 Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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on: February 21, 2014, 08:56:51 PM
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krefs
Location: Prescott, AZ
Posts: 492
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« on: February 21, 2014, 08:56:51 PM » |
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For the past 6 winters, I've watched the Columbine Pass SNOTEL with great intent. This winter is no different. And I'm not sure if there's been a new topic on BP.net for the Grand Loop since 2009, which saddens me. Does anyone have any interest in racing this anymore? I rode most of the Paradox Trail last summer as part of a month-long tour, and it felt great to be back out there. That country makes me feel so insignificant. While there's not much singletrack in the 360 miles, it sure is a dang hard route, it's incredibly beautiful, and as a whole, it's considerably more remote than any of the now-popular ultras out there. I hope to hear of a few more people giving it a go this year. Keep watching that SNOTEL, wait for it to bottom out, and then give it two more weeks for the last of the snow to melt out of the deep, dark woods atop the Uncompahgre  |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #1 on: February 21, 2014, 10:53:33 PM
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Buttermilk
Location: Bishop, Ca.
Posts: 191
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« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2014, 10:53:33 PM » |
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this on has been on my list for more than a few years also. I just seems to stay on the back burner because of other races, work, family... I know I'll get to it one of these days. Maybe that day is on the horizon. What do you deem would be the optimal start date? I sure would love to explore that piece a plant earth for all the reason you stated.
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Up & down on dirt & snow
I've got all my eggs in one basket
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #2 on: February 22, 2014, 07:42:24 AM
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krefs
Location: Prescott, AZ
Posts: 492
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« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2014, 07:42:24 AM » |
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The best start date is usually the end of may or early June. Temperatures start getting quite hot down low by then, but snow stubbornly clings to the highest parts of the route until late May in most years. September can also be nice out there, but then there are even fewer water sources available.
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #3 on: February 22, 2014, 08:34:35 AM
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wookieone
Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Posts: 310
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« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2014, 08:34:35 AM » |
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The Grand Loop never leaves my mind......
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #4 on: February 22, 2014, 02:43:29 PM
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gbach
Location: Silverthorne
Posts: 20
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« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2014, 02:43:29 PM » |
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I, for one, keep thinking of doing the "route" versus what I have normally been doing out there - which is just meandering. That country is hauntingly beautiful and I love being "lost" on the plateau.
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #5 on: February 23, 2014, 06:35:15 PM
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JimL
Location: Michigan
Posts: 77
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« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2014, 06:35:15 PM » |
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Indeed, my Grand Loop thoughts are inescapable... an incurable poison.
Definitely want to give it another go, but have been putting it off to see what happens with the Paradox changes and getting distracted by other routes/projects closer to home.
It would be nice to see renewed interest in the GLR, maybe this will be the year? Like krefs said (and wookieone can attest to), there's some amazingly beautiful and remote country out there just begging to be explored.
Fifteen or so weeks to think about it...
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #6 on: February 23, 2014, 06:44:58 PM
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Marshal
Location: Colorado
Posts: 951
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« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2014, 06:44:58 PM » |
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My mind is laser like on the TDR this year------ but the Grand Loop is close to home both physically and in the heart, maybe 2015.......
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #7 on: April 14, 2014, 01:30:03 PM
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DizzyDave
Posts: 7
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« Reply #7 on: April 14, 2014, 01:30:03 PM » |
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I'm contemplating an ITT on the Grand Loop this May. Seems like nobody does this ride anymore. Apparently, 2007-2009 were the golden years. Dates are not solid yet but I'm thinking Memorial Day (May 26) weekend and days on either side. If there is any interest out there, respond to this forum or feel free to email me. -Dave daviduga@hotmail.com |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #8 on: April 14, 2014, 08:30:38 PM
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Montana Miller
Posts: 12
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« Reply #8 on: April 14, 2014, 08:30:38 PM » |
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Hey Dave,
I'm gonna give it a shot as well. Probably in early to mid May though. I'll post again when I know an exact date
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theskrumble.wordpress.com
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #9 on: April 16, 2014, 07:35:43 AM
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DizzyDave
Posts: 7
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« Reply #9 on: April 16, 2014, 07:35:43 AM » |
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Good luck Montana! Keep us all apprised on the conditions and snow situation.  |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #10 on: April 20, 2014, 02:05:14 PM
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Gimmearaise
Location: Crested Butte, CO
Posts: 314
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« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2014, 02:05:14 PM » |
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Would be a nice event next year between AZT and Tour Divide...
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WWW.BikepackingSummit.com
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #11 on: April 20, 2014, 08:53:13 PM
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bgiro
Location: On a long a low elevation rail trail, East of Omaha..
Posts: 47
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« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2014, 08:53:13 PM » |
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Great to see some interest in the Grand Loop again!
I've been looking at the GL for a few years and wanted to do it this June, but life got in the way and it won't happen. Maybe I'll try in September.
I'm not a real technical rider. I know that there will be HAB on the route, but does the GL have a lot of technical sections to navigate?
Thanks
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« Last Edit: April 20, 2014, 09:10:34 PM by bgiro »
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #12 on: April 21, 2014, 07:41:08 AM
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wookieone
Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Posts: 310
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« Reply #12 on: April 21, 2014, 07:41:08 AM » |
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The Grand Loop is full of deserted old jeep roads with no engineering applied at all, straight up and down, shale rock, over grown, seldom if ever used. Part of it's charm is that you won't see anyone in some of the places it travels through, like no one. There are less chunky, less nasty and overgrown sections and some even fast fun riding, also lots of soft sandy (shandy) riding too. You will hike a bike up and down, it is true. Still I think of that loop and my heart wants to be there again.....
Jefe
I think there isn't enough recovery between the AZT, the GL and the TD....yikes!
September would be a gorgeous time to do the GL, but water would be even more scarce...kinda of interested though....
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #13 on: April 26, 2014, 01:01:46 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #13 on: April 26, 2014, 01:01:46 PM » |
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OK, I'll admit I still have a soft spot for the GL. I do think that someone with an eye for bikepack map-geekery needs to come in and make a "Grander" Loop. Add some good singletrack and rock riding (it's out there!) as reward for all the fall line roads you endure. I'm sure it'll make it harder/longer, too. So many projects, so little time... |
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #14 on: April 26, 2014, 02:17:41 PM
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wookieone
Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Posts: 310
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« Reply #14 on: April 26, 2014, 02:17:41 PM » |
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.........and while someone is at it reroute around the one snowy spot up high so it can be done earlier....
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #15 on: April 26, 2014, 02:23:22 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #15 on: April 26, 2014, 02:23:22 PM » |
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Righto. A part of me sees the impeccable logic in eliminating it, since it would open the seasonal doors wide open on it. But part of me thinks that would make it a touch too easy, too, and that it might lose some of the magic?
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #16 on: April 26, 2014, 02:25:17 PM
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wookieone
Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Posts: 310
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« Reply #16 on: April 26, 2014, 02:25:17 PM » |
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I suppose that really goes for the whole Grand Loop, it is just stupid hard/heart breaking and that really is part of it's magic!
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #17 on: April 26, 2014, 02:55:58 PM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #17 on: April 26, 2014, 02:55:58 PM » |
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Yep. Emphasis on *suppose*.
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #18 on: May 05, 2014, 07:09:45 PM
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DizzyDave
Posts: 7
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« Reply #18 on: May 05, 2014, 07:09:45 PM » |
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Does anyone have current news on the snow situation?
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Topic Name: Grand Loop dreaming
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Reply #19 on: May 06, 2014, 02:17:14 PM
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asatrur
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 35
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« Reply #19 on: May 06, 2014, 02:17:14 PM » |
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Sounds cool. Back in the mid 90's I did the Kokopelli to Moab and the Tab and they were amazing trails. very remote, rugged, and unforgiving.
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