TDR 2017

[GregMay]

Well that is moderatly annoying. There were plenty of people I'd have liked to murder at Macs Truckstop before the border to Idaho.

[GregMay]

And to your Right Lee, are the Tetons . Enjoy the nice descent. The next section is _quite_ difficult.

[mountainbaker]

Well that is moderatly annoying. There were plenty of people I'd have liked to murder at Macs Truckstop before the border to Idaho.

Oh yes, what a place.

[ianfitz]

The Craigie is seeking medical attention for a seriously swollen face.

[NewRetroTom]

The Craigie is seeking medical attention for a seriously swollen face.

Sounds like she's planning to get going again in the morning. Hope she is recovered properly and whatever it was doesn't come back.

Rickie is camped at Diagnus Well. A proper night out in the desert.

[GregMay]

A night solo in the Basin is one of the major pleasures of the route. Wonderful out there.

DSC00589.jpg by Greg.May, on Flickr

DSC00614.jpg by Greg.May, on Flickr

DSC00633.jpg by Greg.May, on Flickr

[GregMay]

What is interesting is how close Brian Lucido is now to Mikes dot. 3.5 hours off at Salida. Mike stopped for a "proper" rest here, so it was one of the two spots to catch up on time. If he pushes and cuts sleep it may be a chance to get back on while the riding is fast.

Wondering with the heat that is kicking out over there now if the fire issues in the Gila are going to raise their heads again?

[GregMay]

JP into the second half of the Basin now, onto the racers re-route.

He's top 10 now after starting a day behind everyone.

[mountainbaker]

He's sailing across the basin!

[NewRetroTom]

He's sailing across the basin!

Was it ever clarified if that constituted cheating or not?

Either way I'd assume that these days JP is not only ensuring that he is racing within the rules, but also that he is seen to be within the rules.

[mountainbaker]

I have no idea, it was just a joke! I'm sure he doesn't cheat now, there's a lot of scrutiny these days.

Also, I think that the 'no sail' rule was added as a result of that incident, so at the time it was within the rules. Need to dig out that open letter from mike curiak..

[NewRetroTom]

I have no idea, it was just a joke!

Don't worry - it was very much taken in that spirit. I did have a re-read of Mike Curiak's open letter. He was really very angry!

Rickie has made it to that renowned beauty spot that is Wamsutter. Hope she gets a decent lunch at Love's Travel Stop.

[atk]

Wondering with the heat that is kicking out over there now if the fire issues in the Gila are going to raise their heads again?

Seems like a fire in Bonita will affect the route (big red line)



from: http://bikepacker.com/2017-tour-divide-news/

[GregMay]

AHh the great sail incident. I do expect he is doing all he can to be seen to be within the rules when he is. Can't discount that the sail was a chuffing brilliant idea. He was an adventure racer after all, just using knowledge from another life.

Pity they are going to miss that section of the Gila, it's beautiful.

[GregMay]

Rickie has made it to that renowned beauty spot that is Wamsutter. Hope she gets a decent lunch at Love's Travel Stop.

Ahh yes, Wamsutter.

DSC00642.jpg by Greg.May, on Flickr

Rhymes with grithole.

[atk]

Swissroll?

Mmm... cake...

[Justchris]

JP into the second half of the Basin now, onto the racers re-route.

He's top 10 now after starting a day behind everyone.

Was it one or two days?

[GregMay]

You know, you're right, it was two days behind he started

[GregMay]

In other news - Ben Steurbaut has now broken his frame.

[jameso]

Wassis about a sail?

[GregMay]

Wassis about a sail?

JP used a sail (power kite) across the Basin a few years ago - 2007 IIRC? GDMBR days I think.

EDIT:
Hence the introduction of this rule:
Advancing (forward) on the route by any means other than one's own pedal power is strictly prohibited. No drafting. Use of any type of air scoop or umbrella sail intended to harness wind power is also prohibited.

Followed quickly by may favourite part, which is often bluntly ignored:
TD is a solo challenge, however, racing in the company of other challengers is tolerated. Again, no drafting, and each rider must maintain separate gear. One complete survival kit per rider.

[NewRetroTom]

Lee seems to be heading away from the route at 40mph. Guess the attempt at continuing has not worked out. Hope she is ok and mends quickly with some rest.

[jameso]

Lee's allergy is a shame, must be hard to be delayed by something random like that.

JP was called out for a ride on a skidoo in the Idita, or at least plenty of speculation about whether he did ot not. I'd not heard about the sail incident though : ) That's as funny as it is impressive that he could steer a bike and handle the kite at the same time ..

Also in thinking it was time I read up on the bikepacking.net thread, saw this - http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/bikepa ... e-stories/
bound to be interesting, Mike's take on the route isn't that positive it seems, I expect it's worth a read. I've always wondered what he made of the TD coming along after he started the GDR.

"As Jan dropped his haul of loot on the sidewalk he reached across and placed an open beer next to me, making clear that it was mine. I'd heard stories of Jan's training rides involving pub stops and camelbaks full of suds, so his kind offering wasn't a surprise. The thing is, I don't much care for the taste of beer, and certainly not when riding. So I thanked him but declined the gift, reaching it back his way.

Jan speaks excellent english with a thick slavic accent, and I wish I could properly imitate both his disbelieving look and the response that accompanied it:

"But, how are you so good without beer?""

.. about Jan Kopka

[whitestone]

Lee seems to be heading away from the route at 40mph. Guess the attempt at continuing has not worked out. Hope she is ok and mends quickly with some rest.

It appears that her bike is broken - https://twitter.com/leecraigie_/status/ ... 5919527936

[GregMay]

Shame. Reality is the 35% finish rate applies to everyone. Some just get lucky and finish.