Whoa!  Somebody get off on the wrong side of the bike?? Doc asked if there IS a coupon code, not that he expects one and he also said he renewed his ACA membership.  As to the cue download - up until last year that's the way ACA delivered them - through email for free (with a pitch for a donation).

Again, apologies. It just rubbed me the wrong way - I thought to myself, "Why WOULD there be a discount for TD racers?" and if he's already a member (that part wasn't stated, initially), he's already getting a membership discount from the listed price. When I bought the cues in 2011, it *was* actually available in their shopping cart online. Again, apologies to DocTrike, I'll source better coffee before I think about unleashing my inner grump!

My apologies, I do come off a little out of line. I'm doing 100% fantastic and actually on route (erm, off and on)  here in Salida! My computer time is somewhat limited while on the bike, so I may have misread your posts and the rainy weather somewhat puts me in a foul mood, with wet socks. I follow the boards via the RSS feed, so I see posts from all the forums, and it's just strange to see SO many questions from you, DocTrike, SO close to the season. I hope you get things together this year, as of course I want you to succeed. If you look at past posts, I've been nothing but supportive with your ride and generous with my time, answering questions you've asked. Didn't mean to stir up drama, have fun out there, everyone,

You're asking for a discount on the maps that ACA sells - just for being a TDR racer (that makes no sense), and you're asking for a d/l to the cues - which they also sell. Pay, up, buddy! They're a great organization with some awesome people. If you want a deal, see about getting an ACA membership, as they do give a discount of what they sell, to members. There's a GPS track of the route, that ACA provides (for free!) - it's on their site, it's hard find, but look around.

Being on the route and thinking you're privileged just because you're doing this silly race is the wrong attitude to have. I hope no one's going in, thinking that. Hard working people are there to assist you at shops, etc. Treat them with respect! They'll most likely treat you exceedingly well, but please don't take it for granted (be pushy, be impatient) - that goes for everyone!

Off to ride (more!) bikes! </curmudgeon>

C'mon man, don't be such a cheapskate. The ACA needs us to support them, not the other way around. They're the ones putting the effort in mapping and maintaining the route. We're all just exploiting their hard work.

Also! If you TD hopefuls need some more inspiration, Switchback Mag recently did an article about the Long Ranger here (Part #1, Part #2).

Been quite a bit of late snow precip. in CO high country! Maybe looking at some snow slogging this year, after all! Hurrah! (OK, kidding...)

Are you shure for the extra 100$ extra?
I've payd 30$ from the link and followed all the instruction (personal data, mail, link to my spot page..) but no mention about subscription and extra 100$ to pay...

The $100 + $50 is payment to SPOT, for their service. You'll need a SPOT, a subscription to their service, as well as payment to Trackleaders to be tracked on their Tour Divide Tracker. I'm guessing Trackleaders is asking $30 for what they're doing.

I think someone once called this the most expensive free event in the world.

There will be many incredible parts of the Tour Divide, but one of the MOST incredible will be a racer's intake of gas station junk food, and the slightly curious weight loss on such a diet.

You can use the WayWayBack Machine to access the downed site. Rules:

http://web.archive.org/web/20121013053106/http://tourdivide.org/the_rules

Contact:

http://web.archive.org/web/20120226114244/http://tourdivide.org/contact

etc,

Hell yeah, Mark. Amazing determination. You completely killed it. Blew me the hell away. Bet you were one of the people that passed me, before Kentucky camp as I was in anguish, feeling as if I was just hit by a train. Pretty stoked you made it all the way - didn't have a doubt in my mind.

Here's to a safe passage back to Tucson to pick up the car!

I would like some feedback from the vets that may have info on using small block eights. How do they stack up to the nano raptors?

SB8: Worked for me, lasted quite a bit longer, don't run them tubeless.

Big Dave, was that you on the SS that passed me was I was sucking wind, rolling like nothing through the deep sand in the wash (and the next wash, and the next) and jumping all the bumps in the track? You mentioned you had a flat b/c of running your tire pressure too low.

If so, you totally win for having the most fun on that first segment in the 'hills. 

Justin. here. Bailed 5 miles before Kentucky camp. bad gi issues promoted some serious dehydration. got first aid on hw 83 by a passing border patrol officer. hell of a birthday. thanks to Arizona, such a friendly state, tough luck on the health issues. happy to still be kickin'

I showed my housemates the Trackleaders site to follow along and one of them saw the actual route, and what it goes through. Her comment on it all?

"This race is Fucked."

Guess now they  know why I feel all nervous!

Just curious - is there any re-supply option at all on (or near) the Tarryall route? Gas station/commercial fishing hut/camping/rv area w/convenience store/etc?

Nothing in that area to really speak about, just good views of the Lost Creek Wilderness, some campsites, some ranches and a lot of burn area!

Pinch flats and lack of tubless options are what's stopping < 2.0" tires from being useful on the TD. Speaking of your hands, having a little more plush will help, after week #2, believe you me. I've ridden portions of the TD on a 45 mm FireCross and that was fine, mostly, although that's a really aggressive and slow and heavy tire I wouldn't suggest and I've ridden portions of the TD on 28mm commuter tires. Those gave me a flat a day, or so. You'll see the spectrum of tires at the start, and on route (touring folks)

Honestly? I think any gains you get from the smaller tire, is gonna be lost, every time you gotta fix a flat.

And just to do exactly what I've suggested: I'm now a member of the Arizona Trail Association! YEAH! Since the AZTR is happening later this week, it seems only right. (when I did the TD I also signed up to be a member of the ACA) I ALSO beg/plead to my friends sometimes (FAR too much, to be honest) when I'm completely broke and I want to do these crazy things. When it's there turn to do their adventures, I try to help out, donating a little bit as well. Keep the flow movin'!

Anyone got any GPS tools for the Android that Don't Suck? Something I can load the tracks on, as a backup if the Garmin decides to take a well-needed break from my bike and I.

Cripes, it snowed like a foot on the Front Range last night. This is going to be quite the harsh contrast on the start line. If we can unbury ourselves to get there!

More suggestions?  If nothing else, hopefully these posts will help out, at least for 2013!

You're doing great job bringing up the issue + everything else, so far. Hope to bump into you, one of these days on the trail!

Yeah, you can give it a try out - just go to,

http://app.bluedot.mobi

on the ol' iPhone, and see if it comes up.