TD'12 Race Discussion

[mbeardsl]

Go here and drag your end points to see it for any section also: http://eatsleepridegreatdivide.com/#/elevation

[Martin W]

Out riding with Blackhound today and we did a lot of reminiscing about last year’s race – great memories of fellow riders and the places we rode through on our 2700 mile strip of N America. It made me almost (almost!) wish I was doing it again this year but the suffering is still just that little bit too fresh in the memory. Godspeed to the Vets (who really should know better) and rookies alike.
P.S. Good luck to Stappy, a great guy and a strong rider – hoping for a top five placing.

[mtbcast]

Calls this morning: Jim Woodruff called in from Bolton Trading Post last night. He runs down the crew that’s with him as they camped last night. Rudi Nadler called in from Sparwood where he stayed last night. He saw his first bear and runs through his mental playlist! Brett Stepanick called in from Elford. He’s in good spirits.

[Pivvay]

Off to another great start. It's going to be a blast watching those blue dots go!

[ron]

Go here and drag your end points to see it for any section also: http://eatsleepridegreatdivide.com/#/elevation

Sweet, thank you.

[mosibiker]

Can't stop watching either, sun just broke out here so going for a mortal ride.  When my legs start burning I will be reminded of what all the blue dots have accomplished in 24 hrs....

[mtbcast]

Jo Ann Burtard is having issues with her Spot. She was able to send a locator but can't seem to get it to track. I tried calling her back at the number she left but couldn't reach her. I assume she needs to reset? Power off/on?

[mtbcast]

NoBo rider Cjell Money called in from Reserve, NM. He’s on the fire reroute. He reports that the route may be opening very soon, though. So it sounds like the SoBo riders should be able to ride the route through there.

[JF-mtnbiker]

Oh yes. Wouldn't be a real Tour Divide without some cold ass rain and muck to make ya miserable.

****Big thank you to Scott Morris who is ON THE BALL!! I had a little problem with my Internet Exployer browser not putting up the blue dots. He e-mailed me back that he turned a couple screws and I am in blue dot heaven now. It's a chore to watch right now because I'm away from home w/no internet. Drinking alot of coffee so i can follow the action. But it's working! Thanks Scott!!

Wish I was out riding the TD again with everyone but since I'm not, I'll except the luxury and wait out this little rain storm before I swing a leg over my rig. ha.

[JF-mtnbiker]

Ha. I witnessed Robin Borstmayer go down in one of the Flathead sections deep, fast creek crossings a couple years ago. Bike overhead, fast water hitting you above the waist. Early morning, and too cold for a dunking. He just crossed that section a little while ago. Wondering what he was thinking as he went through it again.

[mtbcast]

Ha. I witnessed Robin Borstmayer go down in one of the Flathead sections deep, fast creek crossings a couple years ago. Bike overhead, fast water hitting you above the waist. Early morning, and too cold for a dunking. He just crossed that section a little while ago. Wondering what he was thinking as he went through it again.

"Mem-o-ries..."

[ron]

Last question-- if I wanted the next layer of detail (e.g., the name of the peak/pass at mile 240 sobo, town stops, etc), would I buy the ACA cues and maps or are there other tools I could use?

Just trying to maximize my follow-along pleasure here to get the most out of this year's race. Thanks!

[ridingman1]

Last question-- if I wanted the next layer of detail (e.g., the name of the peak/pass at mile 240 sobo, town stops, etc), would I buy the ACA cues and maps or are there other tools I could use?

Just trying to maximize my follow-along pleasure here to get the most out of this year's race. Thanks!

To get to the next level of detail, download the .GPX track and manipulate it in a GPS software program like Topofusion Pro. You can always get the KML file and play with it in Google Earth.

The section they are going through today is the Canadian Flathead. It was not part of last years route due to the snow re-routes. From the pace, I would say they are walking through snow/mud. Expect plenty of comments when they call in from Eureka, hopefully tonight. If Justin   (aka Long Ranger) calls in, his insight will be particularly interesting since he did the Flathead last year.   

[chrisx]

Anyone able to clarify this statement from the leader board?

Derailleurs & suspension (2)
Gears & suspension (53
do 2 people have derailleurs and no gears?

Gears & no suspension (39)
No derailleurs & no suspension (1)
One gear (only) & no suspension (6)

No derailleurs & suspension (1)
One gear (only) & suspension (3)

[mbeardsl]

Anyone able to clarify this statement from the leader board?

Derailleurs & suspension (2)
Gears & suspension (53
do 2 people have derailleurs and no gears?

Gears & no suspension (39)
No derailleurs & no suspension (1)
One gear (only) & no suspension (6)

No derailleurs & suspension (1)
One gear (only) & suspension (3)

They are running with internally geared hubs. 
The tandem specifically looks to be a Rohloff judging from their blog. 
Not sure about the other(s).

[mbeardsl]

EDIT: Nevermind, misread the stats.

[Jeff Tomassetti]

There are more and more rigid forks on TD each year. What kind are most folks using? Carbon fibre? Abpout how much weight do they save over a Fox fork? I use a Fox terralogic that has an excellent functioning auto lockout system,
so weight saving would be my only motivation to switch. Also, some events are much rougher than TD.

[mbeardsl]

You'd probably save 500-1200g depending on what you started with and what you end up with (Carbon is MUCH lighter).  Seems most guys are riding carbon or steel.  I'm a heavy guy so I'd probably go steel at which point saving a lb and having something that is less likely to break vs the comfort of suspension would be a tough choice.

Although, now that I think about it and look at more pics, going with a Lefty carbon fork would be about the same weight as a decent rigid steel so I'd certainly go Lefty (I have one on my 29er) if I didn't need the forks for mounting/carrying anything.

I noticed one of the NoBo riders in the pic above seems to be sporting a Blacksheep truss fork on what I'd also assume is a Blacksheep frame.  I ride a 36er with a truss fork and love it, not sure of the weight though.  That's the only configuration I'd trust a Ti fork in after talking with other Ti builders but the ride is amazing as it has some give and smoothes out fireroad chatter like nothing else rigid I've tried(the big wheels help too).

[mtbcast]

FYI: Got an email from Crazy Larry tonight. He did in fact have his bike stolen. He's been off the grid and working with police. I don't think they've found it yet. We might want to see what we can do for him, as someone noted. I'll know more soon, I hope, but surely we can get him a bike!

[mtngirl]

Saw the top 6 guys coming off Galton Pass down to Hwy 93 and then to US border.  It was cold and rainy today (6C) where we were, so it must have been snowing up high.  The guys said that there was lots of snow and it was a hard day.  I think they were surprised to see us but we even got smiles from a few of them.  the order was Ollie and Craig together at the front, Eric in 3rd, Adam in 4th, Kurt in 5th and Serge in 6th.  Here are a few photos, of Adam, Kurt and Serge.  Didn't get the camera out in time for the first three.  I'm sure they were looking forward to getting to Eureka for some food and warmth.