Colorado Trail Race

[FLV]

Now that sounds like a cracking trip.

[mountainbaker]

http://www.bikepacking.com/routes/bikep ... ado-trail/

Cracking photos.

[D Faff Master]

That's a useful link. Thanks.

[GregMay]

Nice! Thanks for that

[D Faff Master]

Just found out that a whole load of my in laws are coming over to the UK next summer from New Zealand.

No way I'll be able to do the Colorado Trail next year now.....Boo

They've got family links in the Outer Hebridies so looks like we'll be going there instead so not all bad news.

That leaves me still searching for an event preferably a 5/6 day one to focus on for next year.... that doesn't involve being in the Highlands at the end of May!

[GregMay]

That leaves me still searching for an event preferably a 5/6 day one to focus on for next year.... that doesn't involve being in the Highlands at the end of May!

Beat me to it.

[AlasdairMc]

That leaves me still searching for an event preferably a 5/6 day one to focus on for next year.... that doesn't involve being in the Highlands at the end of May!

I'm heading out to do an ITT on the Trans North Georgia in November this year. There's a mass start in a couple of weeks' time but I'm meeting a couple of other HTR finishers out there for another route beforehand (Daniel Jessee and Andy Farish for anyone that know them from the HTR430), so just looking at the ITT as I'm in the area.

Anyway, the route is 350 miles, 56000 ft ascent, typically taking 2 to 7 days. I'm aiming for 5 to 7 as I'm in no hurry and still want to be able to walk by the end. The weather in November is likely something akin to this year's Scottish summer but with less rain.

[D Faff Master]

Sounds good Alasdair. As I'm a teacher I'm limited to school holidays..... so I'll have to give that one a miss.

I'll look forward to hearing about it afterwards on here

[FLV]

http://bikepackersmagazine.com/jesse-ja ... rd-holder/


some words and pics with the new record holder.

[ZeroDarkBivi]

Denver to Durango, starts 0600 24 July 2016.

So, who's up for it?

I will have 3 months to get ready after I get back to the UK, assuming my new boss doesn't throw a track.

For those with insight, is there a one-stop-shop online resource for route planning info, etc? The CTR datebook looks like a good start, but the postage to the UK costs more than the book!

[Chew]

Get in contact with Mr AlanG. I'm sure he'd point you in the right direction

[johnnystorm]

Denver to Durango, starts 0600 24 July 2016.

So, who's up for it?

I will have 3 months to get ready after I get back to the UK, assuming my new boss doesn't throw a track.

For those with insight, is there a one-stop-shop online resource for route planning info, etc? The CTR datebook looks like a good start, but the postage to the UK costs more than the book!

The guidebook is due a new edition in April and £18 on pre-order with Amazon. This databook is under a tenner....
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Colorado-Trail- ... rado+trail

[GregMay]

I tried to persuade my wife that it would be ok to stay on after the Divide and do the CTR - she could even bring my other bike over.

I got told, in no uncertain terms, where I could go with that idea.

I didn't even bother raising the concept with work :)

But, I'm on for 2017.

[johnnystorm]

But, I'm on for 2017.

Assuming the TD doesn't kill my love of bikes, or any chance of ever taking my bike somewhere again this event appeals as I wouldn't need time off......I'll broach the subject later. Much later.

[GregMay]

But, I'm on for 2017.

Assuming the TD doesn't kill my love of bikes, or any chance of ever taking my bike somewhere again this event appeals as I wouldn't need time off......I'll broach the subject later. Much later.

Similar, but it's all part of my 3 year plan - TD, CTR, TD (but faster)

Still no idea how this actually passed the "Wife, I have an idea.." stage.

[Ian]

Still no idea how this actually passed the "Wife, I have an idea.." stage.

Particularly if you address her as "Wife"

[GregMay]

Still no idea how this actually passed the "Wife, I have an idea.." stage.

Particularly if you address her as "Wife"

As I get addressed as husband quite often!

Traditional Irish addressing complex

[ZeroDarkBivi]

I suspect all those racing in the USA this summer areTD focussed. Just had a look at flights to Denver and somewhat disappointed to find they are now the best part of £1200 before bike fees, unless I travel East via Dubai! Not sure whether I just take the pain, or if they might reduce as time goes on...

[johnnystorm]

Have a look at West Jet for flights. Coming up at 700 quid return London to Denver in August. About 40 quid to take a bike.

[ZeroDarkBivi]

Johnny, just tried that, but only London option was LGW, which doesn't have a Denver route. What airports did you use?

[johnnystorm]

Johnny, just tried that, but only London option was LGW, which doesn't have a Denver route. What airports did you use?

Whoops, small screen....London Ontario!

[AlanG]

Anyone following this? With less than 100 miles to go there is a rookie to bikepacking races out in the lead about ten miles ahead of race veteran Jefe Branham. However the real story is Neil Belchenko, who is just ten miles behind Jefe having started a day later! He set off with the group but had bike issues early on so scratched, got his bike fixed and restarted the next day. Looking like he will break the course record, would be an amazing effort if he could catch the two ahead of him.

[GregMay]

I've been watching in the background - I was pretty stunned to see Neil back on the road and going so hard. Jefe is racing well, happy to see that he went back again.

Spent some time on the TD talking with riders who've done it and milking their brains. Have the all clear for next years trip already :)

[whitestone]

Neil's write-up: http://bikepackersmagazine.com/colorado ... ime-trial/

[GregMay]

This years CTR started yesterday - leaders just about to finish the first 100miles.

Chris Plesko is up at the front on a rigid singlespeed. Looks like Kurt, who was leading, hasn't pinged in 8hrs. Hopefully SPOT issues.

Watching with interest as I'm hoping to be there next year.