Latest posts of: fastmtnbiker33w

I'm probably a bit late chiming in on this thread, but I was RV camped in the meadow about 100 meters down the North Swan road from where the CT crosses. I was camped up there for a week and talked to quite a few riders. The morning you guys started, my wife rode the CT from where it crosses Middle Fork Swan to the Dredge. I took my boy and dog on a walk up the road to the CT then headed down the CT in the direction towards the Dredge. About 1/4 mile in...after the trail leaves the flume line, it steepens quite a bit and throws a sharp rt hand switchback. I'd be willing to bet that I've ridden that section of the CT more than any non-Coloradon. Just before the switch back there was the sign suggesting a reroute due to tree-felling operations. A couple hours later, when I was back at camp, my wife returned from her ride telling me about the tree felling. I asked her, "Didn't you see the sign? The big orange one on the 2 or $300 mount in the middle of the trail?" She said, "No." Seriously? How did she not see it? It was HUGE and pretty much in the middle of the trail. She said there were several trees down and most of the crew no hablan ingles. She had to carry her bike over several downed trees and the crew guided her straight down the mountain (cutting a switchback) to regain the clear part of the trail.

Later that afternoon, after dragging my buddy around Mt. Guyot, we caught Kevin getting water out of the Middle Fork Swan. I told him about the tree cutting and suggested detour and he said, "I'm going to ride the entire trail." All I could think was that he probably wouldn't be riding it all if he meets up with that crew. They're going to be pissed again that they have to stop, make things safe, then reroute this guy to the clear part of the trail.

Later that evening while ambling around camp with the dog and kid, more riders came in debating the now Closed Trail. I told them that riders ahead of them had taken it. About an hour after that, Stefan came up and put up his little note.

A couple days later I talked to a pencil pusher working with contractors that were getting briefed on the "upgrades" they were going to be doing to the meadow that is frequented by rv'rs, tent campers, and Texas wheelchair users. I asked her about future felling operations in the area. Her answer will be addressed at the end of my post.

While the CTR is still probably just a small blip on the FS radar, you must consider the fact that you are posting finish times, advertising start times and rules, and gathering ....almost....75 "racers" at one location. The FS could easily add up all the supporters and "organizers" at the start of this thing and ticket everyone for gathering without or permit or something like that....not that they have the personnel to actually do that, but you never know.

I think that it is awesome that so many people gather to do this at the same time. I plan on spending next summer scouting most of the sections, doing a hundie or two, and if everything seems good, lining up on Aug. 1 or whatever day everyone decides to gather. Some of us are social beings and prefer a little bit of company on a mountain bike ride, and racing....albeit not the ultra style....has been a part of my life for 23 years.

So here's something to think about. Next year, after you've ridden the deadfall free stretch before you get to the Blair Witch area and pass by the Tiger Run RV park, you cross hwy 9 with just enough rations to make it to the top of Wheeler where you've got nothing but sweet DH to Copper, you roll up on a trail closure sign due to the cutting that is taking place in the area off of the Peaks Trail. How are you going to detour that one? Head up to Breck and take whatever Peak Road to the top? Drop down to Frisco and enjoy a beer or two and take that 3% grade bike path up to Copper?

You never know what will happen next year. Fire is always my biggest fear especially after starting this past summer's travels in New Mexico.

Granted I've never done one of these Ultras requiring the extensive gear collection, I've done plenty of the "free" endurance races around the suthwest and even hosted one. I also organize an official race that gets 150 racers in the middle of the freakin' winter. I've always found it quite humorous the attitudes involved in this unofficial non-racing racing crowd. Most have great attitudes, but occasionally someone whines or vents. Hell...I've found the seriousness at the pro level to be kind of humorous if not a bit sad. I'm personal friends with some of the best and have worked with Olympic level elite athletes in other sports. It would be awesome if they would stop taking things so seriously and have fun via a bit of suffering.

Maybe if someone wanted to they could print up a t-shirt that says, "I dq'd myself from an unofficial race." Then put the CT logo on the back with the year stamped on it. That would be funny.