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

 

Another good Eszter call in. I knew she would hit that MickeyD's (a must after the Gila) but thought there would be a choc milkshake in there. Looks like she will be breaking the 19 day! Solid!!

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

That taste is dirty sweat with a mix of old sunscreen right now.

Just want to chime in on the safety of route issue. Like many, seeing Craig's spot frozen made me feel an sense of concern. I was pretty certain that he was motoring to the finish but it's hard not to wonder. That wonder, knowing what these folks are going through, and seeing how they thrive through it keeps me close to my computer.

One "big" thing I brought away from my Divide run is how much good there is in this country. I don't mean the businesses and fans. I mean the random person out there. The nicest people were the ones that you may hesitate to approach normally. So, you can't judge a book by it's cover. Some of the scariest looking characters turned out to be the nicest, most giving type people I met. When someone ask me about my experience on the Divide, I feel that it is important to let people know this.

Da Ladies: Eszter's in Grants where there is food and Katherine Wallace is now in NM. Can't figure out Tracy P. Looks like she spent most of the day at Upper Dome Res and is starting to ride up Cochetopa Pass as soon as it got dark? Nocturnal?

Ollie is there!! Great ride!!

3 others may come in under the record too. (now the old record)

Ollie is there!! Great ride!!

I'm up late watching the Tour De France preview show and blue dots putting on some REAL RACING!! Kurt and Garrett have gotta be sleeping on the bars. Only one green tent icon in New Mexico.

What happend to Josh Shifferly? Just noticed that he's on the Scratch list.

Josh got bad bruising in the bottom of both feet. He was in extreme pain pedaling and couldn't even walk without major pain. After being off the bike for a while in Steamboat, his swelling continued to be a problem. He thinks it could be a complication from his crash outside of Helena but not sure. Bummer. He had a good run going.

Now that 3rd and 4th have closed on Craig, we may see a surge in speed for 2nd place that puts 4 people across the finish ahead of the TD record. Ollie, Garrett, Craig and Kurt are all ahead of the record according to the latest projections on leaderboard. Garrett and Kurt will be short on rest from riding late into Grants last night into the morning. Although Craig got a hotel for the night, he had alot of stress yesterday and this morning trying to put hands on those pedals. I wonder if he is really rested?? One thing is for sure. The Gila has slapped around alot of folks (including me) in the past. There is hard riding in there and Garrett and Kurt are surely short on sleep. These guys came to race and I think the finish is gonna hurt.

Any news on Josh Shifferly. His spot is still in Steamboat.

Only 3 more big climbs left for the leaders.  A break tomorrow?  A long ride through the night?  I'm pretty sure drinking large pints of beer everyday will help fuel Craig on to the finish. 

Gotta respect New Mexico. You think you're in the home stretch and the hard stuff is over but NM is tough.

Justin Simoni (Lone Ranger) rode into Jackson because of a busted freewheel/hub. I had a Doctor appt over there and ran into him. Both of us at the same bikeshop today with the same issue. Busted rear wheels. Mine is being warrantied but Justin had to buy a new wheel. He is hoping to get back on route this afternoon. He was enjoying "riding" the passes this year after walking them in the snow last year as he refused to do the detours.  

Yep. Another day of howling winds for westbound riding across the Basin. Poor C. Money had some tough miles yesterday trying to get to Pinedale. It's the same here in the Wy/Idaho border area. Those going up Ashton-Flagg Ranch road will have some nice tailwind push up the climb.

This ride by Eszter is pretty awesome. She's ripping through Wyoming, and I bet she goes even faster in her home state. It's not inconceivable that she could take a solid week off the current women's record. Obviously it's the current record holder's decision, but the fan in me would have loved to see Jill Homer line up at the start line this year and defend her title. She may not have Eszter's horsepower, but she's a bulldog who I suspect would have done everything possible to defend it. The head-to-head would have cleared any debate about speed of course, etc. Ah well, maybe next year they'll both toe the line. Either way, it's cool to see the women stepping up the game so much (Kathleen and Tracey are also on a record breaking pace.)

Most of the course through Colorado has pretty buff, fast riding conditions. I think Ester is gonna fly when she hits hometurf.

My 11 yr old son is a spotaholic. Navigates Trackleaders like a pro.

Haha well the snow doesn't always melt but I've seen a LOT disappear in 2 weeks before. If you get a record snow year then there are just choices to make

Yep. The snow is going fast right now. And I have to agree with ya concerning southern New Mexico. I crumbled between between Grants and Mimbres. The Gila is not a place to be short on food and water.


Back to the race: The weather here on the Wyoming/Idaho border is about as good as it gets. The air is cool but the sun is feeling good as I drink some coffee on my front deck. ahh. Nice day to look at the Tetons and take a few minutes away from thinking about that raw sore on the crouch. I'm sure the Wind Rivers (equally impressive) are lookin nice for those headed into Pinedale.

Liking the way Ester and Tracy are stompin out the miles. Both have been solo for a while. Strong! The guys rolling into Pinedale will find a plate of food big enough to last all day (and good Chicken fried steak) if they pull into the Wrangler.

He doesn't seem to be hanging with anybody, maybe pulling away from Michael I. as well.  Robin's a rider that I've been thinking is riding a little bit reserved.  Not that I know much about him personally, but from what I experienced briefly out on TD in 2010 he is a good rider, so I won't be surprised if he makes up ground consistently from here on to AW.

I rode on and off with Robin in 2010 across the Flathead and into Seely Lake area. He is a strong dude. I was glad to run into him in the Flathead because I knew that he witnessed a guy being pulled off a bike and mauled a few years earlier. He was good at making alot of noise in bear country!!  He had some painful knees in 2010 but looks like he has them worked out this year. I think he will continue to ride a good pace. I love to see him riding strong alone. That takes much more mental strength than group riding.  

good to know...is the golf course listed on the maps?

Dont think it is on the map but you can follow the signs after you come out of Warm River campground and turn onto E1400N. Just about a mile off route.

I dont think you will see many overnighters across Northern Wyoming. Remember Kurt's 300 mile all nighter was on an altered course that included alot of pavement. (still impressive ride!) Brooks Lake & Union Pass are different.