TDR 2012

[mtbcast]

FYI: A current map of fires in the SW can be found here. It looks like we may be okay. Fixie Dave may see some after-effects, though.

[arno]

Anyone need a ride Lordsburg to AW for NoBO depart on June 8?

Anyone found a ride for rider+bike from Tucson to Lordsburg on Jun6-7?

I am still looking for a ride to AW. Either from Lordsburg, Tucson or phoenix. My mobile is 520-288-4681 or send me a PN or email arno.minner@gmail.com

[KootenayB]

Canadian snowpack update (sort of)

Tried to drive to the Flathead today, but got stopped short by snowpack.  Snowline was around 1700 m in the MacLatchie/Harvey Pass areas (10 km SW of Flathead FSR/MacLatchie FSR junction - NAD 83 11U 0664882/5462594).  Reports from hunters there was that snowpack was about 3' deep through passes, but there was a D8 dozer sitting there that will be opening up some passes on Monday - not sure that will be of any help for anyone though.

So, here is an unverified guess - as most of the Flathead FSR is at lower altitudes it is likely relatively snow free, other than in some shaded areas and in the main passes (Michel Creek into it, Cabin Pass out of it).  Water on road may be a bigger issue (esp. from Michel Creek headwaters down into the Flathead), as streams are bankfull at present and heavy rain is predicted over next several days.  Again, I can't get in to see for sure, so this is just a local guess.  Don't bet the house on this info!

Have fun!

[Notsofastfreddy]

andinista - Thanks for the information!!

[elobeck]

I just looked at Dave Nice progress-average speed according to trackleaders is 71.8 mph!  blazin! 

[krefs]

So next question for meterologists, is the current weather pattern associated with an early monsoon season in NM?

It will be interesting to see if the FS does indeed initiate preemptive closures...and what an alternate may look like.

I'm certainly no meteorologist, but the long-term outlook is looking very similar to last year's, with a late start to the monsoons and relatively weak monsoons throughout the southwest. It's going to be a long fire season down here.

As far as detours would go, the Sante Fe NF closure of the Brazos-to-El Rito-Jemez section last year forced a detour SSW from the CO-NM border on 64/84-95-112-96-550 (I think...) to Cuba. The Jemez-only detour would be 84-96-550 route you had to take in 2010. The Gila detour that looks most obvious (of the only 2 good options I see) would be west from the Plains of St Augustine on 12 and then SE on 180 to Silver City...a LOT of pavement. Fingers crossed that won't be necessary...

[rfutah]

Condition update.
Drove up to Union Pass from Moran today.  There was snow on the FR 515 section (map 2b mile 56-65) with closure signs.   This could definately melt in 3 weeks, weather permitting.  Union Pass only had a few patches of snow that are easily traversed.  No Simoni trekking required.  Everything else looked good.  Was about 55F midday on Union and 77F mid afternoon when I rounded the Wind River near South Pass. 

Flicker pics here:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/rfutah/sets/72157630021034226/
I think you should be able to access them.
Good Luck to all the riders and Go go go David!!!  Maybe you'll be the first to Union this year.
Robert

[the tortoise]

I rented a spot tracker. Any idea when we receive them? thanks!

[rooster14]

is lordsburg a better bet to catch the bus home than Deming NM?

[dwengs]

My wife and I will be touring the divide starting on the 9th from Banff, will see you guys start and well that will be the last time we see you.  Just want to put it out there if you can include some beta on conditions, especially flathead valley region, during call-ins that would be great.  Thanks and good luck to all!

[Foster]

In Calgary! Weather is really nice here currently. Hope this will keep up but it seems like it will be very wet these next few days.

[mtbcast]

TD12 - Dave Nice called in from Lordsburg. He’s cramping but doing well. He has some rerouting to do coming up as well.

[SlowDave]

The bright side of the reroute is there is a lot of water availability.  Also east of Reserve there is a RV campground that has showers for non-guests for $5.00.  It not just a luxury, it is a public service.

[elobeck]

Too bad about the reroute. Curious why it is in place already. Doesn't seem like the route is affected by the fire closure boundary yet   

[wunnspeed]

I'm in Jasper (north of Banff) and the weather is warm-ish but changes every half hour. Got a little corn snow at about 1800 meters while out hiking today.

[Georg66]

If anybody needs a ride from Kal. to the North, there is space for 1 person & 1 bike, starting high noon the latest. Send email to kgdeckATweb.de
I will check email reg. until 10 am
Georg

[Foster]

I'm in Jasper (north of Banff) and the weather is warm-ish but changes every half hour. Got a little corn snow at about 1800 meters while out hiking today.

Yep, in Canmore and the weather here is also highly variable.  Went to Spray lake today on the route, pretty chilly up there, around 2300m.  Snowing on the surrounding peaks and a few sprinkles today up at the lake.  Roads are pretty smooth and in really goo condition outside of Banff.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Any pointers on how to use the mobile bluedot app on an old, Android phone? I think this one's about 2 years old, and trying to load http://app.bluedot.mobi/ gives you just an unstyled page. I'm using, "Browser" as the Browser. Perhaps try to upgrade to Chrome?

[phil_rad]

I'm flying to Calgary today and should be in Banff later this evening. Looking forward to meeting everyone and seeing some of the people from 2010. Going to be a great adventure!

Phil

[Endurance Junkie]

Flying to calgary today and riding to banff should roll in wed am!