Tour Divide 2017 - race discussion thread

[Angler]

And we have found him!!!  Josh Kato traveling thru Ovando at 5:03 am.  Thank you webcam https://video.nest.com/live/TcqLm0pt14.

So #3 Josh left Ovando at 5:03 am, Brian left at approx 3:30 am and Ben at approx 2:30 am.  Tight little group!

More to come.
Carry on

[mtbcast]

#TourDivide17 Peter Kraft called in from Swan River.

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td17/

[Angler]

The storm clouds are building quickly and the beautiful sunny day is darkening.  Some light rain has already fallen but the worse is still coming they say.

But to brighten that day up is our 3rd time coming thru Ovando in 9th place, Mr. Stefan Maertens of Belgium at the age of 34.  The man is seriously crazy and we couldn't be happier to see him every year.  The beginning of the race has been full of problems from arriving with a bad cough, then the derailer issue that forced him to walk 50 km [along with the help of a friendly driver] out of the way for repairs.  And yet.....he is flying by everybody.  And he plans to continue so by getting to Polaris by tomorrow night where he will sleep.  He stocked up at the market with fruit, munchies and energy drinks and is flying out of here. 

What a character.  He made us all laugh.

[cobbnat]

I caught up with Stefan near Kremmling in 2014 - he was riding with a broken frame! But he had ordered another and was, as you say, very cheerful.

[flyboy]

Looks like Ben and Brian are going over Lava Mountain. Looking at the weather radar I don't think it will be a pleasant experience.

[Angler]

Riders all tied for #10 or individually as 10, 11, and 12 since they all came in together anyway; Arthur Kopatsy, 33 of CA, Bernhard Oser 51 of Switzerland and Ty Domin, 37 of Australia.

Ty as the single speeder said he was have a marvelous time.  Really!!!  He and Bernhard have been playing at and mouse throughout the past two days.  While Ty brags that his uphill abilities are better, Bernhard gets him on the straight aways. Ty says he isn't sleeping much; not due to lack of time but lack of ability.  He just lays there so figures he might as well just keep riding.  Going to probably try for a room in Lincoln.

Bernhard has bragging rights as the sole representative of Switzerland.  Told him his other bragging right is his age as the 50-somethings are doing pretty darn awesome this year.  

Arthur's first words were "I told you I'd be back!".  Always good to see him.  Then he immediately went for a quick hot shower.

But they are all outta here!

[NelsonC]

Looks like Ben Steurbat just stopped at someone's house in Basin???  Interesting.

[legendontour]

Unless it was a random spot bounce.  There is stuff all inn Basin from memory and it looks like he's getting food now.

[NelsonC]

Strange that his spot is following the roads if it is just drift.  He is showing up back "downtown" in Basin now.  Sorry to have misspelled his name.

We need to take up a collection for some new batteries for Josh's SPOT.  It keeps dropping out.  That or I need to get a life :-)  Go Josh!

[silverdome]

It will be interesting to see how long it takes Billy Rice to get to Fernie tonight.

[Angler]

Photos and updates coming up but first a huge call out for help:  Eddie ODea has arrived into Ovando and has lost his credit cards and money.  The last place he remembers seeing it is at the Ferndale campground last night between Ferndale and Holland Lake.  Ovando is covering his costs for food and shelter tonight but if ANYBODY coming down sees this post and can check for 2 credit cards and a small amount of money held together with rubber band PLEASE contact me at 406-793-3474 or home at 406-793-0018.  He is spending the night here tonight and we're hoping someone finds it or friends and family will call in with some!

keeping fingers crossed! and thank you.

[BobM]

Photos and updates coming up but first a huge call out for help:  Eddie ODea has arrived into Ovando and has lost his credit cards and money.  The last place he remembers seeing it is at the Ferndale campground last night between Ferndale and Holland Lake.  Ovando is covering his costs for food and shelter tonight but if ANYBODY coming down sees this post and can check for 2 credit cards and a small amount of money held together with rubber band PLEASE contact me at 406-793-3474 or home at 406-793-0018.  He is spending the night here tonight and we're hoping someone finds it or friends and family will call in with some!

keeping fingers crossed! and thank you.

Really super huge bummer!  This race is stressful enough without that to contend with.  Been watching him walking around amidst the thunder.  BEST WISHES!  Hope someone coming in tonight will have found his stuff.

[mtbcast]

#TourDivide17 Bonnie Gagnon-Larvick called in from Eureka, Josh Kato called in from Helena, and Randy Neill called in from the border!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td17/

[legendontour]

Looks like Steve Halligans just rolled into Ovando.  Weather looks foul and a few riders seem to be calling it a bit earlier tonight.  I remember day 4 hit me really hard.

[Angler]

Gotta say Eddie ODea must be a special kinda guy as the assists have been pouring in.  I'll get with him in the morning and we'll come up with a plan of action but I can promise you, his race isn't over.  From Ovando, thank you all!

[Angler]

Time to play catch up in Ovando Montana as the last couple hours were a bit busy.

Andrew Stauffer, 39 of Idaho and Ralph Karsten, 61 of MN arrived around 5:30 pm #13 and #14 respectively.    Andrew is suffering from a bit of a stomach ailment due to lack of quality sleep and lack of quality food so he is playing it safe and staying over night at the Inn.  As is Ralph.  Who amazes me as he is not a petite guy and yet here he is #14 on the TDR.  I salute you sir.

To Andrew's kid or kids who made his necklace:  He wears it very proudly.

Soon after Russell Shanks, 53 of New Zealand arrived.  After a dinner at Trixi's I am happy to say he too has taken up residence in Ovando due to the storm.  Which brought a lot of lightening, thunder and rain.  And it isn't over yet.

[Angler]

Coming into Ovando as the 15th and 16th riders were the First Ladies of the Race!  The ever captivating Rickie Cotter, 31 of Wales and Lee Craigie, 38 of Scotland.  To say they kept me entertained is an understatement.  To Christopher who left a message for them, as the photo shows she received it with quick and utter delight.  "He doesn't let me get away with anything".  After a quick snack, chats with the locals and tourists staying at the Inn, and despite the pleading from the mother in me, they have decided to keep going to Lincoln as the first strokes of lightening hit the sky.  At least we were able to get them to call in reservations at a local hotel so that they could get out of the rain.

Ladies let the wind be at your back and hope our paths cross again.

[Angler]

Continuing on....
The plight of poor Eddie ODea, 41 of Georgia was already addressed and the response was swift and amazing.  I'll get with him tomorrow to sort out the offers and see how everybody can participate on Getting Eddie to the Finish Line.  You folks are incredible!

Here are his photos:  An easy to see certain angst on his face as he tore thru all of his belongings to not find the little packet of credit cards and cash held together with a blue rubber band.  His last memory of it was at the Fatty Creek campground as shown on the map, where he believes it is resting near a tree.  If anyone behind them reads this and finds it you can reach Eddie at 404-432-5891.

[Angler]

I will finish today with the thought that Ashley Benns, of the UK, after staying in Helena for 2 days ill, is stronger than anyone can imagine since he made it all the way to Ovando from there today even during the rough start of the storm.  Hope to see you tomorrow Ashley as this will be 3 years in a row!!!  Hope to also see Steve Halligan of New Zealand who is also sheltering out of  the storm in Ovando.

I leave you tonight with a photo of the storm as it started over Ovando around  7 pm and Ralph, Rickie and Lee entertaining locals and tourists at the Inn with their adventure.  The look on one guy when introduced to what they all were doing said it all "You folks truly are crazy!".

Good night.
Until tomorrow!

[PMalcolm]

Thanks Angler. Lee is one of the people I'm looking out for this year and she's doing a hell of a ride.

Awful luck for Eddie O'Dea! I hope he gets something worked out.