TD'11 Race Discussion

[eve55]

Regarding Kinesio Tape, Norb has used it in the past while doing Ironman events. It saved his race in Coeur d'Alene, but since then he hasn't had any issues with his knee and never the Achilles until now. It's a great suggestion for him especially as he approaches CO with pushing passes ahead. Question: is there any place in Rawlins where he might be able to snag some tape? He plans to call from there today. Thanks!

[Done]

I just chatted with Dylan Taylor this morning. He is feeling good and strong. A few minor maladies like everyone, but nothing that's slowing him down. Unlike some of the other "Tour de Hotel" riders out there, he's only spent one night in a hotel--and reports that he almost drowned in the bathtub after falling asleep! He had great day yesterday, and looks poised to work his way up the standings. If he does this like he did the CTR last year, I expect that he'll just get stronger as the race progresses.

[eve55]

 Karen Simas - Thanks from Eve, Norb's wife, for the note regarding Dan and Norb riding together and camping last night! It makes me feel better knowing Norb isn't out there by himself and I know he appreciates some company, especially going through the Basin!  Was wondering where Dan's spot is? I also don't see him on the active racers list. Wonder if he got removed accidentally since he is obviously still moving forward?

Norb sent a photo via IPhone from his dinner stop in Atlantic City yesterday. Dan must be the person pictured with Norb.

[Mathewsen]

I just chatted with Dylan Taylor this morning. He is feeling good and strong. A few minor maladies like everyone, but nothing that's slowing him down. Unlike some of the other "Tour de Hotel" riders out there, he's only spent one night in a hotel--and reports that he almost drowned in the bathtub after falling asleep! He had great day yesterday, and looks poised to work his way up the standings. If he does this like he did the CTR last year, I expect that he'll just get stronger as the race progresses.

'Tour de Hotel': it's a slightly shameful moniker. I don't want to judge folks for their use of motels in heinous weather years like this one, or `09 or the first half of `10, but sleeping rough should be an essential element of the TD experience. Not only is it faster in the long run, it's more steady, transitions less depressing, generally more even keel. Crossing over into civilization each night is evil. If motel use is trending out of hand, it might be a sign the event is attracting a different cloth than intended. Then again, it could just be a sign the challenge is much harder than most are prepared to endure, so they default to a more credit card touring mentality. Tough one to assess.

[29singlespeed]

Seems everyone is on the move pretty quick this am! Josh Shifferly up and over Boreas quickly after a good nights rest. Aidan spot not tracking since the overnight, so maybe at COMO we will know if Josh/Aidan are riding together.

Cabins at Sargents where Ethan spent the night.

Jefe freight train spooling up.

Regardless of the top 3, these 3 are all really impressive and top notch guys.

I have no idea who is using GPS and who is not, but my guess Ethan is not from knowing him and seeing a picture of his bike. If Kurt / Jefe are - is that enough of an advantage?

[robinb]

I have no idea who is using GPS and who is not, but my guess Ethan is not from knowing him and seeing a picture of his bike. If Kurt / Jefe are - is that enough of an advantage?

right now Ethan would have the best navigation tool working for him... tire tracks... until he hits pavement that is. (and assuming he can still see straight)

[caseygreene]

I feel Ethan's setup in general is not as well thought out as Kurt's and Jefe's. Which could be a big disadvantage. No Areobars, heavier tires, backpack, etc. In contrast, there were few things i would change to Kurt's setup, and those are minor. He's even got a cuban fiber seatbag! Very well thought out.

[SlowDave]

Funny you should be mentioning that, I have been thinking about using some of the high tech sail cloth out there for bike applications.  Just goes to show how rare original thought is.

[Newfydog]

I feel Ethan's setup in general is not as well thought out as Kurt's and Jefe's. Which could be a big disadvantage. No Areobars, heavier tires, backpack, etc. In contrast, there were few things i would change to Kurt's setup, and those are minor. He's even got a cuban fiber seatbag! Very well thought out.

What?  An ACA guy who doesn't feel a BOB is essential?

The gear development is one of the real contributions this race has brought to our sport.  It'd be nice to see a recap of what the top ten or so finish with, to get an idea of what really works.

[Done]

'Tour de Hotel': it's a slightly shameful moniker.

Sorry, not trying to shame anyone. Dylan enjoys the adventure of bikepacking. While I admire his in-the-dirt style, I certainly don't mean to disparage anyone else who does the race differently.

[mk313]

Since we're making predictions, I'm going with Kurt for the SB. It will be interesting to see who finishes first Kurt/Jefe/ Ethan or Paul going North.

For the southbound route, I'm thinking Kurt since Ethan is currently around 100 miles behind. Not an insurmountable lead, but certainly a factor. Adding that to the fact that they were all riding together a few days ago, and it seems like things are not trending his way. Assuming that Jefe & Kurt are relatively equal physically, it just seems like Kurt (barring any mechanicals) is going to have the advantage with gears down the line. As I remember it from the last few years, the end of the route is pretty flat. I'd assume that gears would help in that situation both in a head or tailwind, as you can adjust for the conditions.

Granted, I know nothing about Single Speeds, so my theory could be completely wrong, but it just seems logical.

All that being said, it's exciting to see such a large group of riders still in contention this far into the race. And everyone seems super nice from their call ins that I'll be happy for Paul/Kurt/Jefe/Ethan or whoever crosses the line first.

[Mathewsen]

Sorry, not trying to shame anyone. Dylan enjoys the adventure of bikepacking. While I admire his in-the-dirt style, I certainly don't mean to disparage anyone else who does the race differently.

No, no, i was extending the shame. Although the counties with stiff motel taxes love the idea of TdH, 'in-the-dirt' style is what TD is going for. One or two nights in is reasonable. My record is one room for a full tour, but that required restraint a couple depressing nights as i rode away from the warmth of village lights/critter comforts to try and prove the point to myself.

[Jilleo]

'Tour de Hotel': it's a slightly shameful moniker. I don't want to judge folks for their use of motels in heinous weather years like this one, or `09 or the first half of `10, but sleeping rough should be an essential element of the TD experience. Not only is it faster in the long run, it's more steady, transitions less depressing, generally more even keel. Crossing over into civilization each night is evil. If motel use is trending out of hand, it might be a sign the event is attracting a different cloth than intended. Then again, it could just be a sign the challenge is much harder than most are prepared to endure, so they default to a more credit card touring mentality. Tough one to assess.

Everything you said about sleeping out being faster, smoother transitioning and overall a better experience is true. Still, I disagree with your assertion that hotel use is simply a sign of weakness. The Tour Divide isn't a camping race. It's a cycling race. Each racer should be allowed to decide which ways they can best refuel and recover for the long days in the saddle this race requires. The Tour Divide also isn't a wilderness race — regular interactions with civilization are just part of the deal.

Of course if you really want to require "in-the-dirt style," the TD can set a "limited hotel stay" rule. But unless you want to go down that slippery slope of legislating "the TD experience," it's probably better to allow individual racers' experiences to happen organically. Eventually most rookies, especially if they ever return, will realize all the ways in which nightly stays in towns actually slow them down in the long run.

[29singlespeed]

Matt and other vetrans watching, as a bit of intermission from commentary, would you mind sharing the following:

How often did you change chamois/shorts? Did you bring extras or ship them to PO's. I am one of those 24hr racers that changes chamois/shorts/socks a few times in a race, call me soft but days on end, not to mention weeks in same clothes would be a mental for me. Fresh clothes is like fresh legs for a bit.

[mikepro]

I learned through experience last year ... hotels are a HUGE waste of time on the TD.  It took the first week of riding to break my body/mind habit of sleeping in a bed at night.  I estimate a full day-and-a-half lost to "hotel time" or "town drag" as I call it.  To this day it remains the most frustrating memory of last year's ride...how much time I conceded fussing around in towns and getting in/out of hotels in Montana.  But I don't think I would have learned any other way than through first-hand personal experience.

[mikepro]

How often did you change chamois/shorts?

Zero.  I did change out of my shorts & shirt every night, however.

[Biketour]

Karen Simas - Thanks from Eve, Norb's wife, for the note regarding Dan and Norb riding together and camping last night! It makes me feel better knowing Norb isn't out there by himself and I know he appreciates some company, especially going through the Basin!  Was wondering where Dan's spot is? I also don't see him on the active racers list. Wonder if he got removed accidentally since he is obviously still moving forward?

Norb sent a photo via IPhone from his dinner stop in Atlantic City yesterday. Dan must be the person pictured with Norb.

Hi, Dan did not purchase a spot tracker for the race. Not sure why he is not on the active rider list but I think he might be calling it in today. He has been dealing with some bad stomach issues and has not been feeling well for the past 6 days Dan called from the Basin and Norb had pulled away from him All good. Dan is taking it easy into Rawlins and will probably do a call in on MTB cast at that time. Yes, I agree, it is good when you hear your loved one is riding with someone else. Always good to have. Yeah, that must have been Dan in the photo

[Mathewsen]

Since we're making predictions, I'm going with Kurt for the SB. It will be interesting to see who finishes first Kurt/Jefe/ Ethan or Paul going North.

Paul intends to ride main route sections between Basin and Ovando, (and possible the Ca. Flathead) so me thinks he's not in contention for first to either terminus.

For the southbound route, I'm thinking Kurt since Ethan is currently around 100 miles behind. Not an insurmountable lead, but certainly a factor. Adding that to the fact that they were all riding together a few days ago, and it seems like things are not trending his way

E has been suffering from knee pain since waking up with K & J (super cold) on Ute Pass. He said he had to let them go on the run into Breck. He's been riding piano lately and said he hasn't the drive to sacrifice his knee with the summer work season just beginning in CB. It's easy for us to imagine him making another run at the front, but at this point in the race it's also easy to 'settle' for what nature and the body are dealing you.

Assuming that Jefe & Kurt are relatively equal physically, it just seems like Kurt (barring any mechanicals) is going to have the advantage with gears down the line.

Yep this will be huge come the 170mi pavement detour after Cuba. It's a shame it disadvantages SSers so, but i'm not sure what to do long term with the main route stretch thru there. Would love to mandate dirt, but there's LOTS of mud/sand and several deep arroyo crossings on the main route if wet...and Stamstad set the detour precedent, Curiak upheld it, so it's tough to eliminate it now. 

[Mathewsen]

How often did you change chamois/shorts? Did you bring extras or ship them to PO's. I am one of those 24hr racers that changes chamois/shorts/socks a few times in a race, call me soft but days on end, not to mention weeks in same clothes would be a mental for me. Fresh clothes is like fresh legs for a bit.

one pair of shorts at a time, replaced at the half way point. you get over the mental part of needing to feel clean.

[ComoDepot]

Steve left very early this morning.

I am not sure about the time wasting, he got in eat and a phone call in 20 minutes, showered and crashed. Photo on website.

He arrived here at dusk left before dawn.

The 20 minutes would have been how long it would have taken his to set up and eat I would have thought. And how well would he have slept on the dirt with the temperature just above freezing and rain in the air?

I know Dave Bruno had been out every night until he got to us. He thought the leaders would end up chasing each other into the ground. Time will tell. He took the indoor option as he did not fancy hypothermia. Sleeping outside below freezing when it is snowing does not strike me as very sensible.

I forgot to mention the wind.....