TD`13 Race Discussion

[Crow_flies]

I'll echo that MotherRadar - Mike's run has been humbling, Jesse has been inspiring and the 3 amigo's have had a real battle out there for the final podium spot.  Given their similar consistency, its probably going to come down to who can deal with the heat and sleep less over the next 40 hours. Go Liam (and James and Alex of course)!!

[Canbaroo]

Well MotherRadar to quote another famous Brit Sir Alex Ferguson, it's 'squeaky bum time' for these three boys and I don't discount Brian Pal who has steadily regained some of the lost miles he fell behind over the past few days.

You snooze, you loose ...... on my reckoning they have a bit over 300miles to go [500k for us metrics] and this might be their last sleep before AW. Liam has done some V tough long rides to catch up and the other two might just be a bit fresher, so we can watch how it unfolds.

What ever the outcome I think these [3rd to 6th] as first timers have set an exceptional standard of endurance and determination at the pointy end and underlines their commitment to the cause. Of course their performance only magnifies the extraordinary rides by Jesse Carlsson [-1 day] and that of Mike Hall [-2 days]. Mike had the benefit of 2011 TDR and his extraordinary 2012 round the world ride and is clearly in another stratosphere.

I think the telling observation [for me] was Craig Stappler's post race comments  [after Mike's finish] that riding with Mike in the first few days at '5 hour race pace' was an experience for him!

For those who don't grasp the nuance of this comment... '5 hour race pace' refers to a typical MTB day race that would last 4-6 hours and here was Mike tapping it out, day after day with intent for a couple of weeks...... exactly what we have just witnessed.    

[nowayjose]

It's really interesting how The tour Divide has become such an international race. The first American is in what 6th place? There aren't many sports that attract such a big international representation and also elite athletes without offering any money. However, it also looks like the crow could get way too big at some point. What do you guys think about capping the registration?

[liney]

How do you cap the registration when there isn't any? 

[nowayjose]

The leaderboard could be used as a way to cap the entrants.

[nowayjose]

I would just hate this race to become another Leadville 100 with 1000's of entrants.

[BobM]

I would just hate this race to become another Leadville 100 with 1000's of entrants.

I think it actually is safe from that.  There just aren't thousands of folks who can drop everything and spend thousands of dollars to race for 3-4 weeks.

[BobM]

The leaderboard could be used as a way to cap the entrants.

Three problems:

1) First come - first served could exclude some mighty good riders.

2) Vetting riders so that only the top ones get in would require a lot of volunteer time to accomplish and would leave out strong riders who cannot document their experience level.

3) Trackleaders is the one money-making part of this race (albeit not a huge amount) for the organizers.

[AZTtripper]

someone know Why He was stopped in Roosville?

Major flooding up north, even the paved reroute has major issues. You'll have to go back a few pages at this point but there are several links to see the damage. No one is going to be going beyond the border nor can anyone start up there.

It's a really bad situation for the locals, for the racers it's a bit of a bummer but for the locals it's a real hit.

As Mathew stated earlier hopefully it gets straightened out for next year.

[pcampbe8]

... many thanks to Mathew and Scott for running the TD again, and everyone who has brought us the coverage that I've been enjoying for the last couple of weeks...

Echo that. Thank you.

[Angler]

Yea!!!!!!    Cjell monee finished his race.

I want you all to know what a great person he is and how lucky we are to have him as a son.  He certainly has opened our lives to a new world with the most interesting, wonderful people.  Congrats to all riders.  It is a huge accomplishment to ride the divide.

Having met Cjell upon his arrival in Ovando we share your enthusiasm and watched him to "his" finish.  And Mom, please know that when photos were taken of him here he definitely wanted to make sure you got the helmet photo and quote.  He is an extraordinary guy and we enjoyed our short visit.  He cracked us up!

[dp]

Before I forget, many thanks to Mathew and Scott for running the TD again, and everyone who has brought us the coverage that I've been enjoying for the last couple of weeks.

+1

I look forward to following TD every year.  Maybe someday I'll have the stones to line up for the Grand Depart.

How do you cap the registration when there isn't any? 

The first rule of TD is...

[ComoDepot]

One more time: Nobody beat the GDMBR course record from the grand depart. They detoured in two significant locations. Their times cannot be compared. Especially Cjell's, as he was forced to stop at the Roosville border 250mi shy of Banff.

The posted mileage is 2725.

Mike did 2867.13 mi.

I appreciate the technicalities but certainly as far as I am concerned he holds the record, now what to call it so nobody is upset?

[mtbcast]

Jesse Carlsson called in from Silver City with a finish call. Matthew Liggett called in from the Western Lodge in Steamboat Springs. And Scott Thigpen called in from Silverthorne.
http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td13/

[SlowDave]

"now what to call it so nobody is upset?"

How about absolutely F----ING AMAZING.

[mtbcast]

The posted mileage is 2725.

Mike did 2867.13 mi.

I appreciate the technicalities but certainly as far as I am concerned he holds the record, now what to call it so nobody is upset?

Perhaps he holds the fastest time for the TD but not the record for the route? That's how I'm looking at it.

[BobM]

The posted mileage is 2725.

Mike did 2867.13 mi.

I appreciate the technicalities but certainly as far as I am concerned he holds the record, now what to call it so nobody is upset?

Well, he certainly holds the record for the route he took and if anyone wants to try to best it, that route is available.

I do know what you mean; so far as I'm concerned Deanna Adams holds the women's Fixie record.  In the end these accomplishments are really only truly meaningful to those who have achieved them anyway.

[fromBrushMtn]

more photos up at our facebook page...

facebook.com/brushmountainlodge

[Newfydog]

Thanks for posting all of the pictures, Russ! Much appreciated.

I want to second that!  It is nice to see everyone with a smile.

Anyone wondering about gear need only go through your photos to get a good idea what people ride and how they pack.

[Donald]

The posted mileage is 2725.

Mike did 2867.13 mi.

I appreciate the technicalities but certainly as far as I am concerned he holds the record, now what to call it so nobody is upset?

You make an excellent point. People love records but maybe a record is just too elusive for this race. Riders at different times enjoy such different conditions that exact comparisons are impossible. One thing is sure, if a record does not reflect what is widely regarded as the greatest athletic endeavour, that record will fall into disrepute.

Maybe it would be better just to record times and make a note of the significant conditions that attended them. Mileages, detours, snow hikes, for example. People can them make their own minds up as to who had the greatest ride.