TD'12 Race Discussion

[BobM]

Anyone know what's up with Jim Stansbury?

[Groundshine]

Eszter is approaching the Canon Plaza snack shack... should make for good call-in material.  It's possible she could clean the whole place out.

[ScottM]

Sorry about the down time this morning folks, both on trackleaders and here on bp.net (same server, unfortunately).  We exceeded our bandwidth quota for the month, which has never happened before... lots of eyes on this year's race, so that's cool.

While trying to get the server back up and running both Matthew and I were cooking pancakes and bacon for the biggest group at the lodge yet - Al, Brett, Josh from Tucson, Billy, Jon Cox and Chris Z.  Great group of guys loving it and pushing through it together.

Following the leaders closely here... so bummed about Craig's pedal and Georg's frame.

[ptb in san diego]

In case anyone else is hunting -- I had trouble following Ollie on Google Earth this morning, but eventually confirmed the route by searching Wall Lake, Gila National Forest

[BobM]

Tracy Burge is on the move again!  She's well south of Butte now.

[JF-mtnbiker]

What happend to Josh Shifferly? Just noticed that he's on the Scratch list.

Josh got bad bruising in the bottom of both feet. He was in extreme pain pedaling and couldn't even walk without major pain. After being off the bike for a while in Steamboat, his swelling continued to be a problem. He thinks it could be a complication from his crash outside of Helena but not sure. Bummer. He had a good run going.

[northofbeyond]

Sorry about the down time this morning folks, both on trackleaders and here on bp.net (same server, unfortunately).  We exceeded our bandwidth quota for the month, which has never happened before... lots of eyes on this year's race, so that's cool.

 Thanks, Scott and Matthew for all you do to bring us the coverage each year. I just made a donation to Trackleaders and I hope everyone else lurking/posting here will do the same.

[2wheeler]

There's going to be a showdown in Pie Town at high noon!

[ComoDepot]

I have no idea how you could regulate teams if it was considered an issue.

Ollie and Craig cycled most of the way together, would they be a team?

I probably have had more people come in with some one else than as singles, often they have been cycling together for sometime, something happens and they break up, new groups re form. There may well be some people who start intending to cycle together, that does seem to be the exception, and unless you are on a tandem I wonder how many go the full way.

[redtabby]

Hasn't anyone had the chance yet to imply that this group may be operating as a ... team?
I find this part of the blue dot obsession ludicrous.  For the most part these people are on
vacation.  They put themselves out there and are experiencing the divide for everything it
brings to them.  We're here for whatever reasons why we're not out there too.  The least we
can do is not create a climate of suspicion about the possible appearance of impropriety every
time dots are close together or if riders fraternize for a bit in the only place to eat dinner for 200mi...

While trying to get the server back up and running both Matthew and I were cooking pancakes and bacon for the biggest group at the lodge yet - Al, Brett, Josh from Tucson, Billy, Jon Cox and Chris Z.  Great group of guys loving it and pushing through it together.

[ScottM]

These guys are bouncing around together and seem to often end up together at the end of the day, but I didn't hear any talk of team tactics during their stay.  

Yeah, riding together is allowed in TD.  It can make you faster and also slower.  End of story.

[ScottM]

 Thanks, Scott and Matthew for all you do to bring us the coverage each year. I just made a donation to Trackleaders and I hope everyone else lurking/posting here will do the same.

You are welcome.  Many thanks for the donation!  Luckily the work, while a bit crazy at times, is self-rewarding since we are both such big fans of the race, but your support means a lot to us.

Joe at MTBCast works hard to bring the call-ins, so I want to give him a shout out for some possible paypal donation as well.

Thanks for following along, everyone.

[spcabin75]

I have been following Giovanni and Danilo from the beginning of the race.  Most of the time they are separated by significant distance, at times they are close.  As a rider i know that at 5-7mph on a hill at 7500ft elevation drafting is not a benefit.  They may support each other emotionally not unlike other rides who are together.  They pushed the rule of completely "solo", so do many other at times. They are of course fiends who came over together for this epic event.. 

As this races gains in popularity, friends, spouses riding together will be more frequent.    Isn't the spirit of the race still intact.  What will blow it a part is the advent of sponsors and $$$... coming to a TD soon

[2wheeler]

I have been following Giovanni and Danilo from the beginning of the race.  Most of the time they are separated by significant distance, at times they are close.  As a rider i know that at 5-7mph on a hill at 7500ft elevation drafting is not a benefit.  They may support each other emotionally not unlike other rides who are together.  They pushed the rule of completely "solo", so do many other at times. They are of course fiends who came over together for this epic event..  

As this races gains in popularity, friends, spouses riding together will be more frequent.    Isn't the spirit of the race still intact.  What will blow it a part is the advent of sponsors and $$$... coming to a TD soon

I knew it, those Italian fiends!!!

[Johnny]

here's some pics of Eric & George in the past 2 days from Andrews blog on Crazyguyonabike.com
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1&page_id=288018&v=18

He had seen the tandem & other riders past few days

Johnny

[salsola]

Anyone else notice that Jo Ann Burtard's spot dot hasn't moved on the Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road today?  Not a place I'd like to be broke down for too long.   Hope all is well up there.   

[FrancyPants]

That is some due deligence, to walk/push that length of time!  I think all of us that have been following Georg wish him well and fast repairs if possible.  I've been following him since Day 1, along with Mike Intrabola and Robin Borstmayer.  They all seem like well-matched guys in their stamina and determination.  I personally know Mike and vouch for his sense of humor, great sportsmanship, excellent work ethic, and all-round love of life (including cycling). His call-in this morning sounded like he was tired after a rough day, but pushing on, despite a 'fork' issue...loss of suspension??  I hope that was the right call since all I've seen is that the ride to Del Norte and beyond is getting tougher.

What is it about the Salida to Gunnison section?  First AJ, the Georg, had problems. This ride/race has loads of excitement!     

[Suzy]

 Thanks, Scott and Matthew for all you do to bring us the coverage each year. I just made a donation to Trackleaders and I hope everyone else lurking/posting here will do the same.

I appreciate the coverage as well.  Donation made!  Go Max Morris!   

[RonDog]

Anyone know what the snow is like on Richmond Peak now that Cjell is plugging through it?

[DenisVTT]

From a friend of Georg on his FB page, translated by Bing:

"New: George Gets a spare wheel at absolute bikes, they make him an acceptable offer, he will resume driving in about an hour"

Not too sure why a spare wheel would solve his frame problem, but his friend sounded optimistic (assuming I can read optimism in German)

Maybe PhilRad can help with the translations?