Alan Goldsmith

Hi this is Alan, it's 2.49 on Saturday morning, I think, I'm in a hotel in Demming. We finished at just gone 11 this evening. 11.04 I think. That was me, John Fettis and Canon, we crossed the line together. And we got a lift out with Erik and his Mum. So. It's over. Another year. Last year wasn't a fluke. A BIG thanks to Matt Lee for getting it off the ground and having the vision and the perseverence to follow it through. And congratulations to him for his winning ride. Only a few hours off his own record I guess. Without the mud I'd imagine he would've beaten it easily. Well done to Kurt and Chris, amazing effort on a singlespeed. Jay and Tracey, well done! And I guess today we had 8 finishers in one day, so that's probably the most ever. And I'm going to bed now. Just before that, I'm going to have my first shower in New Mexico. Bye

Hi this is Alan, it's 5pm on Friday the 3rd, I'm in Separ just by the Interstate, only a few miles of dirt and then it's straight south on tarmac to the border, so maybe there by midnight. Really gutted to hear that Eric pulled out back in Pietown. I guess it would have been a tough place to extracate yourself from with food poisining and dehydration. Tough stretch through there to Mimbres. I managed to do it with food and water to spare this year after last years trip off route. So, looking like Leighton and Blaine probably finished by now. At the bike shop in Silver City it looked neck and neck going south of Hachita. I think Leighton must've ridden all night. We had a nice evening at the Black Canyon Campground in the Gila, really nice place. Lovely smell of juniper. And then a quick cruise into Mimbres for breakfast, then over to Silver City for lunch, a new rear tyre, and it should be plain sailing to the border, touch wood! So, talk to you later, bye!!

Hi this is Alan, I'm in Beaverhead Work Station. It's 10 past 4 on Thurs 2nd. It was hotter than hell out there! We've been sat around, sitting out the heat for the last hour or so. Think we might press on again soon now it's cooled down a little bit.It must've been in the 90's.So we left Pietown after a successful night! Kathy at the Pie-oneer stayed open just for TD racers, so I got pie!! And then stayed at the Toaster House, so my experience of Pietown was much better than expected. I can see why people like it now. Anyway. Talk to you later. Bye!

Hello this is Alan, it's weds 1st July, at 7.35. I'm in Grants, just been to the supermarket to stock up on supplies for the long stretch to Mimbres. We're going to be in Pie Town tonight hopefully, but too late for pie, so again no pie in Pietown. There's 5 of us now, me, Canon, Eric, Steve and Jo. John made a break for it just as we went into breakfast in Milan. Leighton and Blaine shot off into the night last night out of Cuba, but we've heard they're not that far ahead. Anyway it's getting hot now, so this is the nasty stretch down to Pietown. Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun! Anyway, talk to you later. Bye

Hi, this is Alan. It's Tuesday 30th, 25 past 5. I'm in, well, I don't know where I'm in. A gas station 25miles south of Cuba. This morning I came over from 10 or so miles outside of Abiquiu where I camped the night with Leighton up in the hills. That's my favourite stretch so I wanted to camp up there. Most of the other guys stayed at the Inn in Abiquiu. I took a leisurely lunch at Brunos in Cuba. I'm thinking of writing a 'good food guide to the Tour Divide, and that'll be in it! So, today was really good, nice and dry trails.across the stretch from Abiquiu to Cuba. Didn't see a soul until about 10 miles short of the highway there started to be lots of hippies. It's the Rainbow Gathering and there were about 5 miles of hippies getting their soul (?feed?). Bit of a difference from yesterday. Yesterday was very muddy, very tough. Sylvia at Canyon Plaza saved us with the Snack Shack. And then more mud to El Rito. We had a bike wash at the Forest Service there and then plain sailing down to Abiquiu, where we ate well at the Inn. It's going well, feeling good. All major hills gone. So. Maybe three days left? If we're lucky. Anyway. Going well. Talk to you soon. Bye!

Listen to the latest call from this racer here!

Hi, this is Alan calling in from Steamboat, it's just gone one. I've had my bike serviced, new drive chain, so good to go again. Made it to Brush Mountain Lodge last night and Kirsten really looked after us. There were 5 of us there, so, it was a good night. Had my hot tub! Sat in there with Blaine and a beer. Then she got up real early and made us breakfast. Set us off at six, we made it into Steamboat about eleven. Alot of activity. People getting new bikes and services. So, we're off. South. And looking good. Over half way. Bye!!

Hi, this is Alan Goldsmith calling in from Rawlins on Tuesday 23rd, ten to twelve. We're through the Basin! I rode most of it with Canon and Blaine. We've lost Blaine in town but I'm sure we'll find him again! We're going to try and push on to Brush Mountain Lodge, so if you're listening Kirsten get the hot tub hot! It's 85 miles and it's midday, so not sure if we're going to make it, but we'll give it a damn good try!! Really good weather for the Basin, had a screaming tail-wind. Camped out, beautiful night under the stars. Yep. It's going well. After two rough days, two good days. So, life is good again! Right. Bye.

Hi this is Alan calling in from the Sawmill Restaurant, which is firmly closed. On Sunday 7.30 in the morning. Err. Yesterday the Divide kicked my ass!! And it ain't getting any better!! We had to push 4 miles up to Togwotee Mountain Lodge because of the mud on the 'Impassable When Wet' road. It started raining just as we left the Buffalo Valley Cafe, just before the 'Impassable When Wet' road begins. And then. the restaurant there was shut. We ate junk food. Saw the Italians breezing up the road, so they're disqualified. I heard rumours that they were missing the difficult bits. I guess that's roadies for you!! Calls into question all his past achievements I think. I wouldn't sponsor the guy, or his mate. Anyway after Togwotee Mountain Lodge things got worse. The Brooks Lake Road was even worse than last year, took us about 2hrs to go 3 or 4 miles and then they had no room at Brooks Lake Lodge, but luckily they phoned ahead to Lava Mountain Lodge and they looked after us, they stayed open late, that was a life saver, but we left before breakfast hoping to get breakfast here, but this doesn't open until NOON!! Happy Days!! Call you from Pinedale, Bye!

Hi, it's Alan, it's 10 o'clock on Saturday morning, I'm in Flag Ranch in the Tetons. Just had breakfast with Canon, Blaine, John, Josh and Steve, who caught up just coming over the hill there. Last night we were planning on staying at Squirrel Creek Lodge, but there was a wedding there, so we couldn't. So we bivvied in the woods with the mosquitoes! They said the road was impassable but it was wrong. No snow at all, not like last year! So, going well. Three of the boys are in the toilet having a shave. Going to head through the Tetons, get some 5c cowboy coffee at Buffalo Valley, go up and have more food at Togwotee. So, life's good. Hopefully bottom of Union Pass tonight. OK, feeling good and talk to you tomorrow!