Tour Divide 2013

[james-o]

Cjell doesn’t think any SOBOer has the guts to even attempt to beat his time.

: ) This limey just added to his route notes. No forgetting to start the watch now..

(Craig, thanks for the clarification)

[Bounce]

I'll hang a sharpie or something on the back side of the La Manga sign post to give people something to write with.

[mtbcast]

Billy Rice called in from Big Sheep Creek. He reports a couple of passes with snow issues, Boreas and the pass above Brush Mtn Lodge. And a pilot car through Tetons.
Gunnar Fehlau called in from Ovando to say he’s on the road again. He reports patches of snow on Richmond.
http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td13/

[mikepro]

I'm pretty sure my time will be under 37 min... don't bring a knife to a gun fight... hippie...

Fun challenge ... I love C$ inventiveness.  I'd love for times to drop below 37min - but to take the challenge make sure y'all get your SoBo tails down that far in the first place...

I remember not feeling so fresh on that climb a few years back, after so many days in the saddle SoBo and especially after the gravel grind from Platoro to Horca.  Felt like climbing La Manga pave took hours.    I'm sure all you studs this year will blitz it in under 30, in the dark, with feeble lights, after already putting in 140miles on the legs that day.  Enjoy the first annual La Manga KOM (King of Mone? King of Manga?) !!

[mtbcast]

To those heading out this week, Scott Thigpen as agreed to take up the call-in stickers. They should be available at the front desk at the Y or just reach out to him. These are very small, about the width of your middle finger. They would fit nicely on the top-tube! If you're inclined, please call in. I know everyone is busy and, as Billy noted in his call, you don't always remember. But friends, family, and fans would love to hear from you when you can.

[jryter]

Only 2 women on the Trackleaders site? That is not very many for the field size.....

[mtbcast]

NoBo racer Joshua Weinfeld called in Separ where it’s HOT!
http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td13/

[Pussywhipped]

Anyone got a copy of the nobo cues they can hook me up with? Just had some time open up and may try to get to Antelope wells by Friday.

Nicholas.phillip.williams@gmail.com


Thanks

[Bounce]

Are there any good graphic designers out there???

I was thinking it might be fun to print up a FIRST ANNUAL KING OF LA MANGA, TD 2013 tee shirt to give to the winner along with the dollar bills from all the other contestants, but I suck at graphic design. 

[pro_out]

Some TDR stalker will probably help them self to all the money. Who knows what a signed cjell dollar would bring on eBay ;-)

[Mario]

OK! change of plan for me this year, I'm a non starter but I'm willing to double the amount in the post for "king of la Manga TD 2013". Since I would have been a northbound rider with C$ its only fitting that I raise the stakes a bit. Bounce if you don't mind keeping track... we might just have ourselves a real race this year! 

[hikernks]

Only 2 women on the Trackleaders site? That is not very many for the field size.....

Remind me why I picked this sport again?

[Prometheus]

Anyone know if the Thompson Ridge Fire should be a concern?  It looks a little close to the route on Trackleaders, but unclear if there are any closures.

[cobbnat]

Anyone know if the Thompson Ridge Fire should be a concern?  It looks a little close to the route on Trackleaders, but unclear if there are any closures.

No fire closures yet, except the actual area itself. Fire restrictions are in effect, no open fires anywhere in the forest. Thompson Ridge is now at 20,000+ acres, over 900 firefighters working on it. They are taking this one very seriously. If there is a closure, it would be because of generally extreme fire conditions rather than a direct threat to the TD route. Also note the Silver fire in the Gila, not on the route but a good indication of fire conditions there. My guess is that a Gila National Forest closure is more likely than Santa Fe forest. In that case, the NoBo riders will have the last laugh! Stay tuned, will update as we learn more.

Nat

[mtbcast]

Paul Attalla called in as he prepares to head off in his ITT tomorrow! He says “Good Luck” to all of those heading out on the Grand Depart on Friday!
http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td13/

[mtbcast]

Billy Rice called in near Butte. A storm forced him off a climb above I-15.
http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td13/

[Bounce]

Some TDR stalker will probably help them self to all the money. Who knows what a signed cjell dollar would bring on eBay ;-)

I have a plan for that....  I have a homie who may be able to create a strong box type of money holder and spot weld it to the post such that it would take a serious effort to remove it - no casual lurker would be able to remove it.

I will work on how to secure the goods.  You are right....  It will be valuable to someone and it's my goal to make sure the WINNER gets the goods, not some thief.  Good call.  We're working on it.  I agree with MikePro - this would be a great yearly event.  I'd love for it to continue.

[Bounce]

OK! change of plan for me this year, I'm a non starter but I'm willing to double the amount in the post for "king of la Manga TD 2013". Since I would have been a northbound rider with C$ its only fitting that I raise the stakes a bit. Bounce if you don't mind keeping track... we might just have ourselves a real race this year!  

I am going to do that myself.  I am a 56 year old cancer survivor that weighs 200 lbs.  I am still recovering from chemo, surgery and radiation treatments.  They took some percentage out of my right quad in the surgery to remove a cancerous grapefruit size tumor from my right thigh and I'm still trying to recover from all that.  I climb La Manga at least three times a week on my mtb.  Looking at my GPS track data for this entire year, my very best time on Cjell's La Manga challenge route segment is 1:08:00 and at the end of that I had to dismount and assume a horizontal position on the ground just to remain conscious (gasping).  Moreover, that was after a good night's sleep, riding a light bike and having a day off.  LOL  I am adding my dollar bill with my time for the comic relief and the support of the Cjell$'s La Manga challenge.  I'll do what I can to secure the validity and integrity of this event.  I'll do what I can to make sure it works.  I think it will be great.

[Pa Lew]

Bobby Lewis here, day 9 on a NoBo ITT.  Riding about 110 a day and in Salida CO tonight.  Not posting on the leader board with a SPOT, but just wanted to check in and give a quick report.  No closures yet although the Jemez mountains fire was pretty close.   Winds mostly out of the west and not too bad.   Lots of water available at the cattle tanks, so no problem there.    Looking forward to seeing everyone as you head south.   "Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience."  RW Emerson  

[Bounce]

Some TDR stalker will probably help them self to all the money. Who knows what a signed cjell dollar would bring on eBay ;-)

Once we get a strong box attached to the post, I may go up there at the end of each day, collect the goods and post pics of what was collected that day on this site.  That way, everyone will have a running commentary of how things are going at the end of each day and any lurker thieves will know there's nothing to steal.  Transparency!!!!  Everyone will love this.  Riders' comments will appear online at the end of each day - no telling what they might say, but I can guess it will be RICH.