GDR overview map

Is anyone not completely wrapped up in the GDR updates?  I didn't think so ;)

Jay P. has really busted the start wide open, but now they've all been moving awhile it sounds like the effort is starting to really sink in.  From his last call in:

Uh, JP here. It's 7:20 PM, Tuesday, and uh, I just got into Flagg Ranch. And uh, had a decent day. Things are taking shape. Waking up, and taking a long time before I can actually sit down, due to the rear end. And uh, had quite a bumpy ride on that stretch from Island Park, on the railroad bed. And uh, other than that, you know, starting to get hot. The heat's here. So... Just uh, going OK though. So I'm just clicking away. Feels good to be here in Wyoming. So, just feeling the vibes from everyone that knows I'm here. Alright, I'll check in with you next time. Thanks.

I can relate to that.  He's on an Orbea hardtail so for sure his butt is taking a beating.  There's no way I'd do the event on a HT but I'm soft.  I don't know the history of this race that well and don't know if it has ever started this fast (for the leaders).  It sure seems like JP is burning a ton of matches early on.  The tough part of an aggressive start strategy is backing it down.  Everytime I start hard it becomes a "go till ya blow" event.

I put together a couple of overview maps with the names of the towns from the ACA GD stage overview maps.  It helps a bit when trying to get context between the reports and the actual locations of the riders. 

Here's the northern half. 

The southern half.  KMC and GLR route included for perspective.  Geez...

Rock on riders!

Late edit:  Doh!  Of course I should have known Scott would have a GPX available for this beast.  That means we get to check out a profile too.  Lot's of spikes riding this Great Divide route.

Published Wednesday, June 20, 2007 5:57 AM by Dave

Comments

# @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 7:25 AM

I really like the KMC and GLR comparisons, pretty cool and it puts things into perspective don't it. GDR is HUGE!

Looking at the profile, well at least it's all downhill after about mile 2,450 :-)

If you want the record you gotta go for it and JayP is certainly putting the hammer down w/ Pete and Matt dogging him. I wonder if there will be a lull in his momentum and then a gradual pick-up as his body adjusts and he feels the pull of the finish? That's IF his body and mind adjust and hold up.

Dave N is the other one I'm watching - fixie, sheesh!

Nah, I'm not wrapped up in the GDR ;-)

Later Dave.

Ed

edemtbs

# @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 7:42 AM

I didn't see a giant tub of chamois cream strapped to JayP's bike at the start line so I hope he is properly equipped in that regard! A rear end gone bad is a common reason RAAM guys end up DNF'ing.
I wonder if the lead three are riding their own races or are making pace/sleep decisions based on the other riders positions?

dave byers

# @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 8:11 AM

Maybe JayP has an iron butt? I'm quickly learning to appreciate what I've got in that regard esp talking to DH and Stefen.

I talked to Dave Nice this morning and he's well. Having some trouble with his foot from a trail incident but it seems like something that will get better with time,not a tear or something worse. He's headed off to Wise River hopefully at the moment.

This race is so huge. It would be so much fun to do in that sick twisted way. Something is going to have to change in my job situation before I can ever think about it though.

plesko

# @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 9:08 AM

LOL! look at that little itty bitty GLR ;)

The GDR has been quality drama. Even the pretty mundane call-ins are gripping.

This one is shaping up to be a huge finish, with 2-3 guys battling all the way to Mexico. Anything can happen though, so who knows....

Thanks for the visuals Dave.



Adam L.

# @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 9:13 AM

Hmmm? GDR? What's that?

The only think I'm wondering now is what I'm going to do at work when these guys actually finish the race. At the rate JP's going, if he can keep it up, that ain't gonna be long. He's sure showing no signs of slowing yet.

Go Iron Butt!

Geoff Roes

# @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 9:31 AM

"Maybe JayP has an iron butt?"

"Go Iron Butt!"

ROTFLMAO. This is the stuff of legends...and how nicknames are formed.

Have I ever mentioned where hairball came from? Oh, nevermind.

Go Iron Butt indeed. Go Pete. Go Matts. Go Dave, you can do it!

Hell, I'm rooting for everyone.

Dave

# @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 10:12 AM

"Have I ever mentioned where hairball came from?"

LOL, Dave I have wondered where that moniker came from. One day, after a long ride when stories are being told, perhaps the secret will be divulged :-)

Ed

edemtbs

# @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 8:23 PM

It just occured to me that In going away to race a 24 this weekend i'm not going to get any gdr updates for a couple days. that'll be tough, but it'll be so exciting to get home and read about 2 1/2 days of progress all at once.

Geoff Roes