 Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #180 on: June 03, 2009, 09:45:28 PM
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cat morrison
Posts: 25
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« Reply #180 on: June 03, 2009, 09:45:28 PM » |
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I only got two pictures of Jefe at the finish and I don't have the best camera but you can see them on my blog: girls4dirt.blogspot.com
Hey Jim! Glad to hear you're ok, we were getting worried. Anytime you want to come stay with us for a week or month or whatever to get some high altitude biking in, our house is your house. Peace and keep in touch.
Matt and Cat.
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #181 on: June 04, 2009, 12:56:51 PM
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wookieone
Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Posts: 310
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« Reply #181 on: June 04, 2009, 12:56:51 PM » |
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So my Mom was following this whole thing, and she sent me an e-mail saying how much she enjoyed all your commentaries, energy, etc, she really got a kick out of Chad's quote list. I tried to convince her that you were a bunch of low lifes, but she still insists you are good people, oh well, maybe she is right after all....just kidding you all Rule!!! Peace Jefe
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #182 on: June 05, 2009, 01:28:19 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #182 on: June 05, 2009, 01:28:19 PM » |
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What he said. Definitely a good group. I see that Chris and Bob are out on the Grand Loop now. Their SPOT is moving around: http://topofusion.com/tracker-grandloop.phpLooks like they left Loma at 10:20a on 6/4, and are already making their way into the La Sals. |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #183 on: June 08, 2009, 05:28:13 PM
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SandSurfer
Posts: 29
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« Reply #183 on: June 08, 2009, 05:28:13 PM » |
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Funny enough (but not on topic), I did a 105 mile overnighter with two buddies, starting the first day at 9:30 pm, and finishing the second day at 7:30 pm. I tried calling my wife at the finish and finally at 11:30 when I got to my hotel after retrieving the car shuttle. She didn't even have her phone with her. She left it in the car as she was having dinner at some friends. I guess she assumes that things will be ok. That and she knows me well. SPOT is great for those not single DH, now that you're included in that group  |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #184 on: June 08, 2009, 10:06:05 PM
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Bob_P
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 12
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« Reply #184 on: June 08, 2009, 10:06:05 PM » |
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Quick update...Chris and I finished our grand loop (not the Grand Loop) after a HUGE day at 4:10am today. What a trip it was. Made it to Dewey at end of 16 1/2 hr first day and then realized at the end of day two when we only got in 20 mi. that we'd have to cut short, given the time we had. We rode up Spring Cr mesa on day 3 and took a great, albeit difficult short cut (FS668) straight up the Plateau to Divide Rd; last ~3.5 mi were hike a bike, but otherwise most of it rideable. But, was it gorgeous! So blown away by the views from up there!  Another great stretch was from Hideout to La Sals.... started beforee dawn that day and got very cool early morning views. The flowers, huge ponderosas and aspens in La Sals are awesome. OK, whose crazy idea was it to put the Whitewater to Tab TH section in there?? Ugh that was tortuous; took us from 9pm to 4 am, running on fumes. Whew! Done. My congrats to all the riders this year! |
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« Last Edit: June 09, 2009, 07:38:00 AM by Bob_P »
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #185 on: June 09, 2009, 09:23:09 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #185 on: June 09, 2009, 09:23:09 PM » |
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Awesome. Congrats on finishing a still-pretty-grand loop out there. How did you know about the FS668 shortcut? See it on a map? The GPS?
I've always wondered about that connection -- Chad noted how close we were to the route when we were up on the divide road.
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #186 on: June 09, 2009, 09:23:30 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #186 on: June 09, 2009, 09:23:30 PM » |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #187 on: June 10, 2009, 08:15:07 PM
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Bob_P
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 12
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« Reply #187 on: June 10, 2009, 08:15:07 PM » |
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Awesome. Congrats on finishing a still-pretty-grand loop out there. How did you know about the FS668 shortcut? See it on a map? The GPS?
I've always wondered about that connection -- Chad noted how close we were to the route when we were up on the divide road.
Thanks, Scott. It was a grand ride! I scoped out that cut off last year when we were planning try #1. I saw it on the BLM map and then Chris was able to trace it right off Google Earth and load it into his GPS. We were actually pretty amazed at how well it worked out. The top hike-a-bike part was hard, but the views and terrain going up were amazing! Gosh...I wonder if any of you super fast riders could do the loop we did in 48 hours or less??? Going fast on that hike-a-bike could be the make or break . Hmmmm... |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #188 on: June 10, 2009, 08:17:28 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #188 on: June 10, 2009, 08:17:28 PM » |
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Gosh...I wonder if any of you super fast riders could do the loop we did in 48 hours or less??? Going fast on that hike-a-bike could be the make or break . Hmmmm...
Don't be ridiculous, that would cut out the fab Roubideau trail, everyone's favorite delayer the Tab singletrack, and all the hike-a-bike up Pinto Mesa. We couldn't have that.....  |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #189 on: April 22, 2012, 06:41:04 AM
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Blammo
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 66
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« Reply #189 on: April 22, 2012, 06:41:04 AM » |
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Does anyone still do this loop? I'm looking for something to warm up for the TD in 201x. Being from Texas, this is somewhat close.
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #190 on: April 22, 2012, 08:52:01 AM
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krefs
Location: Prescott, AZ
Posts: 492
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« Reply #190 on: April 22, 2012, 08:52:01 AM » |
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People do still do this route, although there's no longer an organized start date. There are a handful of riders that time trial it every spring. That being said, taking on something like the Grand Loop a week or two before the TD would not allow nearly enough time for recovery. And in most years, snow up on the Uncompaghre Plateau keeps this from being done earlier in May. With snowpacks this year, on the other hand...
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #191 on: April 22, 2012, 10:28:39 AM
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JimL
Location: Michigan
Posts: 77
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« Reply #191 on: April 22, 2012, 10:28:39 AM » |
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With snowpacks this year, on the other hand...
Yes, this is my thought as well... I'd prolly still stick with starting ~Friday June 1 and going down Red Canyon and up and across the Koski Traverse, but hopefully not have to walk the Pool Creek section. We'll see. ~6 weeks to think about it.  Gonna give it another go Kurt? |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #192 on: April 22, 2012, 01:32:21 PM
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krefs
Location: Prescott, AZ
Posts: 492
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« Reply #192 on: April 22, 2012, 01:32:21 PM » |
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I'd love to, Jim, but I'm not sure it's in the cards for this year. We'll see, though. I'm glad to hear you're giving it yet another go!
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #193 on: May 03, 2012, 09:17:20 AM
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DaveH
Moderator
Posts: 975
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« Reply #193 on: May 03, 2012, 09:17:20 AM » |
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The route is clear! http://copmoba.org/page.cfm?pageid=15479&rideareaid=10This is unprecedented. I tried mid-may in '07 when snowpack was low and Columbine was clear but still hit huge amounts of snow. A rare year when the route is clear before the Koko turns furnace like. |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #194 on: May 03, 2012, 10:39:04 AM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #194 on: May 03, 2012, 10:39:04 AM » |
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Craziness. If ever there were a year to go fast....
I rode GL in 06, and 09, so I suppose I am 'due'...
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #195 on: May 03, 2012, 10:52:37 AM
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JimL
Location: Michigan
Posts: 77
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« Reply #195 on: May 03, 2012, 10:52:37 AM » |
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Wow, that's crazy. Unfortunately, my window of opportunity for driving out doesn't open until May 18th at this point, which would probably mean a Monday the 21st-ish start. My guess is that what little water there is on the Koko is gonna be in even shorter supply by then at this rate, besides pumping out of the muddy river. It would be nice to have some cool temps in the desert though.
Anyone else thinkin' about it?
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #196 on: May 03, 2012, 11:18:57 AM
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mr cowboy
Location: boise
Posts: 36
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« Reply #196 on: May 03, 2012, 11:18:57 AM » |
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sounds awesome. i love that area down there. the earliest i could get down there would be memorial day weekend. wouldn't mind spend a few days or a week just riding along having fun. it would all depend on a couple of things that are going on, depending on which way they go.
jim - are you planning on going?
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #197 on: May 03, 2012, 12:45:39 PM
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JimL
Location: Michigan
Posts: 77
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« Reply #197 on: May 03, 2012, 12:45:39 PM » |
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Yep, I sure am mr cowboy.
My intent is to do the full Paradox Trail, adhering to the current reroute that skips Spradlin Park (pp issue) and takes the road into/out of Nucla. Probably start in Grand Junction this time as well.
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #198 on: May 03, 2012, 09:59:05 PM
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krefs
Location: Prescott, AZ
Posts: 492
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« Reply #198 on: May 03, 2012, 09:59:05 PM » |
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Sadly, GL is out for me this spring. I've got too much else on my plate. But that's a good problem to have seeing what all these things are! Best of luck out there, Jim. Take some photos to share of the Koski Traverse. And bring along some sugary powder to put in your bladder full of muddy river water to improve the taste.
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Topic Name: Grand Loop 2009
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Reply #199 on: May 06, 2012, 03:23:09 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #199 on: May 06, 2012, 03:23:09 PM » |
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FYI, Grand Loopers... after conferring with the GL heads of state (DH and MC) I destroyed the "mystique" of the route and posted a GPX file on bp.net's GL page. This should make the route at least 1% more appealing, leading to at least 1% more attempts per year.
Seriously, the route is a pain in the butt to try to follow with those COPMOBA pamphlets, so maybe this will encourage a few new folks to give it a go. We can all agree it's well worth doing once...
Get it!
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