A few Shots early on From the CTR

I had to pull the plug in Buena Vista, but Eszter is currently crushing it.  Keep following her on http://www.trackleaders.com/ctr

The Crested Butte Crew.  From left to right- Ethan, TIMMMAY, Matt Steiny-poo, Eszter and myself.  

 
 I was enjoying buff creek/ Watertoncanyon and stopped to wait up to ride with Eszter.  After all whats the rush, we had almost 500 miles to go.  I always start off riding fast, but Eszter has the ability of consistency.  I ride like a puppy on a bike.  Sprinting out of corners, hoping over logs.  I also tire myself out like a puppy.  I know that if I ride Eszter's steady pace I will do the best over distance.   

 
 Bailey.  All smiles.  My knees had stabbing pains at this point and the last time I saw Eszter.  Since then she apparently has been motoring, sleeping little.  Eszter and I rode the CT 5 years ago, and I pulled most of the weight.  I think I created a monster.  

My morale was pretty busted after Eszter pedaled away.  I knew that there was a good chance that Eszter and I would have to split at some point.  Her goal is the women's record.  Mine was to finish in the week, and stop in the Saloon in Leadville, and Silverton.  Let's say I have gotten used to getting 'chicked' by the wife. JJ at the top of Kenosha with cupcakes...morale booster.   

I waited up for Matt, and we rode up the pass into the storm.  My knees were in bad shape so I hiked most of the way.  We decided to hunker down rather than pushing over the pass in the storm.  Kat and Aaron past us in the night... hard core...

Matt and I spent a soggy night near tree line and pushed over the pass early in the AM

I was behind schedule, but the descent early in the morning cheered me up even after a soggy night

Optimism soared with buff singletrack..

Topping out Ten mile was for that sweet treat...

Two Brits showed up for the race the night before.  Strong guys.  Kept leap fogging with I believe James? he kept breaking equipment, and catching back on.  here he blew up his rear 'MECH' near the top

 

He ended up free-wheeling down to Frisco, and hes back in in know.  Says he needs to fly back to the UK on Monday...

 

It poured in Copper.  We hung out at the gas station for 2 hours and then proceed up and over

 

Searle Pass late in the Evening.  I pedaled through the knee pains and started to feel good about my ride, and we had a good group.  My rig at the top of Searle...

Amazing Sunset on the Ten Mile

Kokomo Pass

Descending into darkness to Camp Hale, training barracks for he WWII '10th mtn division.'

Bivy site above Leadville.  We bivied the night then awoke early to pedal to Leadville

Went to a great coffee shop in Leadville.  Got a bit of a stomach bug on the next section and could not mange to keep calories down.  I had rough day, and some folks were kind enough to pedal slowly into BV with me.

I was really hurting on the highway section then a van pulled over infront of us, dropped off three PBR's, a pile of cookies, and drove away.  Talk about a morale booster...

On the left is Garret, who is a machine.  Used to race pro for Health-Net Maxxis, now a ultra-runner who lives in Fort Collins.  He hung out in Leadville for a while, grabbed breakfast, went to the Laundry mat, and managed to catch us before BV.  Kurt, on the Right, bailed in BV.  He was riding well, but his wife is suffering wife brain cancer so he decided 3 days on the trail was plenty.

We  went to the pizza shop that night and I could not eat.  I had a slashed tire to repair, a self mailed box to pick up, and uneasy stomach to deal with.  I told the boys to head on without me because I did not want to slow them down.  I was suited up and ready at 11am the next day with a queasy stomach and swollen knees.  Decided to pull the plung.  Still bumming, but atleast I can get the car and pick up the crew from Durango. I gave myself a week to do the ride and it just was not going to happen  I hope to rest up these knees and keep Eszter company for the last section.     

This was my first experiment with bikepacking.  Definitely have learned quite a bit and will be more prepared next time around.  

It was a fun ride and I will hopefully finish it this fall on my own time.  Good luck to all  those folks still pedaling, looks like the worst of the weather is past.  Wish I was still out there, but I will see them in Durango. Hopefully will be able to get some pictures of the leaders on the last section.  Some Hard Core peeps out there, really impressed by the folks that do this ride.  

Cheers,

Chris

 

    
 
 
  
     

Comments

[Scott Morris]

Thanks for the pics and report. Looks wet/miserable but glorious at the same time.

Great to see a pic of Garrett -- I used to ride/race with him in AZ.

Hope you are enjoying the tracking. Eszter is doing so well...

Scott

[jenyjo]

NICE JOB, CHRIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks for sharing the pix and the story!!!

can't wait for more!!

Jj

[dawn]

been following you guys for awhile now. Always impressed and always inspired by both of you. What a team!
Great job you two!

[Taryn]

Congrats on an amazing ride for you, Chris! As usual, I'm blown away by your persistence, determination and cheerfulness in the face of crappy weather. Get some rest, some real food and go join those crazy folks in Durango.

[Liam O'Meara]

Nice work millertime! Impressive feat even without the weather. Hope you guys dry out sometime this year. Way to go Eszter!

[Michelle Johnson]

Wow Chris! Just got to read your blog entry and see the great pics! I follow Eszter's entries because they are on Facebook. You two are incredible!! Congratulations!!

[Aaron Weinsheimer]

Excellent work Chris and Eszter, it was great seeing you both out there. I got sick of being wet and the ride went a bit too close to my house in Salida so I bailed at Marshall Pass.

Chris, when I saw you camped on GA pass, what kind of tarp was that you had? You looked waaay too comfortable in the storm. I want one. Aaron

[chris]

That was actually Matt's Tarp. Think its crazy light... 7 oz. I can get you his email if you like.

[Aaron Weinsheimer]

Yeah Chris, that would be sweet. I seem to remember the brand started with O. See you at the Vapor Trail?