TD Rule #3 FAQs
Rule 3 reads...
Racers must always ride 100% of the 'main' ACA Great Divide Route[3] based on the most current edition of the maps; otherwise inter/intra-year comparisons are meaningless. Previous map editions may not be used unless updated with the current ACA Addenda. At times along the GDMBR, ACA maps provide cues for alternate routes. No alternates to the main route can be used with the exception of the following THREE in NM:
- The 116-mile section between Cuba and Grants, New Mexico. The main route is impassable and potentially dangerous when wet, so racers have the option to follow the alternate paved route.
- The 40-mile section between Grants and the Pie Town road, through El Malpais National Monument. Zuni Canyon (main route south of Grants) is commonly closed for fire danger.
- The ~12-mile section of Continental Divide NST between Sapillo Campground on NM Hwy 35 and NM 15 (just North of Pinos Altos / Silver City)
FAQs: If you have a question re. Rule 3 not answered below, post it using the comment form
Comments
fire closures
What if a part of the route is officially closed for fire? I read in the past that Pete B said "just ride through anyway". What is the rule in that case?
Fire
Road/forest closure along the GDMBR due to fire is an 'act of god'-type occurrence. No racer will be penalized for taking a mandatory detour.
If a racer encounters a closure boundary, there may be little or no info on the ground as to the degree of closure (ie. automobile vs. all travel). How a racer proceeds is up to them. TD does not advocate riding through any active fire without approval from powers that be.
Asterisk: The down side of mandatory route detours is they make it difficult to compare the affected efforts/elapsed times to the record books.
Thanks. I would ignore
Thanks. I would ignore simple "Road Closed" signs as these usually only pertain to motor vehicles - an important point for international racers to know. I was more concerned about cases where officials (in person) tell racers that a route is closed due to fire (and will not be re-opened within a reasonable time i.e. a few hours). In most cases the alternate will be a longer route to loop around back to the main route anyway, so "penalty paid".
Re. Thanks I would ignore
To "ignore" unmanned closure barricades is the rider's (solo) prerogative and done at the rider's own risk. Just b/c a closure boundary isn't manned doesn't mean the area is not closed to all thru-travel. Fire crews are often shorthanded and unable to man closure boundaries. That said, use your judgement and you'll be fine. It goes without saying that blowing through a manned closure is asking for trouble and damaging to all GDMBR thru-riders.
No Problem
No problem. I'm unfamiliar with the term "closure boundary" - I was referring to a plain old Road Closed sign that may be leftover from winter road closures or because of washouts, etc. Obviously if a barricade says "Closed for fire" and there is smoke ahead I will try to track down additional info.
Pacecar?
I've read stories of pacecar confusion during the race. Is it required to take the pacecar thru major construction zones?
Re. Pacecar?
It is generally required to follow all DOT rules through construction zones. If the flagmen require cyclists to take the pacecar, then racers must take the pacecar. Always check what the policy is first before blasting past a flagman. Same goes for route detours (construction or otherwise). Follow detours if they are mandatory.
Addenda
Previous map editions may not be used unless updated with the current ACA Addenda.
The addenda only addresses any changes that apply to that years maps.
Updating the the 07 maps with the 09 addenda will not help with course changes.
There are some significant changes between some of the 07 and 09 maps.
i.e. the course reroute in Steamboat Springs comes to mind.`
Fire closures
I am in need of clarification for fire closures. This has been a dry winter for some parts of the Rockies, and significant stands of beetlekill pine abound. So, I foresee a higher than normal fire danger. So following hypothetical scenario:
Leaving Steamboat Springs, the route to Radium is obstructed by fire closure. I learn this at Stagecoach lake. I now have multiple route choices. I could take the "easy" route, south on HWY 40 and reconnect with route in Kremmling, or I could, with some knowledge, cobble together (invent) a route that approaches the length of the original route section and proceed south on HWY 131 to Toponas, head over Gore pass and reconnect with route in Kremmling. This of course presumes knowledge of surroundings, or maps on hand.
Q: What is the appropriate strategy in everyone's opinion?
Reply to Erik re. Fire closures
When faced with route closure a conscientious Divide racer tries to ride the maximum amount of official GDMBR possible (within reason), detouring at the last possible safe opportunity, rejoining at the earliest safe opportunity.
In your specific example, TD would probably favor the hwy131 detour because it includes Lynx Pass (max GDMBR miles). Unfortunately, there can be no real 'wrong' detour route when GDMBR closure confusion looms.
We hope never to need to split hairs in comparing riders' detour routes, but it's possible with numerous Lodgepole beetle-kill in-holdings, a major detour may one day be necessary.
Generally an entire field of challengers loses when big detours are necessary, as it's next to impossible to compare affected times to the record books. Sure, there can be race results, but times always have an asterisk in the historical GC.
Has anyone not taken these detours?
Just curious, seems from my bit of TD watching that everyone takes the two NM detours mentioned, is it true? is it common practice for racers to always take the detours even if dry and no fire danger? Thanks Jefe
Detours
Jefe,
Yes, generally most racers do take the chaco and el malpais alternates regardless of weather. Having ridden both the main route and these alternates, I can attest the alternates are definitely faster--and contain resupply. These alternates were at one time a heated GDR steering committee discussion but they were never outlawed, I'd say mostly due to the power of 'Stamstad precedent'. Sure, all that pavé does go against our better mountain bike sensibilities but as for me, I've tried to pick my 'race route' battles carefully.
FWIW, currently the main cuba to grants route is closed due to private land closures so it hasn't been an option since `08.
-Matthew
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