I like the crossmarks, but for HTR ensure you have the tougher sidewall versions. Scotland's granite is pretty tough on the sidewalls. I rode the Cairngorms Loop and HTR on lightweight ikons. On the second to last day I had two side wall repairs, on the last day several more and was riding very carefully. I don't think the tyre would have lasted another day! I used to use the LUST crossmarks and never damaged the sidewall. I've switched to EXO ikons which are a little lighter in 29" and have proved very tough so far. I shall be going with those front and rear.

Has anyone put together a list or gpx type file of all the bothies along the route that they would be able to share?

Mountain Biking may be off the agenda for a day or so but we will be eating for Britain, any cafe / restaurant recommendations gratefully received.

Becky, we were very impressed how strong you were when you rode away from us over Coney - and surprised and sorry to see you scratch at Silverton, you would have completed it.

Jonathan

'From the 3 Brits' - Thanks very much indeed to the many supportive and friendly people we met en route. Having decided to retire Forest Baker was very generous in donating part of his rear mech to me somewhere above Slumgullion, I had ridden from Fish creek on a zip tie jury rig and the prospect of continuing to Silverton before a repair wasn't appealling. Forest, I'll put you on my Christmas card list.
We are currently lazing in Durango, any suggestions on post race holiday activities in this town?
Jonathan Edwards

Thanks Dave and Toby - excellent info, much appreciated.

Hi Toby. Yes, got the Data Book. It gererally gives the impression that there is plenty of water. I've found the Sargents Mesa section and Tank 7 creek. On Coney's not sure what CG is - is this page 51, water just after leaving highway 149?

I remember reading somewhere that there are a couple of sections that don't have water. Can anyone tell me which these are and where the last reliable water stop for each is.
I'm sure this question has already been answered, but I've just trawled through and must have missed it. Thanks.

Thanks for the quick answers. We're sitting here planning with maps all laid out! My next question, when reaching the wilderness boundary sections we're assuming there'll be a very obvious 'no biking' sign, BUT are the bike detours then marked?   Or are we then onto maps/gps info to ensure we don't stray back into wilderness or go off-route?  Thanks (again!)
Steve

Thanks for the glove advice - warm gloves packed!
Next questions:
Am I right in thinking there are no resupply options between Hot Springs and Silverton.
In case of mechanical problems, bike shops in Breckenridge, Leadville, Buena Vista and Silverton?

I'll be wearing mitts for riding. However, do people carry full finger gloves as well? Or does it not really get cold enough to need them.

Thanks for the accommodation options guys.

Does anyone have any recommendations for bike friendly accommodation in Durango? (Cheaper would be better).

Sorry, can answer that myself - just found the  Colorado Trail Race 2011 Live Tracker - I'd mistakenly bookmarked the Colorado Trail General Live Tracker page!

I signed up and paid for the tracking a few days ago. Is there a current list of 'trackees' so I can confirm it all went through ok? Thanks.

Thanks for the info Toby. I'll get calculating.
Of course it's hard to estimate how much riding I will actually do in the dark, having not done this sort of event before. But I'm talking to others who have, getting help from here, and getting some training in......

Could someone please give me an idea of what time lights are needed to ride in the evening? And what time they can be switched off in the morning? I'm trying to calculate roughly how many hours of light I need. Thanks.

That's good to know - it all helps with the planning! Thanks Pawel and Toby.

Hi Toby. I'm planning to ride the CTR this year. Are the disposable lithium (Energizer Ultimate) batteries (AA) that you mention above easily available along the route? Here in the UK they are hard to find so I'd ruled them out as a possibility for lights/GPS.
Thanks, Steve

August the first gets my vote.