottM]

That's the time to do it... snow permitting.

I don't think there will be any organized start date for the GL this year.  But ITT's are just as good.  Keep us posted with plans.  I think about the GLR every spring and it just might happen esp. if conditions are prime.

[DaNM]

I`ll give it a go. Looking for the best start date to start, sounds good. Warm temperatures and light snow so far into March, could be an early one. This Grand Loop just seems like a good idea.

[ScottM]

This Grand Loop just seems like a good idea.

Emphasis on seems.   

It'll seem like a good idea until your head nearly explodes whilst pushing your bike up steep and gnarly slopes on the Paradox 'trail.'

That said, I might be there if the heat and lack of snow storms continues.  Of course at this rate it may be 105+ degs by May....

[ScottM]

Just a note, I've added some info about racing the Grand Loop to this page:

http://www.bikepacking.net/routes/grand-loop/

Including a list of all known finishes to date and links to writeups.  Since there isn't going to be a 'Grand Loop Race' anymore, simply post up here if you are going to ITT the route and would like to coordinate with others.

Please let me know if there are any errors on the page, or if I missed a finisher or something.  Thanks.

[wookieone]

So yeah for some dumb reason I am interested in this again, maybe enough time has transpired that the pain has faded just... just want to put it out there that I am possibly interested and would like to maybe get a few folks together for a group ride/race/tt. I am gonna get organized and think it over some more, maybe get a date together in my head. I want to go under three days if I can, ok still tired from AZT, so I am gonna shut up now, peace JEFE

[Bob_P]

So it appears that my buddy Chris and I will be giving this baby another go.  We got rained and mudded out last year:
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=419582
We are looking at the 5/27 to 6/8 window.  We will be in duo-touring mode so will not be trying to go fast, but shooting for 4.5 days.
Cheers,
bp

[JimL]

I'm in as well.  My plan was to start Friday, May 29th at 6pm, but I'd like to start with a group, so I can be somewhat flexible.

Shooting for the Bedrock route.

Jim

[Chad B]

Ohhhhhhh..... I would not mind be able to try this one. I am a tentative maybe, transportation being the wild card for me. The said window is perfect for me.

[Stefan_G]

For anyone fast touring, well, or even racing it.  I would highly recommend the non-Bedrock reroute!  Resupply in Nucla isn't *that* far off if you absolutely need it, and there is less hike-a-bike than the AZT-300.  And the hike-a-bike there is on the Koski traverse is far easier to boot!  Of course, there isn't really any kick-ass singletrack to speak of on the GL like there is on the AZT though...  Still, something to consider for those of you looking to really get "out there".

I'll be suntanning in Hawaii while ya'll are out there getting dehydrated and following cow trails.   

[Marshal]

For anyone fast touring, well, or even racing it.  I would highly recommend the non-Bedrock reroute!  Resupply in Nucla isn't *that* far off if you absolutely need it, and there is less hike-a-bike than the AZT-300.  And the hike-a-bike there is on the Koski traverse is far easier to boot!  Of course, there isn't really any kick-ass singletrack to speak of on the GL like there is on the AZT though...  Still, something to consider for those of you looking to really get "out there".

I'll be suntanning in Hawaii while ya'll are out there getting dehydrated and following cow trails.  

When I was last in Nucla the small store was closed.  I am not sure there is currently any place that would work for resupply

[Pivvay]

I'm hoping to fit this one in as well. I'd try to make a group date but also don't want to push it close to the Divide. I know Kurt feels the same. I'll be attempting the "new" route without using Bedrock if I do it.

If I do get to go and can help anyone with transportation I will definitely do so.

[krefs]

I also would do the Koski Traverse if I give this a go, but the snow conditions at Columbine Pass (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/snotel.pl?sitenum=409&state=co) aren't looking terribly favorable for a mid/late May attempt if things don't melt off incredibly fast.  Last year there was a two-week lag between the time when the snowpack at the SNOTEL went to zero and the Grand Loop weekend, and there was still a TON of snow in the woods at the highest point on the course.

[wookieone]

Ok so I am in for another Grand Loop, I got two windows, either the last weekend in May, 29-31rst, or mid June 12-14th, anyone have any thoughts, I am gonna go for it one of these two weekends, just not sure which, need to decide soon, to get the time off work, hmm? Would like to ride out there with others, it is a lonely experience as is, but I hope to be out there soon, I started the detailed planning and I got to say I am excited!! Peace Jefe

[Pivvay]

Current SNOTEL would lead me to say the May 29-31st date is what you want. It could be hot and creeks that disappear already dry by mid June at the current rate.

[ScottM]

Ok so I am in for another Grand Loop, I got two windows, either the last weekend in May, 29-31rst, or mid June 12-14th, anyone have any thoughts, I am gonna go for it one of these two weekends, just not sure which, need to decide soon, to get the time off work, hmm? Would like to ride out there with others, it is a lonely experience as is, but I hope to be out there soon, I started the detailed planning and I got to say I am excited!! Peace Jefe

Dammit Jefe, now I have to seriously consider it.  It's hard to imagine June 12th-14th out there, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for late May.  I'm a solid maybe.  No, make that a wavering, jittery, nervous maybe.

Snow melt is looking surprisingly good...

[JayP]

definitly salivating over this...big time.

have my COPMOBA, BLM, and gazetteer maps wide open. even took the long way home from Moab last week going through Bedrock just to wet my appetite.

hopefully I can join in on the common date.

jayP

[Pivvay]

I may have to dig out my tracks from the archives! I'm still skeptical that I'll get to do this in May but hopeful. We'll just see I guess. My window opens May ~17th and closes end of May.

[Marshal]

definitly salivating over this...big time.

have my COPMOBA, BLM, and gazetteer maps wide open. even took the long way home from Moab last week going through Bedrock just to wet my appetite.

hopefully I can join in on the common date.

jayP

So, was the little Bedrock store still open??  It was for sale last yr but was still open for biz

[JayP]

So, was the little Bedrock store still open??  It was for sale last yr but was still open for biz

sure is. sign on the door says M - S, 9 to 5, could of even been 6 and sunday too.