Gdr 2007

[mimbresman]

I like this event (http://greatdividerace.blogspot.com/). Its an epic adventure and a race of attrition. A lot of mechanicals seem be suspension parts blowing up. Matthew Lee's problems last year with his Lefty cost him a record run.

[phlatlander]

I couldn't wait for this to start this year. Great daily updates on mtbcast.com.

Especially after le Tour last year, I now look forward to following this more than TDF. :)

[mimbresman]

The finishers go through my hometown (Silver City, NM)about a day from the finish at Antelope Wells which is a bonus. Unfortunately I won't be there this year when they come through.

[mimbresman]

Listened to episode 4 of the podcast. Lots of fun. Like phlat points out, the TDF has lost its shine. The GDR kicks ass.

[ironspoke]

I'm always intrigued by these ultra marathon events. There is a new book out called the EFI Club which I'm planning on buying and I also read a book a few years back about the early years of RAAM. The mental and physical abilities these cyclist display is amazing shit indeed.

I had a chance last fall to ride a bit with Dan Chew (RAAM winner a couple of times) and to hear him discuss his riding philosphy is pretty wild.

Is there anyone on this board who has ever participated in any of these sick races?? I mean the longest I have ever ridden was 50 miles on a road bike (10 laps around a 5 mile lake.....very boring) and 33 miles offroad (Laurel Mountain Classic back in the early 90's....saw Maurice there riding a tandem that year). I have zero clue what its like to really suffer on a bike. My rides anymore seem to be these little jaunts of a few hours max and thats it.

[mimbresman]

When I was younger and stronger, I was into cyclotouring. I could/would ride 100+ miles back to back days, but that was on pavement. I've done some 50+ mile days offroading. It is tough. These guys are doing 120 to 150 offroad miles in a day!

The last leg of the GDR goes through my home turf of the Gila, then into the desert for the last stretch to Antelope Wells.

The Gila is brutal. There is a lot of steep climbs and descents, its full of babyheads, (all volcanic and igneous in origin), plus its hot and dry, especially in June and July. Not much water to be found. It is necessary to carry as much water as possible in the Gila. I've done some 4 hour rides where I've carried 3 large waterbottles, plus a 100 oz Camelbak and still have run out of water!

John Stamstad said the Gila was the hardest part of the route back in 1999 when he established the first record. (I also heard this comment from Matt Lee in 2005). John's rear wheel blew up on the North Star road (from the Beaverhead ranger station to the Mimbres River valley). He limped it into Silver City where it had to replaced. (For a long time, a good friend, Mike, would continually brag that he had Stamstad's wheel. He happened to be in the bikeshop that day and bought the blown wheel from Stamstad.)

Definitely a race of attrition.

Photos: One of our Gila trails along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).

[Nick Verstain]

I've done some 24s and 12s, but that's just doing a buncha laps around the same mountain. Also did Telluride to Durango, but that was more high-altitude MTB touring than racing. GDR looks to be both fun and dangerous, my favorite mix.
But I still love Le Tour; even with the stupid doping, it is a magnificent event. Maybe they oughta make it for amateurs only. With a lottery to get in. And on whatever bikes ya got. In the old days, riders could eat and drink for free at taverns on the route. I like that format!

[ironspoke]

nick,

I have one of those big posters in a nice frame from the 1921 Tour where these two riders (Colle and Parel) are sitting on a step drinking beer. Man, that beer HAD to have tasted amazing to those two guys.

Brunel's Intimate Portrait of the Tour is a nice book even though it makes virtually no mention of Greg LeMond.

[ironspoke]

yikes!

mimbresman I just see a bunch of huge rocks...there is a trail in there somewhere???

[mimbresman]

Thats a technical little stretch. It smooths out after about 100 meters or so. It is 100% ridable. I was slow going through there last year. My riding buddies (who ride up there more than I do since I don't live there anymore), just blasted through it!

Photo: This photo was taken the day before when I was riding with the "old guys". This section is about 1/2 mile or so past the baby heads. A fast down hill section on the CDT.

[ironspoke]

looks perfect!!!!!!!!

[mimbresman]

New feature on the GDR website...a leader board (http://topofusion.com/divide/GDR07.htm). Now its easier to keep track of rider's progress. Looks like a 3-way race right now. Jay Petervary and Pete Basinger on a record breaking pace with Matt Lee on a record tieing pace.

[althegud1srtakn]

wow that's an awesome race. it looks like it's pretty much the trans-rockies for the real hardcore, am i right or is it different?

[mimbresman]

Looks like Jay Petervary is still on a record breaking pace. Matt Lee is in second probably about 10 hours behind. Jay´ll probably be in NM tomorrow.