TD'11 Race Discussion

[Area45]

Got a voice I can't match to a name on the roster. Erin Voskis?

Also, Chris Bennett (touring now) is reporting a sign says Boreas Pass is closed. Can someone confirm?

That's me. Errin Vasquez

[mtbcast]

That's me. Errin Vasquez

Sorry, Errin. And sorry to hear  you're out. (As everyone else we're hear shortly.) Maybe we'll see you back! You rode to Butte and that's something. 

[Marshal]

Ahh, timing is everything in the TDR, SB or NB

Russ McBride and Franck Gimard (2nd NB) look to have had a tough day.  They hit the climb to Indiana Pass at the end of the day with I am sure tired legs. They look to be stopped at a FS cabin so I am guessing they are done for the day.  They will finish the climb 1st thing in the morning, and just be getting all warmed up – when-- then are probably going to freeze on the fast decent.  However they can look forward to a nice meal in Del Norte tomorrow, they will certainly have earned it!

Edit:
Paul Attalla is timing everything perfectly.  He is getting food at Sergeants, might even get a cabin for the night.  And if his tires hold could clear Marshall’s pass with the morning sun and hit Absolute Bikes right about when they open up for biz.   Oh, and he has now put a full day+ on his closest NB comp.

[mtbcast]

Errin Vasquez called in from Butte to say he’s OUT. Dan Simas called in from Wise River. He actually had some snowfall today. Chris Bennett, who’s now touring the route,  called in from Como with news on Boreas. Apparently there’s signage that it’s closed. Cadet Bryant called in from Missoula to say he’s officially out. He tweaked his neck, as has been noted in the forum, and it’s not getting any better, despite him feeling strong otherwise. Jefe Branham called in from Driggs which puts him near the Wyoming border! Bruce Giroux called in from Grants. He’s off his schedule but doing well and fighting the heat.

Errin and Cadet, take care and hopefully we'll see you guys back!

You can get the audio here, via RSS,  or on iTunes!

[mtbcast]

Late Additions:
Erik Mathy called in to say he’s OUT. Cadet Bryant called in again to thank Adventure Cycling and explain his going off-route. And Justin Voss called in from Lima. He had a near miss with a mountain lion!

You can get the audio here, via RSS,  or on iTunes!

[JF-mtnbiker]

I was out on the rail trail in Idaho today and ran into Dave Bruno fighting the wind. He said he is surprised that he has not been caught by the "pro" quality Grand Depart leaders but appreciated my telling him that he is faster than he thinks he is. He was all smiles and looking for some bike work in Driggs. Looks like he got there in time and made great time over teton pass into jackson Hole.

I ran into Jefe around the Drummond grain silo motoring his single speed. He, like Dave was excited to see me and chat with another Tour Divide type. Jefe said that he has not talked to anyone for a couple days. He had a bit of sunburn and a good coat of dried sweat and dirt. (typical) He feels the pursuit of Kurt and Ethan but says he feels good physically. He doesn't feel like he is going very fast or making good time but I assured him that he is riding very well. Of course the wind was howling. (A steady headwind with "major" gust that pretty much stop you. Demoralizing to ride in.). I asked him if he is resting enough. He said he was falling asleep on his aero bars but got 5 hrs sleep the night before and plans on getting good sleep tonight. Said all he could think about right then was getting some 'real" food. Looks like he stoped for a good meal at Tetonia's only quality eatery and is now approaching Wyoming and Teton Pass. (a steap road climb) It's chilly out. Supposed to be down in the 30's tonight.  Maybe it will slow down the mosquitos.
I think Jefe is getting a taste the loneliness that makes this race so difficult. (Dave too) Riding out front, knowing the guys behind have talent and no one to talk to but yourself. Just looking at that candy bar, wanting to eat it because it is something to do. The ride south from Polaris through Lima and into Red Rock Pass is tough. Just long days cranking out miles where you can see 10 miles down the twisted rolling road ahead. Beautiful country, but... Then rough rail trails riding. More cranking miles on rough dirt and obsidian rock. It is mentally brutal and every little rock you run over feels like a boulder at this point. The body hurts. However, I think he has a handle on it. He looks good. Pics on the way.

[6thElement]

Well despite my spot saying I'm still on Fleecer I'm in wise river.

That hill is steep!! My gps was claiming -40%.

[mikepro]

JF -

Thanks for the update and taking the time to intercept riders out on route.  Your perspective and appreciation for what the racers are going through, from vet's point of view, is refreshing.  Keep it coming.  Lookin' forward to your pics.

The reroute through Driggs/Jackson Hole/to Pinedale is all road, or paved  bike path - followed by the long/flat stretch through the Basin to Rawlins - nothing to do but keep rolling.  It's time for riders to lay down some 150 to 200 mile days.

[teamfaeth]

I heard from my hubby tonight via email. He is in Platoro, Co staying in a cabin. His tracker batteries are dead. I was so surprised to hear that he made it into Co after tracking backwards to find his tracker. Go Pete!!

[mikepro]

Looks like Mike Hall is making up a little ground, but I'm not sure why he's diverted to Ashton with so many services on route ahead/South of him.

Like Trail 717 has been pointing out up-thread, there's definite group formation going on behind the 4 leaders.  There's the 2nd group of 4, just now hitting Idaho.  Then there's the 8+ rider Lima Convention happenin' tonight, another 1/2 day behind.  I imagine Dave Goldberg is keeping people awake with his talkative-ness, assuming he's made it Lima and is part of the Convention.

Serious, dedicated moves are needed if anyone from the "Convention" group is going bridge the gap up to Chase Group of 4.  I'm also thinking that someone from the Chase Group of 4 is going to try and catch up to the leaders, but that might not be until Colorado.

Paul A. in the NoBo is putting down an inspired ride.  I like it.  SoBo leaders get to Rawlins first, though, is my call.

Next up for Uber Lantern Rouge Justin S - Richmond Peak ?  Does he stay the course and ride the true TD?  

[DoctorRad]

Looks like Mike Hall is making up a little ground, but I'm not sure why he's diverted to Ashton with so many services on route ahead/South of him.

Google Street View tells me he's in the Rankin Motel, presumably crashed out for the night! He's disappeared from the Race Flow chart for the time being though 

[Georg66]

Seems like Kurt is closing the gap to Jefe  ... 20 minutes to go.
Will be interesting what happens next hours, when Kurt has tu get some sleep.
According to the spotter, Ethan is back.

[DoctorRad]

Kurt has currently taken the lead...!

[RossC]

And now Kurt is in the lead. He's put in a big day to Haul in Jefe!

[SimonK]

Wow! This is a humungous move by Kurt. I wonder what the mountain range he's about to head through is like? Once he gets to Pinedale, there's some relatively easy riding ahead for quite a while. This is going to be interesting all right.

[Mrs.BigPoppa]

The leaders are in Wyoming!   I heard from my husband, JV, today.  He's in great spirits and happy with his performance.  I really appreciate all the real time updates on here, it's great to get home from work and catch up with the happenings of the day.  

[SimonK]

Now Kurt's current speed is 13.7 mph, going up valley at the end of a long, long day. Very impressive. Hopefully he's enjoying a wicked tailwind. Judging by the contour lines the gradient is moderate - he could be shovelling down brunch in Pinedale.

[RossC]

Wow! This is a humungous move by Kurt. I wonder what the mountain range he's about to head through is like? Once he gets to Pinedale, there's some relatively easy riding ahead for quite a while. This is going to be interesting all right.

Its 5:20am and it doesn't look like Kurt has slept. The most interesting thing will be to do see how things equilibrate when Jefe gets moving again and Kurt eventually stops. It's a bold move for sure.

[Georg66]

Now Jefe starts his day near Wilson,
Kurt passed this location nearly 3 hours ago,
Go ahead, Jefe!
 

[FernieTeam]

I heard from my hubby tonight via email. He is in Platoro, Co staying in a cabin. His tracker batteries are dead. I was so surprised to hear that he made it into Co after tracking backwards to find his tracker. Go Pete!!

just saw that Pete tracker is ON again !! and moving ....Amazing job on a SS