Colorado bound

No, it wasn’t the whisky that scuppered attempts to post some commentary yesterday (honest), it was the absence of internet connections and the succession of traffic jams on the way home. Apologies, and thanks to Jeff Potter for uploading the pictures of Erik Lobeck.

Now, while I was making slow progress, the 27 remaining racers seem to have continued to make good ground. I see the relentless Matthew Lee is now on the Colorado border, just about where I saw my first rattlesnake last year (Trevor Browne – Mind the snake Paul; Me – pardon?; TB – The snake – mind the snake!; Me – The what?; TB – The snake… Oh, that was close). He’ll probably stop for some sort of breakfast at the incomparable Brush Mountain Lodge (hello Kirsten) – all riders, this unlikely outpost is worth the trip alone. Then he’s got a rough passage before arriving in Steamboat Springs and the opportunity to give the bike the once over at orange Peel Bikes.

Blaine Nester should also make into Steamboat by the end of today, having first to traverse a punishing series of rolling hills to make it to where Matthew is camped. Erik Lobeck could possibly make it back to his home town too, though he’ll have to resist the temptation to stay at home for the night if he does. He made it into an article in the local paper there last year, which provided a diverting read while staying at the Rabbit Ears motel.

Those between Pinedale and Rawlins are about to embark on one of the most ontable features of the Tour Divide – the Great Divide Basin. The massive, open horizons – the landscape is a bit like a rumpled table cloth, with very little in the way of height variation – can be intimidating, but it’s a compelling place. It’s also a chance to cover good ground if the sun is not too potent, or the headwinds too annoying.

Another step back, the continued progress of riders over Togwotee and Union Passes is reassuring. The top of Union Pass and the upper valley of the Green River is a beautiful area, but the climb is steep. On Togwotee it’s the mud and snow after the top that’s the issue. I haven’t listened to all the call-ins yet to know how bad it is this year. It’s not a particularly long stretch, but it can be a nasty surprise.

Most of the remaining riders are now either about to clear Montana – down the wonderful Centennial valley – or are in Idaho, having just struggled with the joys of the old railway line. It’s flat, but that’s the only good thing about it. The soft soil and relentless bumps caused by the removal of track sleepers and the pounding from quad bikes make it an uncomfortable experience. Stephen Huddle’s

More pictures from Todd Ison to come tomorrow (unless Jeff Potter gets there first). In the meantime, here’s his latest in situ report. Sorry to learn of Pete Fateh’s sore knee, but it’s good to hear Stephen, Cricket and Nicolas are going well.

[YEP! Here I am! Pics uploaded presently... JP]

“Further greetings from Island Park, Id along the TD trail.  This Father's Day was a mixed blessing for TD rider Pete Faeth, who had to drop out yesterday due to injuries.  However, he was able to make it home for Father's Day.  The undersigned and wife had prepared a support poster for Pete had he made it to Island Park (see attached picture). It turns out we are neighbors back home in Rancho Murieta although we have yet to meet.  The poster will remain at our cabin until his return one day. You can't keep a good warrior down.

The other attached photos taken in the early afternoon on June 20 were of a trio of riders, who took advantage of the good weather and hoped to make it to the Warm Springs campground by day's end.  The rider in the lime green outfit is Steve Huddle of Cincinnati, OH, who at 26 may be the youngest rider still remaining on the TD this year.  Steve rode the TD last year, but had to drop out in New Mexico because he was too sick to finish the last 600 miles.  He's determined to make it to Mexico this year. 

The rider in the red and black is Cricket Butler, who appears to be the only remaining woman in the race.  Cricket also competed last year in the TD but had to drop our because of sickness too.  She is riding to raise funds supporting Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes.  More information is on the TD website. The third rider in the group in yellow is Nicolas Senie of France, who wanted to make sure his picture was sent to his girlfriend in Ireland.  Will do, Nic.  One other shot is of two marmots enjoying the TD riders.  All for now.  Todd Ison, a fan of the TD.”

Thanks again Todd.

Paul Howard

Two Wheels on My Wagon