TD'12 Race Discussion

[Rad]

I can't believe the two leaders are in Lima already - we are talking some serious separation from the rest now. I guess those aero bars are working.

[Russ Kipp]

A few minutes ago Serge was the third TD rider to pass through the Grasshopper Valley and finish the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway portion.  He said he had experienced some head wind today but the weather was an improvement, his bike was working well and he was feeling good. 

[Marshal]

Not that I'm aware of.  It's loosely recognized, in my mind at least, that Marshal Bird's time from 2010 is the standard for 50+ age group (feel free to clarify or correct me here, anyone).  Also, last year saw a 60+ finisher, yes? (Norb)?  Someone else will have to confirm on that.  Beyond that, records for 50+, 60+, or whatever categories get "established" it's wide open.

Ha, I told the wife I might have to show up in 2013 if someone over 50 lays down a target time this yr.  However, she wasn’t the least bit supportive of the idea.

[Pivvay]

Marni was supportive of another potential run on the course for me. I think you should take up mountaineering Marshall. It makes 3 weeks on the Divide look utterly tame and safe, haha.

That being said I spent a couple hours the other night unable to fall asleep thinking about the route. The idea of another all out attempt is intriguing but the level of suffering that entails is tough to commit to.

[ron]

For the benefit of us lurkers, what does an "all out attempt" look like in practical terms, Chris? <5 hrs sleep, ~150mi, quick breaks, no motels, etc, basically?

Congrats on your sweet '09 ride, btw. Huge.

[IanPeace]

Interesting to see how OW fairs with the Rohloff setup. Seems like he's had the right gear range to tackle Montana (knock on wood). 

Yeah but it's Craig's Enve carbon race wheels that called out loudest to me from that pic - man, those are super fine!

[Pivvay]

I was conservative in 2009 as I had DNF'd an ITT in 2008 and I really, really wanted to finish. By the end I knew I had the record solidly in the bag and couldn't catch Matt so I lifted off the gas to a certain extent. This meant giving into sleep more often for one thing. I was also absolutely exhausted at the end so who knows how much further I could push it. What I have given up in terms of fitness between 2009 and now, I have gained in other areas that I feel are important to the divide. Fitness is merely a means of putting in the hours which is doable now that grad school is just about complete.

What does all out look like? For me that means less sleep and blowing through towns. It means a bit heavier on clothing and lighter on sleep gear (for those who know my setup that may seem laughable i know). I did almost 150/day in 2009 so for me that means closer to 180/day. Could I do it? I'm not sure but I have no interest in touring the route without my wife or son. I'd go for broke or drop out trying.

[ridingman1]

Anyone know where to find the results from 2011? Can't seem to find them on the Tour divide website.

I just posted a Google docs copy in spreadsheet format at:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AvJRKbtpM51ZdDQtcFc2XzQwR3lfenFvQWN5bzhUY1E

[taprider]

for Race Flow
I see the x and y axis, and the colour key, but no lines

[cousinmosquito]

On the Rohloff discussion......there were many times on TD that I had to pedal gingerly or even dismount on mud to avoid a drivetrain melt down. It sure would be nice to apply full power with no fear of calamity. OTOH, it seems hard to fine anyone who can correctly set up a Rohloff with a belt and get it right. It would be a technical mystery for me.

Yeah Ollie has done his research, and plenty of testing on the Rohloff, including two Kiwi Brevets.
Some Rohloff belt-drive nerdery on his blog here:
http://mountainpedalernz.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/tightening-belt-couple-of-notches.html

[Climb On]

Wow! Eszter Horanyi continues to crush it! I just saw a pre-race vid of her. When asked about prep for the climbs, she said, "I sleep at 9000 ft." Based on that, I'm thinking she may just bump up the leaderboard on the loftier peaks in CO and NM.   

[bikingbakke]

Yeah but it's Craig's Enve carbon race wheels that called out loudest to me from that pic - man, those are super fine!

Pending how those wheels last, he might be well on his way to an Enve sponsor set of wheels - this is potentially awesome proving ground advertising.

From the call ins and the photos, Craig and Ollie are smiling.  That's great.  Craig is a super positive guy to ride with, and two guys helping each other stay out of ITT mentality definitely appears to be helping.  Some people just bring others up, no matter what it is.  He's one of them.

As an aside, Erik L, right call on the achilles and too bad.  You can't heal that one on the trail, and no one event is worth jeopardizing years of future riding.

[ThatDudeOnABike]

I apologize if this has already been reported, but Josh S. is back in the race and headed for Butte! I'll be interested to hear how he got back in.

[mtbcast]

More calls: Serge Chiasson called in from The Grasshopper Inn. He’s doing well and enjoying some beautiful riding though he did take a spill. The Long Ranger called in from Lincoln. Despite a flat and having to hunt for a pump he’s doing okay. Fixie Dave Nice called in from Hartsel. He killed Kenny the Chipmunk! He recounts his ride from Salida. And Fred Arden called in from Seely Lake. He had a rough ride but is doing well and warming up.

[Pivvay]

Go Dave go!

[mikepro]

for Race Flow
I see the x and y axis, and the colour key, but no lines

Could be that you are zoomed in/out on the chart.  You can scroll the middle wheel on the mouse or fingers on the touch pad and totally mess the scale where the lines aren't visible anymore.  Closing and re-opening the web page should reset the scale so that 0,0 is at bottom left of the chart.  If you don't have 0,0 at the origin then you're out of scale.  Hope that helps.

[moosevt]

The GD route grades are mild with a few exceptions.  I am sure a Rohloff , mated up with just about any front chain ring size, will have more than sufficient gear range.

I think just about every TDR racer who has researched the race recognizes the Rohloff’s lack of a derailleur could bring some real advantages in muddy conditions.

From personal experience, my middle ring was used for most of the miles and I am a weak pedal’er compared to most.  If I was to ever race the route again I would look very very hard a Rohloff.

Dave Tremblay did the TD with the Alfine 8. I had big hopes for that hub and he helped cement my thoughts. I will be using the Alfine 11 next year in my attempt.

[29singlespeed]

I apologize if this has already been reported, but Josh S. is back in the race and headed for Butte! I'll be interested to hear how he got back in.

Go Josh go!

[29singlespeed]

Do we have any reports as to how Josh got rolling? ThatDudeOnABike -- are you one of the Many Josh friends or someone in the Helena area? This is Travis previously from Crested Butte and now in Moab.

[spcabin75]

As an enviable sightseer I am fascinated by the Italian contingent.   Marco and Elena are supporting each other and then there are the three guys in 26,27 & 28th riding somewhat together, plus a few others.  Anyone know anything bout this group, come over together?  

Viva Italia!