Tour Divide 2010

[krefs]

SPOTs can also work poorly if riders have them mounted/stashed poorly so that they're not presented with a relatively obstructed view of the satellite constellation.  My most common problem with them is that I'll forget to turn it back on or reset it in the morning. 

[timroz]

Do the organizers ever go out and check on a rider if there spot hasn't moved or they haven't heard from a rider in awile?

This is going to sound rude, sorry in advance.

No one is going to check on anyone.  You should read the rules and FAQ on the TD website and understand a little bit about the race before posting repeatedly asking if anyone has seen or knows what is going on with a particular racer.

[luckylarue]

It is rather humorous to imagine the TD "organizers" as some giant bureaucratic institution -  helicopters whirling, motorcycles buzzing, etc.

[delilo]

The next level is a blimp - we need some live footage.

[luckylarue]

No doubt.  Somebody pitch this to Versus.

[krefs]

Don't forget that this race is purely about the racers.  Most of them are out there to become immersed in the vastness of the landscape and escape the unnecessary complications of ordinary daily life.  The Divide is a place and time of simplicity and challenge, and as soon as others start to horn in on that, the bubble bursts.  SPOTs are as far as most are willing to go as far as sharing their ride with the outside world, and some are very reluctant to do even that.

[DonnieK]

Looks like Faeth, Moriarty and Johnsrud took a wrong turn...

[DonnieK]

For the person asking about Heather Dawe, check out the call-in podcasts.  She dropped out today.   

Sue did today as well - not sure if she's called in yet to let them know.

[Jeff Tomassetti]

Are there any women left in the race? Is Jill H. record safe for another year?

[DonnieK]

Cricket is still in it.

[Jeff Tomassetti]

Looks like Faeth, Moriarty and Johnsrud took a wrong turn...

And corrected!

[MIMTB]

This is going to sound rude, sorry in advance.

No one is going to check on anyone.  You should read the rules and FAQ on the TD website and understand a little bit about the race before posting repeatedly asking if anyone has seen or knows what is going on with a particular racer.

Lighten up - I think the person was simply concerned about the person well-being

[JeffOYB]

Don't forget that this race is purely about the racers.  Most of them are out there to become immersed in the vastness of the landscape and escape the unnecessary complications of ordinary daily life.

My take is that your concept is moving in the right direction, but I'd take it two steps further. Check it out -- see what you think -- I think it's in your same vein...

I'd say the race is about the trail and the everyday touring riders out there. The racers are celebrating, representing and drawing attention to those two sweet features.

It's a bit like how AT thru-hikers aren't so well known themselves but their triumphs uplift the TRAIL and everyone who uses it (and motivate preservation).

That's my take, anyway. I hope it's OK with you that I tried moving the ball further -- heck, it can probably go further yet.

In short, I believe that racers are always representatives of something. Their names change, but we're interested because they symbolize something for us. It's a drama with multiple storylines that connect back to life. That might also be why we get peeved or lose interest when an event -- like TdF or RAAM -- becomes alien and remote, and why we spark back up when a human face is recognizable again, even when our reaction is WOW.

Whattaya think?

[jbroadwater]

Watching from Palmdale, CA and enjoying every minute of this race!  Rootin' for Kevin Dean aka Crocodile Dun Dean!  Also rootin' for Eric Nelson from Wrightwood, CA.  Go get um, guys! 
Julie

[teamfaeth]

Hi,
 I am back from spending the day out with my kids miniature golfing. I had to get out of my house and away from my computer. I am so relieved to have heard from my hubby this morning. He didn't sound all that great. He and Preston were exhausted and taking some time to recuperate from a couple of hard days of climbing. I had to give him the ole Marine wife pep talk.  
  I am bummed to hear Heather Dawe dropped out due to illness. Pete told me she wasn't feeling well. I found her blog and read up on some of her previous races she has done, and I was so impressed with how well she was doing. We wish her well, and a safe trip back to England. Well done Heather Dawe! Ps..love your bike girl!
 Thanks a bunch AmyL for all the Spot training. That would have been really helpful last night when I was up after midnight and rose early to find my hubby still in Seeley Lake at 1030a my time. I panicked for sure thinking the worst,. especially after a few had some injuries and were getting sick. I can't even comprehend the magnitude of difficulty this has been for all the racers. Again, so appreciate all you guys filling me in..this race has turned out to be such an inspiration to me in so many ways. I've learned to appreciate and understand my husband's passion for mountain biking.
Hey if someone does offer to send out a blimp..can I send a Happy Father's Day shout out to my man from his kiddos??JK. I'm trying to think of creative ways to tell him what an awesome dad he is! Missing my man! Semper Fi! Faethfam

Psalm 112:7
He (I) will have no fear of bad news; his (my) heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

[DCrozier]

Hey everyone,

A big shout out from Philly to all the racers and folks following.  A second shout out to the Adventure Cycling Association who's long, hard work mapped out the trail the racers are following.  Seems like a small donation to the organization would be appropriate from each racer and maybe from all of us following along??

Rookie question...I've heard though the phone-in and read in the blogs folks quoting from the official race maps.  Are those the ACA maps or does the race have others maps you get at the start? 

Thanks!

DC

[DaveH]

"Tour Divide racers: They travel thousands of miles, slowly, through the mountains alone, and occasionally they stop moving, cluster and eat crap!"

Slightly paraphrased from the mountain turtle's blog, http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2010/06/butterfly-racers.html

Somehow I knew he was going to make the race interesting

[DCrozier]

This is a little late for everyone else this year, but I happenned to order and receive Paul Howard's book about last year's race just as the 2010 edition started.  I've found it fun to read the book at the pace of this years racers.  As the majority of the 2010 racers get to a particular town, I then read Paul's recount of the same area from last year.  Interesting to get all the perspectives at the same time.  Also the book offers insight to the areas the racers are going through.  Just happenned to work out...

DC  

[JayP]

Matthew is now just under 5 hours ahead of his pace from last year and still looking strong.  Both he and Erik apparently got a little more sleep last night than they had been allowing themselves the first few nights, which surely made them feel a bit fresher this morning. 

Unfortunately, all the rain in the forecast couldn't come at a worse time while crossing Montana.  The dirt roads between from ~40 miles before Lima to 50+ beyond are built on clay-rich soil, and the consequences can be devastating in the rain.  The ACA maps call one section "impassable when wet."  That mud destroyed Joe Meiser's bike last year such that he had to wait a day for new parts to arrive in Lima before continuing.  If it rains more than a little, expect the leaders' paces to drop considerably as they may be forced to carry their bikes through the sage brush along the Old Bannock Road late tonight or tomorrow morning and then battle the wheel-sucking soft muck east of Lima. 

Fortunately, there's at least one hose to be had in Lima.  http://tinyurl.com/chris-lima

memoriable section for sure, one I wish on nobody but think everybody should experince at least once (just the type of guy i am)...but twice...sorry Matt. on the bright side, the cafe in Lima is awesome with delicious milkshakes .

[riverfever]

Hey Scott,

Thanks for the all the hard work you're putting into this. You're doing a bang up job man.

-Chris