[xrmattaz]

If you don't already know, Matthew Lee touched the Mexican border today, finishing first in the Great Divide race....in nineteen days and change.

Kenny Maldonado is still out there braving the elements....

I've been following these guys from the start, and am incredibly amazed at their prowess!

My initial hopes centered towards a Matt Chester/Rudi Nadler first and second place finish, but I'm pleased that everyone survived and had a grand time!

You'z guys are my heroes. Thanks.

 

[carter1]

Yeh, Mathew would have finished at least 2 days ago, if he didn't have to have to re build a damn lefty TWICE during the race. He's a great guy, its good to see nice guys finish first! If he can catch a break with equipment, I think he can break Stamstead's record next year.

c

 

[xrmattaz]

Pssssttttt....

I think Mike Curiak (mikesee) beat Stam by a coupla days, but don't tell anybody, 'tay??

Matthew will kick some butt next year though! Rudi too?

Yeh, Mathew would have finished at least 2 days ago, if he didn't have to have to re build a damn lefty TWICE during the race. He's a great guy, its good to see nice guys finish first! If he can catch a break with equipment, I think he can break Stamstead's record next year.

c

 

[TomP]

It's Mike's record that still stands.

... If he can catch a break with equipment, I think he can break Stamstead's record next year.

Actually, if I'm not mistaken, he just broke Stamstad's record this year.

1999 John Stamstad 18:05:37
2004 Mike Curiak 16:00:57
2006 Matthew Lee 17:22:30 (right?)

Edit: When Matthew said "The important overall time for me, including Canada, is still 19 days and 20 hours which I earnestly extend as a challenge to all completing the divide to go for, end-to-end." he was referring to the fact that he would like to see the GDR re-defined to include the miles he rode last year and this year starting in Banff, Canada. He'd like to see that established as the baseline Great Divide Race route, Banff to Antelope Wells.

I will not comment on that, but I will point out that if you are evaluating his performance compared to records set in the past, you start counting at high noon, June 23, when all eight racers started out from Roosville.

Congrats to all the racers who have lined up to take on the GDR.

And here's to Kenny Maldonado, out there plugging away still, heading into the Great Divide Basin as we speak. Somebody needs to get us a picture of that guy and his bike!

 

[xrmattaz]

Here's hoping for a successful finish for Kenny! Guy has heart....

I can only dream of being so tough.

 

[carter1]

My bad, all those guys are studs though. Its kind of cool to actually know somebody that good-and know that he's not an elitest jerk, like some high level athletes.
c