Tour Divide 2023 - Race Prep Discussion

[jjmundt]

Thank you for adding that correction.  I had Matthew Lee in my head when I was typing up my comment and meant Mike Hall.  Thanks also for your 2016 analysis.  A lot can happen in a week but an overnight setback seems really hard to overcome.  I'm enjoying following along one way or another.

You're welcome.  I'm dot-watching again for the first time since 2019.  I've forgotten how much I enjoy it!!

[catchacold]

From the Tour de France to hitchhiking to pickup spokes that were overnight delivered to the wrong lodge. Alex Howes apparently rebuilding his wheel again at Togwotee.

#dotwatching

[mtbcast]

#TD23 - Catching up! I'm out here camping but managed to get some connectivity.

Friday Evening:  Justin Smith and Peter Kraft Jr. called in leaving Pinedale and later Peter called again heading to Atlantic City!

Saturday: Justin Smith called in leaving Atlantic City, Peter Kraft Jr. called in about 10mi from the Colorado line, Nathan Salle called in from Pinedale, and Peter called in later about 6mi from Brush Mountain Lodge!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td23/

[jjmundt]

Justinas has pulled a bit of a lead now and, at 55 miles from Salida, is just 60 miles behind Mike Hall's spirit dot.

The race for the record isn't over just yet.

[bon]

Justinas has pulled a bit of a lead now and, at 55 miles from Salida, is just 60 miles behind Mike Hall's spirit dot.

The race for the record isn't over just yet.

Exciting to the very end!

[jjmundt]

"Exciting to the very end" is right!!

Mike Hall's dot just reached Del Norte and Justinas is 51 miles back with Ulrich another 10 miles behind him.  Mike's only big stop from here on out was about six hours in Pie Town.  The leaders will have to be within 50 miles of Mike's dot when it reaches there, have favorable weather, and be able to ride from Pie Town to the border, in order to have a chance to beat him.

But the gap is narrowing again...

[bon]

I'm not going to have any fingernails left!

[jjmundt]

Just checked the seven-day weather forecasts in Abiquiu, Pie Town, and Silver City:

Basically 0% chance of rain with temps ranging from mid-80s to low-90s.  The winds won't be any help, but it appears we're going to have ourselves a finish!

[bon]

Dry conditions should seal the deal! *disclaimer for anything is possible!

[samh]

I wasn't glued to the dots this weekend.  What happened to Jens?

[jjmundt]

I wasn't glued to the dots this weekend.  What happened to Jens?

I think Jens took a long rest (about 9 hours) in Salida.  Justinas stopped in Salida only long enough to eat/refuel, and I'm not sure Ulrich stopped at all, which is how he has caught back up.  Both leaders will have to stop in Del Norte at least long enough to resupply, because there's nothing certain from there (excepting maybe Platoro and Canon Plaza) until Abiquiu.

[jjmundt]

Justinas and Ulrich appear to have eaten in Del Norte and stopped at the Family Dollar before leaving town.  We probably don't need to remind them that they won't need the balloon until they've finished.   They will not have friendly winds today...gusty from the SW up to 25mph.  It will be a bit of a slog getting up the hill.

Meanwhile, forty-five miles ahead:
Mike's dot is just leaving Platoro (for some reason, he's been stopping at that cafe every year now).  Next stop, the CO/NM border.

[bon]

Justinas and Ulrich appear to have eaten in Del Norte and stopped at the Family Dollar before leaving town.  We probably don't need to remind them that they won't need the balloon until they've finished.   They will not have friendly winds today...gusty from the SW up to 25mph.  It will be a bit of a slog getting up the hill.

Meanwhile, forty-five miles ahead:
Mike's dot is just leaving Platoro (for some reason, he's been stopping at that cafe every year now).  Next stop, the CO/NM border.

I'm enjoying your weather and race updates!

[jjmundt]

Thanks!  Speaking of weather, those coming through the Basin in the next couple of days have some pretty good chances of rain to deal with.  Significant chances of rain tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday night into Thursday.  If a rider nearing/just leaving Pinedale wanted to test his/her mettle and pick up a few places, it might not hurt to consider a night ride through to maybe get in front of another potential sit-in-the-porta-potty situation.

I'm particularly following Matt Miller - I don't know him, but he lives just 90 minutes from me) - and he might be such a candidate.

All the best!

Joel

[bon]

I did note that weather system coming their way. No fun! Night riding through the Basin is pretty cool actually. Did part of it that way in '16. 

[Shawn]

Any news on Jens Van Roost? He's really been moving slow today. Looks like he's only covered about 40 miles today.

[mtbcast]

#TD23
Catch Up 2! Sunday:  Alexandera Houchin called in from the Basin, Peter Kraft Jr. called in from Steamboat, and later that evening Peter called in heading up Ute Pass with a couple of addendums!
Monday:  Justin Smith called in from between Frisco and Breckenridge and Peter Kraft Jr. called in from Boreas!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td23/

[bon]

Thank you, Joe! Call-ins are always a favorite!

[jjmundt]

Any news on Jens Van Roost? He's really been moving slow today. Looks like he's only covered about 40 miles today.

I have wondered the same thing.  I hope he's alright.

[bon]

Any news on Jens Van Roost? He's really been moving slow today. Looks like he's only covered about 40 miles today.

On his IG account he says his hands are really messed up so  "Will quietly make my way to Mexico border.: