TD'12 Race Discussion

[RossC]

Since he is already back in Salida, doesn't seem to be a big deal. A frustrating day pushing yesterday probably. But easy enough either to get the frame repaired or replaced there (and it's not that he would be broke by just grabbing a new bike). So a one day delay and a bad day yesterday. Seems par for the course, frame is just more expensive to fix than pedals or brakes.

I think he will look back at this with pride in the wash up of the race. i.e I kept on riding until my bike snapped in half and then I bought another one and kept on riding. Go Georg!

[Dominator]

Looks like it may be a food stop for Ollie.

[BobM]

Did Ollie just make a wrong turn?

He either missed the mandatory turn for the Sapillo alternate or (I hope) has detoured to stock up on water.

[ScottM]

He either missed the mandatory turn for the Sapillo alternate or (I hope) has detoured to stock up on water.

It's got to be a water stop.  The Gila is dry, and few plan well for it.  Wise of him to water up before the CDT singletrack section that put some serious hurt on the leaders (Kurt and Jefe) last year.  Both ran out of water for quite a while.

Thanks for all the support everyone, glad to see so much excitement for the race and tracking.

[mtbcast]

Calls today - Georg Deck called in from Salida. He noticed on his way up Marshall Pass and noticed his frame was broken. He had to hitch-hike back to Salida to get it replaced. He will go back to Sargents to pick up the route again. Max Morris called in from Silverthorne. He’s going to take it slower today and hoping to get his legs back. Dan Haskins called in from Togwatee. He notes the mosquitoes! Fixie Dave Nice called in from Island Park. He also notes the mosquitoes and almost hit a grizzly!

Two earlier calls from Michael Intrabartola and Ryan Correy are also posted. The site was down this morning and I've been in a plane most of the afternoon.

[dbbcpa]

I too have been enjoying the race all the way from Tampa, FL. I tried to figure out where to make a donation to the Treackleader and bikepacking.net websites byt could not find any info on either. I am somewhat of a newbie to both sites but I would like to help. Someone please post a link. I have a paypal pay account, just not sure how to pull it off.

Thanks!

[RossC]

I too have been enjoying the race all the way from Tampa, FL. I tried to figure out where to make a donation to the Treackleader and bikepacking.net websites byt could not find any info on either. I am somewhat of a newbie to both sites but I would like to help. Someone please post a link. I have a paypal pay account, just not sure how to pull it off.

Thanks!

The trackleaders paypal button is at the top of the tracking page.

[dbbcpa]

The trackleaders paypal button is at the top of the tracking page.

OK, It does not show up when you go to the "Live Tracker" form the TourDivide,org site. I finally went to the trackleaders.com site and saw the Paypal button. Not sure ifd the site is aware of that glitch or not. Others may be in the same situation as me and are willing to help but cant see the paypal button. Thanks for the heads up. I will make a donation now.

dbbcpapa

[ptb in san diego]

Looks like Ollie is at the Spirit Canyon Lodge & Cafe.

[Julie]

It’s a little bit late in the race but I’d like to give a brief background about my sister Katherine Wallace.  Kath is another born and bred kiwi and like Ollie grew up in Nelson.  She moved to the USA when she was about twenty to study, following her passion for aviation and now proudly calls Arizona home.  Katherine is a vegetarian with a largely raw food based diet so I have found it interesting to read your comments on the food available and wondering how she is surviving.
Only Katherine can say when her love for biking really started but my memory is around 10 years ago when she took off for a year cycling from China down into South East Asia.  Since then she has done a lot of solo recreational riding in the USA and abroad but she only started racing this year.  The Stage Coach 400 was her first MTBing event, I know she was very nervous beforehand but had a great time and gained the confidence needed for the TD.  The TD is Katherine’s second  MTBing event which makes me so proud of the result she has accomplished so far.  She may be new to racing but what she lacks in experience she more than makes up for in determination, courage and the stubbornness needed not to give up, something I am sure she gets from our father!
Katherine will give anything a go, and whatever she tries she makes sure she is fully prepared, does her homework and always gives it 100%.  She competed in the New Zealand Coast to Coast and climbed Kilimanjaro last year.  If you do get a chance to meet Katherine at any time over the course of the race have a chat, she is very friendly and will be sure to give you a big smile.
I am not sure if Kath has had a chance to read any of this blog yet but I am following it, it’s great listening in and being an armchair racer.  The kind words of encouragement a lot of you have expressed for the riders (including my sister) is very touching and as a family member of a racer I thank you all for keeping such a close and concerned eye of them.   Also, thanks for the photos of Kath at the Como Depot, loved them!
And to all the riders, what can I say that hasn’t been said already, you guys ROCK!!!
Go Kath go!!
 

[BobM]

Craig appears to be making his break from the other 2.  If he has more water carrying capacity than Ollie he can reel him in a bit.

[ridingman1]

George Deck's broken frame.

[nowayjose]

It’s a little bit late in the race but I’d like to give a brief background about my sister Katherine Wallace. 
Go Kath go!!
 

I had the pleasure of meeting Katherine at the Stagecoach 400, we rode for a little while together since we were riding at the same pace during the first day. She is super nice and talkative, also very strong and determined. I've been following her during the TD, it's so much fun when you know the person, that way they are not just blue dots. Go Katherine!

[Cosmo K]

The second mtb race for Katherine and she's about 3 days under the woman's current record...that's seriously impressive!   

As for Ollie, I don't see Craig doing any reeling in at this point.  I do see Craig putting the hammer down to create some serious separation between himself and Garrett and Kurt though.  He's got about 15 miles on them now.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out tonight and tomorrow.

[DeadgoatDevin]

For those that know the route: do you think it is realistic for Craig, Garrett and Kurt to push to the finish without any significant rest stop at this point?

[spcabin75]

Katherine is doing great.  I followed her on the Stagecoach 400, had no idea it was her first race.  Now she in 12th place competing in the best MB race in the world, beating some incredible male athletes.  Go Katherine!

[mtbcast]

Calls tonight: Tracey Petervary called in from Salida. She recaps her ride and a run in with the sand trolls! Jim Stansbury called in from West Yellowstone. He’s got a touch of pneumonia or it’s onset and stopped in at the clinic there. He’s recouping and going to take stock and make a decision about his ride.

Hopefully Jim heals up. The important thing is taking care of yourself!

[djpost]

Dan H is having SPOT trouble too. He's tried new batteries, the "GPS fix" and those didn't work. All lights are flashing in unison. Anyone have any ideas? 

[Gracie]

Any thoughts on what might have happened to Ollie ... nothing for an hour?  He had a stop not long before this so unlikely he has made a voluntary stop so soon again.

Hope all is okay ands is just a tracking issue.

[cousinmosquito]

Does anyone know what the amount of climbing typically is in the TD?