TDR 2012

[phil_rad]

I'll just be using it for water on the long dry sections; divide basin and in new mexico. Otherwise it'll be stowed away in my framebag. So it doesn't need to be waterproof (for me).

[phil_rad]

Allthough I followed this thread "live" two years ago, I've been going through it once more. Lots of really good info there, well worth the time.

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,539.0.html

[GRB]

Hi All, I just added my details to the 2012 TD startlist on google docs. I have been a lurking for a while whilst making my preparations but figured it was time to pop my head up and say hello. Im from Devon in UK and will be riding SOBO arriving in Banff on 6th possibly after midnight (sorry in advance if I wake you up).
Can anyone advise what the deal is with the SPOT tracker, I understood that racers were loaned a SPOT, but the website reads differently now it says "those who carry a SPOT". Should I bring my own ? also any advice on carrying Cash during the race (tips / emergencys etc) I look forward to meeting you all ! Any one else from the UK in here ?

[phil_rad]

@GRB:

Spot: if you have your own of course bring it. You don't need to buy one for the TDR; probably there will be some loaners again as in every year.

Cash: basically you can pay everwhere with a credit card. Still I'm bringing a few dollars just in case. Canadian as well as US$.

[woody]

@GRB:

Spot: I sent trackleaders an email last week about getting my SPOT to show up for the TD and they replied with,
"Just hang tight. There will be a form created in the next few weeks that will allow you to submit your Shared Page thru the right channel for TD racers."

So maybe in the next few weeks we will see some general info on the TD website as well.

Here's a link in the Q&A section on SPOTs if you haven't already seen it. Good info.
http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,3026.0.html

Woody

[jryter]

Most of the snow pack is average or below.....in MT and WY

http://nris.mt.gov/NRCS/snow/watersheds/ShowMap.asp?month=3&year=2012

Colorado is low and NM is dry also.

[RideLikeAlf]

@GRB

Hi Gary

I'm the other Brit on the start-list spreadsheet, although I'm pretty sure there will be more by early June.

Arriving in Banff (Y Lodge) on the 4th, so looking forward to being woken up by you!

Off to Wales this weekend for 4 day TD dress rehearsal that may also include a little snow in addition to lots of climbing.

Look fwd to meeting you in Canada.

John P.

[Foster]

Hey guys,

I have a question about transportation from Calgary.  Is there a shuttle from the calgary airport to Banff?  Or does one need to get a rental car?

Thanks

[THE LONG RANGER]

There is a shuttle from Calgary to Banff, unfortunately I don't have the info on hand (and can't find it). The driver was epically inspired by the race, when I talked to him. They also gave a small discount to TD riders, which I thought was kind friendly of them. Perhaps check out the 2011 thread? I read the 2010 thread about 3 times before the race  

 There's also rumors of a way to ride from Calgary to Banff, I do believe.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Actually it's on the TD website: http://banffairporter.com/

[serge]

Has anyone noticed there won't be a moon during this year's tour divide.
I am wondering if this might affect the nightime strategy.

[sluttyduck]

There's also rumors of a way to ride from Calgary to Banff, I do believe.

HWY 1 will take you straight there, it's about 100KM; but I have also heard of some dirt roads/trails. check last years thread.

[elobeck]

I fear the weather is again proving an interesting variable, unless there is a significant change in the next month , i.e. more moisture, this year could very well be the year of fires. Here in Steamboat Springs we are WAAAY below snowpack and the meltoff is 2 months ahead of schedule. Anyone have firsthand accounts of current NM conditions?

Erik

[BobM]

I fear the weather is again proving an interesting variable, unless there is a significant change in the next month , i.e. more moisture, this year could very well be the year of fires. Here in Steamboat Springs we are WAAAY below snowpack and the meltoff is 2 months ahead of schedule. Anyone have firsthand accounts of current NM conditions?

Erik

If it's not one thing it's another, eh?

[phil_rad]

I fear the weather is again proving an interesting variable, unless there is a significant change in the next month , i.e. more moisture, this year could very well be the year of fires. Here in Steamboat Springs we are WAAAY below snowpack and the meltoff is 2 months ahead of schedule. Anyone have firsthand accounts of current NM conditions?

Erik

I think you're right Erik, Could be another year of re-routes, at least in NM.

[DenisVTT]

I think you're right Erik, Could be another year of re-routes, at least in NM.

Where is the main risk? I imagine south of Grants, or at least south of Cuba.

How about northern New Mexico, say between the Colorado border and Cuba?

[woody]

Shoot Colorado could be up in flames by then.
I've lived in Colorado since 1980 and I never remember forest fires in March, but this year we had a few and there are some going on right now. They are in the front range, but still.

Woody

[cjellmoney]

I have finally arrived at the end of the thread. Talk about an endurance event.

I plan on racing with ACA cues or 'narratives' and a computer, sans GPS. I have the GD+Canada_2011 cues. Is the gold dust change the only one thus far? Where is the best spot to keep up to date with reroutes/closures?

*also, there was a dude wondering who was planning on NOBO this year...This guys with 2 thumbs is.

[DocTrike]

Darn, looks like the new TRIKE won't be available in time to train, and get acclimated to it. So I am faced with riding something from the current stable or god forbid buy something retail to use on the TDR.

[Christopher R. Bennett]

Re SPOT units...

If I recall correctly last year for the NOBO there was a problem with the delivery of the borrowed units and they arrived at the very last minute. You may like to buy your own if you can afford it. I think all up it was about $250 for all the services you need. Go for the emergency rescue service - hopefully you won't need it!