Tour Divide 2010

[Jeff Tomassetti]

Can I not read? Was he 9 hours behind? Thanks for sorting that out.

[Jeff Tomassetti]

Well, a tiny bit off topic, my 18 year old nephew and I are starting a "test run" from Banff to Jackson Hole starting July 1st. If you wish you can read about our trip, see photos and follow us on SPOT. http://www.jazztadventure.blogspot.com/
We are also planning side trips into Glacier and Yellowstone. I am sure we will learn a lot, because we are "greenhorns".

[krefs]

Can I not read? Was he 9 hours behind? Thanks for sorting that out.

He was 90 minutes ahead of record pace according to the split at Abiquiu.  That's where the detour took off from the GDR, so the detour was roughly 8 hours faster.  That's not at all surprising given how much climbing and rocky 2-track was avoided.

[redtabby]

He was 90 minutes ahead of record pace according to the split at Abiquiu.  That's where the detour took off from the GDR, so the detour was roughly 8 hours faster.  That's not at all surprising given how much climbing and rocky 2-track was avoided.

Were there mud issues last year in the (detoured) area that is on fire this year?  I remember last year the Rainbow Gathering people asking Matt to slow down but can't quite recall if the worst of the mud was in NM or further north.

[krefs]

Were there mud issues last year in the (detoured) area that is on fire this year?  I remember last year the Rainbow Gathering people asking Matt to slow down but can't quite recall if the worst of the mud was in NM or further north.

There were mud issues on just about every stretch last year, but between Abiquiu and Cuba there was miraculously none.  The hippies just wanted Matthew to slow down and really take in life.  I'm pretty sure that's what he was already doing, though.

[mtbcast]

There were mud issues on just about every stretch last year, but between Abiquiu and Cuba there was miraculously none.  The hippies just wanted Matthew to slow down and really take in life.  I'm pretty sure that's what he was already doing, though.

I found it funny that they pulled Deanna in and let her hang out. She was the perfect person to stop in there.

[SimonK]

Can only speak for 2008 (although some things don't change). I had an early dinner in Abiquiu and did the climb as soon as it started to cool down a bit. If you start counting from the big intersection down the road from Abiquiu, this is the longest climb of the Great Divide - the bottom half has some nasty corrugated bits and the top third has a lot of sand traps and exposed bedrock - riding 100% is a good effort. I set up camp near the top at about 10:30, feeling pretty content. What was surprising was the effort to get along the tops and into Cuba. This took me 6 hrs and I wasn't stopping anywhere for long (due to warnings about a mountain lion. I saw fresh prints in a sandy patch that morning). I guess the sand could be better in the wet.
[FWIW, my pace was 19 days for the GDR, so a bit slower than Matt]
The mud between Pietown and Mimbres is potentially much worse.

[l-s-d]

Between Cuba and Grants the ACA routing is through beautiful remote landscape on rough roads, a stellar piece of the whole GDMBR.  However, the TD (and GDR) rules allow riders to choose a paved alternative, which nearly all racers choose.  Likewise, south of Grants most racers take a permitted alternate paved route instead of the primary ACA route.  I think a couple years back one or two racers did take the ACA routing, but I don't remember their names.

It was Bruce Dinsmore.

[JMeiser]

Patrick Tsai is in Colorado! Go Patrick! Does anyone know his Bio?

Patrick is from Minneapolis, MN.  I met with him a couple weeks before he left for his trip to talk about the experience.  He may not have the speed under his legs, but I think he has the demeanor to take it to the finish. 

[jimfab]

Can you help put some faces with names ... I've figured out a number of who's who from various sources, but a listing L-R, front row/back row might be nice if someone knows the gang.

Thanks!

P.S. Good ride, MTN Turtle! The bike gave out before you did.

I wish i could help you there, I don't remember everybody's names. I will tell who i know... On L giving peace sign is the guy from Banff, To his L in the pants is the mountain Turtle, The goofy lookin guy in front without a helmet is me ( i did wear a helmet in the race), Directly above me in a light blue jersey is Aidan Harding, To my L is Dave T, to his L is Dave B, above him in grey jacket is some guy named Matt Lee, Far R in picture in blue jacket is Jeff K, I am sorry i can't remember more. Many of these folks i met for the first time that morning. i found it better for me to remember where people were from. Was an absolute blast. I am already making plans to be back next year, for much longer this time!

Cheers- Jim

[mtbcast]

Matthew Lee gives us a call in and update from Separ! So he's closing in!

[mtbcast]

Episode TD Day 18 GDR Day 11 is up! http://tinyurl.com/2v33ou7

[vistaed]

Seems like Matthew Lee made it to the border some 17 minutes ago. 17.16.13 since the start. 

[SimonK]

Very impressive. That Matt can do these fast finishes year after year is truly incredible. To be running the event as well.....the man is solid!

[scott-australia]

Well done Matt Lee.  And come on Patrick Tsai!  Got to love the lantern rouge.

[Sleipner]

Congratulations to Mathew Lee. While pondering his bike theft incident, would like to ask the Tour Divide racers, what they do with their bikes when they eat at restaurants, shop for food, and resupply at gas stations? Do you carry a chain or cable to lock up your bike? Do you hide your bike? As every gram counts it would not seem possible to carry any locking mechanism and if one does not, it must be nerve racking while carrying on the above listed activities. All it takes is one nut to ruin one's race and years of preparation.

[bjamin]

If someone really wants to steal your bike, they'll find away. But here are a few that have worked for me:
1) leave the bike in the biggest gear. makes for a hard pedal strokes. might be able to catch them on foot
2) clip your helmet thru the front wheel spokes
3) leave a banana peel on the seat
4) take your saddle with you
5) remove the front wheel
6) drop the chain (intensionally)
7) lock it up with a light weight lock

[mtbcast]

Erik and Blaine have called in from Silver City. Storms made the ride a mess!

[krefs]

Erik and Blaine have called in from Silver City. Storms made the ride a mess!

But they're done with mud!  It's pretty much all sandy or pavement from there on out! 

[naked indian]

Wow, What a race!!!

Looks like Blaine's in Second again and opened up a 6 mile or so gap, NICELY DONE!

Amazing race this year so far!!!