Yes, many times, as it is in my backyard. It's a 5-6 hour ride if you put your head down and pound it out. Lots of road options out there if your looking for a multi-day bikepacking ride.  I live in Eagle and can point you towards any adventure you'd like.  Email me if you want some beta - kerkovej at gmail dot com

Thanks Eric for putting this together!  Like others have said, great tough route! There is no way I would have came into these areas with a bike on my own.  The TDLP really gets you out there to experience this part of California.  We are all so fortunate to have got to seen the hills so alive with color! This by far was the highlight for me....the areas in/around Carrizo Plains.  

I honestly did not think it was going to be a 37 hour push for me.  I was planning closer to 2 days.  I felt pretty good and just kept moving along as I knew Gregg was likely not far behind after his charging start out of Frazier Park.  I tried to sleep right at Hwy 166, but was shocked how cold and windy it was.  I was wearing everything I had, but just laid there for 2 hours shivering and slowly eating some food.  I was up and moving again around 3 AM.  That next day was endless hills, ruts, and washed out hillsides.  I did cross paths with a bear after the Big Pine Mtn hike.  The bear was just chilling on the road.  We had a brief stare down before he/she bolted into the bushes.  That def got my adrenaline going!

Tough but rewarding riding for sure!  Thanks again!

Here is my Strava file from the ride - https://www.strava.com/activities/944215740

Group start at 7 or 7:30?  Just confirming as website says 7:30 and TL.com says 7.

Thanks!

Amazing effort on so many levels!!! Stoked for these guys!!!!

Bummer Jeff!  I have a couple logistical questions...

Do you carry a sidewall patch and, if so, did you try that?  I've successfully used them in the past for a sidewall tear with a tubed tire, but when I tried it with a tubeless tire filled with Stan's it was just a big mess that didn't work.

Do you carry a patch kit?  I always do because I'd hate to have to walk out or bail if I could have simply fixed a tube or two.  At Vapor Trail a couple years ago, I remember looking at all the "fast guys" (yourself included) and thinking to myself, "These guys are carrying far less junk than I am." 

Thanks and better luck next time...

Bummer Jeff!  I have a couple logistical questions...

Do you carry a sidewall patch and, if so, did you try that?  I've successfully used them in the past for a sidewall tear with a tubed tire, but when I tried it with a tubeless tire filled with Stan's it was just a big mess that didn't work.

Do you carry a patch kit?  I always do because I'd hate to have to walk out or bail if I could have simply fixed a tube or two.  At Vapor Trail a couple years ago, I remember looking at all the "fast guys" (yourself included) and thinking to myself, "These guys are carrying far less junk than I am." 

Thanks and better luck next time...

I had 2 spare tubes and many sidewall patches. Went thru the tubes in 20 minutes. Sidewall patches werent needed. Didn't have patch kit, which was oversight on my part. Every year learn something different at CTR. The route and ride fascinates me, one day it'll all come together. I'm bummed, but know how hard route is. CTR will always be there.

Quick update. Was having a good ride, but for few down moments on Ten Mile and just before Leadville. Turned it around...felt amazing on the bike. Cut side wall on Marshall, Stan's would seal it. Put in tube 1 and flatted minutes later. 2nd tube, which was new, had hole in it. Tried to fill tire with grass, but rolled tire off rim. Bailed at Sargents Mesa with 5 hr downhill ride on rim to Saguache were I slept in city park, then picked up by Looney and KJ. CTR is a beast that keeps chewing me up. One day i will slay the beast. Eathan, Jefe, JJ are flying! Good luck to them and all others still out there!

Go with the Race King 2.2 Protection.  This 2.2 size tire measures more like a 2.1 from other brands.  The Protection version is strong and has the Black Chili compound which is "grippy", not to mention rolls faster.  The Protection also goes tubeless via Stan's very easily.  Yes, it is made in Germany, handmade at that.  It would be a great Trans-Iowa tire, especially for mtb.

What is the MTB Cast call in number?

1x11, nice! 

This will be my 3rd attempt at this beast this year.  Every year, my CTR gear/kit gets smaller and smaller.  Stephen is correct, everyone is different when it comes to supplies to carry, bike to choose, etc, etc.  That is the cool thing about this format of riding/racing.....how people manage to get from Point A to Point B.  Lighter is sometimes not always better.

Pretty much my set up, minus the pack on my back.


Agree, leave spare tire at home.  Maybe even the sleeping bag.  Don't skimp on tires.  Just my 2¢.  There is no right or wrong way.

What's Kevin riding?

Kevin is on a Kona HT 29er SS

The battle for 2nd is shaping up to be pretty exciting.  What kind of rigs are these 2 riding?

Rode with GP for a bit on my downward spiral on Georgia Pass during Day 1.  GP is on a HT Specialized 29er.  All weight in on his bike.  No backpack.  Very similar to a Tour Divide setup.  Not sure of ZG's set up.

A few photos......


Heading up to Georgia Pass with Eathan.


Cruising along with Doug about 4 hours into race.


Pretty typical CTR terrain.


Doug's possibly broken finger.  As he said..."It barely bends or fits in my glove."


Ward Baker climbing up to Georgia Pass.

True, I am out.  Came down with something after Bailey.  Not sure if bad food or a bad water filter session or if I have been harboring a virus for a while that decided to finally show it's face.  From Hwy 285 to the Georgia Pass section I could barely walk....little own ride....lot of shuffling the feet and what-not.  Achy joints and body.  Very flu-like.  Also, had no appetite and all I wanted to do was drink water.  I think I drank like 180 oz of water in a few hours.....very odd.  I was also shivering cold and wearing a jacket. Riders passed me with their jerseys unzipped.  I knew something was wrong.  This race/ride/route is way too hard to go at if half ass.  Right now planning a ITT of the CT in 2 weeks.

Few race notes....

1.  I spent most of my time riding with Ethan and Doug.  Jesse was off the front from the start.  Only saw him a few times the rest of the day.

2.  Doug crashed in the first mile of the race on one of the log drops.  Think he broke a finger.  Finger did NOT look good when I saw him in the Dredge Lot outside Breckenridge.

3. Kevin Thomas is on a SS.  Strong rider.  Had to battle with him at Vapor Trail 125 last year.

4. Weather is forecasted to get pretty dangerous the next few days....lots of heavy rain and lightening.  Personally, knowing the weather forecast right now, I would NOT want to be on any of the ridgelines around Breck, Copper, or Leadville this afternoon/evening.

Going to be interesting to watch how this unfolds.

Finally, Yes, Sonya Looney is also out.

In last year's race, spectators handed out goodies to CTR racers--but only to the fast guys. It was rather demoralizing to miss the cupcake stand. And it really sucked to come across the pile of trash that at one time held cool drinks enjoyed by the faster riders!  Personally, I think that ALL "trail magic" should be banned, aside from Apple (who has snacks for EVERYONE)!

People were handing out 'goodies' last year to the leaders?  I must have missed this. Only 'Trail Angel' I came across last year was right at the end of Section 17 right before crossing Hwy 114.  This was a 10x10 tent man'd by the President of the Colorado Trail Foundation and his 2 man crew.  He was there for the week to support anyone passing thru.

Stayed at the Travelodge while in Durango for the Durango Dirty Century.  It was the least expensive hotel/motel we could find in Durango.  It is nice enough and within walking distance of a grocery store and some dining options.

The hostel is nice....if that is your thing.

http://www.travelodge.com/Travelodge/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=09441

According to Forest Service website, there is no water:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTn0AjAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEADoWIdk!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110204&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003741&recid=33524&ttype=recarea&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&pname=Grand+Mesa%2C+Uncompahgre+and+Gunnison+National+Fore+-+Slumgullion+Campground

Riding from Denver to Kenosha Pass is good right now.  Kenosha Pass to Leadville to Buena Vista has a lot of snow at the higher elevations (11,000 + ft).  Could prove to be 'interesting' come Aug 1.  It's been warm here in CO the last month or so....and right now we are in a monsoonal flow, so it's raining every afternoon.  Aug 1 should be good for CTR and there should be plenty of water on route.  Mosquitoes could also be a huge issue this year.  There will likely be some snow out there....but IMO not enough to effect CTR.  Here are some pics from the last 50 miles of the CT near Durango taken last weekend.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffkerkove/sets/72157627102563714/

Here are a bunch of photos from the CT outside Durango.  These were taken on 7-2-11 during the Durango Dirty Century.













All photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffkerkove/sets/72157627102563714/

Snap shot of 12,000 ft from the big mountains just west of Denver.  Still have some snow to melt!  Photos taken on Saturday, June 25.  10-Mile Range climb from Breckenridge to Copper Mnt could be interesting come Aug 1.