Question for all the past TDer's out there.
Why do some of the racers not call in to the MTBCast? I figure some don't want to be bothered, but it's great to hear all of them.
I know family, friends, and fans love hearing there voices.

Woody

My sister, Sheila Reiter is towards the end of the SB pack, but between her and her racing partner - Sheila Torres-Blank, they are producing a fairly consistent pace.  Both are MTB race veterans from various events in and around the Texas Hill Country.  SR's family in Massachusetts and Texas is glued to the dots. I've got to find a way to explain my drop in productivity at work. I cant tear my eyes off of their dots. 

A few days ago, I saw they had arrived at Holland Lake, and even though the morning hour was getting late, saw their dots were not moving.  I was a little concerned.   So I Googled "Lodging" and "Holland Lake MT" and found the phone number of the lodge they were likely staying at.  I called the lodge, and asked the proprietor to connect me to SR's room.  He replied that she was standing next to him having breakfast and promptly handed her the phone.  After she was done cracking up, she explained they arrived at Holland Lake after a particularly long and brutal nightime ride, and so were a little slow getting mounted.  Technology is cool.

My hat is off to the Sheilas, and all the TD riders for undertaking this ride.

I think it is great that they are both riding together and both named Sheila.

keep up the great work ladies.

Woody

Thanks for sharing that! It really brings home that these racers are regular people in many cases and in some extraordinary people. People that are out there to prove who they are, to push themselves to overcome. I live through the words of these riders. I imagine what it must be like to be out there, though I have been out there following the route in a truck in the past. People like Justin are an inspiration and I think it spurs more people to do this route and race. So many things can go wrong: timing, illness, weather, what have you. But to start the race with what many would consider a disadvantage and compete only encourages others to overcome what may simply be a mental challenge: "Can I do this?" I hope to be out there some day and the thought of many who have done this race having overcome so much only to succeed I hope will push me to overcome my doubts.

+1 for all of the above. I really enjoy reading about the racers and is really nice with the blog links.
Great job everyone.

Woody

Ah, Moots. Beautiful frames, still made in Colorado. If only I could afford one...

Would be a Sweet bike for the TD that's for sure.

Woody

Speaking of frames anyone out there riding a Moots? I'm sure there are a few, but don't know.

Woody

I have a few pics of riders passing through the NW WY detour section. Use this link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedalmasher/

Great pics.

Golden Spike getting driven in around the Wyoming/Colorado border perhaps?

Woody