CTR 2012 Planning

[JReeves]

I just ordered the Data Book, as well as the Guide Book through Amazon. 
I also played around in the BaseCamp program a bit, and figured out how to do exactly what I was looking to do.  I was able to split the entire Track into 5 separate tracks, and then color code each of them to a day.  There's also the ability to then get an elevation profile from each of those new shorter Tracks.  Worked out great. 

[sherpaxc]

Reeves, which gps are you using?

[mtbordie]

Thanks for the input about the shoes, I didn't think I would need to carry around another
pair but just one of the thoughts about the race. It is amazing how much stuff goes
through your head about getting ready for this.  Now that start is getting closer I
have a doubting thought pops up llike WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING am i really
ready for this, but I talk myself out of thinking like that. I just am excited about seeing
what we are capable of. My main goal is to have fun regardless of the outcome, out
riding for a week isn't anything to complain about.

mtnbound you still planning a earlier take off day as I am thinking of sat morning
instead of mon.  Wish I had the time to ride with the pack but work won't allow it.

[sanjuanrider]

I found the databook to be simply awesome last year.   Not so much for routefinding - honestly, 98% of the route is very easy to follow, with few exceptions - but for knowing how much longer I had to go to get to some landmark.  For me, given that I was beyond exhausted beginning around Bailey and pretty much the rest of the way, it was invaluable to know that in 2.7 miles I was coming to the top of a long climb and would have a precious 4 mile downhill after that.   And then the downhill went by in like 53 seconds and it was back to climbing for another 2 hours.

Seriously.  If you're doing this race for the first time - big, big props to you for doing so, by the way - I'd say the CT databook is a Top 3 essential item.

I couldn't agree more with TruthRider - the CT databook is absolutely essential.  I lost my GPS on the 2nd day of the CTR in 2010   but had the databook  .  Is was essential for finding water, and knowing big climbs that would let me make plans during thunderstorms. That said a GPS with the route plugged in is a tool I will always use.  Most of the trail is well marked but I had trouble in about 3 spots on the south end (Jirosa Mesa, a few miles out of Bolam Pass, and then about 10 miles from Junction Creek finish) due to signs being down or trail splits with no markers.  Other than that the CT is excellent at being marked at every questionable turn.

[JReeves]

Sherpaxc, I'm using the Garmin Edge 800...  Played around with the tracks a little bit more yesterday and got the Colorado Topo maps loaded on there, and then have the CTR broken into 5 Tracks that I can hide or display as needed.  Should have the databook in 10-12 days according to Amazon.  Glad to hear it's as detailed as it sounds like it is.  Simple and effective seems to be important at the end of a long day of riding when your brain might not be working it's best... ha.

[mtnbound]

mtbordie - Yes, I am still planning on starting Sat, July 28 by 6 am since, like you, I can't take that much time off of work for the Monday start.  We can meet up at the start if you like, along with anyone else interested.  We are going to have to arrange with Scott M. to get SPOT units ahead of time.

[JTVT29]

mtbordie and mtnbound - I'm in for a Saturday start as well.  See you on the 28th! 

[tridennisr]

mtbordie and mtnbound - I'm in for a Saturday start as well.  See you on the 28th! 

A buddy and I have been talking about starting Saturday as well. Does anyone know if it's possible to get a spot tracker for an early start?

[TobyGadd]

Thanks to Nick, I was able to improve the accuracy of the first few miles of my CTR GPS track files. I'd like to have someone "beta test" them before making them available for everyone. If anyone is willing to help, please PM me, and I'll send you the files. Thanks!

Edit: uploaded and ready to go: http://tobygadd.blogspot.com/2012/01/colorado-trail-race-gpsgpx-tracks-and.html

[THE LONG RANGER]

Heya. I may have an interesting opportunity for that perfect someone: anyone committed to doing the CTR this year, that's not at all happy with their saddle of choice? Please PM me if you're current saddle is lacking and you wouldn't mind testing something a little different. Especially looking for aggressive riders that tend to break things.

[sherpaxc]

I hope they fixed segment 22/23 of the databook.  It was flat out wrong.  Mileage, climbing...not the best segment to be wrong on.  Especially when low on water and running from storms.

I'm not doing it this year, but thinking I may be back out next summer. 

[mtnbound]

The databook matches the Guidebook on those two section fairly close (the elevations didn't match exactly but close enough) except on Segment 23, the databook shows 1,040 gain but the Guidebook shows 3,515. I don't know which is correct but the profiles on both make it look like 3,515 is more accurate I crossed out the 1,040 and wrote in 3,515 above it in the databook. Thanks for pointing it out!

[annoying crack]

the databook shows 1,040 gain but the Guidebook shows 3,515.

That looks like a 1040 metre would be about 3515 feet? a little conversion error there maybe?

[mtnbound]

That might be what happened, though they authors didn't use the metric system elsewhere for elevation gain.  Perhaps they did use metric throughout the book and then converted but forgot to change this one or it's just a typo.  What's a little odd is that the elevation numbers at the various mileage points in each segment in the databook don't exactly match the Guidebook - close but often times 10-20 feet different (or a few times 100+ feet different).  Maybe a different person using a different GPS for each book?  Either way, the mileage does correspond and the databook still is invaluable, IMHO (as newbie), particularly now knowing this one material discrepancy.

tridennisr - It is my understanding that Scott M. on this forum does the Spot rentals and can probably get one to you b/f the CTR, but I would wait until the beginning of July to contact him since he is quite busy with the TD for the next 3-4 weeks. 

[sherpaxc]

That looks like a 1040 metre would be about 3515 feet? a little conversion error there maybe?

That's what it was.  Yeah, I was NOT in a happy place up there as I was depending on it's accuracy (and it had been accurate up to that point so how would I know?).  Oh well, it was still a fantastic adventure.  Good stuff.

[mtbordie]

Sounds like there might be a few of us departing on sat that is great as I was feeling
that by missing the big start I would not have other riders to ride with along the way.
I usually ride alone so that really doesn't bother me but it would be nice to run across
some others out there enjoying the suffering and keeping each other motivated. I
purchased a spot unit to make sure the wife doesn't worry when I'm out by myself.
so I guess I just need to let Scott know and ask how to list it on the CTR site.

[riverfever]

I'm in for sure just not sure whether I'm leaving with the group or not. I'll be watching the weather and if there's a good window that's hard to pass up then I'll start riding towards Denver and get going.

[tridennisr]

I'm planning on a 2-3 day trip ride next weekend, and thinking I may start at Waterton Canyon. Can anyone recommend a safe place to leave my car? I'm a little concerned leaving it at the trailhead may invite thieves or vandals.

Also, count this rookie in. Most likely starting July 28 so I can get back to work.

Thanks!

Dennis

[Woodland]

I'm in. GD. Rookie. Nervous. Excited as hell.

[TobyGadd]

I just updated my CTR GPS track file. Thanks to Nick Patzer, the starting section through Waterton Canyon is now generated from on-the-ground data--just like every other section.

Please read the entire blog post before downloading and using this track--there's some important stuff in there that will help you get the most out of the waypoints, etc.

http://tobygadd.blogspot.com/2012/01/colorado-trail-race-gpsgpx-tracks-and.html