Tour Divide 2019 Race Discussion

[mtbcast]

#TD19 - Here’s your true up for Days 4-7 of the 2019 Tour Divide!

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

[ssmith]

Wow, Sofiane is timing this really smart. The Basin is behind him and that's two nights in a row in motels for a wash a some decent sleep, all after that massive push through to Pinedale and the initial sleep deprivation strategy to take the lead. In the meantime JK has been roughing it at the side of the road for the last couple of nights with much less sleep, but with Colorado coming up next anything could happen. Just phenomenal riding and displays of endurance out there!

[jjmundt]

There is currently precipitation in and around Wamsutter and down into northern Colorado, but Wamsutter webcams on I-80 show dry pavement.  Maybe the precip isn't reaching the ground.  When I looked very early this morning (3am MDT), there was freezing rain and snow indicated on the radar west of Wamsutter.  It's very cool in the Basin this morning for the leaders...

[elobeck]

Snowing outside of steamboat springs on rabbit ears pass. Whew didnt want those racers to miss out on a true divide experience 

[BobM]

Snowing outside of steamboat springs on rabbit ears pass. Whew didnt want those racers to miss out on a true divide experience 

I'm sure they will appreciate it. 

[mtbcast]

#TD19 - Overnight: Josh Uhl called in from Lima, Hal Russell called in from Basin, and Peter Kraft called in from near Warm River!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td19/

[moishe]

Hey all! Long time lurker, long-time association with the great divide route (my wife and I rode Roosville -> Atlantic City in 2000, and I finished up the southern part a couple summers ago, would love to race the Tour Divide someday).

I was thinking of heading up to Highway 16 south of Steamboat this afternoon to camp and take some photos (combo of film and drone shots) of the lead riders coming through.

I was wondering about etiquette/norms for this kind of thing. First, is it cool to do that? It's a very different dynamic than a 'cross race or something, obviously, and I don't want to be a weirdo out there with a camera! But these riders are doing something amazing and some documentation of it seems good.

I know there's no outside assistance so as much as I'd like to (having been in similar but non-competitive situations myself, along the AT and the GDMBR) I won't share food/drinks/coffee/etc.

Anything else (up to and including "this is frowned upon") to know? My primary goal is to be respectful of the competitors and the race; a secondary goal is to get some cool photos (not for commercial use, mainly I'll just share 'em here and on Instagram)

[Angler]

Early morning start for Gary Johnson of NM, out of Ovando Montana after breakfast at 7:42. Get further east as fast as you can. Highs today in the mid-40's. 80% chance of rain/sleet/hail and snow at 6,000'. Winds to 23 in the afternoon. Helena is far better. Butte worse.

BTW:  Gary arrived into Ovando after all the shelters were full and the Inn booked so slept on the back deck of the Blackfoot Commercial Company. 

Alex Bostic of CO scooted thru over night and camped out at Cooper's Lake.

[BobM]

Hey all! Long time lurker, long-time association with the great divide route (my wife and I rode Roosville -> Atlantic City in 2000, and I finished up the southern part a couple summers ago, would love to race the Tour Divide someday).

I was thinking of heading up to Highway 16 south of Steamboat this afternoon to camp and take some photos (combo of film and drone shots) of the lead riders coming through.

I was wondering about etiquette/norms for this kind of thing. First, is it cool to do that? It's a very different dynamic than a 'cross race or something, obviously, and I don't want to be a weirdo out there with a camera! But these riders are doing something amazing and some documentation of it seems good.

I know there's no outside assistance so as much as I'd like to (having been in similar but non-competitive situations myself, along the AT and the GDMBR) I won't share food/drinks/coffee/etc.

Anything else (up to and including "this is frowned upon") to know? My primary goal is to be respectful of the competitors and the race; a secondary goal is to get some cool photos (not for commercial use, mainly I'll just share 'em here and on Instagram)

Cheer them on and don't get in anybody's way would, I think, be the appropriate etiquette.

[danwiz]

Hey all! Long time lurker, long-time association with the great divide route (my wife and I rode Roosville -> Atlantic City in 2000, and I finished up the southern part a couple summers ago, would love to race the Tour Divide someday).

I was thinking of heading up to Highway 16 south of Steamboat this afternoon to camp and take some photos (combo of film and drone shots) of the lead riders coming through.

Do it.... go see them.. cheer them on... take some pix....etc...  just dont get in their way....  they'll appreciate the cheering!!!

I was wondering about etiquette/norms for this kind of thing. First, is it cool to do that? It's a very different dynamic than a 'cross race or something, obviously, and I don't want to be a weirdo out there with a camera! But these riders are doing something amazing and some documentation of it seems good.

I know there's no outside assistance so as much as I'd like to (having been in similar but non-competitive situations myself, along the AT and the GDMBR) I won't share food/drinks/coffee/etc.

Anything else (up to and including "this is frowned upon") to know? My primary goal is to be respectful of the competitors and the race; a secondary goal is to get some cool photos (not for commercial use, mainly I'll just share 'em here and on Instagram)

[windowace]

I've not really been a front runner in a BP'ing race but for what it's worth, as long as your not in their way, making decisions for them, or putting them in a position to make hard decisions, I think your fine.  I suppose you could argue that if you're not doing the same for all riders you may be providing an advantage/disadvantage for those you do/don't.  But if you're making that argument, and really mean it, I might find you annoying......and you me.  Full disclosure.  I'm biased because I'd love to see some photos and footage.

[Southwest Trailhead Hand/Hachita Bike Ranch]

Tip for posting pics.  It took me a couple of years but I found 30 dollar inexpensive cameras worked best for sizing.
I set it at the lowest, VGA - e-mail.  Resizing did not seem to work out as well.

[Two Tired]

There is some snow this morning at Togwotee Mountain Lodge.

[Angler]

Things are really slowing down on the flow of riders.  Nice thing is I get to actually talk with them and chat with them which for me, is the best part.

Spending the night in the tipi and jail last night and rushing off after a breakfast at the Stray Bullet; I introduce you to:

-  Bryson & Sam R Slow out of NC and in their 20-somethings.  I don't think they are that slow but one is definately running faster than the other so gets to the next destination and scopes it out before the other arrives.  My biggest joy was having Sam [I think] open the Sheep Wagon to check it out and as I drove by all I heard was "WOW!!!!".  Great personalities.  Obviously have more fun than a human should have.  Great outlook.  I really enjoyed their visit.  Don't know why......     :-)

-  Carolyn Franzone of MN at age 59.  You got this Carolyn.  I know this weather of COLD! and rain/sleet can dampen the spirit but you are traveling  the boys and Kevin so they should be able to get you into tomorrow for a brighter and sunnier and warmer days. 

-  Kevin Kloberdanz of UT at 55.  This group of 4 didn't know each other prior the race and are now an extended family, ending up each day and starting off each morning together.  THAT is magic on the trail.

[Angler]

and

[jjmundt]

Mike Hall's dot has just about caught up with Sofiane again.

[danwiz]

Things are really slowing down on the flow of riders.  Nice thing is I get to actually talk with them and chat with them which for me, is the best part.

Spending the night in the tipi and jail last night and rushing off after a breakfast at the Stray Bullet; I introduce you to:

-  Bryson & Sam R Slow out of NC and in their 20-somethings.  I don't think they are that slow but one is definately running faster than the other so gets to the next destination and scopes it out before the other arrives.  My biggest joy was having Sam [I think] open the Sheep Wagon to check it out and as I drove by all I heard was "WOW!!!!".  Great personalities.  Obviously have more fun than a human should have.  Great outlook.  I really enjoyed their visit.  Don't know why......     :-)

-  Carolyn Franzone of MN at age 59.  You got this Carolyn.  I know this weather of COLD! and rain/sleet can dampen the spirit but you are traveling  the boys and Kevin so they should be able to get you into tomorrow for a brighter and sunnier and warmer days. 

-  Kevin Kloberdanz of UT at 55.  This group of 4 didn't know each other prior the race and are now an extended family, ending up each day and starting off each morning together.  THAT is magic on the trail.

another one not wearing a helmet?  or just did not put it on yet?

[ssmith]

Mike Hall's dot has just about caught up with Sofiane again.

Looks like he's hit mud or snow? JK has closed the gap to 25 miles too.

[geekonabike]

Looks like he's hit mud or snow? JK has closed the gap to 25 miles too.

Yesterdays NOAA was saying it would be some of both.

[jjmundt]

Yesterdays NOAA was saying it would be some of both.

Yep, and radar confirms both rain and snow in that area...