Jason said he has many Post Office pick up options for his mix and seems to have a good supply. It is a heavy load however. The benefit is he is not stopping to eat along the way. Mike needs stop for meals but Jason just needs some liquid to mix with and he is on his way.

I'm McCall, ID for the week and saw Mike Hall and Jason Lane go through New Meadows this morning on my way to a mtn bike trailhead. Mike was about one hour ahead of Jason. Mike has had 2 hrs sleep and Jason 1.5 hrs at roughly 750 miles. Jason has had nothing to eat. Only a fluid diet which obviously works so far. He is a seasoned RAAM guy but not used to riding loaded. Says he can really tell he is loaded. Mike in good spirits but mentioned that he respects his competition and must ride accordingly. He may go for a longer sleep sometime today. So I'm thinking...what 3hrs this time. haha. Don't have good internet where I am but will try to throw up a pic or two with some good wifi.

Good old fashioned ground work. He worked on his own to get a permit to go through the closed areas. Perseverance, planning and making things happen are suppose to be a huge part of the TD!

I get the perserverance part but I'm looking forward to hearing that story. I've been pulling for BR all along and glad he got through. Just want to know what moves he made to get permited.

It looks like Billy Rice will be the only rider to complete the regular course AND in both directions!

I really want to know how Billy Rice was able to get through a closure when no one else has been able to??? Anyone know?

Run Forest Run!!

OMG. Look at all the blue dots between Flagg Ranch, WY to Kremmling, CO! Brush Mtn's going to have to set up a buffet line.  

Didnt think the Forest Service would budge.

Mike is doing the same reroute we had to do in 2010. Not only is a record out of question but the results won't apply to historical GC for the route. All around bummer... Absent of any additional problems, he will win the grand depart TDR. The man rode (is riding) an impressive ride. 

 

Yep. Hate to see Craig out. He rode like a champ for sure. Would have loved to see the sprint to the finish through the whole state of NM. I think Mike is pretty self motivated and will continue to bust ass to the finish without a push.  I wouldn't be surprised to see him come in ahead of his current projected time. Just hope he gets through the fires for a clean run.

Be a good night for some moonlight riding if you have smooth terrain ahead. The super moon has risen!

Mike is dining at Heart and Soul Cafe.  Looks like Craig was at the Sinclair Station/Subway but is now at the brew pub. The Buckin Bitter may be a good choice if he knows Mike is in town too.

Well, looks like Mike and Craig will be eating plate sized pancakes at the Wrangler together. Maybe Mike was able to stay warmer than Craig last night?? It was C-C-C-Cold and still is. (as JP already pointed out) They had winds coming into Cora Junction this morning too.

Dang. My Poor ole 2010 bud Forrest Baker getting caught in the wind and mud on Bannock again? That is one demoralizing spot for many a TD riders. He'll have some wind today. It's howling in Teton valley right now.

Wind. It can really effect the mental highs and lows when you are in wide open high country. Mike Hall is probably dealing with headwinds on the rail trail from Island Park to Warm River right now. High winds & high mph gust are forcasted here today. (normal) Once Mike turns toward WY he should pick up some quartering tail wind action. Those same winds will be active in Polaris-Lima-Island Park areas. Good one way, bad another. Pinedale area is luck too. If you have the winds in your favor, you can haul butt through there at 35 mph. But the next day you may be lucky to go 5 mph in the same section. (2012 Northbounders Cjell M. and Fixie Dave suffered to cross the Basin last year but most Southbounders motored it)
 
In addition, The Pine pollen is pretty thick here today. Hopefully Mike has his breathing problem under control now.

Yep Lobeck. Like seeing them duke it out as they enter my hood. WY/ID. Good weather, typical late afternoon t-storms and mid-day prevailing winds. Clean road over Ashton/Flagg Ranch.

Good seeing our 2010 bud Forrest Baker having a solid run. No snow, rain or soggy shoes this time. Not yet...

No more Snickers bars left at the Elkford gas station. haha

Can't say that I'm surprised to see where Ezster is right now. Amazing woman who knows how to work that throttle...

Looks like wet Bannock road. Sure dumping on ID/WY border today. Be nice to see a spot...

Hey Mike Pro. You did good ole friend.

I think the Divide is unique and should stay that way. If someone wants to have a self supported race that mirrors everything else out there, they should find a route and start one.

Ethan P. is rippin some singletrack.

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

Wondering the same. He should have backtracked to the route but continued on 15.