In spite of his call in, JJ is still not tracking yet.

I think most of the 'rules' issues would vanish if the informal rule that racers arriving after more than 150% of the winner's time are not listed, is enforced. With the current record of 16 days, that would set the expected deadline to roughly 24 days. This would probably also reduce the crowd in Banff, as it lays the bar considerably higher. There is nothing against fast-touring, but why participating in an event meant as a race?

Not being a racer (although I do track my times against myself) I must relucantly say that above rational makes the most sense of the arguements I've heard. It also minimizes the need for a judge (who ever they be) to relegate. However, I too am interested in the stories of those in the race and would like to have more official categories (especially age) that could be raced and think the 150% of winners time rule should be applied to the category your competing in. I also feel there is nothing wrong with an official team category. I personally like the idea of a team as spelled out in the Absa Cape Epic, where team members MUST ride together with never more than 2 minutes seperation (when will SPOT offer synchronized tracking). That would allow those that really want to share the experience to maximize it.  

Tracy P  Congratulations!! The women have been rocking the course.

It probably wasn't the race you wanted but I'd say you definitely rocked it. Your call ins always were upbeat even when dealing with adversity. I for one admired how you just dealt with it and keep rolling along. And you still came in under Jill's old record time. Congrads again.

Serge, what a gentleman. It was a priviledge to follow your race and hear your calls. It will inspire me to ride with the head held up enjoying the views and all those out there experiencing life to the fullest. I have a beer held high and giving you a hip-hip-hurray!

to Georg and Michael! Great rides, very impressive!

Georg and Michael are bouncing in Lordsburg?

Congrads to Katherine for a great ride and beating the old women's record. Also to Georg D and Michael I who are rolling in about now. Thanks to all for the photos, call ins, commentary, and insights. Almost as good as being out there. Loved Ollies NZ radio interview. Can't wait for more photos and blogging from the finishers.

The backtracking around the CDT Alt reminds me that it is very hard to find the trailhead. I had a lot of hunting and pecking there, exploring false routes, even with GPS and cue sheets. Heck, I even lost the trail ascending the initial climb in hike-a-bike mode. To a blue dot junkie, a rider can appear to have lost his wits after a deliberate off route to the lake, followed by the scramble to begin the CDT Alt. Send all the "Radar Love" you have if you are tracking a racer there!

Looks like Katherine and Terry finally got the radar love this morning after wandering around some. Go riders.

Congrads to Eric S. Looks like he finished up in the early morning around 1:30am.

Where is Alberto headed now? Seems like he's skipping the CDT section after his resupply.

Congrats Ezster!  Over 5 days off the women's record.  I see that record standing for a loooong time.  Excellent job. 

Simply amazing. The amount she crushed the record by is about what her record setting CTR time was. I guess that means she could have done laps in Colorado and still have broken the old TD record? Except there's still Katherine out there that's going to crush the old record too.

Matt has kindly left me as 'active'. My wife is flying in from New Zealand in just over a week if if the stars align I'm going to head back to Steamboat mid-July and finish the course. My wife and work are OK with this plan - just depends on my parent's situation.

If this unfortunately does not eventuate it's OK. This year the race didn't break me ... but I still want to finish the beast!

Chris,
I hope things work out for the whole family. I'm sure you'll finish the beast at your first possible opportunity.

Cool! Bt is now pink. Go Caroline & Kurt!

It is very cool but if you want to give them equal effort it could be lavender.
 

I'd say that "Eszter the Record Molester" is there.

Zoom diggity Eszter way to go!

Oh it's on!  I'd love to see her finish it out in one push!

+1. She is amazing, no matter how she does it. Go Eszter! Zoom-diggety!

Jarral making good time to the finish.  4 to 6 more hours.  I'm sure he can taste the border.

That's about the same for Cjell I would imagine.

EH thinks Pie Town is closed Mondays but Good Pie Cafe's website says hours are 8a-4p M-F. Hope that puts a smile on her face and fuel in her body to tackle the headwinds.

2 - the Streetview thing has me wondering when Google will 'view' the divide route.  I know they adapted a bike for doing bike paths.  It might take a more rugged design for TD!

Or maybe an opportunity to upstage Google with the special DIY modified GoPro StreetView Bike and optional Helmet.

Anyone know what the snow is like on Richmond Peak now that Cjell is plugging through it?

Eszter is just entering NM and it seems her pace may have dropped. She has some tough miles to put in tonight too. Go Eszter, zoom.

He should be able to steal a pedal.

Apparently that is not a rule violation. I could find where it says that you can't break the law.