Attrition

It sounds as though the ‘sprint finish’ I mentioned yesterday was a figment of my imagination. Grant Crosby’s post finish call-in said he and Derek Richert, Tom Moriarty and Jacob Johnsrud all rolled in to the border together, finishing very early in the morning of July fourth (though their split times still show a five minute spread). Shawn Sheppard preceded them by about an hour and a half, and then Dave Preston. (EDIT: In fact, Shawn has just posted a comment to say he finished after Derek, Grant, Tom and Jacob).
So, that’s 17 riders finished already, all in less than 23 days – considerably more riders going considerably faster than previous years, and already the highest number of official finishers. There are also seven riders still on course, of course. Even if they all finish, giving a total of 24 who made it all the way, that will still give an attrition rate of 50%, comparable to the historical figure. Hats off to all who finish, then, but also to all those who made it to the start line. After all, just knowing how high the risk of not making it is is enough to deter lots of people.

Paul Howard

Two Wheels on My Wagon